Soaring to success: the musical adventure of Andrew Dahlstrom

Andrew Dahlstrom, a senior at Washingtonville High School, has excelled musically and academically throughout his time in the district. Ranking fifth in his class, Andrew plans to begin his college career in the fall as a music education major, following in the footsteps of his mentors and peers.

Ari Contzius, director of the wind ensemble at WHS, inspired Andrew to compose and pursue music education as a whole, curating an environment in which Andrew could pursue his goals of composition and conducting. Andrew credits Nikki Redeker, director of the high school concert band and jazz band, with helping him become a better person. He looks up to her as an educator and as a role model for his future professionally and personally.

Last year, Andrew, along with three of his classmates, created their own symphonies for the spring band concert. Andrew’s piece, “Soaring!” debuted in spring 2024, with his composing career continuing during this year's spring concert. Click here to read more about Andrew and other student composers at WHS. 

In addition to composing music for the high school band, Andrew has been a part of numerous All-State ensembles, including being first chair in the 2024 NYSSMA All-State Wind Ensemble and in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 NYSSMA Area All-State Band. Furthermore, he has participated in the 2025 NAfME All Eastern Symphonic Band, the 2023 and 2024 NYSBDA Honors Band, the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 OCMEA All County Band and the 2023 and 2024 OCMEA Jazz All County Band.

Andrew is also a part of the work study program at the middle school, where he helps teach younger students in music, as well as plays trumpet in the middle school’s jazz band.

Outside of school, Andrew has performed a solo with a band accompaniment with the Pine Bush Community, has played in the pit for the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop's “Sister Act” and “Oliver,” played in the pit for Masque and Mime's “The Addams Family,” and participates in the Pine Bush Community Band, Maybrook Wind Ensemble.

Congratulations Andrew! The district could not be more proud of you and all of your accomplishments. The future is yours, and we cannot wait to see what you will continue to achieve. Once a wizard, always a wizard!