MSM Bridge Program
MISSION: To bridge experiences of singers in educational institutions with opportunities to continue artistic engagement and growth in the community as a lifelong pursuit.
Three Opportunity Levels
Bridge Scholars
– High School students broaden their musical experience alongside top-notch adult singers from around the greater Milwaukee area while performing diverse and challenging repertoire under the leadership of MSM Artistic Director and UW-Milwaukee Director of Choral Activities Dr. Zack Durlam. Students can receive valuable community service credit under MSM’s nonprofit designation and may request letters of recommendation based on tenure with the group. Scholars are awarded a $300 per concert cycle or $1000 per full year (3 cycles) scholarship and have the annual $120 singer pledge waived. MSM Scholars must be a student in good standing at an area high school.
Bridge Interns
– College/University students broaden their musical experience and develop local connections with top-notch adult singers from around the greater Milwaukee area while performing diverse and challenging repertoire under the leadership of MSM Artistic Director and UW-Milwaukee Director of Choral Activities Dr. Zack Durlam. Interested interns can obtain real-world experience in the organizational and structural nuances of a nonprofit arts organization including infrastructure, grant writing, leadership governance and development, and marketing and branding expertise. Interns may request letters of recommendation based on tenure with the group and are paid $450 per concert cycle or $1500 per full year (3 cycles) and have the annual $120 singer pledge waived. MSM Interns must be a current student in good standing at an area college, university, community college, or trade school
Bridge Apprentices
– Music master’s degree students or early career conductor-teachers serve as an assistant conductor and singer with the Master Singers of Milwaukee. The MSM Apprentice will rehearse and conduct one piece per concert cycle, lead sectionals, sing as a part of the choir, run rehearsals in the artistic director’s absence, and assist the artistic director with musical leadership of an auditioned community ensemble with a roster of over 80 vocalists. The MSM Apprentice works alongside and receives feedback from MSM Artistic Director and UW-Milwaukee Director of Choral Activities Dr. Zack Durlam and will have opportunities for networking with singers, music educators, and other professionals from around the greater Milwaukee area. Interested apprentices can also obtain real-world experience in the organizational and structural nuances of a nonprofit arts organization including infrastructure, grant writing, leadership governance and development, and marketing and branding expertise. Apprentices may request letters of recommendation based on tenure with the group and are paid $750 per concert cycle or $2500 per full year (3 cycles) and have the annual $120 singer pledge waived. MSM Apprentices must have completed a bachelor’s degree in music and be either enrolled a music graduate program or in their first five years of a music or music teaching career since completing their bachelor’s.
SELECTION PROCESS: MSM Scholars, Interns, and Apprentices are selected through an application and audition process:
APPLICATION:
- Interested parties fill out the online form below to apply.
- Applications are open year-round. Finalist auditions for year-long and first-cycle commitments will be held during summer (details below). Additional per-cycle-only finalist auditions will be held in November and February.
- Scholars and Interns apply by August 1 to be considered for full-year or first-cycle positions. Apply by November 1 or February 1 for second- or third-cycle consideration.
- Apprentices apply by July 15 to be considered for the full-year or first-cycle apprenticeship. Apply by October 15 or January 15 for second- or third-cycle consideration.
AUDITION:
- Selected applicants will be invited to audition with Artistic Director Zack Durlam. MSM Scholar, Intern, and Apprentice positions will be awarded following the completion of all auditions.
- Bring a prepared song to perform at your audition. This could be the Star Spangled Banner, a classical solo, a musical theatre piece, or anything you feel comfortable and confident performing. The song does not need to be memorized. MSM will provide a pianist.
- After your prepared song, the Artistic Director will assess your musical skills and vocal range. This process may include some easy warm-ups, sight reading, tonal memory exercises, and basic questions about your musical experience and knowledge. No preparation is necessary for this portion of the audition.
- Provide the name and contact information for a reference who is not a family member. This person should be an adult teacher, coach, administrator, supervisor, or group leader who can discuss your character, work ethic, and leadership skills. Music teacher references are ideal, but the reference does not need to be a musician. Choose a person who knows you well and can speak accurately and positively about you and your work.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- All Scholars, Interns, and Apprentices must participate in required performances and at least 90% of rehearsals per concert cycle
- Regular rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. in Wauwatosa. Each concert cycle includes one additional 3-hour dress rehearsal
- Scholars, Interns, and Apprentices will provide a testimonial regarding their time and experience with MSM upon the conclusion of their service
- All participants are expected to display strong character, work ethic, and responsibility
