Web: wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (April 13, 2022) – Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from across the state are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
Ten university campuses will host performances by more than 20,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, Viterbo University and UW-Whitewater will hold festivals on April 30. Cardinal Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point festivals will be held on May 7. Solo & Ensemble Festivals are scheduled for 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. An evening Jazz Festival will take place on May 6 at UW-Green Bay. All events are open to the public and free of charge. In conjunction with the in-person festivals, WSMA offers an alternative participation option through its Virtual State Festival, where students can instead submit video entries for adjudicator feedback.
“We are extremely proud to support Wisconsin students with access to both in-person and virtual programs like WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals that contribute to a well-rounded education. The resilience through music education that the students have demonstrated this year is truly inspiring,” said WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.
Students must earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (which consists of the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Music Festival to qualify for WSMA State Music Festivals. The participants, in grades 6-12, can choose from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances in district festivals throughout the state, including in-person festivals and the WSMA Virtual District Festival. Over the past six months, WSMA has held over 140 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.
Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting wsmamusic.org. Festival information, including schedules and results, will be posted as available.
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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.
