WSMA High School State Honors Concerts

media release: After an intense audition, a summer camp and rehearsal process, 430 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 (WSMA) High School State Honors concerts.

These concerts are attended by students, parents, teachers, alumni and general public from around the state and beyond, and mark the highest point of the 2025 WSMA High School State Honors Music Project:

High School State Honors Orchestra and Band Concert

Thursday, October 30, 4:30 p.m., Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison

Adults – $22 Advanced/$26 Day of Performance; Youth, High School, College Student with ID – $11 Advanced/$14 Day of Performance

High School State Honors Treble Choir and Mixed Choir Concert

Thursday, October 30, 8 p.m., Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison

Adults – $22 Advanced/$26 Day of Performance; Youth, High School, College Student with ID – $11 Advanced/$14 Day of Performance

Tickets for Overture concerts available through Overture Center Website

High School State Honors Jazz Ensemble Concert

Friday, October 31, 11:30 a.m., Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive, Madison

Adults – $16 Advanced/$19 Day of Performance; Youth, High School, College Student with ID – $11 Advanced/Day of Performance

Tickets Available Through Purple Pass

The WSMA State Honors Music Project brings some of Wisconsin’s top young musicians together with nationally known conductors in a highly disciplined, professional setting. These State Honors students were in grades 9, 10 and 11 at the time of spring auditions and selected from nearly 1,500 who auditioned.

When students come together for the first time in June at the summer camp for High School State Honors, they meet their conductor, section coaches and each other. Through the rehearsals with the 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 which culminates in their performance at the concerts.

For more information about the WSMA State Honors Music Project and other programs, go to wsmamusic.org.

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Honors Music Project began in 1967 to provide musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation's finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting.