Musicians Shine at Honors Concert

Front Row: (L-R) Nick Demaree, Tianna Gile; Back Row: McKenzie Scanlan, Emma Bryla, Danielle Dillon

by Beth Gardiner

Every year the best musicians in Wisconsin participate in the WSMA High School State Honors Music Project. Platteville High School was represented this year by Emma Bryla (‘16) and Nick Demaree (‘17) in the mixed choir, Tianna Gile (‘16) and McKenzie Scanlan (‘15) in the treble choir, and Danielle Dillon (‘16) in the orchestra.

“The audition process is very rigorous,” shares Bryla. For a vocal audition, one is required to prepare a classical solo and show skills in sight reading and aural recognition. Orchestra and band auditions are similar in nature.  

The auditions were in February, and the musicians found out if they were accepted in the spring. The students chosen then participated in an intensive four day camp in June leading up to a performance during the Wisconsin State Music Conference in late October. Tianna Gile said, “I had a great experience this year with Honors. It was unbelieveable to sing with so many other amazing women who share the same passion for singing and music! I learned so much through this incredible experience.”

The WSMA High School State Honors Music Project is nationally recognized as one of the best opportunities for young people. Scanlan reflects that this year she learned so much about being a performer. She says, “My conductor taught us that there is much more to performing than just singing the correct notes and rhythms. It’s so important to add your own meaning to the pieces.

So, who can audition for Honors? Students in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade are eligible at Platteville High School. All of this year’s star-musicians highly suggest auditioning. “If you don’t audition, your chance of getting into the choir is zero percent. Your chances go up immensely when you audition,” states Scanlan.