FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Phone: 608-850-3566

Web: www.wmeamusic.org

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (October 19, 2011) – From October 26-29, thousands of music educators, students, family members and other music enthusiasts will make their way to Madison, bringing entertainment with them and taking part in one of the state’s greatest annual events – the Wisconsin State Music Conference!

Held at Monona Terrace and extending into various Madison area venues, the Wisconsin State Music Conference brings an estimated $1,137,500 of direct economic impact to Dane County, according to the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau. A projected 6,900 people will be involved in this year’s conference. 
 
“Each year, this event brings people together from around the state, nation and world, and makes a meaningful impact on lives through music – our universal language,” expressed Michael George, executive director at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education.
 
Hosted by Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) in collaboration with Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, this year’s conference, themed “Music Lasts a Lifetime,” will feature 75+ sessions for music teachers’ professional development, 100+ business and educational exhibitors and 20+ instrumental and choral group performances open to the public.  Some highlights of public interest include:
  • Madison Mellophonium Jazz Orchestra – Wednesday, October 26, 7 p.m. (Monona Terrace)
    Under the direction of conductor Joel Kaye, the jazz orchestra performs the original Big Band Jazz Book of Stan Kenton, who pioneered adding mellophonium to the jazz band in 1960. This special free concert is open to the public and marks the beginning of the 2011 Wisconsin State Music Conference.
  • WSMA High School State Honors Orchestra & Band Concert – Thursday, October 27, 4:30 p.m.;
    WSMA High School State Honors Treble & Mixed Choir Concert  – 8 p.m. (Overture Center)
    Many of Wisconsin’s most accomplished high school musicians perform in concert, led by nationally known conductors. Tickets $16 at the door.
  • WSMA High School State Honors Jazz Concert – Friday, October 28, 11:30 a.m. (Monona Terrace)
    Highly accomplished high school jazz musicians from across the state come together in concert, led by a nationally known conductor. Tickets $15 at the door.
  • Wisconsin Music Advocacy Summit – Saturday, October 29, 8:30 a.m. (Monona Terrace)
    Attendees ranging from music teachers to parents and general public will explore ways to ensure quality music for all around the state and beyond. While budget challenges and cutbacks are a reality, attendees will address ways to meet these challenges by working together and realizing common goals for music education. They will walk away with an outline of achievable steps to take, an introduction to a network of like-minded individuals with whom to work in concert and a wealth of resources to effect change in their own communities. Individual registration $35, Team registration (up to 4 people, same school/community) $75.
  • WSMA Middle Level State Honors Choir, Orchestra & Band Concert – Saturday, October 29, 1 p.m. (Marriott Madison West)
    Many of Wisconsin’s most accomplished middle school musicians perform in concert, led by nationally known conductors. Tickets $15 at the door.

For more information about the Wisconsin State Music Conference, including a schedule of all events, go to www.wmeamusic.org/attendee.

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Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) is a membership association of music educators, school administrators and others interested in seeing Wisconsin youth receive a well-rounded education that includes a comprehensive music program taught by certified music teachers. Headquartered in the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, WMEA is the state affiliate of National Association for Music Education (NAfME).