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Launchpad music competition lifts off for Madison

The final countdown is on for Launchpad - the one and only statewide alternative music competition of its kind in the nation featuring high school students that are in garage bands. The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) and Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) announced the 12 finalist bands in the state that will take the stage and compete in a concert extravaganza at the Wisconsin Union Theater (800 Langdon St.) on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on Saturday, June 23, 2007, from 4 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Wisconsin Union Theater box office, by phone (608-262-2201), online (www.uniontheater.wisc.edu), or on the day of show. Tickets are $6 for ages 18 and under and $7 for adults. The program is produced by Dennis Graham Associates. The event, which is open to the public, celebrates the reach of music education. WEAC is among the state finals sponsors.

The competing band finalists from more than 60 statewide entries include:

  • Alakrity (Beloit Memorial High School)
  • Ian Olvera Trio (Green Bay Preble and West De Pere high schools)
  • Union Jack (Kettle Moraine and Waukesha high schools)
  • Surreal Effect (Fond du Lac High School)
  • Trees on the Moon (Cumberland High School)
  • Unsung Hero (Wausau West High School)
  • Emulate (Ashland High School)
  • Alton Kelly (Madison Edgewood and Middleton high schools)
  • Exmoor (Milton High School)
  • Mosquito Hollow Trio (Cedarburg High School)
  • The Roves (Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Rufus King High School)
  • Great White Mastodon (Wauwatosa East and West high schools)

Launchpad provides another outlet for students to stretch the boundaries of their musical knowledge. "Most of these students learn the basics of music from a classroom music teacher, or a band director. This program connects the kind of music education being taught inside the school with the music being made outside of school," said Andrea Mauch, WFSM director of development.

The bands will compete for the state title and a grand prize which consists of the Les Paul Launchpad Award, a professional recording at E Labs Multimedia in Madison, and a 2007 Summerfest gig. Each group will play three songs (covers or originals in virtually any style). They will be evaluated by music industry professionals on intonation (tuning, pitch adjustment skills), blend (melody, inner notes, bass, listening), time (ability to play in sync and "feel" style together), technique (rhythmic clarity, dexterity, vocal clarity/diction) and creativity and expression (style, dynamics, ability to connect with the audience and inspire enthusiasm). In addition to the written evaluations, the bands receive a verbal critique.

WFSM and WSMA have a strong history of offering programs and services such as the state solo and ensemble music festivals, state honors music project, and state marching band championships that help youth achieve excellence through music. The organizations are headquartered in the new Wisconsin Center for Music Education - first of its kind in the nation. Like the Center, Launchpad is a pioneering initiative to help extend the reach of music education in Wisconsin.

"Launchpad is the only statewide school music program of its kind in the nation that ensures all students have opportunities which encourage lifelong involvement in music," Mauch said. At least one member of each band must be in a school music program and all members must be currently enrolled in a Wisconsin high school to qualify.

Launchpad is funded by WFSM, corporate sponsorships and in-kind giving from people who believe in the benefits of music education and all that music has to offer. Sponsors for the finals competition include Charter Communications, Nicholas Family Foundation, E Labs Multimedia, Madison Media Institute, WMSN FOX 47, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WJJO FM, WTDY AM, WEAC, Maximum Ink, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, SONY, Broadjam, Oneida Nation, Tall Guy Productions, the Onion, Ward-Brodt, and Firecracker Studios.

"We have some very talented bands looking to perform in the Launchpad finals competition and cheering on the bands is a great way to show support for music and celebrate this one of a kind garage band competition that highlights the many ways that students can expand their musical skills," said producer Dennis Graham.

For more information on Launchpad, including participation details, video footage of last year's finals competition, all supporting sponsors, and late-breaking news, go to www.launchpadwisconsin.org . Also be sure to visit www.wsmamusic.org/foundation for more about WFSM.

Posted June 1, 2007

Education News