Advanced high school instrumental and vocal musicians in the five-county Greater Milwaukee area are encouraged to apply for the CIVIC MUSIC MKE High School Music Competition set for Saturday, January 25, 2025 at First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa.  Application deadline is December 15, 2024.  Interested musicians should visit the CIVIC MUSIC MKE website at www.civicmusicmilwaukee.org to find more information and to apply online.

 This prestigious competition will distribute a total of $4,000 in awards and scholarships to the top ten selected winners.  Vocal and instrumental musicians in grades 10-12 who are performing at the WSMA Class A level or above and living in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Racine counties are eligible to apply.  Audition Day includes several workshops and masterclasses that give participants specific information and tools to become better musicians. Workshops will include:

Mindful Performances: Where Preparation and Confidence Intersect

led by Mark Davis, acclaimed jazz pianist and Artistic Director, Milwaukee Jazz Institute

Lighten up: The Alexander Technique for Musicians 

led by Alexandra Kassouf, performer and Alexander Technique expert

Self-care for Singers

led by Victoria Benson Hora, retired performer and Choir Director, Cedarburg High School

Repair and Maintenance for Your Stringed Instrument

led by Korinthia Klein, luthier an owner, Korinthia Violins

Based on the day’s auditions, Competition judges will invite the top 10 classical musicians to perform on the Showcase Recital, set for 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.  Young Artist scholarship winners will be announced at the close of the recital.  This recital is free and open to the public.

The 2025 instrumental judges for the High School Competition are Jun Kim, Director of Orchestral Activities at UW-Milwaukee; James Ripley, Director of Bands at Carthage College, and Johanna Brahm, piano faculty member at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The vocal judges are Matthew Markham, Professor – Voice, Voice Area Coordinator, UW-Stevens Point and Chelsea Betz, mezzo soprano, private voice instructor.

One of Milwaukee's oldest arts organizations, CIVIC MUSIC MKE has been active in developing the musical life of our community since 1918. CIVIC MUSIC MKE serves the Greater Milwaukee area by offering performance opportunities and support to young musicians and recognizes music educators and Milwaukee area citizens who have provided inspiration, education and resources so that music thrives in our community.  Through auditions, coaching, workshops, solo performances and award programs and the annual KIDS MUSICFEST, CIVIC MUSIC MKE offers life changing experiences through the joy and fulfillment of making music.