MADISON - Junior high and middle school band, choir and orchestra students will perform Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Wisconsin School Music Association Middle Level State Honors Music Project concert in Madison. Throughout the state 305 students in grades six, seven and eight were selected from more than 1,400 who auditioned in June 2008 to participate in the WSMA program. Auditions included individual student performances and an ensemble class, taught by an Honors adjudicator. Selection was based on several elements of music performance. Area students performing include:
• Band: Cora Demler, flute, Pecatonica Middle School, Blanchardville; Andy Goodman, Bb trumpet, Brodhead Middle School, Brodhead; Katie Loken, flute, Darlington Elementary/Middle School; and Michael Sinclair, French horn, Darlington Elementary/ Middle School;
• Choir: Naomi Black, soprano, Darlington Elementary/ Middle School.
WSMA State Honors Music Project brings Wisconsin's finest school musicians together to work with nationally known conductors in a professional setting. The 2008 WSMA Middle Level State Honors conductors are:
• Choir: Lynne Gackle, Tampa, Florida.
• Orchestra: Juan Tony Guzman, Decorah, Iowa.
• Band: Quincy Hilliard, Lafayette, Louisiana.
"Middle Level Honors students continue to amaze parents and teachers with their advanced musical skills. Even more beneficial still, these students bring their new found learning experiences back home to their schools and share them with fellow students," said Jeff Gretzinger, WSMA program director.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the Middle Level State Honors Music Project. The concert celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of Wisconsin's finest young musicians. Students will perform for an audience of more than 1,500 during their concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Marriott Madison West. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Students in grades six through eight who attend a WSMA-member school and participate in the school's music program will be eligible to audition for the 2009 WSMA Middle Level State Honors Project. Applications can be obtained by school music teachers at www.wsmamusic.org beginning Dec. 9 and are due by Feb. 3, 2009. Auditions will be held in April at six locations throughout Wisconsin.
• Band: Cora Demler, flute, Pecatonica Middle School, Blanchardville; Andy Goodman, Bb trumpet, Brodhead Middle School, Brodhead; Katie Loken, flute, Darlington Elementary/Middle School; and Michael Sinclair, French horn, Darlington Elementary/ Middle School;
• Choir: Naomi Black, soprano, Darlington Elementary/ Middle School.
WSMA State Honors Music Project brings Wisconsin's finest school musicians together to work with nationally known conductors in a professional setting. The 2008 WSMA Middle Level State Honors conductors are:
• Choir: Lynne Gackle, Tampa, Florida.
• Orchestra: Juan Tony Guzman, Decorah, Iowa.
• Band: Quincy Hilliard, Lafayette, Louisiana.
"Middle Level Honors students continue to amaze parents and teachers with their advanced musical skills. Even more beneficial still, these students bring their new found learning experiences back home to their schools and share them with fellow students," said Jeff Gretzinger, WSMA program director.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the Middle Level State Honors Music Project. The concert celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of Wisconsin's finest young musicians. Students will perform for an audience of more than 1,500 during their concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Marriott Madison West. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Students in grades six through eight who attend a WSMA-member school and participate in the school's music program will be eligible to audition for the 2009 WSMA Middle Level State Honors Project. Applications can be obtained by school music teachers at www.wsmamusic.org beginning Dec. 9 and are due by Feb. 3, 2009. Auditions will be held in April at six locations throughout Wisconsin.
