It is well known that Madison has excellent, award-winning programs for student performers. Through band, orchestra, drama, choir, etc. Madison students get the chance to show their talents in a variety of ways. However, some students choose to take their talents elsewhere, like playing in local bands or participating in Vienna theater. These students have unique perspectives and experiences that shape their lives as performers in rare ways.

Jesse Shults (’25) hadn’t thought much of performing until this summer when he joined his dad’s band called the Wildwood Ramblers. The band consists of four members, including Shults and his dad, who sing and play a variety of instruments such as the mandolin and guitar. Their first gig together was over the summer at the Vienna Moose Lodge.

Prior to joining the band, Shults had been playing the piano since the age of six.

“I wasn’t very good and didn’t see the fun in practicing these dumb basic renditions of classical songs and various scales every week,” Shults said.

After several years of weekly lessons, he was about ready to quit. However, he was able to find a new way to experience the instrument that shifted his point of view.

“Things changed once I realized that I could learn songs that I actually knew and liked if I tried hard enough,” Shults said. “After learning some of my favorite songs, I discovered how much fun it is to play any type of music and that’s what inspired me to learn other instruments like the guitar.”

While performing and playing music is one of Shults’ favorite pastimes, he says that he doesn’t see himself having a career in it in the future, though he wants to keep performing for now.

Another Madison student, Bailey Pavitt-Graff (’25), is a performer at his core. He is a freelance violinist, guitarist and drummer, as well as being involved in a youth orchestra and acting in various theater productions through programs such as the Vienna Youth Players. Pavitt-Graff also participates in band, orchestra, and theater here at Madison, packing his schedule full.

“I would like to go to college for something in the performing arts just not exactly sure what yet,” Pavitt-Graff said. “My ultimate goal with music is to one day become a composer for musicals.”

Even though he performs outside of school, Madison has also been really helpful in giving Pavitt-Graff more opportunities to perform and support from his fellow teachers and students.

“All of the performing arts teachers [at Madison] have really let me get to the point I am today,” Pavitt-Graff said. “With all of the craziness that comes with participating in band, orchestra, and theatre, it can be really difficult to manage. Luckily, every teacher has helped me to make everything work with my schedule. Alongside all of the logistics, each teacher has given me endless opportunities to perform, giving me fantastic experiences and really helping me learn more about the craft.”

Students like Shults and Pavitt-Graff show a new side of Madison, giving the student body the ability to glance into the creative world of performers. In and out of school, they work hard for their music and find new ways to pursue it. That’s what makes the student performers at Madison so unique; their dedication and perseverance to what they love.