Congratulations to Dante Baker, Alex Clarksen, Charlotte Hajewski, and A’lani Ross, who performed at the WSMA High School State Honors Music Project concerts in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Overture Center Thursday night, October 24.

This year, almost 1,500 student auditions were performed for the privilege of being one of the 429 students selected for membership in the five prestigious High School State Honors ensembles. This year, Whitewater High School had four musicians perform at the concert.

High School State Honors students attend an intensive four-day summer camp with the conductor of their ensemble. In addition, 32 of Wisconsin’s finest music teachers volunteer time as section coaches, coordinators, and administrators during the June summer camp and at these October concerts. Working together, they engaged in holistic lessons that incorporated several aspects of the programmed repertoire far beyond the musical, such as history, theory, style, composition, text, and culture. They connected with composers, worked with coaches and peers in daily sectionals that focused on technique and skill, and rehearsed as a full ensemble in preparation for this concert.

Music teachers, parents, administrators, and WSMA staff contribute time, expertise and encouragement for every student involved in the State Honors Music Project. Young musicians selected for these ensembles discover new levels of individual and group performance. Most importantly, the effort and dedication required of each Honors participant results in a lifelong memory of initiative, achievement and commitment to excellence as musicians and as our future leaders. Mr. Sam Averill and Ms. Mackenzie Gehrke are the proud instructors of these fine students.

Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Teacher
gstewart@wwusd.org