Wisconsin School Music Association

Growing the future of music education

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Courses

With WSMA Aca U, our goal is to bring the finest a cappella education to the state of Wisconsin. Our qualified staff of educators bring their experience to students in an interactive and open atmosphere in order to cultivate the best learning experience possible.

We are always evolving our curriculum, so check back for updates!

VOCAL PERCUSSION

This class focuses on learning how to beatbox! Students are taught basic sounds and patterns and how to apply these patterns to contemporary a cappella songs. Students are shown examples of how vocal percussion can change the genre of a song as well as highlight different moments in an arrangement.

“I really focus on making the classroom a safe and open environment for the students to feel comfortable creating these unnatural feeling sounds. I was amazed to see the support they had for one another when students volunteered to beatbox in front of the class!”  -Lauren Wilson

ELECTRONICS AND EMOTION
This class discusses the sonic elements of the voice and how it relates to the sound technician. Students discuss the importance of emotion within a piece and how to mentally reach that point.

“I was so proud of how every student was able to draw from their own experiences and emotions and provide a connection to the piece they performed”, said instructor Dennis Gephart. “Each group member shared a bit of themselves to provide amazing performances and lifelong friendships.”

ARRANGING
Arranging focuses on building an arrangement and how to structure it. The class begins by setting up a song with its various parts, deciding on a key, rhythm, tempo, and “feel”. Then importing the melody and writing out a bass line before finally filling in the rest of the parts to fit the melody and bass line.”

“It was fun to teach beginning arranging,” says instructor Lee Stovall. “Students were given the tools to work on part of an arrangement, and spent time creating and evaluating their work. Some students even spent time outside of the arranging class itself to practice and get feedback.”

VOCALISM IN A CAPPELLA
“Vocalism in A Cappella” focuses first on how to use and take care of your voice. It takes the students through many warm ups, cool downs, and the physicality of singing. Then transitions into using proper vocal technique to create a cappella sounds. Finally rounding out this class, students will dive into what makes up a “Vocal Band” and each voice parts function throughout any given arrangement.

“It was an eye opening class that really helped the students go beyond just the notes and rhythms,” said instructor Ryan Stuempges. “An interactive look into the sound of the most contemporary A Cappella — the Vocal Band.”

WSMA Aca U

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Are you a student, parent or educator interested in receiving a reminder about WSMA Aca U?

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Questions?

Contact Laura:  Send a message
800-589-9762, 608-850-3566 (Madison area)

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Have a suggestion for a new program or how to enhance an existing one? Submit here

New Edition Available Now!

January 2023
“The Joy of Teaching”

Music educators often deem the “joy of teaching” as their number one reason for entering the profession. From sharing meaningful new ways of connecting with students to celebrating overall successes in and outside the classroom, this issue is all about ways of finding joy (again) as a music educator.

Read the full January edition online edition »

 

 

An educational collaboration by WSMA and PBS Wisconsin Education

Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin
In a state-wide survey and listening sessions with music educators, we learned about the need for current, authentic, culturally diverse resources, as well as support in teaching with and about music from different cultures. This multimedia collection for general music programs serving grades 4-8 includes video interviews with Wisconsin musicians, performances, audio files, and educator engagement guides designed to help activate the media with learners.
Learn More »

Thank you to…

This organization is supported with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and granted through the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Contact Us

Wisconsin School Music Association 1005 Quinn Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
608.850.3566
800.589.9762

Business Hours:
M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

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