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.

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

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.

Regional or Geographic Representation
Whenever possible, a student from each region is represented in each of the large groups - choirs, bands and orchestra.

Additional Considerations
In cases when there are multiple students with the same score, there are a number of factors considered when making the final selection. The directors ranking, geographic representation, the student's grade, and the judge's written comments are factors that are considered. Every effort is made to equalize the quality of the two bands and the three choirs.

Limits per School
In order to support music programs around the state, MMEA has instituted upper limits of participation from each school. A maximum of nine wind/brass/percussion players will be selected for the bands and orchestra. A maximum of six choral 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.

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