MUSIC COMPETITION WELCOMES STUDENTS TO THE SPOTLIGHT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Email: kthays@wmea.com
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (February 1, 2005) – A statewide, battle of the bands competition for high school students has finally arrived! The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) and Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) proudly introduce Launchpad – a first-of-its-kind alternative music competition designed to celebrate the reach of music education.
“Launchpad provides another outlet for students to stretch the boundaries of their musical knowledge. It also reaches students who are in bands formed outside of school, but not currently involved in their school music programs,” said Eric Runestad, WSMA/WFSM executive director.
Here is how Launchpad works:
- High school students who are in bands (i.e., rock, country, reggae, hip hop, etc.) outside of school are invited to submit an application (available through school music teachers and at launchpadwisconsin.org), plus an audition recording with two songs by March 15. Note: At least one member of each band must be in a school music program and all members must be currently enrolled in a Wisconsin high school. In addition, one member from each band must identify a music teacher who has made a positive difference in their music education.
- Recordings, which do not need to be professional, are reviewed by a committee and narrowed down to six bands in each of six Wisconsin regions. Selected bands then compete in a concert extravaganza held at a school in each of their regions. The regional events (April 30 – Eau Claire, Wausau and Green Bay; May 7 – La Crosse, Madison and Milwaukee) are open/promoted to the public.
- The winners from each region then compete this July in Madison for the grand prize: $500 cash, recording time at a professional studio, a 2006 Summerfest appearance and more.
WFSM and WSMA have a strong history of offering programs and services (i.e., solo and ensemble, state honors music project, state marching band championships, scholarships, etc.) that help youth achieve excellence through music. The organizations are on the forefront of breaking new ground for music education, including construction of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, first of its kind in the nation opening July 2005. Like the center, Launchpad is a pioneering initiative to help extend the reach of music education in Wisconsin.
“Launchpad fits our mission of providing leadership and support for school music programs to ensure all students have opportunities which encourage lifelong involvement in music,” said Runestad.
Launchpad is funded primarily by corporate sponsorships and in-kind giving from people who believe in the benefits of music education and all that music has to offer. The program is produced by Dennis Graham Associates.
For more information on Launchpad, including participation details, supporting sponsors, late-breaking news, etc., go to www.launchpadwisconsin.org. Also be sure to visit www.wsmamusic.org for more about WSMA and WFSM.
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The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) supports involvement of youth in music education experiences, primarily through the programs and services of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). The Foundation provides a means for individuals and corporations to invest in the lives of young musicians and has a direct impact on their efforts to achieve excellence through music.
The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Last year, over 225,000 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 governed by a Board of Directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over our state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.