May: Biennial Music Festival - Milwaukee Public Schools

Skip To Main Content

Switchboard:

About MPS
- Discover what we’re focusing on through 2028, including literacy, climate and culture, and more.
- Read director bios, newsletters, upcoming and past meeting information, important policies, and more.
- Meet our superintendent, her senior leadership team, and her Student Advisory Council, as well as the MPS Learning Community leaders.
- Find open positions and upcoming career fairs, review our hiring process, and learn more about working for MPS.
- Learn about our departments and everything we do—including who to contact if you need help.
- Discover what’s new at MPS.
- Find the latest information about events and activities around the District.
- Staff members, use these links to quickly access the apps you need.
Enrollment
- Use the filters on our interactive map to find the right MPS school.
- Learn about our more than 150 school options.
- Get step-by-step enrollment instructions, including specifics for kindergarteners and high school students.
- Find out what to do if you move or are experiencing hardship.
Academics
- Discover what students are learning from K3 through graduation, including core subjects and advanced academic programs.
- Review the requirements for MPS graduates, as well as alternative education pathways and other options for credit recovery.
- Prepare students for college and beyond, from career and technical education (CTE) to college preparation to dual-enrollment opportunities.
- Explore one of the largest clusters of Montessori schools nationwide, including curriculum information, resources, and more.
- Learn about programs that support language learning and cultural diversity, and find support for multilingual learners.
- From Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA) to First Nations Studies to PLTW and beyond, discover exciting MPS offerings.
- Get important information about early childhood intervention, specialized programs and services, and more.
- Hands-on activities, field trips, special programs with community partners, opportunities for credit recovery—see what’s in store this summer.
Students
- Easily access apps and other important tools.
- See what’s being served through our free school meal program.
- Find eligibility details, transportation zones, and tools like our bus-tracking app.
- Discover student-athlete registration, digital ticketing, game schedules, and more.
- Prepare for the future with college and career services, including financial aid support.
- Explore comprehensive services that promote academic success and well-being, including counseling, health care, psychological services, and specialized programs for diverse needs.
Families
- Read important information about weather closures, attendance, and disputes, as well as the Parent/Student Handbook.
- Find everything you need—including important forms, required school supplies, and academic guides—to stay informed and support student success.
- Discover community resources and district programs, like our Special Education Liaison for Families (SELF) Program.
- Choose how you want to get involved, from volunteering at your child’s school to serving on a council or committee.
- Explore how our multi-level system of supports improves academic achievement and behavior—and how you can help at home.
- Learn about our safe, enriching programs that support working families.
Community
- Here's everything you need to stay connected and succeed after graduation.
- Discover the foundation’s impact and how you can donate to support our students.
- Get more involved with MPS as a donor, partner, or volunteer.
- Learn how we're continuously improving and striving to better support our students, families, and the Milwaukee community.
- Rent an indoor MPS school facility or outdoor location for your next event.
- Learn more about our retiree health insurance programs, pension, and 403(b) and 457 plans.
- The 2026–27 MPS budget is being developed and will focus on putting students and classrooms first.

What can we help you find?

Quick Links

In This Section

Biennial Music Festival, Festival Bienial de Musica

At the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Biennial Music Festival, 3,500 students from 75 schools perform over the course of two nights. Attendees enjoy bands, orchestras, choirs, modern bands, drumlines, harps, world drums, trumpet fanfare, and more—all free and open to the public.

Biennial Schedule

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Lobby

MPS Pianists and Guitarists

Opening

Trumpet Fanfare
World Drumming

Welcome

Combined Band, Orchestra, and Choir – "The Star Spangled Banner"
- Conducted by Thomas Gamboa, Band Director, UW–Milwaukee
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Opening Remarks

Program

Overture Orchestra
Festival Band – "On Wisconsin!"
- Conducted by Superintendent Cassellius
Overture Choir – Wednesday Schools
Festival Band
Honors Choir
Overture Choir
Honors Orchestra
Combined Band, Orchestra, and Choir – "Greatness"

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Lobby

MPS Harpists

Opening

Trumpet Fanfare
World Drumming

Welcome

Combined Band, Orchestra, and Choir – "The Star Spangled Banner"
- Conducted by Thomas Gamboa, Band Director, UW–Milwaukee
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Opening Remarks

Program

Overture Band
Honors Band – "On Wisconsin!"
- Conducted by Guest MPS Alumni
Overture Choir – Thursday Schools
Festival Orchestra
Honors Band
Overture Choir
Festival Choir
MPS Modern Band
Combined Band, Orchestra, and Choir – "Greatness"

Composer and Pianist

Leotha Stanley

Leotha Stanley is a professional musician, composer, and author of two children's music books. He is the publisher of Umoja Magazine and the music director at Mt. Zion Church in Madison, Wisconsin. His original composition, "Greatness," will be performed as the finale each day of the 2026 Biennial. Mr. Stanley ran track at Marshall High School and graduated in 1974.

Stanley Leotha