Top student musicians head to UW-Stevens Point
Thousands of middle and high school students will head to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on May 5 for their opportunity to perform in a Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Music 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 Music Festivals held on 10 university campuses throughout the state. The festival at UW-Stevens Point will be held Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public, free of charge.
“The WSMA State Music Festival cultivates a nurturing experience for participating students, as well as their families and teachers,” said Brendan Caldwell, UW-Stevens Point festival manager. “The festival also provides an opportunity for the UW-Stevens Point university and music program to showcase our facilities and to emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music teaching colleagues, their students and their families.”
“With its state-of-the art facilities and world-class teaching staff, the UW-Stevens Point Department of Music is the ideal location for the WSMA musicians,” said Patricia Holland, chair of the music department. “Our mission is to provide a dynamic environment where innovation and leadership in creativity, teaching, performance and advocacy set a new standard for education through music. Hosting the WSMA State Music Festival is an exciting opportunity to see our mission come to life.”
In order to participate in the state festivals, students must first earn a “starred first” rating in Class A (the most difficult music) at a WSMA District Music 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. More than 225 district festivals were held in Wisconsin during the past six months, involving more participants than any other student activity in the state.
Wisconsin universities hosting WSMA State Music Festivals include UW-Whitewater, UW-Platteville, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Oshkosh on April 28; St. Norbert College on May 4; and Cardinal-Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point on May 5.
Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting www.wsmamusic.org. WSMA State Music Festival information will be posted as available. Schedules and results will be searchable by school, student and event number.
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