UWSP Music

08/19/2026

🎷 Registration is now open for Saxophone Day! 🎶

Spend the day with fellow saxophonists enjoying clinics, performances, ensemble playing, and expert instruction.

Reserve your spot today!

Saturday, November 7 from 9am-5:30pm
UWSP - Noel Fine Arts Center
More information and registration: https://tinyurl.com/ywncrzvk

College of Fine Arts & Communication .poffenberger .v.hetrick

08/15/2026

🎶ATTENTION ALL UWSP STUDENTS!! 🎶

Do you have musical talent? Not a music major but still want to be involved in an ensemble? The UWSP Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Windy Symphony, Campus Band and Campus Orchestra are OPEN TO ALL MAJORS!

We've got a place for you in one of our ensembles...AND...the Campus Band and Campus Orchestra do not require an audition!!

Click/copy for more information: https://tinyurl.com/2k4bp9wz

UWSP College of Fine Arts & Communication

08/13/2026

✨ALUMNI NEWS✨ Associate Lecturer (UWSP Theatre & Dance) Sonia Grimsled ('16 Music Performance) has been named the Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensembles's new artistic director!

Bravo, Sonia!

UWSP College of Fine Arts & Communication

08/03/2026

🎶Congratulations to Gabi Kristiansen and Megan Lau on their successful Master of Music Education thesis defense!🎶

Gabi presented "General Music Teacher’s Perceptions of the Impact that Performance-Centered Approaches Might Have on Elementary Music Students’ Behavioral and Emotional Engagement" She would like to thank her committee: Dr. Patrick Lawrence (Campus Band Conductor and Low Brass and Music Education Professor), Dr. Beatriz Aguilar (Director of Music Education, main thesis advisor), and Dr. Laura Dunbar (Associate Professor and Music Education Coordinator at UWEC).

Megan presented "The Effect of Creative Decision-Making in the Middle School Band Classroom on Student’s Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Self-Regulation" and thanks her committee: Dr. John Lynch (Director of Bands and Professor of Music), Dr. Beatriz Aguilar (Director of Music Education, main thesis advisor), and Daniel Gilanyi (Band Director at West De Pere High School.

Bravo, Gabi and Megan! Roll Dawgs!!

07/27/2026

Congratulations to Alum Karina Verdette ('25-Music Education and Music Performance) on the new position at Wausau Conservatory of Music! Roll Dawgs!

UWSP College of Fine Arts & Communication

WCM is pleased to welcome Karina Verdette as our new director for Harmony Hive Children's and Youth Choir!

Karina Verdette is a dynamic performing artist, music educator, and conductor based in Central Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and Music Education, with an emphasis in instrumental and choral studies, from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

An active educator, Ms. Verdette is entering her second year as the choral director at John Muir Middle School in Wausau, Wisconsin. She has taught private piano, voice, and flute lessons for several years.

As a versatile freelance collaborator, she performs for community events, weddings, and local venues throughout the region.

To sign up for Harmony Hive, visit https://wausauconservatory.asapconnected.com/ =327989 or call 715-845-6279 Ext. 102

07/23/2026

🎶Congratulations to Abbi Landrum on her successful Master of Music Education thesis defense "Taking Center Stage: An Examination of Show Choir Standards."🎶

Abbi would like to thank her committee: Dr. Aguilar (Assistant Professor and Director of Music Education, main advisor), Dr. Markham (Professor of voice and Voice area coordinator), and Dr. Dunbar (Associate Professor and Music Education Coordinator at UWEC), for their mentorship, guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback throughout this journey.

Bravo, Abbi! Roll Dawgs!!

07/21/2026

Congratulations to Alum Matthew Rhyner ('13 Music-Jazz Studies) on the new position at Wausau Conservatory of Music! Roll Dawgs!

UWSP College of Fine Arts & Communication

WCM is pleased to officially welcome Matthew Rhyner as part of our Drum Set faculty.

Matthew Rhyner is a drummer, percussionist, educator, and music coordinator based in Wausau, Wisconsin. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Drum Set Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and has over 13 years of teaching experience working with students of all ages and skill levels.

As an active performer, Matt tours throughout the Midwest with country artist Brady Lee and acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Llanas. Closer to home, he performs regularly with Brad Emanuel and is an experienced musician in country, jazz, rock, and worship settings. His diverse performance background allows him to bring real-world musical experience into every lesson.

Matthew is passionate about helping students build strong fundamentals while developing creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music. He tailors each lesson to the individual student's goals, whether they're just beginning their musical journey or preparing for auditions and performances.

If you'd like to take Drum Set lessons at WCM, call 715-845-6279.

07/09/2026

✨ POINTER NEWS ✨

Congratulations to ZACH DUNBAR (Senior, Music Education) on his recent opening performance in the opera orchestra at Chicago Summer Opera!

Zach will be a member of the orchestra for the performances of "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart and "Rinaldo" by Handel through July 12.

Bravo, Zach - we can't wait to hear about your summer when you return to campus in September! Roll Dawgs!!

Tickets and show information at: www.chicagosummeropera.com

UWSP College of Fine Arts & Communication