What is the WSMA State Honors Music Project?

The Wisconsin State Honors Music Project offers talented youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with nationally-known conductors in a professional setting. All Honors groups perform at the WMEA State Music Conference. Middle Level State Honors students receive their music in August and meet for the first time the day before their fall performance. High School State Honors students sight-read their music at their June Summer Camp and also rehearse before the fall concerts.

Eligibility

Students currently enrolled as full or part-time students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from WSMA-member schools are eligible to audition for the Middle Level State Honors Project. Students currently enrolled as full- or part-time students in grades 9, 10, and 11 from WSMA-member schools are eligible to audition for the High School State Honors Project. Students applying to audition for Honors must be a member of their corresponding school music performing group during the audition. Students selected for Honors membership must also be a member of their corresponding school music group during the fall Honors performance. Attendance is required at all Honors activities for the entire scheduled length of time.

Audition Requirements

Audition requirements and application forms are found in the current WSMA Handbook and must be followed carefully. Late applications will not be accepted. Teachers can make copies of the requirements, preferably at least three months before the auditions. Students should be prepared to perform any part or all of their solo during the audition. Instrumental scales must be memorized according to the articulation/bowing patterns in the WSMA Handbook. All Middle Level Honors auditioners participate in a 15-minute non-adjudicated Ensemble Class taught by the adjudicator within one hour of their scheduled private audition.

Students Receive Information

All Honors audition scheduling and results information is mailed directly to students at their home address. It is the student's responsibility to inform music teacher(s) of their audition time and audition results. If a music teacher is not able to obtain this information from students, please call WSMA. Additional information may be available on the Honors section of the WSMA Homepage: www.wsmamusic.com.

Equal Opportunity

All students are given equal opportunity for Honors membership. During the audition scheduling process, each student is assigned an audition number. Students are identified to the judge and the Honors Selection Committee only by their audition number. No last names or schools are given to the audition judge or Honors Selection Committee. In addition, there is absolutely no geographic, gender, race, age or quota system of any kind used in the Wisconsin State Honors Music Project.

Honors Selection Process

In an effort to provide consistent evaluations at every audition location, each Honors audition judge receives the same written and verbal instructions. High School Honors audition forms include rubrics based on the WSMA State Festival adjudication forms. At the conclusion of the audition, the judge makes a recommendation for each student based solely on the audition performance. The following evaluation descriptors are found on every Honors audition evaluation form:

The Honors Selection Committee reviews all audition forms and written comments without knowing any student's name or school. The audition number is the only way of identifying each student to the Honors Selection Committee.

Equal Musical Leadership

Woodwind, brass and percussion players are invited to Honors Band or Honors Orchestra to ensure equal musical leadership in both ensembles. High school sopranos and altos are invited to Honors Treble Choir and Honors Mixed Choir to ensure equal musical leadership in both ensembles. Jazz rhythm section (drum set, electric bass, and piano) players are invited to Honors Jazz Ensemble and Honors Vocal Jazz Ensemble to ensure equal musical leadership in both ensembles.

Results Notification Letters

High school Honors students will be notified of the results of their audition by April 1. Middle Level Honors students will be notified of their audition results by June 1. Copies of the audition forms are not given to students or teachers. Unlike a WSMA Solo-Ensemble Festival performance, Honors auditions are usually very competitive.

What is a High Alternate and Alternate?

Students who receive Highly Recommended, Recommended or High Alternate endorsements from the audition judge but are not selected for Honors receive a "High Alternate" letter. Most of these students will be among the "ranked" alternates who are the first to be selected if an invited student turns down the Honors membership invitation. Students who receive an "Alternate" endorsement receive an "Alternate" letter indicating they may be chosen for Honors membership this year. The difference greatly depends on the numbers of students who audition for each voice or instrument part.

Does every student who auditions and is not selected receive an "Alternate" letter?

No. Students who received a "not ready" endorsement from their audition judge receive a letter thanking them for their efforts in preparing for their audition. All students are strongly encouraged to continue practicing their musical skills.

High School State Honors Camp

All High School State Honors students selected for membership attend a 3 1/2 day Summer Camp in June at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The formal concert performances take place in Madison during the October WMEA State Music Conference.

cheap hotel in RotterdamHonors Staff Applications

Wisconsin music teachers are invited to the Honors Staff based on their outstanding musical and leadership skills. Teachers volunteer their time and talents as section coaches, and also serve as chaperones. Best of all, Honors staff members work with the most talented students in the state, observe and interact with one of the nation's finest conductors for an extended period of time, and participate in one of the most rewarding professional growth opportunities available. If you are interested in serving as an Honors staff member, write or call WSMA for an application. All Honors Staff applications are kept in a permanently active file.

• Middle Level Honors
• High School Honors