Students Take Stage in WSMA Middle Level State Honors Concert
NOTE TO EDITORS:
To identify students selected for the WSMA Honors Project in your circulation area, please refer to the student roster (pdf). Schools and cities are listed in zip code order for easy reference.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis., (October 6, 2008) -- Many of Wisconsin's most accomplished junior high and middle school music students (band, choir and orchestra) will perform in Madison on Saturday, November 1, at the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) Middle Level State Honors Music Project concert.
Throughout the state 305 students in grades six, seven and eight were selected from more than 1,400 who auditioned in June 2008 to participate in the WSMA program. Auditions included individual student performances and an ensemble class, taught by an Honors adjudicator. Selection was based on several elements of music performance.
WSMA State Honors Music Project brings Wisconsin's finest school musicians together to work with nationally known conductors in a professional setting. The 2008 WSMA Middle Level State Honors conductors are:
Choir: Lynne Gackle, Tampa, Florida
Orchestra: Juan Tony Guzman, Decorah, Iowa
Band: Quincy Hilliard, Lafayette, Louisiana
Click here for full conductor bios.
“Middle Level Honors students continue to amaze parents and teachers with their advanced musical skills. There is nothing quite like the quality of the State Honors ensembles. Even more beneficial still, these students bring their new found learning experiences back home to their schools and share them with fellow students,” said Jeff Gretzinger, WSMA program director.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the Middle Level State Honors Music Project. The concert celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of Wisconsin's finest young musicians. Students will perform for an audience of more than 1,500 during their concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 1 at Marriott Madison West. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Students in grades six through eight who attend a WSMA-member school and participate in the school's music program will be eligible to audition for the 2009 WSMA Middle Level State Honors Project. Applications can be obtained by school music teachers at www.wsmamusic.org beginning December 9 and are due by February 3, 2009. Auditions will be held in April at six locations throughout Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 students take the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. WSMA, also owner and operator of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.