Solon Springs Rock band "Ultra Day", triplets Caleb, Cody and Corey Utyro, and pose with bandmate Kyle Rudd (second from the right) for a picture after their night at the WSMA Launchpad Competition on April 20th at Chippewa Falls High School. The participants were in general from very large schools and our kids were definite underdogs and favorites. Some of the other schools participating were Lacrosse, Osseo Fairchild, Sparta, Middleton, Regis, Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls. They were the only group to have written all three of their competition songs.
“Launchpad, now in its eighth year, is one of the fastest growing and exciting new WSMA programs offered to high school students. It encourages students to creatively put into practice lessons learned in music classes by applying, in their own way, the skills learned,” said Tim Wurgler, WSMA program director. At least one person from each band must be in a school music program and all members must be currently enrolled in a Wisconsin high school and/or WSMA member school to qualify. All four of the Ultra Day group belongs to our Sr. High Choir.
The competing bands, selected from more than 75 statewide entries are each slotted to play the three songs (covers or originals in virtually any style) from their audition recordings. They are evaluated by music industry professionals on expression and creativity (dynamics, ability to connect with audience/inspire enthusiasm), technique (intonation, rhythmic clarity, dexterity, vocal clarity/diction), time (ability to play in sync and “feel” style together), blend (melody, inner notes, bass, listening) and synergy (overall effect, the “wow” factor).
The bands will compete for the state title and the prestigious Les Paul Launchpad Award. The winning band will also receive a professional recording session at Blast House Studios in Madison, a 2012 Summerfest gig in Milwaukee, and the ability to designate a Yamaha equipment package to their school, courtesy of Yamaha Corporation of America. All bands advancing to the state finals automatically qualify to participate in the Summerfest Launchpad Regional Showcases, where they will each play a 45-minute set with a potential audience of 3,000 people.
Click on the songcloud link to the right to hear their songs.
