The UW Oshkosh music department is hosting the fifth annual Musica Viva! To raise money for musical scholarships on Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m. in the Arts and Communications Music Hall. There will be contemporary and historic musical entertainment performed by faculty, students and Oshkosh’s music department alumni. This year’s special guest is Chancellor Andrew Leavitt and attendees will pay tribute to Oshkosh faculty member Wally Messner. Tickets cost $50, which includes hors d’oeuvres and pre-concert reception along with a post-concert buffet. There are also $25 tickets that just include the post-concert buffet. All proceeds will fund scholarships to benefit incoming and continuing music students. Alison Shaw, the chairwoman of the music department, sat down with the A-T to give more details on the event. A-T: How did this event come about? Shaw: The music department, along with the College of Letters and Science, came up with the idea and this is the fifth year it will be put on. A-T: Are the scholarships just for students going into the music major here at UWO? Shaw: Yes – the scholarships benefit incoming and continuing music students. A-T: How do you get sponsors? Shaw: Many of our sponsors are ongoing supporters of the music department. The College of Letters and Science and the University Foundation also help to make these connections. A-T: What is different about the event this year? Shaw: The chancellor is going to play. We are also going to dedicate a new piano that was given to the department from a donor, and we will be honoring the retirement of Wally Messner, who has taught recording technology here for 41 years. A-T: How much do you hope to raise this year? Shaw: We always hope to raise enough to provide substantial tuition reduction for the most deserving music students. A-T: Why do you host it this time of year? Shaw: We like the springtime event, and the music students who perform are in their peak preparation for other events such as recitals, concerts, competitions and graduate school auditions. A-T: What would you like attendees to take away from the event? Shaw: An enhanced sense of pride in the level of talent we have right here in our music department and a continued commitment to supporting the arts here at UWO.