Borkenhagen takes music and theater to the next level

March 21, 2024

Left Center Reuel Borkenhagen will continue to sing and act at Bethany Lutheran College next year.

The music and theater programs are a successful and important part of Owatonna High School. The music programs at OHS involve choir (Huskies, Varsity and Concert), orchestra (Huskies, Varsity and Symphony) and band (Huskies, Varsity and Concert). OHS also has a very successful theater program. The theater program (fall and spring play, winter musical and one acts festival) has performed many amazing works throughout the years.

Many students at OHS have been impacted by the music and theater program and have decided to continue and pursue that route in the future, some have even decided to continue in college. Ms. Paula Asmus is a second-year teacher and is the choir, carolers, music director and choreographer for the musicals at the high school. While being very involved in the music program, she is seeing many students pursue their passion for music and theater in college.

Ms. Asmus said, “I think at college, if they are pursuing music and theater, they’re doing it as something they want to be involved in. I think it’s a great way to grow as a musician and also grow as a person.”

The Owatonna Music Department has a tradition of excellence that continues through its many programs. These programs encourage music as a lifelong activity.

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It’s always been my favorite of the extracurriculars that I’ve done. I’ve tried a lot of them and theater has always been the one where I think I do my best at, the one I enjoy the most.”

— Reuel Borkenhangen

Senior Reuel Borkenhagen has been in many OHS theater productions and is part of the Concert Choir, Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. He will be attending Bethany Lutheran College next year to pursue theater with a talent scholarship.

Borkenhangen said, “It’s always been my favorite of the extracurriculars that I’ve done. I’ve tried a lot of them and theater has always been the one where I think I do my best at, the one I enjoy the most.”

The OHS music and theater department provides many opportunities for students who are interested in that department, as well as giving them many opportunities for future plans. The program is very successful in pushing students to succeed in future music programs.

About the Contributors

Victoria Contreras, Writer

Victoria Contreras is a senior at OHS this year. This is her first year joining Magnet. Contreras joined Magnet because she is interested in bettering her writing and social media skills. She hopes that being in Magnet will help her achieve that. It is also a great way to see what other students are doing and getting to know more about the school. Contreras is involved in YoungLife, Thriving Minds, Girls United and Track and Field. Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, being active, shopping and watching Rom Com movies. She is excited to get started and see what her last year has to offer.

Ikhlas Haji, Writer

Ikhlas Haji is a junior at OHS this year. This is her first year in Magnet. Haji joined Magnet to get an idea of what might interest her in the future. She also joined to improve her writing and communication skills. Haji is involved in DECA, Link Crew, NHS, Mixed roots and D.I.G. In her free time you'll find her watching long netflix or hulu series, spending time with her family, or joking around with friends. Haji also loves to travel. She's been to Canada, Netherlands, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kenya, Turkey, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina. D.C., New York and many more. Haji is excited to meet new people and improve her writing and photography skills in Magnet.