Westfield HS Senior Selected to US Army All-American Marching Band

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield High School senior, Michael Hauge, is one of only two high school musicians in New Jersey and one of the top 125 in the nation selected to play in the US Army All-American Bowl Marching Band.

At a ceremony held at Westfield High School on Sept. 20, Michael described the honor as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

By being selected, the WHS Marching Band Drum Major, who also plays the clarinet in the school’s Symphonic Band, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to San Antonio Texas to participate as a clarinetist in the elite ensemble which will perform during the US Army All-American Bowl, televised live on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017.

Dr. Derrick Nelson, Acting Principal at Westfield High School, noted that Michael’s tremendous musical and academic talents were matched by his earnest volunteerism.

In addition to earning one of the top GPA’s for the class of 2017 and winning many scholastic awards, Michael was selected as one of Westfield High School’s Transition Leaders trained to lead groups that support the transition of ninth grade students into the school.

Westfield High School Marching Band Director Christopher Vitale announced that Michael is the first Westfield High School student to receive this honor and noted his pride in Michael as he continues to represent the school and the community. Earlier this year, Michael received another significant honor when he was accepted into the New Jersey NJ Music Education Association’s All State Band.

— By Lorre Korecky

(Photo courtesy Albert Paglialunga: Dr. Nelson, standing far left, is joined by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Margaret Dolan, and Staff Sergeants Tanya Hodge, Tyler Negri, and Justin Arrant. Seated following their acceptance of awards are Westfield High School Marching Band Assistant Director Trevor Sindorf and Director Christopher Vitale, Michael’s parents Angela and Paul, and Michael Hauge.)

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