Wisconsin Student Musicians Head to UW-Green Bay
Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from Wisconsin and contiguous states are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Green Bay will host this event on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge.
“The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Dr. Michael Knight, Festival Manager for UW-Green Bay. “It is also an opportunity for our music program to showcase our facilities and emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music colleagues, their students and their families.”
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. Over the past six months, WSMA has held over 130 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.
“WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals provide a state-level platform for Wisconsin’s musical youth to showcase their growth and achievements. This opportunity is possible as our exceptional music educators, adjudicators, school administrators, families and communities support access for all students to a well-rounded education inclusive of music,” said WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.
Nine university campuses, as well as West Salem High School and Middle School, will host performances by more than 11,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. Carroll University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point festivals will also hold festivals on May 3. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-Whitewater and the School District of West Salem held festivals on April 26.
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.
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.
