feature
The Setup Initially, WSMA had approached WPT hoping to air the best of the performances on broadcast TV. Thanks to YPI, WPT has gained a reputation for spotlighting tal- ented young musicians, with concerts such as the Final Forte concerto competition, the State Honors Concerts and Overture’s High School Musical Theater Awards.
Doebel, however, realized that a different approach could provide more value to the hundreds of students, staff and parents who take part every year.
“We came into this with eyes wide open,” he says. “We determined that it would be more educational to provide this interac- tive resource. That fed into our production plan: we could have used close-up shots of the performers, but we made the conscious choice to stick with a single wide shot of the whole performance – even though it might seem static – so that when one of the judges gives a comment, we’re not at risk of missing what he or she is discussing
because we’re focusing on something else. Everybody watching is seeing exactly what the judges saw from the booth.”
Traditionally, the judges have captured comments on handheld audio recorders while watching each performance. This year, microphones in each judge’s booth ramped up the quality of the audio and allowed WPT to synch the audio with the HD camera work.
Of the 29 bands that participated in the competition, 12 agreed to be featured in the launch of this resource on wisconsin-
performs.org.
Who Can Benefit
Some WSMA member schools have long-established music programs with students and staff who aim to exceed a high standard they’ve already set. Other schools may have newer teachers looking to set their own tone, or a small program that may not field enough students for a robust sound.
In the marching band competition, schools are divided into four classes, A through AAAA. The comments made available through this new resource are useful to every ensemble that performed – and more – regardless of size or experience.
In some cases, this can help determine a direction for the future.
“Some band directors might be interested in getting involved in this kind of thing, but they may be intimidated by the pro- cess,” says Doebel. “If you worry that these judges are tough, you can hear that they’re nothing but supportive, from the moment they start their comments.”
How It Works
Indeed, the judges speak directly to the performers, peppering their commentary with supportive notes.
“There’s so much involved in perform- ers getting this show right – physically,
Continued on page 54
Wisconsin School Musician
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