It was an opportunity of a lifetime:  12 students from the West Des Moines House Band got to hit the road for a special gig in Milwaukee, WI in late June.

Milwaukee Summerfest features dozens of well-known bands across 12 stages.  61 SOR locations (80+ bands) from around the world got to share their music with thousands of fans. You can imagine how special it was for the West Des Moines band to play three amazing shows from The Rave, the US Cellular Connection stage, and the Briggs & Stratton Backyard stage.

McKenzie Dee played bass in the festival and says the experience was a blast.

"My favorite part about Summerfest was getting to bond with all of my friends," Dee said.

The sophomore from Ballard High School joined SOR about six months ago, and this experience helped strengthen that bond.

"After this trip, I got so close with everyone. Getting to hang out and get closer with all my friends will always be something I'll remember," Dee said.

Understandably, playing in front of a huge crowd can be scary.  Dee says it was a little nerve-wracking before the first show, but by the final performance, all the nerves settled down.  We are so proud of the group and as you can see in the photos, everyone rocked!