The 2003 WSMA/DPI Student Composition Project winners were honored at a special ceremony at the State Capitol on May 27. WSMA Board of Director President Allan Prosser and DPI State Music Consultant Mel Pontious proudly presented award plaques to the following students:

Marbella ostelloMIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION (Grades 5 - 8)
Alex Kreger from Elm Grove Pilgrim Park Middle School won First Place in the Middle School Division for Piano Quintet in G Minor. Alex also won the Best Instrumental Ensemble award. Alex will also receive a scholarship to study one-on-one with a Wisconsin composer. Kevin Allen is Alex's music teacher.

Brian Schoettler from Kenosha Lincoln Middle School won Second Place and Best Instrumental Jazz award for Phat Skat. Ken Wiele is Brian's music teacher.

Nick Taylor from Kenosha Lance Middle School won Third Place and Best Instrumental Solo for Yellowstone G-317 for piano solo. Nick's father, Paul, is his music teacher.

Erika Palcic and Kasey Keeler from Fontana Middle School won Best Collaborative Ensemble award for Just a Dream. Rusty Wulff is their music teacher.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (Grades 9 - 12)
Jon Ferch II from Racine Horlick High School won First Place and Best Instrumental Jazz Composition for Chill. John will also receive a scholarship to study one-on-one with a Wisconsin composer. Donald Young and John Dorsey are Jon's music teachers.

Max Hero of Wauwatosa East High School won Second Place and Best Instrumental Ensemble for Adagio and Scherzo. Paul Thorgaard is Alex's music teacher.

Joseph Stillwell of Kohler High Schoolcheap hotel in Mechelen won Third Place and Honorable Mention for The Day is a Journey. Joseph also won Best Instrumental Solo for Prelude in Bb Minor. Joe's music teacher is Rich Tengowski.

Neara Russell from River Valley High School received the Best Vocal Solo award for Dawn. Jennifer Snow is Neara's music teacher.

Christin Buchholz from Wisconsin Dells High School won Best Vocal Ensemble for Glory to God. Brad Burrill is her music teacher.

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS
Certificates will be mailed to these talented students:

This year, 50 students took the initiative to submit original compositions to the WSMA/DPI Student Composition Project. Each composition was evaluated by two Wisconsin composers. Students received critique sheets from both judges to encourage them to refine their musical composition skills.

Congratulations to all students who submitted compositions this year! Watch this site for 2004 WSMA/DPI Student Composition Project information.