Many of Wisconsin’s most accomplished junior high and middle school music students (band, choir and orchestra) will perform at the Wisconsin School Music Association Middle Level State Honors Music Project concert in Madison on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Throughout the state 317 students in grades six, seven and eight were selected from more than 1,250 who auditioned in April 2012 to participate in the WSMA program. Auditions included individual student performances and an ensemble class, taught by an Honors adjudicator. Selection was based on several elements of music performance.

Platteville Middle School students singing in the WSMA Choir include Alexis Acierno (soprano), Nicholas Demaree (tenor), Tianna Gile (alto), Alissa Stanley (alto) and Sierra Vivian (soprano). PMS students playing in the WSMA Orchestra include Emma Bryla (B-flat clarinet), Danielle Dillon (string bass) and Vivian Li (violin).

WSMA State Honors Music Project brings Wisconsin’s finest school musicians together to work with nationally known conductors in a professional setting. The 2012 WSMA Middle Level State Honors Choir is being conducted by Jeffrey Redding of West Virginia State University, and the Orchestra is being conducted by Patrick Reynolds of the University of Dayton.

In addition, 429 of the finest young musicians in Wisconsin are about to unite for the peak of what could be the most rewarding musical experience of their lives — the Wisconsin School Music Association High School State Honors Concerts at the Overture Center in Madison.

Rachel Demaree of Platteville High School will play viola in the High School State Honors Band and Orchestra Concert Thursday, Oct. 25 at 4:30 p.m. McKenzie Scanlan (alto I) and Arianna Day (soprano I) of PHS will sing in the High School State Honors Mixed Choir and Treble Choir Concert Thursday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.

The WSMA State Honors Music Project brings Wisconsin’s top young musicians together to work with nationally known conductors in a highly disciplined, professional setting. The 429 students in grades 9, 10 and 11 were selected from more than 1,400 who auditioned.

“The High School State Honors Music Project is more than just a concert that occurs in October. It is the culmination of efforts by teachers and students to prepare for the musical experience of a lifetime,” said Tim Wurgler, WSMA program director.

When students come together for the first time in June, they meet their conductors, section coaches and each other for the very first time. Through the rehearsals with these nationally recognized conductors, students become unified in one common musical goal. After camp students remain in contact with their section coaches, conductors and each other as they continue to hone that common goal. “The result is concerts that are more than inspired but truly inspiring to everyone involved as well as the audience,” said Wurgler.

The 2012 WSMA High School State Honors concerts are sponsored by American Family Insurance.