Wisconsin Student Musicians Head to UW-Parkside

Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from across the state are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival. UW-Parkside hosts this event Saturday, May 6, 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 Alvaro Garcia, associate professor of music and festival manager for UW-Parkside. "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 225 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.

"Wisconsin music students continue to excel in their level of achievement and dedication to excellence," said WSMA Executive Director Tim Schaid. "The WSMA State Music Festival provides a quality opportunity for them to share the talents and skills developed in the classroom while creating a lifelong memory through their state festival performance."

Nine other Wisconsin university campuses will host performances by more than 32,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

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.