Milwaukee City Wire

Music fans have many reasons to attend the MPS Biennial Music Festival, which is set to take place on May 1 and May 2 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in downtown Milwaukee. This year marks the 50th Biennial Music Festival, a significant milestone in the festival's history, with the first one being held back in 1924.

During the festival, there will be a variety of performances and events for attendees to enjoy. One of the highlights will be a fanfare played by herald trumpets adorned with banners on both nights of the festival. Additionally, there will be a performance by an MPS harp ensemble on the arena concourse before the Wednesday concert, showcasing the district's dedication to music education.

The festival will bring together 3,500 student-musicians from 75 schools to perform in multiple bands, choirs, orchestras, drumline, and a world drumming ensemble. According to Sharie Garcia, District Music Curriculum Specialist, missing this event means having to wait until 2026 for the next one, emphasizing the magnitude of this musical celebration.

One of the unique aspects of this year's festival is the focus on works by composers from underrepresented groups, including women and composers of color. Attendees can expect to hear a variety of pieces, including the fusion of Indian and Western classical styles in "TaReKiTa" and the 1980s pop hit "Optimistic," which Garcia believes will "knock people's socks off."

The festival will feature a diverse range of performances, from the All-City Honors Drumline to the combined bands, orchestras, and choirs performing patriotic songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The event will also include guest conductors, including MPS Superintendent Dr. Keith P. Posley and MPS alumnus Maliq Veal.

For the first time, the Biennial Music Festival will conclude each night with an audience singalong to "Be the Change," accompanied by hand drums. This inclusive and heartfelt moment aims to bring everyone together through music, spreading a positive message to the world.

The master of ceremonies for the event will be CBS 58 anchor Frankie Jupiter, with opening remarks delivered by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Dr. Deborah Bowling, MPS Manager of Fine Arts. The concerts are dedicated to the residents of Milwaukee, expressing gratitude for their support.

As the city prepares for this milestone event, music enthusiasts and supporters of the arts can look forward to two evenings filled with outstanding performances and a celebration of music education in Milwaukee Public Schools.