FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Thays

Phone: 608-850-3566

Email: kthays@wsmamusic.org

Web: www.wsmamusic.org

MADISON BAND ALTON KELLY WINS LAUNCHPAD GRAND PRIZE

Twelve Wisconsin Bands Competed in the State Finals

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (June 23, 2008) – Twelve garage bands competed Saturday, June 21, in the Launchpad state finals competition and Madison-based band Alton Kelly won the grand prize package -- a July 4 Milwaukee Summerfest gig on the classic rock stage, the Les Paul Launchpad Award and free studio recording time at E-Labs Multimedia! The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) announced the results immediately following the competition at Wisconsin Union Theater (UW-Madison campus). The event, which was open to the public, celebrated the reach of music education.

Competing bands, finalists from 70 statewide entries included:

• 4 p.m.                   Press Start (Gibralter High School)
• 4:25 p.m.              Village Idiot (Milton High School)
• 4:50 p.m.              The Sommer (Sturgeon Bay High School)
• 5:15 p.m.              Pillbox 49 (Parkview High School)
• 5:40 p.m.              Against the Grain (Marshfield High School)
• 6:05 p.m.              The Scallywags (Milwaukee Pius XI and Waterford Union High Schools)
• 6:30 p.m.              Shoreline Blue (Milwaukee Lutheran High School)
• 6:55 p.m.              Alton Kelly (Madison Edgewood and Memorial High Schools)
• 7:20 p.m.              Trees on the Moon (Cumberland High School)
• 7:45 p.m.              Arts and Crafts (Chetek High School)
• 8:10 p.m.              Broken Silence (Neenah High School)
• 8:35 p.m.              The Scallions (Kohler High School)

“These bands have shown a tremendous amount of effort and dedication. Launchpad provides a platform for great learning and experience they can take wherever they go,” said Robert Kase, WFSM executive director.

This year’s finalist bands experienced a touch of fame with the opportunity to learn from acclaimed Yamaha recording artists in the first-ever Launchpad Music Clinics held just hours ahead of the competition. Drummer Ndugu Chancler, who provided the beat for “Billie Jean” on Michael Jackson’s Thriller album and has also recorded and toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Santana and Kenny Rogers, led a drum clinic beginning at 12:30 p.m. Bassist Nathan East, who co-wrote the number one hit song “Easy Lover” with Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, and has recorded, written and performed songs with artists such as Eric Clapton, Elton John and Whitney Houston, conducted a bass guitar clinic beginning at 1:30 p.m. The public was invited to observe the clinics by simply purchasing a ticket to the Launchpad finals competition. Both artists were also part of the judging panel for the competition.

Following the clinics, the bands competed for the state title and grand prize. Each group played three songs (covers and originals in a variety of styles). They were 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). In addition to the written evaluations, bands received a private verbal critique.

“Providing leadership and support for school music programs so that students have opportunities which encourage lifelong involvement in music is at the heart of our mission,” said Kase. In order to qualify for Launchpad, at least one member of each band must be in a school music program and all members must be currently enrolled in a Wisconsin school.

Launchpad is funded by WFSM, corporate sponsorships and in-kind giving from people who believe in the benefits of music education and all that music has to offer. Sponsors for the Launchpad state finals competition include Yamaha, Charter Communications, Madison Media Institute, Nicholas Family Foundation, E Labs Multimedia, The Onion, Oneida Nation, WMSN FOX 47, WJJO FM, WTDY AM, WHLK FM, WJQM FM, Maximum Ink, Broadjam, SONY, Sticha Brothers Sound,

Good ‘n Loud, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Tall Guy Productions and Wisconsin Education Association Council. The program is produced by Dennis Graham Associates.

For more information on Launchpad, including participation details, video footage of last year’s finals competition, all supporting sponsors, late-breaking news, etc., go to www.launchpadwisconsin.org. Also be sure to visit www.wsmamusic.org/foundation for more about WFSM.

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Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) supports involvement of youth in music education experiences, primarily through the programs and services of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). The Foundation provides a means for individuals and corporations to invest in the lives of young musicians and has a direct impact on their efforts to achieve excellence through music.