Over 500 of Minnesota's finest high school musicians participate in MMEA's (Minnesota Music Educators Association) largest annual outreach program, All-State. The All-State experience begins with live auditions, held each March at sites throughout the state. There is a non– refundable audition registration fee of ranging from $20-$40 depending on when the registration is sent. Students are eligible to audition in the sophomore or junior class in the current school year. Each year, nearly 600 students audition for the All-State Choirs. There are three choirs: Men's, Women's and Mixed.

 

Each student is to perform an audition consisting of a solo, sight-reading, voice range check and tonal memory. Full details can be found on the MMEA website under Choral Audition Components. The URL address is: http://www.mmea.org/allstate_auditions.htm#ChoralAudition

 

After the auditions are complete, the selection committee makes final decisions to select the students who will participate in the All-State summer camp experience. Three six-day summer camps are held at colleges throughout Minnesota, and offer a wide variety of learning experiences for the students. The cost of the All-State camp ranges from $475-$550 and is held in August.

 

In addition to nationally recognized conductors, approximately 36 sectional coaches (traditionally music teachers from the state of Minnesota) are contracted to assist with section rehearsals and general camp activities. During the summer camp, each student participates in five to six hours of rehearsal each day, split between large group rehearsals and section practices. Enrichment activities for the week include master class sessions, professional performances, a recording session and others are provided.

 

In conjunction with the MMEA Midwinter In-Service Clinic the following February, the All-State students gather again for a performance at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. For more information and/or also registration materials ask Mr. Wressell.