FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (September 28, 2017) – Thirty high school bands from across the state will march onto the UW-Whitewater campus on Saturday, October 14 for the 33rd annual Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Marching Band Championships at Forrest Perkins Stadium, starting at 12:15 p.m. Click here for schedule.
“This event brings thousands of people together to support and celebrate the musicianship, art, creativity, dedication and achievement of marching bands from all over our state,” said Tim Schaid, WSMA executive director.
The WSMA State Marching Band Championships are divided into four entry classes determined by total school enrollment. Each band is allowed on the field a maximum of 15 minutes (including entry, performance and exit). A panel of eight judges will evaluate bands in five areas: music performance, visual performance, general effect, percussion and color guard. Bands will receive both a written critique and recorded comments from each judge for their performance. Bands have a variety of entry options. While the majority chooses to march in a competitive class, they may also choose Comments Only (no ratings given or announced), Non-Competitive (numbered score is given but not announced) or Festival Class (award divisions I-IV are given similar to WSMA’s renowned Concert Festival rating system.) The UW-Whitewater Warhawk Band will present two exhibition performances at the event. In each class, awards for Best Percussion, Best Musical Presentation, Best Visual Presentation and Best Color Guard will be presented, in addition to division awards and the top three awards in each class.
At this year’s championships, Daniel J. Hopkins will be officially inducted into the WSMA Marching Band Hall of Fame, which is intended to recognize the contributions made by individuals to the marching activity in Wisconsin. Under Hopkins’ direction, the Cumberland High School Marching Band has appeared at 20 consecutive WSMA State Marching Band Championships, and won a record 13 state championships, the most for a director in WSMA history. The Cumberland High School Marching Band has travelled over 40,000 miles across the U.S., performing in numerous concerts, parades and clinics. He has not only driven his own band to success, but helps to improve the marching band community through his involvement with WSMA. Hopkin’s mantra, “Dedication, pride, integrity,” has built a legacy of inspiration and guidance while sharing a core belief with WSMA, that music develops creativity, self-expression, discipline and teamwork.
Family, friends and community members are invited to attend the 2017 WSMA State Marching Band Championships. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students 18 and under, senior citizens and undergraduate college students with valid college ID. Children five and under, free admission. For more information, including post-event results, visit 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 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.
