Contact:
Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409
Alumni Strike a Chord in Big 10 Bands
by Rebecca Fullerman, CHS ‘24 - Content Development Specialist
January 10, 2024 — Chardon High School alumni Mitchell Ewaska ‘20 and Anna Gerstner ‘21 remain committed to high achievement on their post-high school enrollment paths, each participating in Big 10 marching bands as one notable example.
Ewaska and Gerstner had the privilege to perform in their respective universities’ post-season bowl games this year, showcasing their talents rooted in the Chardon Music Department. The two student musicians also reunited for a photograph at The Ohio State University vs. Penn State game this fall.
Mitchell Ewaska, CHS '20
Mitchell Ewaska playing for Chardon High School (l) and OSU (r)
Looking back on his musical beginnings at CHS, Ewaska says he seized many opportunities and credits the District’s rich programming to his success as a sousaphone player in the OSU Marching Band.
He added, “Having the support from directors Mr. Streiff and Ms. Lichtler, even though I wasn't planning on studying music, was a great help to me in my time at Chardon. It allowed me to become a better person, leader and student.”
Opportunities were initially sparse in college due to COVID restrictions, but Ewaska found ways to play the sousaphone through the OSU Athletic Band.
Ewaska added, “Athletic band was a great way to rebuild my playing abilities and become a better musician.”
Three seasons later, Ewaska was accepted into the OSU Marching Band. He shared that his favorite season memories are marching his first ramp and feeling the energy of the crowd along with marching the halftime show at the Cotton Bowl.
OSU Marching Band - Mitchell Ewaska (center)
Anna Gerstner, CHS '21
Anna Gerstner playing the trumpet for Chardon High School (l) and posed with her trumpet in Penn State Blue Band uniform (r)Gerstner, a three year-trumpet player in the Penn State Blue Band, has also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at NCAA football games.
Penn State’s Blue Band uses the motto “Pride. Tradition. Excellence.” and Gerstner shared that she champions this mantra, inspired from her participation in Chardon’s music offerings.
Gerstner stated, “I would not be a part of these amazing opportunities if it had not been for the support of Chardon’s music programs.”
She served as a CHS Marching Band field commander for the ‘19 and ‘20 seasons.
Gerstner added, “I had a great experience in the music program at Chardon, and am grateful for the all the opportunities I have had to continue my musical journey throughout college as well.”
Penn State Blue Band in action - with Anna Gerstner (center)
Photo Credit: Mike Raneri
Best wishes to both Mitchell and Anna as they continue their respective journeys!
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