Student Composers Honored by WSMA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (December 14, 2009) – Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) honored winners of the 21st annual WSMA/DPI Student Composition Project during the opening performance of the annual Wisconsin State Music Conference held at Monona Terrace in Madison this fall.
The following students from across the state were recognized for outstanding achievement with their original musical work.
Middle School Division (Grades 5-8)
- Alicia Mose from Fox Valley Lutheran Middle School won Best Instrumental Solo award for Rolling Meadow Variations. James Neujahr is Alicia's music teacher.
- Ethan Ackelsberg from Kettle Moraine Middle School received Second Place in the Instrumental Ensemble category for his composition, The King's Arrival: A Trumpet Duet. Ethan's music teacher is Mary Burczyk.
- Michael Darling from Hortonville Middle School is the Middle School Division Winner for his composition, Nightfall,which also was named Best Instrumental Ensemble. In addition to a plaque, Michael will receive a scholarship to study one-on-one with a Wisconsin composer. Larry Manley is Michael's music teacher.
- Nora Ecket from Horace Mann Middle School - Wausau received Second Place Instrumental Solo for Perspectives. Margaert Conard is Nora's music teacher.
- Teddy Wright from De Long Middle School won Best Vocal Solo for Sycamore Tree. Stephen Wells is Teddy's music teacher.
High School Division (Grades 9-12)
- Andy Steffen from New Richmond High School is the High School Division Winner for his composition, I Am Wild, which was also named Best Vocal Ensemble. In addition to a plaque, Andy will receive a scholarship to study one-on-one with a Wisconsin composer. Andy's music teacher is Andrew Schroetter.
- Gregory Hartmann from Eisenhower High School tied for Second Place in the Instrumental Ensemble category for his composition, Concertante for Piano and Orchestra, and also received Third Place in the Instrumental Solo category for his composition, Piano Sonata No. 1. Gregory's music teacher is Kay Black.
- Luke Thering from Waunakee High School tied for Second Place in the Instrumental Ensemble category for his composition, Pengueagle. Sam Robinson is Luke's music teacher.
- Moses Balian from Watertown High School won Best Instrumental Ensemble for his composition, The Seven Deadly Sins: Suite for Wind Quintet, and also received Second Place in the Instrumental Solo category for his composition Clarinet Concerto No. 1 - "Shakespere Concerto." DeWayne Roberson is Moses' music teacher.
- Robert Harlow from Barneveld High School received Third Place in the Instrumental Ensemble category for his composition, Worlds in Conflict: Ambition, Love and the Absurdity of Life. Aaron Cooley is Robert's music teacher.
- Zachary Unke from Manitowoc Lutheran High School won Best Instrumental Solo for his composition, The Hunter. Randy Kramer is Zachary's music teacher.
Statewide, 63 compositions were submitted, demonstrating the musical talent of Wisconsin's students and the strong leadership of its teachers. Each composition was evaluated on melody, rhythm, harmony, form, creativity and general effect, and awards are given solely based on merit.
The Student Composition Project is sponsored by WSMA and DPI. Its goal is to encourage the positive artistic and creative musical abilities of Wisconsin students. An integral component of the National Standards for Music Education, the Student Composition Project is a fundamental extension of the creative element of music education specified in Wisconsin’s music curriculum guide.
For more information about WSMA and the Student Composition Program, go to http://www.wsmamusic.org/programs/composition_project/index.html
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Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 student participants take part in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships, Concert Festivals and Launchpad. WSMA, also owner and operator of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, is governed by a Board of Directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over our state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.