Mini Music Clinics
Immerse yourself for one day
Students in grades 9–12 and/or educators are invited to join us on the UW–Madison campus for a challenging, fast-paced day of musical growth and connection. Designed to supplement students’ school, community or individual music experience, Mini Music Clinics serve to enhance music education through large and small group instruction from UW–Madison faculty and graduate students. High schoolers will build connections with the UW–Madison campus and their fellow musicians and perform in a final concert at the end of the day.
All educators (pre-service, current, retired) are invited to spend the day on campus with or without your students for a rejuvenating retreat!
- Work with UW Band and Choir Directors in a collaborative conducting and new music reading session
- Observe the Band and Choir Clinics and their guest conductor
- Connect socially and professionally
- Attend the concert
- Enjoy classes taught by other Mead Witter School of Music Faculty that directly relate to your teaching and needs!
At a glance
Registration and program dates
Badger Orchestra Clinic:
- Registration deadline: January 31, 2025
- Program: Sunday, February 9, 2025
Badger Choir Clinic*:
- Registration deadline: February 7, 2025
- Program: Saturday, February 15, 2025
MINI MUSIC CLINIC student tuition
Students: $125
$25 nonrefundable application fee.
Need-based scholarships are available.
MINI MUSIC clinic – teacher retreat educator rates
*For Band and Choir Clinics only.
Teacher with student attending: $90
Teacher without student attending: $150
format and location
In-person on UW-Madison’s campus
I absolutely loved playing with the full ensemble. It was so nice to play with people who loved music as much as I did. I also enjoyed playing with such a wide variety of instruments at one time. I also loved the music, especially Halcyon Hearts and Fortress. Overall this was one of the best (if not the best) experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to come back next year.
mini music student
2023
Auditions
Orchestra students will audition to be part of the clinic as part of registration. The audition process will mirror that of the student experience at UW-Madison.
- Submit a separate entry for each instrument
- Students participating in both sessions may substitute one recording if it is on the same instrument
- Students will be asked to submit video/audio recordings by uploading their materials into a provided link
- Early submissions are strongly encouraged!
- If you are not able to submit a video/audio audition for any access reason, the program will create a system that works for you
- Music teacher/instructor recommendations are not required
The goal of the audition is to provide the experience of the audition as a precollege program and give feedback. Written feedback will be provided at the program.
Prepared solo specifics
- Students are asked to submit an audio and/or video recording of a solo or etude that demonstrates musicianship and technical facility through contrasting tempos and styles
- No more than two minutes
- No accompanist necessary
- All genres and styles welcome
- Percussionists should prepare one solo/etude of their choosing which can include mallet instruments (vibes, xylophone, or marimba); timpani; and/or snare drum
Submission ideas:
- Make a new recording of yourself
- Use a video of a recent performance or project
It was very fun, everyone was well prepared, focused and a great musician.
mini music Student
2023
Tuition and financial aid
A $25 nonrefundable application fee is submitted with the student’s application. The full tuition payment of $125 is due by the start of the program.
A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial need. Our goal is to make these programs accessible. If the cost of this program is a barrier to participation, please contact us to see what options might be available.
School Districts and/or Community Organizations may pay for student attendance. Contact the program for more information. Payments must be received prior to the start of the program.
Check out what past Mini Music Clinics had to offer
Halcyon Hearts – Katahj Copley
When The Stars Begin to Fall – Fred. J. Allen
New Wade’n Water – Adolphus Hailstork
Spring Festival – Chen Yi
Fortress – Frank Ticheli
Patricia Cornett, Conductor
Caribana Afterparty – Omar Thomas
Abracadabra – Frank Ticheli
Tarantella – Carol Brittin Chambers
Intrinsic Light – Cait Nishimura
Sigurd Jorsalfar – Edvard Grieg
Symphony No. 7, Movement 2 – Ludwig van Beethoven
L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 “Farandole” – Georges Bizet
Oriol Sans, Conductor
The Three-Cornered Hat (Finale Dance – Jota): Manuel de Falla ed. Nancy M. Bradburd
Pictures at an Exhibition Part Five: Modeste Mussorgsky, orch. Carl Simpson
Theme from E.T.: John Williams, arr. James D. Ployhar
Peer Gynt, In der Halle des Bergkönigs: Edvard Grieg
Mariana Farah, Conductor
Ubi Caritas – Brian Sharpe
Dixit Dominus from Dixit Dominus, RV594 – Vivaldi, arr. Liebergen
Sing Out a Joyful Alleluia! – Mary Lynn Lightfoot
Hope Lingers On– Lissa Schneckenburger, arr. Andrea Ramsey