Community Engagement

The Wisconsin Idea at its most audible

The Mead Witter School of Music offers opportunities for the public to experience music through its faculty, staff, and students.

In addition to performances in the Hamel Music Center (all of which are open to the general public), the School of Music is home to three elite faculty ensembles that regularly perform and give presentations in Wisconsin and beyond. Community members can take music lessons from School of Music students through the Community Music Lessons program, and K-12 music ensembles have the opportunity to work with one of our conductors in a clinic.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Educational Clinics

Each year, the Mead Witter School of Music brings ensembles to the Hamel Music Center for an engaging, high-impact clinic experience led by our expert faculty. Each visit is designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate your ensemble through a dynamic, hands-on rehearsal, with the option to incorporate a variety of specialized workshops tailored to your group’s goals.

How to apply

Please contact MEO@music.wisc.edu to request your clinic. Include your program, number and type of ensembles, approximate number of students in each, and preferred dates and times.

Cost

Clinic fees are based on clinician, duration, and customization. Fee reductions may be available for qualifying schools.

Insurance and Supervision Requirements

All Clinic Agreements contain a Certificate of Insurance liability requirement as well as 1 adult chaperone for every 18 students.

Community Music Lessons

Click here for registration details and more information.

The Community Music Lessons (CML) program runs under the auspices of the Mead Witter School of Music to provide its students with valuable experience teaching applied music lessons for children and adults. Lessons are provided by undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the School of Music who are overseen by individual faculty members, an experienced graduate coordinator, and a staff supervisor.

Lessons are taught on campus, in the Mosse Humanities Building. Music Instructors are matched with university and community learners interested in beginning or continuing study of an instrument or voice in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Flexible scheduling and performance opportunities enhance the CML program, which has exemplified the Wisconsin Idea since 1968.

Presentations and performances by the Pro Arte Quartet, Wingra Wind Quintet, and Wisconsin Brass Quintet

Each ensemble travels throughout Wisconsin to high schools, colleges, and concert halls, working with young musicians and performing for local concert series patrons. Our faculty ensembles continue to expand its involvement with Wisconsin communities by providing mentoring, educational leadership, and training opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds.

Contact meo@music.wisc.edu to learn more.

Chamber ensemble coaching

Private coaching of small chamber ensembles can be most beneficial when preparing for an upcoming performance, such as Solo & Ensemble. The faculty ensemble will split up so that one individual will coach one ensemble. Coaches will discuss specific techniques, performance practices, and develop musical ideas with the ensemble. All levels are welcome.

Collaborative performance

The ensemble will rehearse with and prepare work(s) to be performed alongside a student ensemble. Side-by-side performances typically take 1-2 rehearsals. Repertoire varies depending on ensemble and ability level of collaborators.

Community recitals

Whether in an elementary classroom or a concert hall, audiences are sure to love a recital by any of the three UW-Madison faculty ensembles. Concerts range from 40 to 90 minutes in length and are comprised of engaging selections from a diverse classical repertoire for strings, winds, or brass. In community recitals, program selections are accompanied by an accessible presentation of musical and historical context, as well as insight into the ensemble’s unique approach to performance.

Open rehearsal

Members of the ensemble will lead auditors through a public rehearsal of current repertoire. Repertoire for the class will be chosen by the ensemble. Questions from the audience will be addressed throughout the rehearsal.

Performance class

In this workshop offering, members from the ensemble will listen to solo or small ensemble performances and offer comments and suggestions. Groups of any instrumentation playing music from any era are welcome! Students and/or public audiences are invited to observe.

Mead Witter School of Music

The Wisconsin Idea at its most audible

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