WSMA is proud to announce the results of the 2011 Student Composition Project.  Each composition was evaluated by Wisconsin composers on melody, rhythm, harmony, form, creativity and general effect, and awards are given solely based on merit.  The compositions submitted demonstrate the musical talent of Wisconsin's students and the strong leadership of its' teachers.

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS
The following students received Honorable Mention for their compositions and will receive a Certificate of Merit.
Middle School (Listed Alphabetically)
Student's Name School Composition Title Category
Evan Johnson Bayside Middle School The Almost Linear Symphony Instrumental Ensemble
Max Lin Eisenhower Middle School Fantasy Instrumental Ensemble
High School (Listed Alphabetically)
Charles Crawford Christian Life High School Blues Clues Instrumental Jazz
Benjamin William Garton Oshkosh West High School Tango Carmesi Instrumental Ensemble
Tim Gelhaus Owen-Withee High School Earth and Space Instrumental Ensemble
Scott Horton West Salem High School The Mountain Sage Instrumental Solo
J.D. Scmelzer Owen-Withee High School Liebeslieder Instrumental Ensemble
Joshua Shane Samson Cedarburg High School Piano Sonata in F Maj. Mvmt II Piano Solo
Joshua Shane Samson Cedarburg High School Horn Concerto Mvmt II Instrumental Solo
Caleb Schmitz Dodgeville High School Leaving Home Vocal Ensemble

AWARD WINNERS

The following students will receive a plaque at the 2011 WSMA Student Composition Reception, held in August at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education in Waunakee, recognizing their outstanding achievement. Additionally, each division winner will receive a scholarship to study with a professional composer.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION AWARD WINNERS (Grades 5 - 8)
*Indicates division winner.
  • Theodore Wright from DeLong Middle Middle School in Eau Claire won Best Instrumental Ensemble for the composition, Winter's Lullaby.  Cathy Reitz is Theodore's music teacher.
  • Cannon Cooley from Waukesha Central Middle School won 2nd Place in the Instrumental Ensemble Category for the composition, Rainy Day.  Cynthia Eisenmann is Cannon's music teacher.
  • *Jacob Beranek from University Lake High School is the Middle School Division Winner for the composition, Peasant Dance which also won Best Instrumental Solo.  In addition to a plaque, Jacob will receive a scholarship to study one-on-one with a Wisconsin based composer.  Vicki Taylor is Jacob's music teacher.  
  • Owen Ladd from Ladd Academy won Best Piano Solo for the composition, The Squall.  Andrew Ladd is Owen's music teacher.
  • Tanner Nielsen from Luck Junior High School won 2nd Place in the Piano Solo Category for the composition, In the Mountains.  Jennifer Gilhoi is Tanner's music teacher.
  • Quinton Nennig from River View Middle School (Kaukauna) won Best Vocal Ensemble for the composition, Africa.  Wayne Slowinski is Quinton's music teacher.
 

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION AWARD WINNERS (Grades 9 - 12)
*Indicates division winner.
  • Ethan Ackelsberg from Kettle Moraine High School won Best Instrumental Ensemble for the composition, Rondo for Woodwind Trio.  Terri Catania is Ethan's music teacher.
  • John Sturino from Kenosha Tremper High School won 2nd Place in the Instrumental Ensemble Category for the composition, Chromotion.  Louis Covelli is John's music teacher.
  • Hannah Hodgett from Shell Lake High School won 3rd Place in the Instrumental Ensemble Category for the composition, Soaring.  Aimee Pashby is Hannah's music teacher.
  • Alicia Mose from Fox Valley Lutheran High School won 4th Place in the Instrumental Ensemble Category for the composition, Sugar Cookies.  James Neujahr is Alicia's music teacher.
  • Joshua Shane Samson from Cedarburg High School won 5th Place in the Instrumental Ensemble Category for the composition, Ballet No. 1.  Clay Wacholz is Joshua's music teacher.
  • John Merfeld from Edgewood High School won Best Piano Solo for the composition, Myriad.  Carrie Backman is John's music teacher.
  • Mike Ryan from Middleton High School won 2nd Place in the Piano Solo Category for the composition, Gavotte.  Steve Kurr is Mike's music teacher.
  • Luke Patterson from The Prairie School won 3rd Place in the Piano Solo Category for the composition, Santasy.  Pat Badger is Luke's music teacher.
  • *Joshua Shane Samson from Cedarburg High School is the High School Division Winner for the composition, Missa Solemnis, which also won Best Vocal Ensemble.  In addition to a plaque, Joshua will receive a scholarship to study one-on-one with a Wisconsin based composer.  Clay Wacholz is Joshua's music teacher.
  • Zachary Unke from Manitowoc Lutheran High School won 2nd Place in the Vocal Ensemble Category for the composition, All Praise to You, Eternal Lord.  Randy Kramer is Zachary's music teacher.

Congratulations to all of our Student Composers!