The Delavan-Darien High School String Orchestra, under the direction of Jennifer Bayerl, was honored to perform at the 2026 Wisconsin State Education Convention, one of the largest gatherings of education professionals in the state. The performance took place at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, where the orchestra helped open Thursday’s general session during the second day of the three-day convention.
The convention was attended by more than 3,000 Wisconsin public school leaders, administrators, educators, school board members, and exhibitors, with approximately 2,000 attendees present for the orchestra’s performance.
Being selected to perform at the Wisconsin State Education Convention is a significant achievement for the Delavan-Darien High School music program. Only two schools in the entire state were chosen to participate in this year’s convention, making the invitation a prestigious recognition of the orchestra’s talent, dedication, and musical excellence.
The Delavan-Darien High School String Orchestra delivered an inspiring performance that showcased both technical skill and artistic expression, representing the district and community with pride and helping set the tone for the day’s program celebrating public education across Wisconsin.
“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to share their talents on a statewide stage,”
said orchestra director Jennifer Bayerl. “Performing in front of thousands of education leaders is something our students will remember for a lifetime, and I am so proud of the commitment and professionalism they demonstrated.”
Delavan-Darien School District Superintendent Drew Halbesma attended the performance in person and shared his pride in the students and program. “Attending this performance in person was incredibly special,” Halbesma said. “Watching our students perform with such confidence, talent, and professionalism in front of thousands of educators from across Wisconsin was truly beyond words. They represented our schools and community with pride, and their performance was a powerful reflection of the dedication
and excellence we strive for every day in Delavan-Darien.”
The Delavan-Darien School District celebrates this accomplishment and congratulates the students of the Delavan-Darien High School String Orchestra for representing Comet Nation with excellence.
For more information about the Delavan-Darien High School music program, visit www.ddschools.org.