NOTE TO EDITORS:
To identify students and school ensembles selected as exemplary performers in your coverage area, please refer to the Exemplary Recognition List (PDF) which is organized in zip code order for easy reference.

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (May 6, 2025) – Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) proudly announces the 503 middle school and high school students and large ensembles identified by adjudicators for “exemplary performances” in State Solo & Ensemble at one of 10 locations on April 26 or May 3.

From over 9,213 vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles scheduled at the 2025 WSMA state festivals, 503 were selected as “exemplary” in the Exemplary Performance Recognition Project. State festival adjudicators identified the most exceptional performances at each of the state festival campuses through a two-step process:

Step 1. Nomination
Throughout the day, adjudicators had an opportunity to nominate a limited number of performances that were truly exceptional – beyond what is typically expected.

Step 2. Final Selection
At the end of the day, each adjudicator selected the most exceptional performances to receive the exemplary recognition from among those nominated.

Selected students and schools receive a certificate from WSMA in recognition of outstanding performance at the state festival.

For more information on WSMA State Solo & Ensemble and the Exemplary Performance Recognition Project, including all who were nominated and selected, go to wsmamusic.org.

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.