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Bands on the march: state championships coming to UW-Whitewater

Photo

Photo by Craig Schreiner

The University of Wisconsin ­ Whitewater marching band performs at Perkins Stadium on the UW-Whitewater campus during the football game on Oct. 6. They will perform twice on Oct. 13 during the state marching band championships in Whitewater.

WHITEWATER — Over 30 high school bands from across the state will march onto the UW-Whitewater campus on Saturday, October 13 for the 28th annual Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Marching Band Championships at Forrest Perkins Stadium, starting at 12 p.m. See the performance schedule here.

"Marching band is more than a competitive endeavor for Wisconsin students. It is truly an educational lesson in teamwork, comradery, goal setting and achievement. Thousands of people come together for the State Marching Band Championships to celebrate the achievements of each and every student on the field," said Tim Wurgler, WSMA program director.

The WSMA State Marching Band Championships are divided into four entry classes determined by total school enrollment. Each band will perform for 15 minutes. A panel of eight judges will evaluate bands in five areas: music performance, visual performance, general effect, percussion and color guard. Bands will receive both a written critique and recorded comments from each judge for their performance. In addition to the competitive classes, there is a Novice Class, and a non-competitive "Festival Class," which utilizes an adjudication process for ratings, similar to WSMA’s renowned Concert Festivals. The UW-Whitewater Warhawk Band will present two exhibition performances at the event, before the awards ceremonies. In each class, awards for Best Percussion, Best Musical Presentation, Best Visual Presentation and Best Color Guard will be presented, in addition to division awards and the top three awards in each class.

Family, friends and community members are invited to attend the 2012 WSMA State Marching Band Championships. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for Children ages 6-17, senior citizens and undergraduate college students with valid college ID. Children five and under, free admission. For more information, including post-event results, visit www.wsmamusic.org.