UWM PSOA World Percussion 2023

It’s never too late or too early to learn and grow. We offer a diverse range of engaging and educational youth and community arts programs for learners of all ages, from children and teenagers to working adults and retirees. Whether you join us for an arts summer camp, try out a dance class or play in a community ensemble, our dedicated faculty and staff create a safe and supportive environment for you to develop your artistic skills, gain confidence and explore your unique talents.

In addition to the youth and community arts programs below, you may be interested to know that UWM provides options for high school students to earn college credit through the Office of Dual Enrollment. Every semester, hundreds of high school students are enrolled in UWM courses that meet on campus or in their high schools.

Upcoming Programs

Performing Arts

Free Dance Classes for High School Students
Fall, Spring
Ages 18+
Interested in learning about a day in the life of a dance major? Purchase a voucher to join us for a class with first-year majors and discover what it’s all about! You can choose to attend a single class or a bundle of ten.
Dance High School Workshop Day
February 2, 2024
Grades 9–12
High School Workshop Day is the best way for high school groups and classes to learn from our internationally known faculty and to experience what it’s like to study dance at the college level.
Dance Matinee and talkback
February 2, 2024
Grades 9–12
Presenting a special matinee for high school groups and students including an audience talkback with the opportunity to learn about the performance and life as a UWM dance student.
July 21–23, 2023
Ages 14+
Designed for young dance artists seeking to deepen their dance practice, you will discover new techniques and build bridges that lead to pursuing dance professionally and in higher education. 
Music Double Reed Day 2023 promo image
November 4, 2023
All Ages
Double Reed Day includes a performance with double reed guest artists and UW-Milwaukee oboe and bassoon faculty, lectures and masterclasses, reed-making guidance, and opportunities to explore and shop national vendors.
Day in the Life of a Theatre Student promo image
October 11, 2023
Ages 14–18
Are you a high school student with a passion for theatre? Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a behind-the-scenes enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the art of theatre, we have an exciting event just for you.
November 17–19, 2023
Ages 11-13
The region’s top middle school instrumentalists work with nationally recognized wind band conductors, participate in master classes and attend performances during this popular festival.
MKE Percussion Festival Promo Image
April 12–13, 2024
All Ages
This festival brings together percussionists of all ages for educational and performance opportunities. Attendees will learn from guest artists about a variety of topics, instruments, techniques, and musical styles in addition to listening to, and participating in, performances/workshops.
October 13, 2023
Ages 14–18
An event for high school musicians featuring faculty performances, breakout sessions, large ensemble rehearsals, interactive music theory and more!
September 22, 2023
Grades 7–12
A vocal festival open to tenors and basses with no advance preparation necessary. Students are organized into middle school and high school choirs with performances from both.
UWM-String-Academy-WEB
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 4–18
The UWM String Academy offers students a comprehensive musical education with a focus on the violin or viola. Students use their minds, ears, and bodies to express themselves through music.
Suzuki and Pre-College Guitar
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 5-18
Engage in comprehensive guitar and music instruction for all skill levels. Through lessons and performances, students build a foundation in classical guitar, equipping them with skills required to be versatile in any style.
University Community Band
Fall, Spring
18+ or approved minors
The band performs one concert each semester with repertoire including standard and contemporary pieces. There is no formal audition to join, but previous band experience is required.
University Community Orchestra
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 12+
Advanced beginners and skilled amateurs rehearse and perform together in this ensemble, which is open to anyone who can read music and enjoys playing classical symphonic and pops repertoire.
Fall, Spring
Ages 12+
This ensemble is for individuals with an interest in learning the musical techniques and performance styles of folk and popular genres from different corners of the globe.
Vocal Arts Festival Warm-Up
January 26–27, 2024
High School Students
An opportunity for talented singers to interact with, perform for, and join their voices with peers from around the region. Participants will have the chance to learn and grow as both soloists and choral artists.
Conducting Symposium Promo Image
April 19-20, 2024
Ages 18+
Focusing on conducting, score study, and wind band teaching, session topics will include conducting pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, and musicianship. Attendees may apply as a conducting participant or an observing auditor.
Wisconsin Saxophone Clinic
February 24, 2024
All Ages
A free clinic aimed to empower and inspire saxophonists of all ages to pursue musical excellence through an accessible and inclusive day of learning that features a guest artist.
Youth Jazz Ensemble
Thursdays (Fall, Spring)
Ages 14–18
Featuring high school students from the Greater Milwaukee Area, this ensemble provides the experience of being in a professional jazz ensemble, including performing opportunities.
Youth Wind Ensemble UWAY
Tuesdays (Fall, Spring)
Grades 8–12
Providing the region’s finest woodwind, brass, and percussion students an opportunity to rehearse and perform the best of traditional and contemporary repertoire in an artistic environment with other likeminded musicians.

Visual Arts

Artists Now! Guest Lecture Series
Wednesdays (Fall, Spring)
All Ages
A lecture series designed for a broad audience with an interest in contemporary visual art. Each week presents a diverse group of national and inter-national artists working across traditional, hybrid and emergent disciplines.
Summer Workshops: Jewelry & Metalsmithing and Digital Fabrication & Design
May–August
18+ or Accompanied Minors
Investigate a variety of topics, techniques and strategies while learning new ways to solve problems in the jewelry, metalsmithing, digital fabrication, and design studios.
Art and Design Summer Open Studios
June–August
UWM Students + Alumni
Available for intermediate to advanced Jewelry & Metalsmithing and Digital Fabrication & Design students and alumni with previous studio training seeking access to help make their own self-guided projects.
artsECO Pre College Program
Fall, Spring, Summer
Ages 14–18
Students build portfolio and art-making skills while venturing into new media such as printmaking, sculpture or digital processes. This on-campus experience can also lead to college applications, first-year opportunities or scholarships!
UWM Experimental Tuesdays - Animations by Justin Tomchuk
Tuesdays (Fall, Spring)
All Ages
Free screenings of the most recent and celebrated experimental work in 35mm, 16mm and video. A standout venue for a parade of visiting filmmakers and touring programs, this series is hosted in partnership with UWM’s Union Cinema.
June 24–28, 2024
July 22–26, 2024
Ages 14–18
The Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres offers two ways young filmmakers to gain skills: film camp and advanced film camp! Both week-long day camp experiences include workshops led by practicing artists and professors.
Film Day in the Life of a Film and Animation major Promo image
November 10, 2023
Ages 14–18
Are you a high school student with a passion for film or animation? Whether you’re already experimenting with movie making and animating or a curious film/animation buff, we’re providing a glimpse inside of our Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres just for you!
Milwaukee Home Movie Day promo image
October 14, 2023
All Ages
Community members are invited to bring in their home movies in 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, VHS, Mini-DV, or digital formats to have their materials inspected and/or repaired by UWM volunteers and screened for an audience while the owner narrates.

Go Behind the Scenes with Us

As an arts school, we take campus tours one step further by offering on-the-go information sessions designed for creative minds. Go behind the scenes with one of our arts ambassadors and learn about our programs along the way.