Jerry Ensemble students sing praises for Overture’s high school musical performance program

In front of a crowd singing favorite songs from Broadway musicals is where Leela Peterson is most happy. Fortunately, as a member of the Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble, Peterson gets frequent opportunities to do just that at Overture Center and community events.

Likewise, Lucas Finley, also a member of the Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble, enjoys performing in front of an audience and says his participation in the Jerry Ensemble has shaped his high school musical experience.

The Jerry Ensembles are premier performance groups representing The Jerrys, Overture Center’s high school musical awards program, featuring select vocal performers. The accomplished singers of the Jerry Ensemble participate in the group 2-4 years each, delighting audiences with songs from musical theater, movies, legendary artists and more.

A senior at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Finley joined the Jerry Ensemble as a freshman. Peterson, a senior at Monona Grove High School, joined the Jerry Ensemble as a junior.

Students from participating Jerry Awards high schools can audition each year to join the Central or Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble. The audition process consists of singing a full solo and one duet and sight reading.

“The audition demonstrated our ability to learn music quickly,” said Finley. “The organizers set high expectations from day one.”

The Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble practices every Thursday, except during holiday breaks, at Overture Center. During the first hour, members practice music for their spring cabaret performance, then smaller groups practice for upcoming events. Such events include a performance at Kids in the Rotunda on Saturday, Feb. 4, and Cocktails with Tim & Karra for “Hadestown” on Thursday, Jan. 19 and Friday, Jan. 20 and “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Thursday, Feb. 16 and Friday, Feb. 17.

“I love to perform at Cocktails with Tim & Karra,” said Peterson. “It’s my favorite event, very low key and fun.”

One of Finley’s favorite memories was from Cocktails with Tim & Karra for “Hamilton” when a member of the audience got up and started dancing by herself in the front of the room to music being played by a guest speaker.

“The members of the Jerry Ensemble were watching this take place from our dressing room backstage, and we looked at Gail Becker, our director, and accompanist Patrick Christians, and they gave us a nod of their heads, and so we rushed onto the stage and began dancing with her, turning an awkward moment into a fun dance party,” he said.

Both Finley and Peterson sang in Overture Hall for the annual Jerry Awards show in June 2022, when the theater was filled to capacity.

“That was the biggest audience I’ve ever performed in front of,” said Peterson. “It was so cool.”

Finley agrees, “It was really amazing, and when the audience applauded, it was incredibly loud.”

Another favorite memory for Peterson was singing six numbers at a special “Tim Loves Broadway” show, featuring Overture’s Chief Artistic Experiences Officer Tim Sauers, in September 2022. And for Finley, a great memory was singing for “Take the Stage,” Overture’s annual event for top donors on Overture Hall stage.

“I’ve learned so much as a member of the Jerry Ensemble, especially how to learn music quickly at performance level,” said Peterson.

Finley noted, “I’ve gained performance experience that will help me in all facets of life, and I’ve improved my overall musicianship skills.”

Both members credit much of their professional growth to director Gail Becker.

“I love working with Gail. She is an amazing woman and role model,” said Peterson. “Even though ensemble members are all still in high school, she treats us like professionals, and holds us to high standards. I am grateful to learn from her.”

Students interested in pursuing a performance career should audition for the Jerry Ensemble, said Peterson and Finley.

“It’s definitely a big commitment, but it’s rewarding,” said Finley.

According to Peterson, it is a wonderful place to learn and gain skills needed to succeed as a musical theater professional. In addition, she has created friendships with fellow members from all over southern Wisconsin.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of the Jerry Ensemble,” said Peterson, who plans to pursue musical theater in college this fall. “I get to do something I love with people I love who take it seriously.”

“It is a great experience,” said Finley, who plans to study theater and music in college. “The decision to audition my freshman year has made such a difference in my life.”

Watch for both seniors to perform at upcoming Overture events, including the annual season announcement this spring.

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