Music

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, guitar, jazz, orchestra, or piano.

Band

Beginning Band – Symphonic Band – Symphony Orchestra – Chamber Workshop

Choir

Treble Choir – Chamber Singers – Concert Chorale – Vocal Jazz – Opera Workshop – Keyboard (Vocal)

Guitar

Beginning Guitar – Advanced Guitar 

Jazz 

Intermediate Jazz – Advanced Jazz

Orchestra

String Techniques – String Orchestra – Chamber Orchestra – Chamber Workshop – Symphony Orchestra

Percussion

Percussion Ensemble – Drumline

Piano

Beginning Piano (non-Major) – Intermediate Piano (Majors) – Advanced Piano (Majors)

Theory

Pre-AP Music Theory (Freshman – 2 semester) – Theory 2 (1 semester) – AP Music Theory (Senior – 2 Semesters)

Music Capstone

The Music Capstone Program is designed to recognize graduating seniors who complete all required music courses AND capstone courses (Senior Seminar, Teaching Assistant, AP Music Theory). The music department will recognize the rigorous course of study and contributions to the artistic culture of MHSA.

Student will be recognized at graduation with a additional tassel, cord, AND capstone completion diploma.

Senior Music Seminar

Senior Seminar is a course that is designed to highlight the cumulative knowledge and/or performance skills of a senior year musician. Students will construct an interest based, individual capstone project that will be student guided with instructor oversight. These projects include, but are not limited to, a senior recital, concert tour, composition, historical research, community outreach through performance, or recording project. All projects will require a writing/research component for completion.

Teaching Assistant

Students may have the opportunity during their senior year to be a teaching assistant for one semester and receive pass/fail credit.

Performance Opportunities

Fall Concert (Choirs and Orchestras)
ArtStream Concert (Band and Symphony Orchestra)
Paint and Play (Piano)
Marquette Orchestra Festival (Chamber Orchestra)
MPS Battle of the Drum Lines
Opera (Opera workshop and Chamber Workshop)
Jazz Bazaar (Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz)
Jazz Portraits (Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz)
Soul Show (All) – Biennial
WSMA Solo and Ensemble (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Piano)
Musical (All)
WSMA Large Group (Bands, Choirs, Orchestras)
WSMA State Competition (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Piano)
Piano and Chamber Recital (Chamber Workshop and Piano)
Spring Music Concert (Bands and Orchestras)
Spring Choral Concert
Jazz Finale (Jazz Combos and Vocal Jazz)

 

Current and 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

Guest Artists, Clinicians and Collaboration

Al Jarreau
Berkley Fudge – Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Carl Allen – Julliard
Chris Vadala – Independent jazz artist
Don Linke (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music)
Dr. John Cooper – Western Illinois University
Dr. Mike Stryker – University of Illinois-Chicago
Dr. Richard Davis – University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dr. Robert Kase – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Eric Church – American country music singer-songwriter.
Ernie Adams – University of Illinois-Chicago
Geoffrey Gordon, Composer
Harry Connick, Jr. – American singer, composer, actor, and television host
Jack Grassel – Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, MATC
Jamey Aebersold – Independent jazz artist
John Harmon – Lawrence University
Marvin Hamlisch – American composer and conductor.
Peter Bernstein – Independent jazz artist
Prof. Benjamin Whitcomb, Cello – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Prof. Bernard Zinck, Violin – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Prof. Christopher Ramaekers, Director of Orchestras – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Prof. John Aley, Trumpet – University of Wisconsin – Madison
Prof. Michael Irish – UW Stevens Point, Michigan Technological University
Prof. Steve Weist – UW Whitewater, U of North Texas, Denver University
Prometheus Trio – Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Ray Blue – Independent jazz artist
Shania Twain – Canadian singer and songwriter

Other Performance Opportunities/Past Events

NAACP ACT-SO Competition
Birch Creek Music Festival – Door County
Civic Music Association High School Showcase
Heritage Music Festival – New York, Toronto, San Francisco
International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Jazz Festival (New York City)
International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Jazz Festival (Long Beach, CA)
Jazz Educators’ Network (JEN) Jazz Festival (Dallas, Texas)
JVC Jazz Festival (New York City)
Lawrence Jazz Festival
MHSA Pep Rallies (featuring large pop ensembles and singer songwriters)
North Texas Jazz Festival (Denton, Texas)
The Smithsonian Institution Jazz Event
University of Wisconsin-Madison – Summer Music Clinic
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee High School Honors Festival
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Jazz Festival
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Jazz Festival
Western Illinois University Jazz Festival
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music – Summer Institute at MHSA

Photos

Performances

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk5hpHth5X0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Q8gDApU_U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMkGJuSOT5Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQZAbg96Yuo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uHMl0IF10U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0k36H76nog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5YR3yVv0Ck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEqASnWoVzs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yzykAe3luo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGrVdev3Nr4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_OCGH-SrHg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tEXWqv2R0E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nIDda0Y5Bg

Awards

Music Conference Performances

1993– WMEA                  Madison, WI                  Concert Chorale
1995– North Central MENC      Indianapolis, IN                Concert Chorale
1996– WCDA                   Appleton, WI                  Concert Chorale
2001– WCDA                  Appleton, WI                 Concert Chorale
2006– WCDA                  Appleton, WI                 Concert Chorale
2007-     WCDA               Madison, WI               Vocal Jazz
2008– WMEA                 Madison, WI                 Vocal Jazz
2013– WCDA                  Milwaukee, WI             Vocal Jazz
2014– NC-ACDA            Des Moines, IA              Vocal Jazz
2014– NC-ACDA            Des Moines, IA             Concert Chorale
2015– National ACDA         Salt Lake City, UT              Vocal Jazz
2018– WCDA                  Wausau, WI                 Concert Chorale

Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards

2005-  Winner-             Classical Orchestra-        Arts High Schools
2014-  Outstanding Performance– Vocal Jazz Ensemble-        Arts High Schools
2015-  Outstanding Performance– Vocal Jazz Ensemble-        Arts High Schools
2017-  Winner–Charisma Carson–Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist        Arts High Schools
2017-     Outstanding Performance– Kaprice Maxwell- Jazz Voice-     Arts High Schools

YoungArts

1993– Kanika Bell               Musical Theatre              Finalist
1993-  Leslie Cook               Piano                    Finalist
1997- Tony Earl                   Jazz Voice                   Honorable Mention
2002– Vincent Davies         Classical Voice               Finalist
2002– Erica Schuller           Classical Voice               Honorable Mention
2004– Marcus Mitchell            Jazz Voice                   Honorable Mention
2011– Brenton Hicks         Popular Voice             Merit
2012– Timothy Boone         Popular Voice             Merit
2013– Felix Ramsey           Popular Voice             Finalist
2014– Shampriel Morrise         Popular Voice             Merit
2017-  Charisma Carson         Popular Voice             Merit
2018– Princess Vaulx         Jazz Voice                 Merit

NAACP ACT-SO

1993-    Tarrah Reynolds        Classical Instrumental        Bronze Medalist
1994-    Tarrah Reynolds        Classical Instrumental        Silver Medal
1997– Tony Earl                  Jazz Voice                   Bronze Medalist
2003– Anne McCormack          Classical Voice              Gold Medalist
2003– Anne McCormack          Musical Theatre             Gold Medalist
2004– Marcus Mitchell            Jazz Voice                   Silver Medalist
2007– Justin Knox             Classical Voice             Silver Medalist
2013– Anthony Miller         Classical Voice             Bronze Medalist
2016– Kaprice Maxwell         Jazz Voice                 Gold Medalist

Heritage Music Festival, New York – Orchestra – Gold Award 1st
Heritage Music Festival, New York – Band- Gold Award 1st
Heritage Music Festival, New York –  Orchestra – Adjudicator’s Award
Heritage Music Festival, New York – Outstanding Orchestra Group
Heritage Music Festival, Toronto – Orchestra – Gold Award 1st
Heritage Music Festival, Toronto – Outstanding Orchestra Group
Heritage Music Festival, Toronto – Orchestra – Adjudicator’s Award
WSMA – Consistent First Awards for Band, Orchestra, and Choir.
Downbeat Award – Jazz Combo (3X)
Downbeat Award – Outstanding Jazz Soloist (2X)
UW Eau Claire Jazz Festival – 3X Winner
North Texas Jazz Festival – Combo Winner (Denton, Texas)
Featured Performance – JVC Jazz Festival (NY NY)
Featured Performance – JEN Festival (Dallas, TX)
Featured Performance – IAJE Festival (NY NY)
Berklee School of Music HS Jazz Festival – 4th Place
UW Platteville Jazz Festival – Combo Division 1st Place
UWSP Jazz Festival – Numerous Individual Awards
Featured Performance – UW Madison Jazz Festival
Featured Performance – WI State Teachers Convention
Featured Performance – Wisconsin Music Education Association (WMEA) State Convention (several times)
Featured Performance – Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC (Dr. David Baker presiding)

Schools of Higher Learning Attended

Alabama State University
Alverno College
Beloit College
Berklee School of Music (Boston)
Boston University
Cardinal Stritch University
Carroll University
Carthage College (Kenosha)
Central Michigan University
Clark-Atlanta
Columbia College (Chicago)
Concordia University
DePaul University (Chicago)
Fisk University (Nashville)
Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Henderson State University (Arkansas)
Howard University (Washington D.C.)
Indiana University
Iowa State University
Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
Kentucky State University
Lawrence University Conservatory (Appleton)
Lincoln University- Missouri
Lincoln University- Pennsylvania
Loyola University – Chicago
Manhattan School of Music
Marquette University
McGill University (Montreal)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT – Boston)
Millikin University (Decatur, IL)
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
Mississippi State University
Morehouse (Atlanta)
Mount Mary College
New England Conservatory (Boston)
New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music (New York)
Northwestern University (Chicago)
Oberlin Conservatory (Oberlin, OH)
Roosevelt University (Chicago)
Rust College (Holly Springs, MS)
San Francisco Conservatory
Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN)
Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA)
Temple University (Philadelphia)
Tennessee State University
Texas Southern University
University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff
University of Chicago
University of Illinois
University of Maryland
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Northern Iowa
University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA)
University of Richmond (Virginia)
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, OH)

Faculty

The MHSA music faculty are all masters or doctorate level musicians and educators who are working music professionals and experienced music educators.

Pablo Amaya, III – Director of Orchestras

Masters of Music with an emphasis in instrumental conducting

Pablo Amaya, III has been Orchestra Director at Milwaukee High School of the Arts since 2001. A graduate of Milwaukee High School of the Arts (Class of ‘91), Mr. Amaya received a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Music Performance (Violin/Viola) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), and a Masters of Music with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from UWM. Mr. Amaya has been a freelance Violist and Violinist throughout the state of Wisconsin where he has performed with the Racine Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (Madison), Plymouth Concert Chorale, Master Singers, Waukesha Concert Chorale, Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, and numerous chamber ensembles. Mr. Amaya has presented his model of Arts Propel at the State Music Convention in Madison and the National Conventions in Salt Lake City, Utah and Milwaukee. He has also been recognized in the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as one of 50 directors (representing Wisconsin) who make a difference, and has appeared as a guest conductor of the UWM Honors Orchestra.

Mark Grauer – Director of Bands

Mark Grauer has been a music educator since 1979, teaching band, choir and orchestra in public schools in Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and received a Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Mr. Grauer is a published author, composer and arranger, with his works for concert band published by Daehn Publications. His music has been widely performed by bands around the country including all-state groups, performances at the Midwest Clinic, and by the United States Marine Band. In 2013, Mr. Grauer received the Legion of Honor award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation for contributing significantly to the teaching profession through dedication to bands and band music. Mr. Grauer has served as conductor for honor bands and orchestras throughout the Midwest, and has been active as an adjudicator for WSMA. He currently serves as Music Director for the Suburban Concert Band, an adult community band in the Milwaukee area.

 

Mr. Grauer is excited to join the music faculty at Milwaukee High School of the Arts and looks forward to helping the students reach higher levels of performance as individual musicians and maintaining the tradition of excellence that MHSA groups have demonstrated.

Raymond Roberts – Director of Choirs

Bachelor of Music- Music Education
Master of Science- Educational Leadership

Raymond Roberts is the Director of Vocal Music at the Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where he has taught since 1991. Mr. Roberts is a graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School of the Arts in Dallas, TX and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University as well as Master of Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. He is also active in the Milwaukee music community, having held the position of Assistant Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Director of the Plymouth Concert Chorale, and Tenor soloist at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Alyssa, currently serve as music directors at First United Methodist Church- West Allis. He has also performed as Tenor soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus, and the Bach Chamber Chorus. Roberts was also seen in the role of Normanno in the Skylight Opera Theater production of Lucia di Lammermoor.

Raymond has received recognition from the Wisconsin Choral Director’s Association as an Outstanding Young Conductor. He also received recognition from Civic Music Association of Milwaukee as Outstanding Vocal Director. He received the Distinguished Teacher Award from the United States Department of Education for his work with a student who was named a Presidential Scholar in the arts, and was featured twice in Choral Director Magazine, a national trade publication for his choral program at MHSA.

Dr. Douglas Syme – Director of Jazz and Guitar Studies

Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) Music Education

Dr. Doug Syme has been the director of the award winning Milwaukee High School of the Arts jazz program since August 2001. Before accepting the position at MHSA Dr. Syme had been the band director / department chair at Vincent high school, and had taught in the jazz studies and classical guitar department at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. In addition, Dr. Syme taught for the MYSO jazz studies program from 2004-2012. He has also maintained an active private guitar studio since 1980. Doug holds a BM from Northern Illinois University, an MME from UW Stevens Point, completed his teacher licensure at Alverno College, and received his D.M.A. from Boston University. Since arriving at MHSA Dr. Syme’s groups have earned numerous awards at both the regional and national level and continue to be recognized as some of the top HS jazz groups in the country. In addition to numerous state festivals, their travels have included performances at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the JVC and IAJE jazz festivals in New York City, the Berklee College of Music HS jazz festival in Boston, Mass., the University of North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison, Texas, and the JEN national convention in Dallas, Texas.

Adjunct Faculty

Carl Storniolo, Percussion

Carl Storniolo is a versatile freelance percussionist who performs with ensembles throughout the Midwest. Performance credits include contemporary music ensembles such as Present Music and regional orchestras including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Skylight Opera Theater, the Sheboygan Symphony and the Bel Canto Chorus. Carl plays for touring artists and has had the pleasure to perform with Frank Sinatra Jr., Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Don Rickles, and many others. He manages, composes, arranges and performs with the Pangaea Steel Drum Group and plays regularly as vibraphonist and percussionist with jazz ensembles, Latin bands, and big bands in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Carl is an active percussion educator. He currently teaches percussion ensemble and marching percussion at the Milwaukee High School of the Arts and Waukesha South High School. Carl has 30 years of teaching experience at a variety of music schools, high schools, and middle schools throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Carl is an artistic partner with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra A.C.E. program, a position he has held since 1993. Past teaching credits include Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, faculty instructor with the Cavalier Drum and Bugle Corps, Alverno College, and Director of the UWM Youth Percussion Ensemble Program. Carl earned his Masters of Music Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a Bachelors of Music Degree from Northern Illinois University.