NOTE TO EDITORS:
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 16, 2018) – After an intense audition, summer camp and rehearsal process, 426 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 50th Anniversary Concerts.
In a 50th-year celebration, these concerts are projected to have record attendance of students, parents, teachers, alumni and general public from around the state and beyond, and mark the highest point of the 2018 WSMA High School State Honors Music Project:
High School State Honors Band and Orchestra Concert
Thursday, October 25, 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 25, 8 p.m., $18 at door
Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison
High School State Honors Jazz Ensemble Concert
Friday, October 26, 11:30 a.m., $16 at door
Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive, Madison
“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 Wisconsin’s top young musicians together with nationally known conductors in a highly disciplined, professional setting. The 426 students were in grades 9, 10 and 11 at the time of spring auditions and selected from more than 1,500 who auditioned.
When students come together for the first time in June, they meet their conductor, section coaches and each other. Through the rehearsals with these nationally recognized 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. Learn more about the 50th anniversary celebration at wsmamusic.org/50years.
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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 and Student Composition Project. 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.
