Winterlude 2026
a microconference co-sponsored by WCDA and WMEA
Welcome to Winterlude
What began as a patio conversation between two friends on a warm summer day quickly became this co-sponsored micro-conference called “Winterlude”.
Karrie Been (WCDA President-elect) and Joy Paffenroth (WMEA Choral Chair) both saw there was a golden opportunity in the absence of the regular WCDA winter conference to provide a compact, yet meaningful professional development event.
The micro-conference is intended to offer a glimpse of what our organizations represent: carefully crafted lessons with great literature, and the choral art through master teachers in practice, rehearsal and performance. Attendees will have the opportunity to have Miriam Altman guide us through a lesson using Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) strategies. CMP is one of Wisconsin's greatest contributions to music education. We will also debrief the experience of the lesson with Miriam and Marcy Russell, who have both been long-term CMP leaders, and uncover more ways these strategies reach beyond that lesson into our classrooms, leading to teacher clarity and student growth. The afternoon will center on the observation of the WCDA All State Choir rehearsals, giving our group an opportunity to observe the process of rehearsal with selected choral students from around the state. Our time together will culminate in the All State Choir performances (admission included with the registration fee) at the beautiful Pablo Center at the Confluence. Please join us for this WCDA and WMEA cooperative microconference! Everyone is welcome - whether you are a member of either organization or not!
Sincere gratitude to the leadership of both WCDA and WMEA for working together to bring this microconference to life. We also recognize and are grateful for the partnership with UW-Eau Claire, especially Dr. Kristie Halverson and Dr. Micah Bland, and their support with providing facilities for this event. ~ Karrie and Joy
Registration
WCDA and/or WMEA members - $25
Non-members - $40
Join/Renew WCDA-ACDA
Join/Renew WMEA-NAfME
Friday, January 16, 2026
6:30pm-7:20pm Check into the conference at the Pablo Center at the Confluence
Pre-registration by December 1 for planning purposes is preferred, on-site registration is available.
Performances at the Pablo Center - WCDA All-State Choirs (included in registration fee)
7:30-8:00 Vocal Jazz
8:00-8:30 Contemporary Pop A Cappella
8:30-9:00 Collegiate
Saturday, January 17, 2026
8:00-8:30 Check into the conference at UWEC - Davies Room W.R. Davies Student Center
Pre-registration by December 1 for planning purposes is preferred, on-site registration is available.
8:30-9:00 Welcome and Group Sing
Karrie Been (WCDA president-elect) & Joy Paffenroth (WMEA choral chair)
9:00-9:55 Thoughtful Planning for Joyful Learning: A CMP Demo Rehearsal
Miriam Altman, Shorewood, WI. CMP Project Leader
Experience the power of the Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) planning process through the eyes of a student. In this hands-on, dynamic demo rehearsal, you'll be guided through how the CMP model centers student musicianship, creativity, and connectedness. The demo will be the song “Gathering” by Kelly Jackson, Wisconsin songwriter and member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. This wonderful piece is suitable for elementary students as well as middle and high school choirs.
9:55-10:15 Stretch, networking opportunities, coffee/tea provided
10:15-11:00 Debrief the CMP demonstration and uncover more about how the CMP model is a catalyst for both teacher clarity and student growth. CMP is one of Wisconsin's greatest contributions to music education, and has been transforming teachers and their work non-stop for nearly 50 years.
Miriam Altman with Marcy Russell, Platteville, WI, CMP Project Leader
11:00-11:25 WCDA and WMEA - Artistry and Advocacy in Action
Explore the benefits and opportunities of membership in both of these organizations.
11:25-12:25 Lunch on your own
12:30-1:45 Observe the All-State Choir rehearsal of your choice
The Pablo Center or Lismore Hotel, exact locations will be announced
Performances at the Pablo Center - WCDA All-State Choirs (included in registration fee)
2:00-2:55 Treble and Bass Choirs
4:00-4:55 Middle Level and Children’s Choirs
Hotel Reservations
WCDA has a room block available at the Lismore Hotel. The Winterlude rate is just $98/night.
Reservations are due by December 1, 2025. We are sharing this hotel with the All State Singers, WCDA guest conductors and leaders. Please book early if you intend to use this hotel.
Book a room!
What began as a patio conversation between two friends on a warm summer day quickly became this co-sponsored micro-conference called “Winterlude”.
Karrie Been (WCDA President-elect) and Joy Paffenroth (WMEA Choral Chair) both saw there was a golden opportunity in the absence of the regular WCDA winter conference to provide a compact, yet meaningful professional development event.
The micro-conference is intended to offer a glimpse of what our organizations represent: carefully crafted lessons with great literature, and the choral art through master teachers in practice, rehearsal and performance. Attendees will have the opportunity to have Miriam Altman guide us through a lesson using Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) strategies. CMP is one of Wisconsin's greatest contributions to music education. We will also debrief the experience of the lesson with Miriam and Marcy Russell, who have both been long-term CMP leaders, and uncover more ways these strategies reach beyond that lesson into our classrooms, leading to teacher clarity and student growth. The afternoon will center on the observation of the WCDA All State Choir rehearsals, giving our group an opportunity to observe the process of rehearsal with selected choral students from around the state. Our time together will culminate in the All State Choir performances (admission included with the registration fee) at the beautiful Pablo Center at the Confluence. Please join us for this WCDA and WMEA cooperative microconference! Everyone is welcome - whether you are a member of either organization or not!
Sincere gratitude to the leadership of both WCDA and WMEA for working together to bring this microconference to life. We also recognize and are grateful for the partnership with UW-Eau Claire, especially Dr. Kristie Halverson and Dr. Micah Bland, and their support with providing facilities for this event. ~ Karrie and Joy
Registration
WCDA and/or WMEA members - $25
Non-members - $40
Join/Renew WCDA-ACDA
Join/Renew WMEA-NAfME
Agenda
Friday, January 16, 2026
6:30pm-7:20pm Check into the conference at the Pablo Center at the Confluence
Pre-registration by December 1 for planning purposes is preferred, on-site registration is available.
Performances at the Pablo Center - WCDA All-State Choirs (included in registration fee)
7:30-8:00 Vocal Jazz
8:00-8:30 Contemporary Pop A Cappella
8:30-9:00 Collegiate
Saturday, January 17, 2026
8:00-8:30 Check into the conference at UWEC - Davies Room W.R. Davies Student Center
Pre-registration by December 1 for planning purposes is preferred, on-site registration is available.
8:30-9:00 Welcome and Group Sing
Karrie Been (WCDA president-elect) & Joy Paffenroth (WMEA choral chair)
9:00-9:55 Thoughtful Planning for Joyful Learning: A CMP Demo Rehearsal
Miriam Altman, Shorewood, WI. CMP Project Leader
Experience the power of the Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) planning process through the eyes of a student. In this hands-on, dynamic demo rehearsal, you'll be guided through how the CMP model centers student musicianship, creativity, and connectedness. The demo will be the song “Gathering” by Kelly Jackson, Wisconsin songwriter and member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. This wonderful piece is suitable for elementary students as well as middle and high school choirs.
9:55-10:15 Stretch, networking opportunities, coffee/tea provided
10:15-11:00 Debrief the CMP demonstration and uncover more about how the CMP model is a catalyst for both teacher clarity and student growth. CMP is one of Wisconsin's greatest contributions to music education, and has been transforming teachers and their work non-stop for nearly 50 years.
Miriam Altman with Marcy Russell, Platteville, WI, CMP Project Leader
11:00-11:25 WCDA and WMEA - Artistry and Advocacy in Action
Explore the benefits and opportunities of membership in both of these organizations.
11:25-12:25 Lunch on your own
12:30-1:45 Observe the All-State Choir rehearsal of your choice
The Pablo Center or Lismore Hotel, exact locations will be announced
Performances at the Pablo Center - WCDA All-State Choirs (included in registration fee)
2:00-2:55 Treble and Bass Choirs
4:00-4:55 Middle Level and Children’s Choirs
Hotel Reservations
WCDA has a room block available at the Lismore Hotel. The Winterlude rate is just $98/night.
Reservations are due by December 1, 2025. We are sharing this hotel with the All State Singers, WCDA guest conductors and leaders. Please book early if you intend to use this hotel.
Book a room!