News

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 Festivals. UW-Whitewater will host this event on Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be 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 Matt Onstad, Festival Manager for UW-Whitewater. “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 140 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.

“WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals provide youth musicians a state-level platform to showcase their growth and achievements. This opportunity is possible because of our state’s exceptional music educators, adjudicators, families and communities who support access to a well-rounded education inclusive of music,” said WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.

Nine other university campuses will host performances by more than 11,000 students, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside and UW-Platteville will hold festivals on April 27 also. Carroll University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point festivals will be held on May 4. 

Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting wsmamusic.org. Festival information, including schedules and results, will be posted here.

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Founded in 1932, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships, Student Composition Project and WSMA Aca U. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.

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Tickets are available one hour before the show at the door or on the Fort PAC website at this link: https://fortatkinsonpac.com/event/alice-in-wonderland/

Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Sarah Gehrenbeck.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.

This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m.  at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families.  A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.

Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.

“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.

Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.

Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Students from Whitewater High School’s Music Masters Ensemble and Jazz Band celebrated Jazz Appreciation month with a performance for Whitewater Middle School’s music students on April 12th.  Each group performed three pieces that represent the music they have been studying this semester. Congratulations on a fine performance! 

Editor’s note: The above photos and copy were provided by Karen Tordera.

It is anticipated the Walworth Avenue Storm Sewer and Drainageway Project will begin on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The
project entails replacing storm sewer inlets and storm sewer pipe in Walworth Avenue near the properties of 1011 and
1027 Walworth Avenue, replacing the storm sewer pipe that runs south from Walworth Avenue, and reshaping the open
drainageway.

Walworth Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Prince Street and Elizabeth Street for a day, Thursday, April 25,
2024, starting at 7:00 a.m. to remove terrace trees. It is anticipated to be closed again starting around May 9, 2024, until the project is completed, tentatively scheduled for May 24, 2024.

If you have any questions please contact Brad Marquardt, Director of Public Works.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-2239
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the city Department of Public Works.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Department of University Health and Counseling Services will host “Can I Kiss You?”, a presentation by WHS/UW-W alum Mike Domitrz, this Thursday, April 25, at 5 p.m. at Summers Auditorium in the University Center on campus.

Domitrz, an author and award-winning speaker, will present a high energy, inclusive program for providing how-to skills for teaching consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention, and addressing sexual assault.

Admission to the event is free. Food, free t-shirts, and giveaways will be on hand.

Domitrz, who founded The Center for Respect, works closely with students, parents, and educators across the country to produce national initiatives resulting in revolutionary change in America’s approach to dating, respect, and intimacy.

Domitrz served as UW-Whitewater’s May 2023 commencement speaker.

The National Honor Society at Whitewater High School will be offering a variety of items and services in their Spring Silent Auction this year.  Please review the projects by using the link below and indicate if you are interested in a project and the price you would like to offer.  The highest bids will win the projects.

The auction will be available online until Friday, April 26th at 3:30 pm.  Members will contact you the week of May 1st to make arrangements for project completion.  

Thank you so much for participating!  

The projects that are offered, together with the current bids, may be viewed on this spreadsheet:

Please use this form to place a bid on your favorite projects:

BID ON A PROJECT FORM

The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department has identified Patricia A. Seufzer, 59, of Whitewater as being the fourth person who died following a motor vehicle crash on April 13. The crash occurred at the intersection of US Hwy 12 and E County Road in the town of Lima.

Ms. Seufzer was pronounced deceased at a local hospital on April 18, 2024. Preliminary results confirm that Ms. Seufzer died from injuries sustained in the crash. Additional testing is underway at this time.

This incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department and the Medical Examiner’s Department.

Editor’s note: Previous posts on the Banner related to this crash:
https://whitewaterbanner.com/victims-of-saturday-motor-vehicle-crash-identified/
https://whitewaterbanner.com/three-killed-in-crash-on-hwy-12/

Guided Journaling Workshop at the Library

Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided. The event will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m.

This program is for adults. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions.