How do I register for the Middle Level Honors Project?
All WSMA State Honors Audition applications must be completed online. Please adhere carefully to deadlines as listed on the timeline.
Does every student auditioning have an equal opportunity to be part of the ensemble?
All students are given equal opportunity for Honors selection. During the audition scheduling process, each student is assigned an audition number. Students are identified to the judge and the Honors Selection Committee only by their audition number. No last names or schools are given to the audition judge or Honors Selection Committee. In addition, demographic and geographic information about students is not used in the selection process for the WSMA State Honors Music Project.
How are the Honors students selected?
In an effort to provide consistent evaluations at every audition location, each Honors audition judge receives the same written and verbal instructions. At the conclusion of the audition, the judge makes a recommendation for each student based solely on the audition performance. The following evaluation descriptors are found on every Honors audition evaluation form:
Highly Recommended – A potential Honors section leader, and an outstanding musician. One of the best!
Recommended – Student would complement the Honors Project.
High Alternate – Student could participate this year, if needed.
Alternate – Student could participate, but has some weaknesses to overcome.
Not Ready – Student is not ready for Honors at this time.
The Honors Selection Committee reviews all audition forms and written comments without knowing any student’s name or school. The audition number is the only way of identifying each student to the Honors Selection Committee.
If I audition on a wind instrument or percussion, which ensemble will I be chosen for?
Woodwind, brass and percussion players are invited to Honors Band or Honors Orchestra to ensure equal musical leadership in both ensembles. Students are not able to request a preference.
When will I be notified of the audition results?
Middle Level Honors students will be notified of their audition results in early June. Copies of the audition forms are not given to students or teachers. Unlike a WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival performance, Honors auditions are usually very competitive.
Does every student who auditions receive a letter?
Yes, each student who auditions will receive a letter notifying them of their audition status and thanking them for their efforts in preparing for their audition. If a student auditioned for more than one ensemble, the Honor Selection Committee places the student in the organization where their skills were most needed and one result letter is sent reflecting the highest placement.
I received my result letter, what does it mean?
Selected: Student is invited to participate in one of the Middle Level Honors groups.
Prioritized Alternate: If a selected student declines their invitation, prioritized alternates are contacted directly by WSMA to participate (see below).
Alternate: Students may be invited to participate if one of the selected students declines their invitation. However, be advised there is a short list of prioritized alternates who will be invited to participate first.
Not Ready: Based on the skills demonstrated during the audition, the student was not selected to participate at this time.
I received a letter indicating I was selected as a prioritized alternate. How does that work?
Students who receive a prioritized alternate letter are contacted if/when an invited student declines the invitation for membership. The number indicates the sequence of students to be called. For example, if a student is the #3 alternate, three people from that section will need to decline membership before this student is invited to Honors. Unfortunately, we have no way of predicting how many (if any) students might decline from any section. Most of the declines happen around the June deadline, but occasionally a student will decline in the fall. If you are selected as a prioritized alternate, you will only be contacted by WSMA if a spot opens for you. (No declines are filled after October 7.)
