St. John’s Northwestern Students Selected for Prestigious WSMA High School Honors Music Project
Delafield, Wis. — St. John’s Northwestern is proud to announce that two students have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School Honors Music Project. They are the first students at SJN to achieve this honor.
Everett Mayers (trumpet) and Dhruv Hardbarger (trombone) have earned placement in this year’s program, an exceptional achievement recognizing their musical talent, dedication, and discipline.
This year, nearly 1,300 students from across Wisconsin auditioned for just 430 positions across five premier ensembles, making selection into the Honors Music Project a significant distinction among the state’s most accomplished young musicians.
“At St. John’s Northwestern, our smaller learning environment is intentional,” said President Robert J. Fine, Jr. “It allows us to invest deeply in each student, including those pursuing the arts. Everett and Dhruv’s achievement reflects not only their individual discipline but also the kind of personalized support that helps talented students rise. Their selection affirms that even within a smaller program, we are developing musicians who can stand among the best in the state.”
The WSMA High School Honors Music Project brings together top student performers to rehearse and perform under the direction of nationally recognized conductors, providing a collegiate-level musical experience that challenges and inspires participants.
Participation in the Honors Music Project reflects not only individual excellence, but also the strength of St. John’s Northwestern’s commitment to developing well-rounded students through academics, arts, leadership, and character.
“These boys have shown a true knack for their instruments. Only the highest level instrumentalists are ever considered to audition for the State Honors Project. It was really easy for me to provide the music and instruction for these two young men; they are truly dedicated to their instruments and music,” said Conrad Jorgensen, music teacher at SJN.
The WSMA also recognized the effort of all students who auditioned, noting that completing the audition process itself is a meaningful milestone in a young musician’s journey.
At St. John’s Northwestern, opportunities in the arts complement a structured environment that encourages students to pursue their passions while building confidence, discipline, and a foundation for future success.
About SJN
St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs built with future aspirations in mind. St. John’s Northwestern is a private coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7 through 12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org.