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WI-ASTA Young Artists Honors Orchestra

On March 11, 2023 eighteen of our WAWM orchestra students participated in the WI-ASTA Young Artists Honors Orchestra at the Mukwonago HS Performing Arts Center.  

From Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate School -  6th graders: Sofia Antonio, Braeden Burmeister, Carter Matz, Madelyn McDowell, and Ryan Serrano and 7th graders: Londynn Bender, Victoria Bernall, and Lily Theppanya performed in the Presto and Vivace Orchestras.
 
From Lane Intermediate School - 6th graders: Makayla Hahn, Riley Pepin, Emmalee Rausch, and Nora Sanderson and 7th grader: Micah Leigh performed in the Allegro and Presto Orchestras.
 
Elementary students Bennett Cesarz & Matthew O'Brien (Wilson Elementary) Anaiyahliz Coriano (Madison Elementary), Lucija Karas, Beverly O'Connor, & Katella Slates (General Mitchell Elementary) performed in one of the three orchestras as well.
 
They were nominated by their teachers Mary Pat Michels (FLW and Lane) and Erin Ovanin (Madison, Mitchell, and Wilson).  The day-long event involved 155 students from all over the state of Wisconsin, included 5 hours of rehearsals and instruction and concluded with an hour-long concert for family, community, and teachers.  
 

(Photo: Allegro Orchestra in concert)
 
The Mukwonago teachers and coaches were from the WI-ASTA Board and area universities and included the following WAWM learning community members:  Ella McGinley (bass coach from Nathan Hale), Jane Krasovich (violin and viola coach from UW-Madison, Hale graduate), and Mary Pat Michels (Presto Orchestra Conductor who serves as our WAWM Music Lead).  
 
(Photo: Jane Krasovich running the Presto Violin and Viola sectional)
 
WI-ASTA is the Wisconsin Chapter of the American String Teachers Association and hosts two of these events each year, one in Wisconsin Rapids and one in Mukwonago.  WAWM Orchestra Teacher, Mary Pat Michels serves as chapter president and is completing her 3-year term in May.