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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. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will host this event from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

The event is 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 Kenneth Liske, Festival Manager for the event at UW Oshkosh. “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,” according to 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 university campuses 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-Platteville and UW-Whitewater will hold festivals on April 28. Cardinal Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point and Viterbo University festivals will be held on May 5. An evening Jazz Festival will take place on May 4 at UW-Green Bay.

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.

 

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.