She is the lead saxophone player for the OHS band. Madison is only the third person in OHS history to qualify for this prestigious ensemble. Her hard work paid off, but she says she isn’t the only one deserving of the credit. “I am extremely excited and honored to be given this opportunity. However, I would not have been able to accomplish this without the guidance, teaching, and leadership from my amazing and dedicated band directors Mr. Piersma and Mrs. Grove. They have given me the confidence, skills, and work ethic needed to reach this point.” 

She will perform with this group on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids as a part of the Michigan Music Conference. “I am incredibly thankful for everyone who has encouraged and helped me throughout my musical journey and I look forward to representing Otsego in the MSBOA All-State Band in January.” It will be a proud moment for sure, but she hopes it’s one that others will have as well. “Most importantly, I hope students from Otsego see that making the All-State band is within their reach for those with a strong work ethic and a drive for success. My hope is to inspire others to give their best shot at whatever they do and for young women like me to realize they are capable of so much more than they realize,” she says. 

Four Otsego students auditioned this year; Gabi Stout, Otsego’s lead trombone players, received an Honorable Mention.