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.

One Gift. One Singer. One Future.

The Bridge Program exists to make sure talented young singers don’t miss opportunities because of finances.

Through mentorship, professional performance opportunities, and real-world experience, Bridge participants perform alongside the Master Singers of Milwaukee while building the confidence and skills that launch lifelong careers in music.

This year, we’re inviting our community to sponsor the next generation.

Give the gift of music to our Bridge participants over the 2026-2027 season.

Donate HERE

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.

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“My short time within Master Singers of Milwaukee’s bridge program has been immensely powerful in a myriad of ways. Firstly, getting to work with a new group, separate from the academic choral world, has given me new musical experiences and personal relationships that would not have been possible otherwise. I have grown more as a musician in the past year than I had ever before. Furthermore, as a graduating senior in a non-musical degree field, the question of how to remain creative and musical after I leave the academic world has been on my mind. MSM has answered this question for me, as it has not only shown the benefits of being within a community choir (and that it is even an option), but also has given me a home in this city away from UWM, which is so incredibly comforting. Finally, the bridge program itself has made this possible. Being a student with a full, “I want to graduate now instead of next winter” course and workload, I do not believe that I would’ve been able to be a part of MSM without the benefits that the bridge program provided, both relationally and – to be quite frank – financially as well. All in all, I wouldn’t trade my time in the MSM bridge program for anything, and I hope to not only stay within MSM for years to come, but also that others younger than myself may find this opportunity themselves.”

Henry Maes

My biggest takeaway from this experience is the ability to learning music at fast past. Throughout this experience I have been able to advance my knowledge on music theory and how to form an amazing ensemble. I’ve learned about the individual self management you have to have when being in an ensemble that only meets once a week. Overall the experience helped me further my music experience before college and determine if this is something I could do as a career.

Mason Chester-Hopkins

It has been a pleasure participating in the MSM Bridge Program this year as the MSM Apprentice. Through this role I was able to experience leading a group of a larger size containing singers of diverse age ranges. This is a unique opportunity compared to the K-12 teaching opportunities I’ve had thus far. In addition, Dr. Durlam allowed me some creative freedom and helped me jumpstart a Vocal Jazz choir from within our main Master Singers group. This experience has been truly rewarding as it has allowed me to dive into complex vocal jazz repertoire with very talented singers. I have appreciated the trust Dr. Durlam has granted me through this process, allowing me to explore the creation of this new group and rehearsing our repertoire. All of this was made possible with his and the Bridge Program’s support. Thank you all!

Sarah Melcher

Master Singers of Milwaukee is such a wonderful organization. The singers are so friendly, and our practices every Tuesday make me feel like I have a place in the wide world of music. I am a high schooler who is planning to attend UWM in the fall for music education, and this group has done so much more than prepare me for my academic and professional career as a music educator, but has pushed me to learn complicated pieces far faster than I have ever done. I want to thank Dr. Durlam, Janet Bashirian, and Robert Stevens, who have each poured hours into this program, pulling kids across Milwaukee into this advanced group and keeping them afloat. I also want to thank everyone who had a hand in making this program possible financially. Without your donation, this wouldn’t be possible. You are not just supporting music, you’re nourishing the next generation of musicians. Thank you all for this opportunity.

Quinn Buschmann
The Master Singers of Milwaukee Bridge Program was a truly transformative experience. Auditioning for the solos was intimidating, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a performer. I loved singing at different venues with various choirs—it was inspiring to be part of such a talented and supportive community. The program provided me with genuine insight into the tight-knit nature of the musical world and made me feel like I belonged in it. I’m especially grateful to the alto 2 section for welcoming me so warmly and making every rehearsal feel like home. Thanks to the scholarship, I gained confidence, new skills, and lasting connections. Hopefully, I can come back and audition as a regular member one day—this experience has definitely inspired me to keep singing.
Samyiah Harper

The Bridge Program has been exactly what I had hoped for. After hearing about the program from other members, I was so curious about how I could find my place in an advanced choir with such amazing singers. Master Singers has brought me new connections with all kinds of people I’d never be able to meet otherwise, while also allowing me to even reconnect with someone through music that I haven’t seen in years! The opportunity to sing with such professional singers, who are still striving to have music in their lives, has inspired me lots!! Even with my initial fears of auditioning due to not being the best sight-reader, I’ve learned such bravery and community through this program. Most importantly, I’ve become a better singer and person because of it! I recommended this program, wholeheartedly as I can’t imagine not being in it.

Brandon Landis
The Master Singers of Milwaukee group means so much to me. From the talent of the folks I get to sing with to the kindness I’ve been warmed with since the very beginning, this group is truly something special. I’ve learned an infinite amount of things about how to be a better singer, performer, and overall member in a group like this. MSM is and has been a great way to spend my time throughout the school year and in every way has been tons of fun. Dr. Durlam is a wonderful director with a great sense of humor and a natural ability to lead and it has been a pleasure to grow under his leadership. The bridge program is a wonderful opportunity and I can’t thank this group enough for everything it has given me!
Kieran Plautz
As a singer from a school with a rather small choir, I have found this experience absolutely surreal. To experience all the Bass 2’s hitting a D2 to end a solemn song with unfathomable meaning is so powerful. The joy and mutual understanding in the MSM choir is astounding, and I would not have traded it for the world. In college, I plan to major in vocal performance and continue improving my voice through a choral program, and this opportunity has prepared me for that future. The fast-paced learning, along with the in-depth discussions of the dynamics and meanings behind the music, has deepened my connection with music, and I hope to express that through my upcoming college opportunities. This choir has had a significant impact on my growth, and I hope to join it again in the future. Donations from others are the only way to continue its expansion. Thank you, MSM choir, for everything.
Aidan Bigonia

I have had the opportunity to serve as the Master Singers Apprentice for the past two seasons. This role has given me the chance to explore different sides of choral conducting and expand my experience beyond my previous work as a high school choir teacher. Through this position, I was able to work with singers across multiple generations, which offered a new and rewarding perspective as a conductor.

One of the most meaningful aspects of community choirs is the opportunity they provide adults to experience musical enrichment, social connection and belonging. The Bridge Program encourages young people to find this space after leaving traditional education-based choral environments, promoting lifelong musicianship.

One of my favorite experiences in this role was forming a jazz choir. I had the opportunity to teach and conduct a small vocal jazz ensemble, exploring a variety of challenging repertoire. Although this was not originally part of the position, I appreciated the flexibility to pursue an area of personal and musical interest.

While my career path has recently shifted and I am now pursuing graduate studies in instructional design, I am grateful to have remained connected to choral music through this experience. Serving as the apprentice allowed me to continue developing as a musician and leader during a time of transition, and I value the role it has played in both my musical and personal growth.

Sarah Melcher

Even though my time in the Master Singers Bridge Program was shorter than I would’ve liked, I still learned far more about music and singing than I ever could’ve imagined. By far the most important thing the MSM choir taught me was that music isn’t about being perfect or the best, but it’s about bringing people together and making beautiful moments. My favorite example of this was the concert at the Pabst Theater. I thought it was so beautiful to see a choir of people with dementia and their caretakers singing and having fun on stage, not worrying about missing notes or getting the rhythm right. When all the choirs came out to sing together was what really changed me. All of us in that theater were so different, yet we all came together to sing and perform as one. If there’s anything I’m grateful to MSM for, it’s that concert. Everyone was so kind to me, and helped if I had any questions about anything. Overall, the Master Singers of Milwaukee Bridge Program was an amazing and helpful experience.

Dane Borkowski
My time in The Master Singers of Milwaukee Bridge program was defined by a profound sense of community unlike anything else I’ve experienced. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to not only learn from some of the finest choral musicians in the state, but to build meaningful relationships with them as well. I’ve found that singing is far more impactful when you truly know the people beside you. As I head to UW-Stevens Point this fall to study Music Education, this experience has helped my immensely by honing my skills and reinforcing the vital role community plays in the music-making process.
Lukas Lichtenwalner

As a high school student, being part of the Master Singers of Milwaukee has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Even though I’m one of the younger members of the choir, I’ve always felt welcomed, valued, and supported by the older singers. Everyone has created such a positive and encouraging environment where I feel comfortable learning and growing as a musician.

Being surrounded by experienced and talented members has challenged me to improve my musical skills and confidence, both during rehearsals and performances. I’ve learned so much from the dedication, kindness, and passion that the other members bring to the group. Beyond the music itself, I’ve also enjoyed building connections with people of different ages who all share a love for singing and performing together.
Master Singers of Milwaukee has given me unforgettable experiences and helped me grow not only as a singer, but also as a person. I’m very proud and grateful to be part of such a welcoming and inspiring community.
Dylana Bauduin

I am beyond grateful to have had the privilege of being involved in Master Singers. As a result of joining this amazing ensemble, I am forever changed as a musician and have grown as a person. I loved getting to connect with other singers of all ages, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and getting to learn and perform amazing repertoire. I hope to continue singing  with Master Singers in the future, as this experience has inspired me to keep challenging myself to reach heights I wouldn’t have been able to prior to joining Master Singers.

Lauren Hightire

Click here to view all testimonials on one page.

Current Participants: 2025-2026 Season

Emery Wall – Scholar

Emery Wall is a junior at Ronald Reagan High School. This is his first year as a member of the Master Singers of Milwaukee. Outside of choir, Emery enjoys playing in bands and skateboarding. His favorite part of being in MSM is learning the languages that come with the variety of music they perform. .

Dane Borkowski – Scholar

Dane Borkowski is a senior at East Troy High School and is super excited to be a part of Master Singers of Milwaukee Bridge Program. Dane hopes to use this experience to improve his choral skills and work towards becoming a music education major and an overall better musician.

Kieran Plautz – Scholar

Kieran Plautz is a junior at Waukesha West High School and a proud participant in the Master Singers of Milwaukee Bridge Program. With a deep love for theatre, Kieran is dedicated to developing as a performer and hopes to continue honing his craft, pursuing musical theatre in college, continuing his passion for performance with a commitment to getting better every day.

Dylana Bauduin – Scholar

Dylana Bauduin is a senior at Muskego High School and is thrilled to be part of the Master Singers of Milwaukee Bridge Program. A passionate lover of choral music, Dylana is deeply involved in her school’s musical community–arranging music for her a cappella group, performing as a vocal percussionist, and fostering a warm, welcoming environment for all members. She plans to pursue a degree in Music Education, with the long-term goal of earning a DMA in Composition.

Aidan Bigonia – Scholar

Aidan Bigonia is a Homestead High School senior, planning to pursue vocal performance and mathematics in college. On top of choir, he enjoys theater where he played Frederic in his school’s musical “The Pirates of Penzance” last year. Through the help of his friends, family, and this choral opportunity, he hopes to continue exploring his passions.

Brandon Landis – Scholar

Brandon Landis, a senior at Nathan Hale High School, is very excited to to be apart of MSM. Other musical things he participated in are Chamber choir, Orchestra, as well as Theater. He has a great passion for music and art as well! In the future he hopes to pursue theater and graphic design to be able to express himself truly!

Lukas Lichtenwalner – Scholar

Lukas Lichtenwalner is a senior at Hartford Union High School, where he is active in its choir and musical theatre programs with his peers. He also enjoys participating in his Church’s choir, where he loves singing with people of all ages. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, trying new food, and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Melcher – Apprentice

Sarah Melcher is in her second year of the Apprentice position through the Master Singers Bridge Program. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Education from UW-Milwaukee in 2022 and has experience teaching high school choir and music directing musical theater productions. Currently, she is pursuing a Masters in Instructional Design and Instructional Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Sarah has been a member of the Master Singers since spring 2022, and she started the Vocal Jazz Choir last season to provide an extra challenge to our ambitious singers. She is overjoyed for the opportunity to lead and sing in this group.

Lauren Hightire – Intern

Lauren Hightire is a 3rd year undergraduate voice student at UWM, seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Music. After graduation, she intends to pursue a teaching license and teach K-12 choral and general music. Since 2023, Lauren has been involved with several choirs, including UWM’s Bella Voce, Bay Shore Lutheran Church’s choir, UWM’s Concert Chorale, and most recently has sung in the Milwaukee Final Fantasy Distant Worlds tour choir. Outside of singing, Lauren spends her free time gaming or playing instruments and has enjoyed competing in Forensics for 5 years in the past. Lauren is ecstatic and very grateful to be joining Master Singers as an intern this year and hopes to learn and grow not only as a musician, but also as a person with this program.

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 15 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 August 1 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

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CONTACT US TO APPLY

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