Forward Performing Arts is excited to have the Black Star Drum Line performing at the 2018 Wisconsin Music Educators Conference as well as having Programs Director Dann Petersen presenting an informational session titled "Health and Wellness in the Marching Arts". The 2018 Wisconsin State Music Conference is being held Wednesday, October 24 through Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center at One John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin.

Black Star Drum Line, under the direction of Madison Scouts Alumnus Joey Banks, performs at the opening night concert on Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00-9:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public and will feature music from the Ashland High School Singers (Native American Vocal Ensemble), Black Star Drum Line (Drum Line), Bowler High School Ethnic Music Ensemble (Ethnic Music), University School 8th Grade World Drummers (Ewe Drumming), Vocal Point (Contemporary A Cappella), and Vocal Tapestry (Choral Folk Music Chamber Ensemble).

On Thursday, October 25th, Dann Petersen, joined by Madison Scouts Director David Lofy, will present "Health and Wellness in the Marching Arts". The presentation will be from 2:50 p.m. - 4:05 p.m. at Lecture Hall in Monona Terrace. Join a discussion on best practices of policies, monitoring systems, and tools to ensure the highest level of physical and emotional health in your marching arts program."We are again excited to be participating in the Wisconsin Music Educators Conference in Madison this week," said Dann Petersen, FPA Programs Director. "We are committed to the advancement of the marching arts in Wisconsin and sharing our experiences and best-practices around health and wellness is a great way to connect and help inform many of the band directors in the state."