MMEA All-State Program

All-State is a program to develop the finest musicians and leaders among Minnesota's most accomplished high school students.

About All-State
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Auditions - Components, Scheduling, and Forms
How Students are Selected for the All-State Ensembles
Now You've Been Selected - What is the All-State Commitment?
History of All-State

About All-State
The All-State experience begins with live auditions, held each March, at sites throughout the state. Each year, over 2000 students audition for the All-State performing groups: Bands (Concert & Symphonic), Choir (Men's, Mixed & Women's), Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. After the auditions are complete, the selection committee (comprised of the MMEA Executive Board, the MMEA Vice-Presidents, and members of the judging panel) make final decisions to select the more than 575 students who will participate in the All-State summer camp experience.

The MMEA All-State program gives students the opportunity to prepare a formal audition. Those students who are selected through the audition process perform with other talented students from across Minnesota in a camp setting. All-State is an intensive musical program for some of the very best musicians in Minnesota's high schools.

Three six-day summer camps are held at colleges and universities throughout Minnesota - offering a wide variety of learning experiences for the students. The 2008 All-State camps will be held at Concordia College (Choirs), University of Minnesota - Duluth (Bands), and College of St. Benedict (Orchestra).

We are pleased to announced the 2008-09 All-State conductors! They are Douglas Nimmo, Gustavus Adolphus College (Concert Band), Gary Hill, Arizona State University (Symphonic Band), Diane Loomer, Chor Leoni (Men's Choir), Andre Thomas, Florida State University (Mixed Choir), Vijay Singh, Central Washington University (Women's Choir), Robert Washut, University of Northern Iowa (Jazz Ensemble), and Manny Laureano, Minnesota Youth Symphonies and Minnesota Orchestra (Orchestra).

In addition to these nationally recognized conductors, approximately 45 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 opportunities for performing in small ensembles. The week culminates with a free public performance on Saturday.

In conjunction with the MMEA Midwinter In-Service Clinic the following February, the All-State students gather again for rehearsals and a performance at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

The All-State program has three goals:

1. To provide high-quality musical experiences for students who have demonstrated significant musical achievement at the high school level.

2. To bring students from every region of Minnesota together for a musical experience in a camp setting where they will meet and work with other high school students of varied backgrounds and experiences.

3. To help students become better musicians and better leaders, so that they can help strengthen their local music programs.

Tell Me More about All-State

About All-State (current page)
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Auditions - Components, Scheduling, and Forms
How Students are Selected for the All-State Ensembles
Now You've Been Selected - What is the All-State Commitment?
History of All-State
Current Information - Letters and Links