LAUNCHPAD MUSIC COMPETITION LIFTS OFF FOR MADISON
Six Wisconsin Bands Advance to State Finals Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (May 19, 2005) -- The final countdown is on for Launchpad – the one and only statewide battle-of-the-bands competition for high school students. The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) and Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) announced the six finalist bands in the state that will take the stage and compete in a concert extravaganza at Mitby Theater (Madison Area Technical College) on July 16 at 6 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, celebrates the reach of music education.
- Elements of Style (West Bend West, West Bend East and Kewaskum High Schools – Milwaukee Region)
- 4th Floor (Three Lakes High School – Wausau Region)
- Ice Cap Fortune (Madison Memorial and Middleton High Schools – Madison Region)
- Just David (La Crosse Aquinas High School – La Crosse Region)
- Smuggle Doug and His Six Shooters (Appleton North and Xavier High Schools – Green Bay Region)
- The Windy City Shakers (Eau Claire Memorial High School – Eau Claire Region)
“Music is a bridge between great things happening in and outside the classroom. These bands have gone the extra mile to expand their musical skills outside the classroom. This event will be a celebration of their music, and of the music teachers who have influenced these students” said Eric Runestad, WFSM/WSMA executive director.
The bands will compete for the state title and grand prize: cash, the Les Paul Award, a professional recording session and a 2006 Summerfest gig. Each group will play three songs (covers or originals in virtually any style). They will be evaluated by music industry professionals on intonation (tuning, pitch adjustment skills), balance (melody, inner notes, bass, listening, blend), time (ability to play in sync and “feel” style together), technique and expression (style, dynamics, ability to connect with the audience and inspire enthusiasm).
WFSM and WSMA have a strong history of offering programs and services (i.e., solo and ensemble festivals, state honors music project, state marching band championships, student composition project, etc.) that help youth achieve excellence through music. In addition to continuing these dedicated programs and services, the organizations are on the forefront of breaking new ground for music education, including construction of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, first of its kind in the nation opening this summer. Like the Center for Music Education, Launchpad is a pioneering initiative to help extend the reach of music education in Wisconsin.
“Launchpad fits our mission of providing leadership and support for school music programs to ensure all students have opportunities which encourage lifelong involvement in music,” said Runestad. At least one member of each band must be in a school music program and all members must be currently enrolled in a Wisconsin school to qualify.
Launchpad is funded by WFSM, corporate sponsorships and in-kind giving from people who believe in the benefits of music education and all that music has to offer. The program is produced by Dennis Graham Associates.
For tickets to the Launchpad state finals competition in Madison, call 608-243-4000. Tickets are $8 for ages 18 and under/$10 for adults in advance and at the door.
For updated information on Launchpad, including event details, late-breaking news, etc., stayed tuned to www.launchpadwisconsin.org. Also be sure to visit www.wsmamusic.org for more about WSMA and WFSM.
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The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) supports involvement of youth in music education experiences, primarily through the programs and services of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). The Foundation provides a means for individuals and corporations to invest in the lives of young musicians and has a direct impact on their efforts to achieve excellence through music.
The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Last year, over 225,000 students took the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Projects, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. The Association is governed by a Board of Directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over our state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.