WAUNAKEE — After an intense audition, a summer camp and rehearsal process, 429 of the finest young musicians in Wisconsin united a rewarding musical experience — the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors concerts.

The High School State Honors Band and Orchestra Concert was held Oct. 24 at the Overture Center in Madison, with the High School State Honors Treble Choir and Mixed Choir Concert immediately after. The High School State Honors Jazz Ensemble Concert was held the next day at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

The WSMA State Honors Music Project brings some of Wisconsin’s top young musicians together with nationally known conductors in a highly disciplined, professional setting. These State Honors students were in grades 9, 10 and 11 at the time of spring auditions and selected from more than 1,500 who auditioned. 

When students come together for the first time in June at the summer camp for High School State Honors, they meet their conductor, section coaches and each other. Through the rehearsals with the conductors, students become unified in one common musical goal. After camp students remain in contact with their section coaches, conductors and each other as they continue to hone that common goal which culminates in their performance at the concerts.

2024 WSMA High School State Honors Area Student Members:

●  John Palenik, Blanchardville, Orchestra, Viola

●  Kylie Crist, Darlington, Mixed Choir, Alto

●  Nathan Heil, New Glarus, Mixed Choir, Bass 

●  Trenton Hendrickson, New Glarus, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Drum Set/Auxilliary 

●  Elena Marunde, New Glarus, Band, Trumpet 

●  Amelia Geib, New Glarus, Orchestra, Trumpet 

●  Jackson Umhoefer, New Glarus, Mixed Choir, Bass

●  Delaney Hoeper, New Glarus, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Trombone