Wisconsin Students Off to State Solo & Ensemble Festivals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Email: kthays@wsmamusic.org
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (April 14, 2008) -- Thousands of middle and high school students will head to various locations across the state in the upcoming weeks for their opportunity to perform in a Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival -- one of the largest student events of its kind in the nation.
More than 32,000 student musicians will take part in WSMA State Solo & Ensemble. Several universities will host festivals on Saturday, April 26, including UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater. On Saturday, May 3, festivals will be held at Cardinal Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point. Festivals are scheduled for 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and are open to the public, free of charge.
The WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Jazz Festival featuring instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles and show choirs will be held at St. Norbert College in De Pere on Friday, May 2. The event kicks off at 3 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge.
"We are extremely proud to support educational development of students throughout Wisconsin with programs like WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. The dedication and effort that the students demonstrate is truly inspiring," said Robert Kase, WSMA executive director.
In order to participate in the WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals, students must first earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival, hosted by schools for students in grades 6-12. Students can select from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances. Over 225 district festivals were held in Wisconsin during the past six months, involving more participants than any other student activity in the state.
Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting www.wsmamusic.org. WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival information will be posted as available. Schedules and results will be searchable by school, student and event number.
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The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 students take the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Projects, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. WSMA, also owner and operator of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, 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.