Kimberly, Wis. July 7, 2021 - Kimberly High School students Madeline Beck (band, flute) and Sofie Langenhuizen (band, percussion) were selected for the Wisconsin School Music Association’s (WSMA) 2021 High School State Honors Music Project. Beck and Langenhuizen will be among some of Wisconsin’s finest young musicians.
The WSMA High School State Honors Music Project is designed to provide musically accomplished students with the opportunity to rehearse and perform with some of the nation’s finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting. Students are challenged to perform at their musical best throughout the rehearsal period, beginning with summer camp and culminating with an inspired performance that celebrates the reach of music education statewide. Students will reconvene in Madison in late October to perform in conjunction with the annual Wisconsin State Music Conference.
“When students are challenged beyond what is possible in a classroom, the results are often inspiring and even magical. Honors students learn that hard work, commitment, responsibility and working together for the good of the ensemble are the keys to success in music and in life,” said Victoria Donahue, WSMA program director.
WSMA remains committed to providing a prestigious experience for Honors students who worked hard to earn their spot in the 2021 High School State Honors Music Project. Auditions were held virtually through video submissions this past February. Of the more than 1,100 auditions, 426 students in grades 9, 10 and 11 were invited to be part of the WSMA High School State Honors Music Project ensembles.
“WSMA is proud to connect youth with a combined virtual/in-person Honors experience so they can continue their musical learning and growth, while still having the opportunity to interact and collaborate with each other,” said Donahue.
The 2021 WSMA High School State Honors Project conductors (links to full bios) are:
| Band | Carolyn Barber, Director of Bands, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|
| Orchestra | Mark Dupere, Assistant Professor of Music, Lawrence University |
| Jazz Ensemble |
Jamey Simmons, Director of Jazz Studies, Middle Tennessee State University |
| Mixed Choir |
Frank Watkins, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies, UW–Eau Claire |
| Treble Choir |
Joni Jenson, Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Voice, Texas Woman’s University |
For more information about WSMA or its programs, go to wsmamusic.org.
