The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will host the first performances of the annual Wisconsin School Music Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.

More than 32,000 middle and high school student musicians will perform at nine universities statewide as part of the festival. Performances are open to the public and free of charge.

“The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Sheila Feay-Shaw, festival manager for UW-Milwaukee. “It is also an opportunity for the UW-Milwaukee music program to engage with the community in our efforts to support and value our school music colleagues, their students and their families.”

Students must earn a “starred first” rating in Class A – which consists of the most difficult music – at a WSMA District Music Festival to qualify for WSMA State Music Festivals. The participants, in grades 6-12, can choose from a variety of instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble categories for their performances in district festivals throughout the state. Over the past six months, WSMA has held over 225 such events, involving more participants than any other student activity.

“Wisconsin music students continue to excel in their level of achievement and dedication to excellence,” WSMA Executive Director Tim Schaid said. “The WSMA State Music Festival provides a quality opportunity for them to share the talents and skills developed in the classroom while creating a lifelong memory through their state festival performance.”

The WSMA State Music Festival is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater also will host festival performances on April 28. Cardinal Stritch University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point and Viterbo University will host festival performances on May 5. An evening Jazz Festival will take place May 4 at UW-Green Bay.

Learn more about WSMA State Music Festivals and other programs by visiting wsmamusic.org. Festival information, including schedules and results, will be posted as available.