12/15/23 - Band Updates

1. The Nutcracker Two Ways - Tuesday 12/19

Bring your family and friends!  Tuesday is our Nutcracker concert!

MHS Symphony Orchestra and 7:00 Jazz Band, along with guest members of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Isthmus Brass, are presenting music from The Nutcracker.  Hear Tchaikovsky's original suite alongside Duke Ellington's famous 1960 jazz adaptation.  Tickets are $15 for adults; students and children under 18 are free but need tickets.  Purchase tickets here.

2. MHS Local Solo & Ensemble Festival

Registration is due Monday for our local solo & ensemble festival on January 1/27 (this is the correct updated date).  This is a non-state affiliated festival where we hire great judges who clinic our students.  We also hire piano accompanists for students (additional fee) and provide judges with copies of the music.  All students are strongly encouraged to participate.

3. WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival

Registration is due next Friday for the WSMA district festival in February.  See Mr. V for registration info.  This festival is completely optional.  Students electing to participate will need to contract their own piano accompanist and provide their own judge's copy.  Students who perform a class A event at the WSMA District festival have the opportunity to qualify for the state festival held in April in Platteville.

4. Concerto-Aria Competition

Students who are practicing a solo that has an orchestral accompaniment are encouraged to audition in January for the Concerto/Aria Competition.  The winner(s) will play their solo with the MHS orchestra in March.  Registration is due before the break; see Mr. Kurr.

5. Galin College Chat - January 4th

"How Music Plays a Role in College Admissions for Music and Non-Music Majors."

Parents of 9th, 10th, and 11th graders: please consider attending this free presentation by college prep experts Zach Galin and Doug Brown about how music can factor into your college application process.  Learn how to leverage your interest in music to achieve your college admission goals.  January 4th, 7 pm in the orchestra room.

6. Jazz Cabaret

Come to our annual winter jazz cabaret!

• Dress rehearsal on January 11th at your usual rehearsal time.

• The concert is on January 12th, 2024, at 7:30 pm!  (Performers wear all black.)

7. Upcoming Concert Opportunities (great for makeups!):

• Sunday 12/17 at 2:00 at First United Methodist Church -- Isthmus Brass Holiday Concert (come see MHS trumpet teacher Halie Brown!).  Free; donations accepted benefiting Porchlight.

8. Festivals, Clinics, & Honor Bands:

• UW-Madison Double Reed Day - Saturday, January 14th. All oboes and bassoons encouraged to participate.  No audition.  $30 includes dinner.  Register here.

• UW-Madison Badger Orchestra Clinic - Saturday, February 4th.

Michael Ver Voort