MMEA All-State Program
Selection Criteria & Process

All-State is a program to develop the finest musicians and leaders among Minnesota's most accomplished high school students. Another purpose of the All-State program is to build music programs in high schools around the state.

The All-State Selection Committee is comprised of the Executive Committee of MMEA plus the All-State Vice Presidents and judge representatives. This group makes the selection decisions on "Draft Day." Scores are considered, along with other information as listed below. Audition scores are confidential and will not be released.

Information was updated January 14, and includes policy changes approved by the MMEA Board.

Audition Results
The results of the audition are the first consideration when selecting All-State students. All-State judges use a standard rubric, or scoring card, that records information on musicality or expression, tone, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, technique, sight-reading, and other components of the audition.

You can see how each of these is weighted by downloading the scoring sheet for your audition type and instrument. Students should note that scales and sight-reading are important components. Be sure to practice these elements for your audition.

Choral
Winds and Brass
Percussion
Strings
Jazz - Brass and Winds
Jazz - Drum Set
Jazz - Piano, Guitar, Vibes
Jazz - Bass

Limits per School or Ensemble
Students and their sponsoring music educators both report the energizing effect that All-State participation has on the individual student as well as the student colleagues in the ensemble in which the All-State student participates. MMEA seeks to extend the indirect benefits of All-State participation to schools and ensembles across the state.

In order to do this, MMEA has instituted upper limits of participation from each school or ensemble. A maximum of nine wind/brass/percussion players will be selected for the bands and orchestra. A maximum of six students will be selected for the choirs. A maximum of three students will be selected for the jazz band. There are no limits for string students.

These limits are based first on the high school ensemble as listed on the All-State Audition Application. If there is no corresponding ensemble in the student’s high school, the limits will be applied to the community ensemble the student lists as his or her current ensemble experience on the All-State Audition Application.

Student's Preference
If a student is eligible for multiple ensembles or auditions for more than one instrument or ensemble, the student's preference is considered when making the placement decision.

Additional Considerations
The following items are also considered when making All-State selection and placement decisions. These items are considered in a group and are not in any priority order.

Regional or Geographic Representation
Whenever possible, a student from each region is represented in each of the large groups - choirs, bands, and orchestra.
Student’s Grade at the Time of the Audition
The student's grade at the time of the audition is also considered. Preference may be given to juniors over sophomores (or freshmen in the case of string auditions).
Judge’s Written Comments
The judge's written comments can also be considered.

Placement of Wind and Percussion Players in Instrumental Ensembles, and Vocalists in Choirs
Every effort is made to equalize the quality of the wind, brass, and percussion players across the concert band, symphonic band, and orchestra, and the vocalists between the choirs. Students of similar ability (according to the audition scores) are assigned across the various ensembles.

Jazz Selection
Although jazz auditions are scored and ranked by instrument-specific judges, student selection is still made on Draft Day based on the factors and limits listed above.

Selection Letters
The music teachers of all students who participate in the auditions will be notified of the results no later than May 1. Any questions about the selection letters and results may be referred to the MMEA office via email at info@mmea.org or by calling 763/566-1460.

Accepting Participation in All-State
Students must return all registration forms and a down payment no later than May 20 to accept membership in All-State. When a student accepts membership, s/he commits to participating in all scheduled activities during the summer camp and the following February.

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