The nationally acclaimed WSMA State Honors Music Project has touched the lives of thousands of youth and adults since it began in 1967. Each year over 3,500 dedicated young musicians audition for the 700 chairs available in the WSMA High School State Honors band, orchestra, mixed choir, treble choir, jazz ensemble or the WSMA Middle Level State Honors band, orchestra or choir. Each year the groups perform at the State Music Conference in Madison in October. Honors students are taught by some of our nation’s best conductors. They make lifelong friends from all over the state because they meet others who share their passion for music. Honors students learn that effort equals accomplishment, musical excellence can express profound emotion, and responsibility is personal.
Goals
Challenge musically talented Wisconsin students to share their dedication to high standards of musical performance
Provide opportunities for families, schools and communities to share pride in the dedication and accomplishments of their students
Offer models of leadership and excellence for music education and music performance
Eligibility
Students currently enrolled as a full or part-time student in grades 6-11 of a WSMA-member school are eligible to audition for the State Honors Music Project. Students applying to audition 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.
Equal Opportunity
Auditions are conducted in a manner to assure complete anonymity and provide equal opportunity for all students. No quotas or geographic preferences are used when selecting members of the WSMA State Honors Music Project.