Top Student Musicians Unite for High School Honors Concerts
NOTE TO EDITORS:
To identify students selected for the WSMA Honors Project in your circulation area, please refer to the student roster (.pdf). Schools and cities are listed in zip code order for easy reference. You may have received this list in June when the student selections were announced, but it is provided again for your reference with this release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Email: kthays@wsmamusic.org
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (October 14, 2005) – After an intense audition, summer camp and rehearsal process, 419 of the best young musicians in Wisconsin are about to unite for the peak of what could be the most rewarding musical experience of their lives – the Wisconsin School Music Association’s (WSMA) High School State Honors Concerts.
These upcoming concerts, which are projected to have record attendance of students, parents, teachers and general public from around the state, mark the highest point of the 2005 WSMA High School State Honors Music Project:
High School State Honors Orchestra and Band Concert
Thursday, October 27, 4 p.m., $15 at door
Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison
High School State Honors Treble Choir and Mixed Choir Concert
Thursday, October 27, 8 p.m., $15 at door
Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison
High School State Honors Jazz Ensemble Concert
Friday, October 28, 4 p.m., $12 at door
Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive, Madison
The WSMA State Honors Music Project brings Wisconsin’s top young musicians to work together with nationally known conductors in a highly disciplined, professional setting. The 419 students in grades 9, 10 and 11 were selected from more than 1,845 who auditioned.
“These students are some of the finest young musicians in our entire state. They truly are leaders, representing nearly 300 Wisconsin public and private schools and communities. When they perform together, their incredible level of musicianship impresses all who hear them,” said Linda Petersen, WSMA director of programs.
The public is encouraged to attend the concerts, which celebrate the accomplishments of these students and the overall positive impact of music education on their lives. In addition to many great concert highlights, such as the Orchestra program opening with a popular Japanese composition featuring Taiko drums and costumes, attendees will witness several milestone events, including the first time both High School State Honors Choirs perform in the internationally acclaimed Overture Hall. The concerts also commemorate dedicated music teachers throughout Wisconsin, many of whom will be in Madison attending these events in conjunction with the annual Wisconsin State Music Conference.
For more information about the WSMA State Honors Music Project and other programs, go to www.wsmamusic.org.
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Wisconsin School Music Association is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Last year over 219,000 students took the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Projects, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. The Association is headquartered in, owns and operates the Wisconsin Center for Music Education ˆ first of its kind in the nation. The Association 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.