Contributed by Cynthia Kiepert

Five music students from Stevens Point Area Senior High School will reconvene in Madison, WI for one of their most rewarding musical experiences of their lifetime – Wisconsin School Music Association’s (WSMA) 2013 High School State Honors Music Project performances at the annual Wisconsin State Music Conference.

Jacob Weisbrod a baritone senior and Michael Treder a tenor sophomore, both members of the SPASH Concert Choir, which is directed by Mrs. Deb Pionek, will participate in the WSMA Mixed Honors Choir under the direction of Mr. Timothy Stalter on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 7:30pm in the Overture Center in Madison.  Jacob is involved in many activities at the high school, including the musicals & cross country.  Michael, who studies private voice with Mary Hofer, is a member of Teen Leadership at SPASH.

Craig Felt, senior violinist, Lucas Chan, junior violinist, and Antony Van Tiem, sophomore violinist are members of the WSMA 2013 State Honors Orchestra, under the direction of James Kjelland, associate professor of Music Education at Northwestern University and will perform in the Overture Center, Madison, at 4:30pm on October 24.  All three violinists are SPASH Orchestra members, directed by Ms. Cynthia Kiepert, who was the WSMA Honors Orchestra coordinator for the past two years.  Craig Felt studies violin with Prof. Pat D’Ercole at the Aber Suzuki Center, Lucas Chan studied with David Becker for 11 years and presently studies with Oscar Soler at ASC, and Antony Van Tiem studied with David Becker, violin/viola teacher at ASC.

The five SPASH musicians were selected from more than 1,500 students who auditioned last February at seven sites across the state.  They met for an intensive 4-day summer camp at UW-Green Bay in June with their newly formed ensembles, which are conducted by some of the nation’s finest conductors.  The High School State Honors Music Project is designed to provide musically talented students with the opportunity to be challenged and perform at their musical best.  The Honors Concerts in Madison celebrate the remarkable achievements of our five SPASH students and are open to the public.