Welcome Back!

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year. I hope you all took time to relax, rejuvenate and take in new opportunities this summer. I can't wait to hear all about it and to start making music with you!

Click this link for a 2023-24 Syllabus, Calendar of events and concert attire information for your review and records. Please take time to look carefully at the Concert Attendance Policy and the concert attire so that you are prepared well in advance for concert participation. The performing arts calendar on the district website is also a good source for concert information (click on the link and click on the "performing arts" tab). Our first concert is Thursday, December 7th, so there is plenty of time to prepare!

Throughout the year, do not hesitate to e-mail or call if any questions arise (contact info at bottom of newsletter). I will also send out choir newsletters monthly via Infinite Campus so please keep your contact information up to date in the Infinite Campus Portal.

TIP: You can also access new and archived newsletters on the district website performing arts page by clicking on Arts/Athletics/Activities (on the top header)> Performing Arts > High School Performing Arts Offerings > Vocal Music > Newsletters.

WHO: The Waunakee Music Boosters have changed their name to the Waunakee Family Organization for Music and Theater Arts (FORMATA). They are partnering with the Friends of Waunakee Performing Arts to host Raise It To The Rooftop: A Grand Piano Fundraiser (see poster below).

WHERE: The Lone Girl, 114 E. Main St. Waunakee.

WHAT: Featuring performances by music teachers and students including Ms. Sussanah Herrick and her band Finding North, Mr. Mike Steen and his band Whiskey Farm and the Waunakee High School Jazz Combo, Ice Cream Truck.

WHY: Enjoy a night of music while supporting our vibrant music and theatre programs through financial support, advocacy, volunteer opportunities and helping with the purchase of a Yamaha S6X concert Grand Piano for the Performing Arts Center.

WHEN: Sunday October 8, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DONATE TO OUR ONLINE AUCTION? Waunakee Formata is also hosting an online auction from October 6-8. We are looking for individuals who are willing to donate auction items. All funds raised will go toward the new grand piano for the PAC. If you would like to make a donation, please complete the 2023 Donation Auction Form. If you have any questions, please email Christina Metzger. Donation items are due Monday, October 2nd.

FORMATA (Family Organization for Music and Theater Arts) is looking for lots of help to support our music programs this school year. Please take a few minutes to fill out this google form packed with opportunities to support our young musicians. We need YOU!

FORMATA Volunteer Form

Help Support our Young Musicians by donating to FORMATA

Families that are able are encouraged to consider a donation of $25 per student for the 2023-24 School year. Waunakee FORMATA assists with so much including helping to fund solo & ensemble festival, field trips, guest artists and collaborations, honors ensemble participation, scholarships, instruments and equipment. Our students' experience depends on the generosity of our Family Organization and any and all donations are appreciated. Click below for more information

2023-24 FORMATA Donation Classmunity Campaign

Stay tuned for more information about our popular annual fundraiser: THE FORMATA FRUIT SALE! More info to come in October!

A committee made up of students, alumni, accompanists and music teachers explored, played and studied many high quality grand pianos this summer. After much discussion, this group has recommended the purchase of the Yamaha S6X for our PAC.

The Waunakee has continually committed to providing students and community members with the latest technology. whether it's software, hardware, tools or instruments, in each vocation, we want our students to work with the tools that they will experience in their lives after high school. What pianos do professional musicians use or do they play or sing along with in their music-making? The Yamaha S6X is a professional level instrument with hand made precision-crafted elements that set it apart, while keeping it more affordable for schools and other institutions.

Waunakee High School senior and pianist, Wilson Kierce, had this to say about the instrument: "I'm confident this piano is the right one for our space. The guality is unmatched, and I simply haven't played a piano on its level before."

Help us celebrate the legacy of music in our schools with your donation in Classmunity to this concert grand piano that will resonate for years to come.

Join us for our tour of New York City, this March 2024. Sharing our joy of singing and music-making, watching broadway shows, meeting broadway artists and performers, visiting the cultural sites like the 9/11 museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and taking in the sites are just a few of the incredible opportunities that students will take part in. All current 10-12 grade students in choir and drama are invited to attend. Draft Itinerary, inclusions and cost information

The DATES areMARCH 22-25, 2024 - at the beginning of Spring Break

To Register, click on this Link:WAUNAKEE NEW YORK REGISTRATION 2024

WeTravel is the interface that controls registration. Please review these instructions to help you with the registration process, or to change your information after registration:

WeTravel Family Packet

-The payment plan is set for the following:

20% deposit due September 19, 2023

Installment 1 due October 15, 2023

Installment 2 due November 15, 2023

Final installment due January 12, 2024

The music program strives to develop lifelong participation and joy in music by providing a safe environment with opportunities for students to develop self-expression, understand themselves, create deeper connections with the global community, learn how to collaborate with others, and to develop a sense of identity and belonging. Students are involved in musical experiences as listeners, performers and composers during their school years. Our sequential curriculum is based on developing skills in the following areas as defined by the Wisconsin Music Educator Association and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: Creating, Performing, Responding and Connecting.

Email: mollypetroff@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/athleticsactivities/performing-arts
Phone: 608-849-2100
Twitter: @waunasing