Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is working through program updates for the 2020-2021 school year. All updates relating to membership and programs will be posted to this webpage as they become available.
Information current as of: Friday, February 19 at 8:15 a.m.
2020-2021 WSMA Membership Enrollment Information
WSMA remains ready to support music educators and students with quality music education programming suited to fit the unique challenges of this school year. Now is the perfect time to make sure your school’s membership is active.
View the membership enrollment letter.
Enroll Now!
2020-2021 WSMA Accreditation
Due to circumstances that may limit student ability to sing or play with ensembles in person, WSMA is suspending Accreditation for the 2020-2021 school year. This does not affect a school’s membership or status with WSMA or effect student eligibility for other WSMA programs.
2020-2021 WSMA Student Eligibility Requirements
To accommodate schools that may find it challenging to have concert group and large ensemble rehearsals for the 2020-2021 school year, eligibility requirements have been updated for all programs.
- To participate in a WSMA Program, the school must be a current member of WSMA. In addition, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be in grades 6 through 12.
Comment: Students in grades 4 through 12 are eligible to participate in the Student Composition Project. - Be enrolled in a WSMA member school.
Comment: WSMA recommends that students participate in a regularly scheduled music class. Student eligibility is determined at the school level by principal (or designated staff). WSMA allows individual schools to adopt additional policies and expectations.
- Be in grades 6 through 12.
WSMA High School State Honors Music Project 2021
Registration for 2021 is now closed. Audition video submission is closed. All students who registered to audition will receive a letter mid-March with their audition results. Summer camp format will be communicated at that time.
Project Timeline
2021 Conductors
WSMA High School State Honors Music Project 2020
Enjoy the 2020 High School State Honors Virtual Concerts Again!
WSMA extends a special thank you to Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin (formerly Wisconsin Public Television) for supporting the WSMA High School State Honors virtual performances. Wisconsin Public Radio will air the audio from the virtual concerts on December 27 beginning at 2 p.m. PBS Wisconsin will host the virtual performance videos of the 2020 High School State Honors band, orchestra, jazz ensemble and choirs on their Young Performers Initiative website indefinitely. Click here for more info…
WSMA Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival
Virtual Solo & Ensemble registration is now available by clicking on “District Festival” in the “Quick Links” of MyCenter. Follow the instructions to access the Festival App to register events, upload music pdfs and video performances.
We encourage you to start submitting events/performances well in advance of the deadline as video upload time varies.
Festival Schedule:
- Cycle B District Solo & Ensemble Festival
- Event registration opens: Tuesday, February 23
- Event registration deadline: Friday, April 9 at 5:00 pm
- Cycle B State Solo & Ensemble Festival
- Event registration opens: Tuesday, April 20
- Event registration deadline: Friday, May 7 at 5:00 pm
Click here for more detailed information.
Temporary Rule Revision – Ensembles
(Friday, November 20, 2020) In response to current circumstances that may limit student ability to sing or play with ensemble members in-person, along with educator feedback and requests, WSMA has revised the 2020-2021 Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival Rule regarding ensemble performances.
Festival Rule IV. C. District Ensemble Performance Requirements now reads:
1. Multi-track layered video performances created with the use of software or other applications are permitted.
a) Recording requirements:
(1) Each individual recording should be captured in one take.
(2) Individual recordings should not be altered.
(3) Final multi-track layered videos should not be altered.
b) Individual parts may be recorded by different students, the same student or any combination thereof.
2. If recording ensembles in-person, teachers and participants should follow their local or tribal health department guidelines regarding COVID-19 and have permission from their school administration for the recording of ensembles.
WSMA Student Composition Project
WSMA Middle Level State Honors Music Project 2021
Meet the 2021 Conductors!
Middle Level State Honors for 2021 will be led by nationally recognized conductors Dr. Arris Golden (band), Dr. Gary Packwood (choir) and Dr. Rebecca MacLeod (orchestra). Teachers are encouraged to register their middle level musicians to audition for this rewarding opportunity. Read more…
Registration Deadline Extended!
The audition registration deadline has been extended until Friday, February 19. Audition details and materials are posted on the Middle Level State Honors webpage. Auditions will occur in late March and early April.
WSMA Aca U 2021
WSMA is excited to announce WSMA Aca U (formally A Cappella University) as an official WSMA program. We are excited to be adding this opportunity to our list of programs. Please stay tuned for any future announcements on the WSMA website and Facebook page.
WSMA 2020 State Marching Band Championships and Independent Show Season
Each October more than 30 Wisconsin high school marching bands compete in the WSMA State Marching Band Championships. Join the excitement in 2021! Make plans now to bring a band to the 2021 WSMA State Marching Band Championships. Visit the marching band webpage for more information.