Students Perform in State Honors Music Project

University School of Milwaukee students Alex Chen ’25 and Chloe Chen ’27 were selected as violinists in the Wisconsin State Music Association High School State Honors Music Project for 2024. They performed with the group on Thursday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 26 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Many students from the state auditioned but only a few were selected. They participated in an intensive, four-day summer camp in June and performed in Madison in late October as part of the Wisconsin State Music Conference.

See a recording of the concert here, and a digital version of the event program here.
 
“This is a huge honor for any student,” said Steve Johnson, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School orchestra director. “Alex and Chloe should be especially proud of themselves for putting in the countless practice hours that it takes to perform at this level.”

About the WSMA State Honors Music Project

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Honors Music Project began in 1967 to provide musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation’s finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting. 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 (band, orchestra, treble choir, mixed choir, and jazz ensemble). 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 the October concerts. Working together, they engage in holistic lessons that incorporate several aspects of the programmed repertoire far beyond the musical, such as history, theory, style, composition, text, and culture. They connect with composers, work with coaches and peers in daily sectionals
that focus on technique and skill, and rehearse 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 participant results in a lifelong memory of initiative, achievement, and commitment to excellence as musicians and future leaders.