Linus Ballard, Middleton High School Julia Landmark Foster Piano Award
Linus is a junior at Middleton High School, where he participates in several choirs, a student-led a cappella ensemble, plays trombone in band and acts in school musicals, in addition to studying advanced piano. He hopes the summer music clinic will help him work on his vocal range, expression, and trying other musical genres. Outside of music, Linus is involved in track and cross country, National Honor Society, and many hobbies with his siblings. After high school he plans to double-major in vocal performance and a pre-med science.

Mackenzi Johnson, Monona Grove High School
Mackenzi is a sophomore at Monona Grove High School and an active member of the Silver Connection Show Choir. Her director beams, “she brings joy to everyone.” Along with singing, Mackenzi is a songwriter and acoustic guitar player. She will use the summer music clinic to work on her stage presence and vocal range. In addition to music, she is an active leader in Monona Grove’s Black Student Union, has a blackbelt in karate, and hopes to be a teacher in the future.

Adelia Luna, Monona Grove High School
Adelia is a sophomore at Monona Grove High School who came into choral singing recently after playing in the orchestra. She was inspired to audition after watching several choir concerts and wanting to, “feel the experience of music all around” her. She is looking forward to learning advanced breath control techniques and improving her sight reading at the summer music clinic to help prepare for the upcoming show choir season. Outside of choir, Adelia plays volleyball and is active with her family

Noah Ehresman, Madison East High School
Noah is a junior at Madison East High School, where he helped restart the school’s a
cappella choir after the pandemic. He is an active member of the musical theater program
at East and in the Sun Prairie Civic Theater, starring in performances including Twelfth Night
and Disney’s Descendants. During the summer, Noah leads a band for a Christian youth camp
where he often sees music “bringing hope to children when they need it most.” In addition
to music, Noah is a competitive swimmer and community volunteer.

Ava Greenberg, Middleton High School
Ava is a freshman at Middleton High School and a member of three school choirs and
the musical theater program. Additionally, she sings in the Madison Youth Choir and has
acted in multiple performances with the Children’s Theater of Madison (Matilda the Musical,
Stellaluna, Peter Pan, and the UW Children’s Hospital Gala). This year she was selected to join
the WSMA State Honors Choir. In addition to singing, Ava plays piano and participates in
Student Council, Debate and Forensics. She also teaches music and Jewish studies to 4K-8th

Ancha Barry, Madison Country Day School, Sophomore. Ancha Barry is an avid singer, songwriter, and leader who loves sharing music with other people to see the joy it brings, especially when times are dark. She participates in chorus, pops concerts, recitals and WSMA Solo Ensemble competitions. Outside of music, Ancha is active in Girl Scouts, Social Justice Advocacy clubs at school, and the Rosaria Memorial Trust, a group that advocates for women’s rights on a global scale. Ancha was nominated by her choir director, Maggie Stansfield, who wrote that Ancha has both a great attitude and a passion for music, and she’s excited to see Ancha unlock her full potential at the Summer Music Camp.

Kai Foster, Madison East High School, Sophomore. Julia Landmark Foster Recognition. Kai Foster started playing piano at a young age and enjoys both composing and producing music. He can play several instruments and is currently learning to play guitar. At Madison East Kai sings in chorus and show choir, where he also serves as the lead keyboard player. Kai was nominated by his choir director, Luke Hrovat-Staedtler who believes Kai has the musicianship and passion to become a professional. Luke hopes the Summer Music Camp will be a significant life moment for Kai. The Julia Landmark award is for excellence in piano performance.

Isabella Mazzara, Cambridge High School, Sophomore. Julia Landmark Foster Recognition. Isabella has been a member of community choirs, school choirs, and musical theater casts ever since she can remember. She takes private voice and piano lessons, and plays the clarinet and the saxophone in the band. She also plays piano and sings with the jazz band. Her parents are both educated musicians, her father in band and her mother in choir. Isabella says she got the “choir gene” but enjoys participating in both band and choir. Isabella has grown from being a participant in each year’s summer musical since the age of six, to recently taking up directing that musical. She credits her mother with giving her a strong connection to music; she has accompanied Isabella on every solo/ensemble piece she has ever performed. According to Isabella’s vocal music teacher, Ms. Kathryn Gerlach, this year, because of the combination of her natural skill and her willingness to put forth every effort possible to succeed, Isabella will be performing at State in every vocal event possible (10 entries). She practices every moment she can and it shows in her sound and in her State scores. In addition to her many vocal, band and theatrical experiences, Isabella has taken Advanced Music Keyboarding and Music Theory/ Ear Training. She plans to take the advanced course her senior year. Ms. Gerlach further states the UW Summer Music Clinic will help Isabella grow even closer to reaching her post-secondary plans of becoming a fellow music educator.

Chelsea Melnick, Madison West High School, Junior. Chelsea has been a fantastic performer in Singing Valentines, Fine Arts Week, Chorale, Treble Choir and Concert Choir. She is a gifted natural leader/composer for Dressed to Trill and a handselected chamber mixed ensemble, Colla Voce, of which she is a founding member. She started this group herself and leads intelligent warm-ups and engaging rehearsals filled with purpose, finesse, and enthusiasm. Further comments from Chelsea’s vocal music teacher, Mr. Anthony Cao, are that her theory knowledge and ear skills, which she demonstrates in every intelligent, sophisticated arrangement she writes for her school’s choral groups, are already easily at the college level. He also states how much he enjoys their conversations about theory and harmony, “geeking out about chord substitutions in a song.” Mr. Cao strongly feels there is a need for more talented, passionate young people like Chelsea in the music education profession. Chelsea has participated in many music programs and summer camps including Madison High School Apprentice Program, Madison Opera, Girls Rock Camp, National Association for Teachers of Singing Competition, Interlochen Performing Arts Camp for Musical Theater, Children’s Theater of Madison and MadCAP. She also participates as a professional singer/pianist at Blackhawk Country Club and at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Madison Capitols Hockey, Make Music Madison, Music for Change, Voces Unidas and as a National Anthem Singer for Men’s and Women’s Hockey and USA Swimming. She also volunteers for organizations including Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, and Adult Mobility Training and Independent Living Program. Chelsea states her future goal is a music major with emphasis in choral conducting at a college and/or university level.

Katelyn Petersen, Marshall High School, Junior. Ms. Gina Jorgenson, Katelyn’s vocal choir teacher, feels Katelyn is an amazing leader for the choirs she is in and is one of the most deserving candidates for this scholarship. Seeing her confidence grow over the last eight years has made Ms. Jorgenson proud to be a part of her musical journey. Katelyn is an amazing sight reader, nearly always singing a part right on the very first try. Her knowledge of music theory is advanced far beyond expectations. She has had the lead in several musicals and always learns her songs thoroughly with thoughtfulness and poise. Katelyn is planning a career in music education and this clinic will help her decide if this is the right profession for her to pursue. Katelyn states that music has been a passion of hers for as long as she can remember. She enjoys playing the piano and saxophone and being involved in music programs in every way possible. Among Katelyn’s many other interests are playing the saxophone in church, Dorian Music Festival, UW Summer Music Clinics, Swim Team, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Cross County, Dance Team, Track, Honors Band and Choir, Show Choir, FFA, Drama, American Players Theater Workshop, The Pulsera Project, Luke House and Second Harvest volunteer, Sunday school teacher, blanket tying for the Children’s Hospital, Humane Society and Gifts for Elderly. Also, she has been selected as a candidate for Academic Excellence.

Gloria Eddy, Stoughton High School, Sophomore. Julia Landmark Foster Recognition. Music is a significant part of Gloria’s life and she is driven and passionate about it. By her first year in middle school Gloria knew she would be involved in music for the rest of her life. She has been given the responsibility to lead the choir class and has arranged songs for the Singing Valentines, an acapella group that goes from class to class singing shortened love songs for a small fee. Gloria has earned high ratings at State-level Solo/Ensemble and is also very active in her community. Participating in drama productions, some with lead roles has increased Gloria’s confidence. Being a member of the auditioned Concert Choir and seeing her choir director’s excitement in teaching has strengthened her desire to be a choir director as well. Gloria is also involved in the singing group Festival Choir at Christ Lutheran Church which requires a fast paced, sight-reading ability to learn challenging music. She has taken piano lessons for many years, beginning with her grandmother at age six. Besides being proficient vocally and in piano, Gloria also plays guitar and is learning to play an organ that has been in her family for many generations. She hopes to be able to use her music skills to subsidize college expenses. It is Gloria’s desire to help kids grow in their love for music just as her music teachers and choir directors have done for her. Gloria’s high school vocal music director, Mr. Ryan Casey, says she not only has a very fine singing voice but has a variety of strengths and abilities and is universally well-liked by staff and other students. Gloria is a talented actress heavily involved in theater as well as being a leader in her class academically. Aside from her musical skills Gloria has a wonderful attitude, is an excellent team player, is mature, cooperative, and has character above reproach.

Emmett Milligan, Madison East High School, Sophomore. Emmett has always enjoyed music and learning about different styles of music. He has enjoyed befriending upper classmen and credits them and his acceptance into show choir as a freshman as the beginning of understanding high school better, changing his school experiences. Emmett is a tenor lead and has performed solos and participated in solo competition. In addition to his choral activities at school he participates in private voice and guitar lessons. Guitar has taught him classic rock, folk, fingerpicking and punk rock. He has also played violin in elementary and middle school. Other accomplishments include a very high grade-point average, taking honors classes, cross-country (earning a Varsity letter), hockey (earning a sportsmanship/character award), and being a part of East’s Interact Club. Emmett is looking forward to the UW Senior Summer Music Clinic as an opportunity to improve his singing technique and get to know new people from other schools who are also interested in choir. As Emmett struggles with dyslexia he enjoys music and singing as an outlet. Emmett’s choral director, Mr. Luke Hrovat-Staedter, describes Emmett as a wonderful student with loads of potential as a musician. Mr. Hrovat-Staedter feels that he needs to be challenged more and the experience at this clinic will positively affect both Emmett and Madison East High School’s entire choir program. Due to Emmett’s hard work he is a strong section leader for the tenors; an entire section that is older. He chose to nominate Emmett believing he would be most affected by this experience and is at the perfect point where this could change his life.

Patricia Rivera Torres, Edgewood High School, Junior. Patricia states since she was a little girl she has been enamored with the world of music, participating in her church’s Children’s Mass and is even now a mentor at Vacation Bible School. She has participated in many musical endeavors, both in and out of school. Patricia is currently a member of three vocal groups at Edgewood, describing the choral group Edgetones as a lively and entertaining acapella group where the members compose and arrange the majority of their music to perform for various audiences. As each choir is unique she loves and appreciates every moment. One of Patricia’s favorite things about Edgewood is the passion and drive it has for community service. Patricia states music and service makes a blend so powerful and pure. She mentions that a requirement for graduation from Edgewood is 100 community service hours; she currently has 200+ and counting. Along with other awards and recognition, with this dedication to service she earned a scholarship to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar which assists youth in understanding the power individuals hold in molding the world around us. This year she has been chosen to attend the American Legion Badger Girls State Government and Leadership Conference. When making a college choice, Patricia will definitely be looking at those with collegiate choirs and service work. Patricia’s choral director, Ms. Serina Jolivette, states Patricia is an amazing young woman and wonderful musician with so much potential and she will be thrilled to take full advantage of everything this clinic offers. She has a wonderful attitude, a great voice, and a fabulous spirit. Ms. Jolivette is confident that Patricia will return to Edgewood eager to share the knowledge and expertise she will gain at the UW Senior Summer Music Clinic

Ceili Cordero, Madison West High School, Junior. Ceili’s passion for music is apparent as she began playing violin at the age of five. She presently plays violin, fiddle, ukulele, and clarinet and loves to sing. She has been a member of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra for the last five years and is also a member of MadFiddle, (a youth violin ensemble that explores and performs fiddle music from around the world), Midnight Voices (an all-female a capella group of students from different high schools), and Ten (the premier a capella group of ten West High members offering voice, beatbox and arrangements). Ceili also is a log rolling instructor and volunteers with performances at various assisted living centers as well as assisting with violin instruction. Ceili considers herself lucky to have been raised in two cultures with strong musical traditions, Puerto Rico and Ireland. Ceili’s high school vocal music director, Anthony Cao, says that quite simply, Ceili is one of the top overall musical talents that he has been lucky enough to teach in his career. A very real strength is her willingness to go the extra distance to assist in any area. For instance, last year she quickly learned a virtuosic violin part when an instrumentalist scheduled to perform backed out. She has assisted with teaching salsa dancing to the Treble Choir and has coached in Spanish diction. Anthony feels the UW Summer Music Clinic will help her to focus her energies on music in a new way, especially as she has started to feel a real pull to pursue music after high school.

Emma Goecks, McFarland High School, Sophomore. Nathan Mendl, Emma’s vocal music director, says Emma has a strong will to explore music and her experience in doing so qualifies her for this scholarship. She is a natural leader and displays excellent rehearsal skills, is always ready for the next note, and is always actively listening and participating throughout the course of each rehearsal. Emma is a very well-rounded individual who excels in music, scholastics and a variety of non-music clubs and activities such as Model United Nations, student council, literary anthology (editor), Girl Up Club, the school newspaper and others, all while managing her busy schedule. Emma states she has always wanted to be a musician. She has found a true passion in musical theatre and has participated in a variety of productions with lead parts in many of them. In addition to her participation in her high school choirs and in solo/ensemble, Emma is proud to be a member of Blue Notes, an advanced auditioned vocal ensemble, as well as a member of Pitch Please, a student-led all female a capella group, and is the future codirector of the McFarland Middle School musical next fall. Emma believes her grades and performances in all activities in school are extremely important, as they will depict her hardworking and persevering ethics. Pursuing a career in the arts in music performance, composition, or musical theatre or a combination of these is Emma’s goal so she can inspire those around her through the medium of music.

Stephanie Kolden, Monroe High School, Junior. Julia Landmark Foster Recognition. As Stephanie’s choral director Mat Anderson states, he has noticed several qualities that propel her forward beyond her peers. She is involved in several ensembles and events proving to be a foundational support and role model for her fellow cast members in the musicals in which she performs, empowering other students to see the joy in performing arts. Stephanie is a wonderful student, diverse in her involvement and consistent, with strong work ethics and a passion for performance. Mr. Anderson is excited to see her move forward in her senior year and continue with her aspirations to become a beacon for others in vocal music, sharing her joys and passion for music. Stephanie’s resume is extensive, listing many leadership and volunteer experiences from performing in nursing homes to participating in parades and in the Dorian Festival, Christmas caroling, singing the national anthem at events in various locations, and singing for funerals, and a memorial service, and popular music at various venues. She is also involved in many choral/solo opportunities in and out of school, and has participated in piano and vocal solo/ensemble for the past four years, in which she received high ratings. Stephanie’s summer and senior year goals include assisting with Middle School Summer School and with Concert Choir. She also is a member of a number of high school choirs as well as the Madison Youth Choir and Badger Honors Choir. Stephanie plans to become a music education major in college since she feels “It would be a privilege to give others the joy of music by teaching the world to sing.”