Racine's Musicians Shine Bright at WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival

music notes
music notes

The halls of Case High School were filled with music as the Racine Unified School District hosted the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) sanctioned District Solo & Ensemble Music Festival. Participating schools, both within and outside the district, brought forth their best, highlighting the depth and breadth of musical talent within the community and showcasing their musical prowess through more than 325 performances, spanning vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles. Among them, a remarkable 83 events earned their places at the upcoming State Solo & Ensemble.

Fine Arts Group
Siblings Juliana and Michael Norkus received firsts on their violin solos. They are pictured along with their accompanist, Regan Schmidt, and their former elementary general music teacher, Krystal Geiss.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a captivating showcase of talent as students gave their all in their performances. Adjudicators offered valuable feedback to refine skills and deepen understanding of musical concepts. Solo & Ensemble serves as a platform for showcasing musical abilities and a catalyst for personal growth, inspiring young musicians to pursue their passion and strive for excellence.

Several standout performances caught the eye at the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Music Festival. Notably, Park High School's SSA/A Vocal Jazz and Show Choir, Horlick's Madrigal Ensemble, and Case High School's Mixed Show Choir all garnered top honors, with each receiving a *1 rating and securing their spots at State Solo & Ensemble. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of students and instructors.

State Solo & Ensemble is scheduled for April 27, 2024, at UW-Parkside. As the event approaches, we congratulate all those participating and wish them the best of luck in their performances. Their achievements underscore the significance of music in our schools and communities, and we eagerly anticipate the inspiring performances they will deliver on the state stage. To learn more about the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Music Festival, visit wsmamusic.org.