Koszarek chosen for Wisconsin School Music Association High School Honors Orchestra

ANTIGO — Antigo High School Junior Brion Koszarek has qualified to participate in the Wisconsin School Music Association High School Honors Orchestra for the 2024-2025 school year.

Brion’s parents are Kevin and Emily Koszarek.

Brion was among approximately 120 students chosen to participate in the orchestra from nearly 1,500 auditions and 5 ensembles. These students were selected based on a rigorous audition process and are among the best student musicians in the state.

The orchestra is under the direction of Steven Amundson, emeritus director of orchestras at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.

Students attended a summer camp with their clinicians at UW-Eau Claire to prepare for the final performance in the fall at the Overture Center in Madison, Wisconsin. This performance will be broadcast on PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio.

The WSMA State Honors Music Project provides musically talented students with an opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation’s finest conductors in a professional, highly disciplined setting.

Students are challenged to perform at their musical best throughout the short rehearsal period, which culminates with a performance in October at the Wisconsin State Music Conference held in Madison each year.

For many of these young musicians, the WSMA State Honors Music Project offers the experience of a lifetime, creating friendships, memories and skills they take with them in whatever path they choose.