The WSMA High School Honors Summer Camp is an essential and unique part of the High School Honors Project. Held each June, the camp is the first opportunity for selected students to meet their conductor, see the music, and begin rehearsing as a new, unified ensemble.
This intense, four-day experience is a full immersion in creating music alongside fellow student musicians, guided by a nationally recognized conductor and a dedicated team of teachers acting as section coaches. While there is built-in time for rest and social activities, the majority of time is spent in rehearsal or sectionals, intensely preparing the music for the October concerts.
2026 Camp Dates and Location
Location: The 2026 WSMA Honors Camps will be held on the beautiful University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) campus.
- Rehearsals & Sectionals: Haas Fine Arts Center (121 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703)
- Dining: Hilltop Dining Center
- Housing: College dormitories on campus
UW-Eau Claire is proud to welcome the WSMA High School Honors Camp back. The university’s commitment to excellence and student success has earned it recognition as a leader in the Midwest and the U.S.
2026 Camp Dates:
Camp Schedule
Daily Schedule: Rehearsals, sectionals, meals, and social activities are scheduled daily from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. All students are expected to attend all scheduled camp rehearsals and activities.
Important Note Regarding Sunday Attendance
Due to the intensive, tight rehearsal schedule, attendance at all rehearsals and sectionals is mandatory, including Sunday morning sessions for members of the Band, Mixed Choir, Orchestra, Treble Choir, and Jazz Ensemble.
We respect all religious affiliations but request that students attend worship services before or after the summer camp. This ensures all summer camp rehearsals are productive for the entire Honors ensemble. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.
Session I: Band, Mixed Choir, and Jazz Ensemble (June 20 – 23)
Saturday, June 20: Arrival and Placement
| Time | Activity | Location/Notes |
| 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Band Check-In & Auditions | Haas Fine Arts Center Lobby. Students receive audition times prior to camp. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Choir/Jazz Check-In | Haas Fine Arts Center Lobby (Mixed Choir and Jazz Ensemble). |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Dorm Move-In | Lunch is on your own or with parents. |
| 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Afternoon/Evening Activities | Orientation, Initial Rehearsals, Dinner, and Social Activities. |
Sunday, June 21 & Monday, June 22: Workshop Days
- Daily Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Rehearsals (Full Ensemble and Sectionals)
- Meals (Included)
- Social Activities
Tuesday, June 23: Concerts and Departure
- 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Dorm Check-Out, Final Rehearsals, and Work-In-Progress Concerts
Work-In-Progress Concert Schedule
| Time | Ensemble |
| 9:00 a.m. | Band |
| 11:00 a.m. | Jazz Ensemble |
| 12:30 p.m. | Mixed Choir |
Session II: Orchestra and Treble Choir (June 24 – 27)
Wednesday, June 24
| Time | Activity | Location/Notes |
| 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Orchestra Check-In & Auditions | Haas Fine Arts Center Lobby. Students will receive specific audition times beforehand. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Treble Choir Check-In | Haas Fine Arts Center Lobby. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Dorm Move-In | Lunch is on your own or with parents/guardians. |
| 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Afternoon/Evening Activities | Orientation, Initial Rehearsals, Dinner, and Social Activities. |
Thursday, June 25 & Friday, June 26: Workshop Days
- Daily Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Rehearsals (Full Ensemble and Sectionals)
- Meals (Provided)
- Social Activities
Saturday, June 27: Concerts and Departure
- 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Dorm Check-Out, Final Rehearsals, and Work-In-Progress Concerts
Work-In-Progress Concert Schedule
| Time | Ensemble |
| 10:00 a.m. | Orchestra |
| 12:00 p.m. | Treble Choir |
Work-In-Progress Concerts
The Work-In-Progress Concert is a free and informal open rehearsal for students’ families and guests.
- For Students: This performance allows musicians to assess the ensemble’s strengths and weaknesses at this stage. It gives them clear objectives to work on until the October rehearsals and a chance to hear the great progress made in four short days.
- For the Audience: This is a “sneak peek” at what your child has been working on and what to expect at the final concert in October. Please note: This is not a final concert, and you should not expect a finished performance.
Parents are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend. Students complete the summer camp portion of their High School State Honors experience immediately following the conclusion of their concert.
