NewsletterFriday, April 3, 2026

March 2026 Newsletter

Play It Forward raised nearly $13,000, Art in the Burg drew 800+ guests and 60 artists, Solo & Ensemble results are in, Jerry Award nominees announced, spring concerts and auditions ahead, and the FAB board is looking for volunteers!

A Note from FAB President Polly Schmidt

Thank you Cedarburg arts supporters for coming through strong on the Play It Forward campaign!

Nearly $13,000 was generously contributed to provide new instruments for the band, choir and drama programs ($3,000 beyond our goal). Students are already playing some of these instruments and we look forward to hearing the impact at the many upcoming spring performances that you'll see highlighted in this edition of the newsletter.

We are also grateful to our many volunteers, artists and participants for the annual Art In the Burg. Over 60 artists displayed their work, with over 800 guests in attendance. Check out the photos in the coming pages.

Spring is the perfect time to come see the culmination of fine art students' hard work. Have a look at our calendar to see when you can come see and hear it for yourself!

— FAB President Polly Schmidt

Solo & Ensemble

Congratulations to CHS student musicians for an impressive performance at this year's WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival!

96 total entries
49 entries received a ONE with distinction (State Eligible)
35 received a ONE
9 received a TWO

Visit CHS FAB's webpage for the specifics: chsfab.org/solo-ensemble.

WSMA State Solo & Ensemble will take place on May 2 at Carroll University.

Drama Program

Congratulations to Jerry Award nominees from the Chicago: Teen Edition production! Winners will be announced in May.

Watch for the upcoming Webster Middle School production of Matilda in April. Some of the CHS stage crew will be behind the scenes, supporting this event.

— Kristin Jacoby and Jess Vento, Drama Liaisons and Aaron Beatty, Tech Liaisons

Vocal Arts

Auditions for next year's A Cappella Choir and Bella Voce begin soon. Spread the word and let's continue to build our program!

Visiting Artist Series Collaboration: Friday, April 10 at 7:30pm. Matt Vee and Killer Vees — Neil Diamond Cover Band. A Cappella Choir and Bella Voce will be performing.

Be sure to join us for our spring concert and senior recognition night on May 19!

— Kadie Johnson, Heidi Wheeler and Mr. Mudra, Director of Choirs

Instrumental Music Program

Spring is a busy time for the band program. Two new tubas are filling out the bottom of the band and can be heard at upcoming spring events!

Here are important spring dates for concert, symphonic, jazz and marching band:

March–April — Auditions for next year's Symphonic and Jazz bands
Tuesday, April 7th, 7:00 PM — Marching Show Reveal
Friday, April 17th–19th — Eau Claire Jazz Festival
Friday, May 1st — North Shore Honor Band (more information coming soon)
Saturday, May 2nd — WSMA State Solo and Ensemble
Monday, May 25th — Memorial Day Parade and service
Sunday, June 7th — Graduation Band (concert/symphonic)
Thursday, July 2nd — Rotary Music Festival Drum Corps
July 19th–24th — Band Camp!

— Jessica Tipkemper, Instrumental Music Liaison & Andrew Westgate, Director of Bands

Scholarship Awards Night is May 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (CPAC)
Summer Camp Scholarship Applications are due by April 24!
Contact chsfineartsbooster@gmail.com for more information.