NOTE TO MEDIA:
To identify students selected for the WSMA High School State Honors Project in your circulation area, please refer to the student roster (pdf). Schools and cities are listed in zip code order for easy reference. You may have received a similar list in June when the student selections were announced, but an updated version is provided for your reference with this release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (October 21, 2021) – After an intense audition, a hybrid summer camp and rehearsal process, 403 of the finest young musicians in Wisconsin are about to unite for the peak of what could be the most rewarding musical experience of their lives – the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors concerts.
These concerts are attended by students, parents, teachers, alumni and general public from around the state and beyond, and mark the highest point of the 2021 WSMA High School State Honors Music Project:
High School State Honors Orchestra and Band Concert
Thursday, October 28, 4:30 p.m., $18 at door
Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison
High School State Honors Treble Choir and Mixed Choir Concert
Thursday, October 28, 8 p.m., $18 at door
Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison
High School State Honors Jazz Ensemble Concert
Friday, October 29, 11:30 a.m., $16 at door
Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive, Madison
Please note: All concert attendees must wear a face mask and show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test.
“The public is encouraged to attend the concerts, which celebrate the accomplishments of these students and the overall positive impact of music education on their lives. The concerts also commemorate dedicated music teachers throughout Wisconsin, many of whom will be in Madison attending these events in conjunction with the annual Wisconsin State Music Conference,” said Victoria Donahue, WSMA program director.
The WSMA State Honors Music Project brings some of Wisconsin’s top young musicians together with nationally known conductors in a highly disciplined, professional setting. These State Honors students were in grades 9, 10 and 11 at the time of spring auditions and selected from more than 1,200 who auditioned.
When students come together for the first time in June at the summer camp for High School State Honors, they meet their conductor, section coaches and each other. The summer camp this year consisted of three days of virtual rehearsal and one day of in-person rehearsal at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. The day of in-person instruction allowed students to rehearse as an ensemble with their conductor while following COVID-19 CDC guidelines. Through the rehearsals with the conductors, students become unified in one common musical goal. After camp students remain in contact with their section coaches, conductors and each other as they continue to hone that common goal which culminates in their performance at the concerts.
For more information about the WSMA State Honors Music Project and other programs, go to wsmamusic.org.
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Founded in 1932, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships, Student Composition Project and WSMA Aca U. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
