Campus Connection

Thousands of middle and high school student musicians from across the state are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival. Those in the Coulee Region will head to UWL for the event from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Competition will take place in Centennial Hall, Center for the Arts and Graff Main Hall and is free and open to the public. "The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” says UWL Associate Professor of Music Tammy Fisher, Festival Manager for the La Crosse site. “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 a WSMA State Music Festival. 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 more than 225 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity. Nine other universities will host performances by more than 32,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater will hold festivals April 30. Cardinal Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point festivals will be held on May 7. An evening Jazz Festival will take place on May 6 at UW-Green Bay. Get the day-long schedule and discover more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs at: www.wsmamusic.org. If you go— What: Wisconsin School Music Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival When: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7 Where: Centennial Hall, Center for the Arts and Graff Main Hall Admission: Free See the schedule: www.wsmamusic.org.