Wisconsin Student Musicians Head to UW-Parkside
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-Parkside 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. Donna Hewitt, Chair of the UW-Parkside Music Department. “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. Juniors and seniors can use their piece to audition with us on campus that day by inquiring at the table in the Rita Lobby.”
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-Green Bay and UW-Stevens Point 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.
About WSMA
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.
About UW-Parkside
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Media contacts:
Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Fye@uwp.edu | (262) 771-5419
Anne Proescholdt
Phone: (608) 850-3566
Email: annep@wsmamusic.org
Web: www.wsmamusic.org