Our Philosophy
We believe music education offers a unique learning opportunity to explore creativity, artistic expression, and in-depth understanding of cultures in our diverse world.
Our comprehensive music education at MHSA enables our students to develop their musical abilities through self-discipline, leadership, teamwork and resilience – leading to increased confidence in learning. An education in music develops the lifelong learning abilities and skills necessary to contribute to a cultured, educated society.
Music Program
Guided by skilled, experienced educators, the music program at MHSA is designed to prepare students to enroll in university or conservatory music programs, for those who wish to explore other music related fields, and those students who want the opportunity to make music daily. Our music program offers diverse classes with a focus on theory, history, and performance. Students arrive at MHSA with varying levels of knowledge – while some may have taken lessons since elementary school, some arrive having only played their instrument for a year. Our program prides itself on raising student musicians by inspiring confidence and purpose by daily practice on their instrument.
Course Offerings
Music majors are required to declare a focus in band, choir, jazz, orchestra, or piano.
Band
Beginning Band – Symphonic Band – Chamber Workshop
Choir
Treble Choir – Chamber Singers – Concert Chorale – Vocal Jazz – Opera Workshop – Keyboard (Vocal)
Jazz
Intermediate Jazz – Advanced Jazz
Orchestra
String Techniques – Concert Orchestra – Chamber Orchestra – Chamber Workshop
Piano
Beginning Piano (all 9th grade Music Majors and Piano Majors) – Intermediate Piano (Majors) – Advanced Piano (Majors)
Theory
Pre-Advanced Placement Music Theory (all 10th graders) – Advanced Placement Music Theory
Click Here for Audition Requirements.
Performance Opportunities
- Fall and Spring Concert – Choirs and Orchestras
- Paint and Play – Collaboration between Piano students and Visual Art
- Opera – Opera workshop and Chamber Workshop
- Jazz Bazaar – Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz
- Jazz Portraits – Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz
- Soul Show
- Musical
- WSMA Solo and Ensemble
- WSMA Large Group
- WSMA State Competition
- Piano and Chamber Recital
- Senior Recitals
Current & Past Partnerships
International Association for Jazz Education | Jazz Educators’ Network | Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra | Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra | Present Music | University of Illinois Chicago | University of Wisconsin-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Read more about Guest Artists, Special Performances and Awards.
