All-State Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ
Audition FAQ
How do I prepare for an instrumental audition?
How do I prepare for a vocal audition?
Selection FAQ
Eligibility FAQ


General All-State FAQ:
What is All-State?
All-State is actually seven separate music ensembles for high school students: Mixed Choir, Men's Choir, Women's Choir, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. Each ensemble is comprised of talented high school music students from across Minnesota.

Why All-State?
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. Conductors with national and sometimes international reputations are hired to direct the ensembles. In addition, section coaches are on staff to work with students in smaller groups. A variety of enrichment activities, including small ensemble performances, special concerts and guest appearances, are scheduled for All-State students. All-State is an intensive musical program for some of the very best musicians in Minnesota's high schools.

When does All-State meet?
Students selected to participate in All-State will meet for one week during the summer. At the end of this week, each ensemble will perform a concert at the camp. Students will meet again for two days in February in Minneapolis, to perform in a concert at Orchestra Hall or the Minneapolis Convention Center. The February concert is part of the Minnesota Music Educators Midwinter In-Service Clinic.

Who is eligible to audition for All-State?
Only current high school sophomore and junior music students (plus freshman string students) who are in good standing in their high school music ensembles are eligible to audition for All-State. The students' directors must also be current members of the Minnesota Music Educators Association.

What do I have to do to audition for All-State?
First, you must obtain the audition form from your high school music teacher. Complete the form, including your signature and your parent's signature, and return it to your teacher along with the audition fee. Your teacher must complete another form and send all forms to the MMEA. Second, you must prepare an audition. This is a formal audition much like an audition you will do if you audition for a college ensemble - you need to be well prepared. Read the audition preparation suggestions and start preparing early.

What are the fees to participate in All-State?
The All-State camp fee for 2006-2007 will be $415.00. This fee includes room, board, music, a tee shirt and a CD. There is no additional fee for the February experience in Minneapolis. However, the cost of housing and meals for the February experience will be the responsibility of each student and will be in addition to the camp fee. Some scholarships may be available for those students whose families meet strict financial guidelines. These guidelines are similar to the guidelines for eligibility for free or reduced-price school lunches.

If I am selected to perform in All-State, what will I be expected to do?
If you are selected, you will be expected to attend all of the All-State functions including all rehearsals and performances at both the summer camp and the February Midwinter Clinic. Rarely are students excused from rehearsals because they have other commitments, including athletic events. You will be expected to remain in your high school music ensemble to stay eligible to participate in All-State. All students will be expected to act in a professional manner and adhere to the Minnesota State High School League rules concerning the use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

If I made All-State last year, am I more likely to make it this year?
No. Each audition is independent and intended to be anonymous. The judge will only know your name, instrument/voice part, and your ID number.

Can I make All-State two years in a row?
Band, jazz or choral students may participate in an All-State group for two years. String students may participate for three years. If a student was a member of the All-State Mixed Chorus one year and selected for a second year, the student would be placed in either the Women’s Chorus or Men’s Chorus the second year. If a wind or percussion player was a member of the All-State Concert Band one year and selected for a second year, the student would be placed in the Symphonic Band or Orchestra. The reverse situations would also be true.

Audition FAQ
When is the deadline for submitting applications to audition for All-State?
$18 if received by February 3, 2006; $28 if received by February 22, 2006. No applications accepted after February 22.

What purpose does the Director's Ranking sheet serve?
The Director's Ranking sheet provides the director with an opportunity to identify the students that they feel are most qualified or best suited for the All-State experience. For example, if seven students from school XYZ have been placed in the All-State choirs, since only six are allowed, we would examine the ranking sheet to see which students the director ranks the highest. Also, if two students from the same school were very close to making All-State, and only one was to be chosen, we would generally take the student of the higher ranking.

Am I required to rank my students?
No, just cross out the numerical ranks when the materials are submitted.

One of my students was sick on the day of the audition. Can we reschedule the audition for a different site?
Possibly, as it depends on availability at the upcoming sites. Check with the MMEA office.

Can one of the two original copies for a vocal audition be a piano accompaniment or a score reduction?
Yes, as long as they are original copies.

What if my student doesn’t have a second copy for the judge?
You will be removed from consideration for All-State. Our judges need to have an original copy of the solo in order to evaluate the audition.

Why are two original copies of the solo required for the string auditions?
One copy for the student, one for the judge. Originals are required in compliance with U.S. copyright laws. Students who audition using photocopied music will be removed from consideration for All-State. Information about copyright laws is available here.

Why are two original copies of the solo required for the vocal auditions?
Since the vocal solo needs to be memorized, one copy is for the accompanist and one is for the judge. Originals are required in compliance with U.S. copyright laws. Students who audition using photocopied music will be removed from consideration for All-State. Information about copyright laws is available here.

How do I prepare for an instrumental audition?
The audition will include the following:
1. Prepared solo for string players
2. Prepared etude for winds, brass and percussion; Prepared excerpt for string players
3. Prepared scales found on the scale sheet
3. Sight Reading
4. Improvisation (Jazz auditions only)

How to get ready for the audition:
* For string players, the solo should be of similar difficulty as those listed on the recommended list. Literature from the popular or theatrical genre is generally not appropriate. You will only be playing two minutes of the solo, so work with your teacher to select which section you will perform. Bring two original copies of the solo to the audition. One is for the judge and one is for you. You may give the judge the piano accompaniment to look at if it has your solo part as part of the music. If your solo is memorized, you may provide only a single copy for the judge. You must not use illegal photocopies of copyrighted music in your audition or you will be disqualified. (In some cases the use of photocopies is allowed, but you must show the judge the documentation - your director has more complete guidelines.)
*For wind, brass and percussion players, prepare the assigned etude at the tempo indicated. Also pay attention to dynamics and articulations. The judge will have a copy of the etude, so you do not need to bring an extra.
*For string players, prepare the assigned excerpt. You will be judged on accuracy (pitch, rhythm, tempo, articulations, dynamics and so forth). Bowings and fingerings are suggestions and may be modified. The judge will have a copy of the etude, so you do not need to bring an extra.
* No accompaniments are allowed.
* You should learn the scales so that you can play them at the tempo indicated. Typically, students accepted for All-State report practicing the scales between 10 and 40 hours in preparation for the audition.
*Sight-reading will be included in all auditions. You should practice sight-reading over time to be comfortable for the audition. During the audition you will be shown the sight-reading music and you will have a reasonable amount of time to study the exercise before beginning. The judge will NOT set the tempo or assist you with rhythm, pitch, dynamics or style.

Tips for a successful audition:
*Be well rested.
*Do not perform the audition on an empty stomach, but do not overeat just prior to playing.
*Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine.
*This is a formal audition. Dress appropriately.
*Perform your prepared solo or etude for an audience prior to the audition. Practice in front of a mirror.
*NEVER APOLOGIZE for your health. No excuses - just do it. If you are not feeling 100% healthy, do the best you can for that day.
*Allow yourself some slow, relaxed breaths. This will help calm your nerves.
*Introduce your piece. A sample introduction would be: "Good afternoon/evening. I will be performing (name of selection) by (composer)."
*Look at the audition as an opportunity for an experience, rather than a judgment.

How do I prepare for a vocal audition?
The audition will include the following:
1. Prepared solo
2. Range check
3. Tonal memory
4. Sight reading

How to get ready for the audition:
*Choose an appropriate song for your level of singing that demonstrates the strength in your voice. In most cases, you should refrain from singing exceptionally difficult literature. Popular music or selections from musical theater are not recommended.
*The song should be sung in the range of the voice part for which you are auditioning.
*If you choose to sing in a foreign language, you must use correct pronunciation and be prepared to communicate the meaning of the text.
*The solo must be memorized and well rehearsed. Do not try to learn the solo at the last minute.
*Be prepared for the judge to cut part of your selection if it is long or has repeated sections. If this occurs, be assured that it is to save time and is not because you are doing poorly.
*Bring two original copies of the solo to the audition. One is for the judge and the other is for the accompanist. You must not use illegal photocopies of copyrighted music in your audition or you will be disqualified. (In some cases, the use of photocopies is allowed, but you must show the judge the documentation - your director has more complete guidelines).
*No electronically generated accompaniments are permitted. Your accompanist will use the piano that is available in the audition room.
*During the range check, you will be asked to sing pitch patterns throughout your range to identify your consistency in different registers and find your area of greatest vocal ease. Be prepared to do this on all vowels. The judge will assist you with this procedure.
*To check your tonal memory, you will be asked to repeat pitch patterns in various ranges.
*Sight-reading will be included in all auditions. You will be shown the sight-reading music and will have a reasonable amount of time to study the exercises before beginning. The judge will give the starting note for each exercise. The judge will not set the tempo or assist you with rhythm, pitch, dynamics or style. Solfege, numbers, or neutral syllables are all acceptable. Decide prior to the audition which method you are most comfortable with and will use during the audition. Practice sight-reading using this method.

Tips for a successful All-State Choir audition
*Be well rested.
*Do not perform the audition on an empty stomach, but do not overeat just prior to singing.
*Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine.
*Avoid solutions that are MYTHS, such as cough drops or throat sprays that numb the throat, antihistamines, and lemons. If necessary, you could use sugarless candy or drink hot (non-caffeinated) herbal tea or hot water with honey.
*This is a formal audition. Dress appropriately.
*NEVER APOLOGIZE for your health. No excuses - just do it! If you are not feeling 100% healthy, do the best you can for that day.
*Enter the room and find a focus point. Allow yourself some slow, relaxed breaths. This will help calm your nerves.
*Introduce your piece. A sample introduction would be: "Good afternoon/evening. I will be performing (name of selection) by (composer)."
*Look at the audition as an opportunity for an experience, rather than a judgment

All-State Selection FAQ:
When are students notified about the results of their All-State audition?
Each student who auditions will receive a letter by mail by May 1. The letters are sent to the teacher through whom the student auditioned.

What are the chances of an alternate being placed into All-State?
That depends on the number of cancellations that occur. Typically, there are between 15-25 such cancellations among the 565 students selected to participate in All-State.

What are the criteria by which students are selected to All-State?
The most important criteria are the audition score and the judge's overall recommendation. For students whose scores are tied, consideration is also given to student grade level, director's ranking and regional representation.

All-State Eligibility FAQ:
What are the eligibility requirements to participate in All-State?
1. According to the All-State guidelines "A student participating in an All-State music ensemble must be enrolled in the corresponding musical group in their high school, if one exists. They must be enrolled in and a member of good standing from the time of the audition through the following February rehearsals and performance to be eligible for participation in the All-State ensembles. If such a corresponding group does not exist, the student must be a member of good standing in another musical ensemble in their school."

2. Wind, percussion, and choral auditions are limited to students who are sophomores or juniors at the time of their audition. String auditions are limited to students who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at the time of their audition.

3. Band, jazz or choral students may participate in an All-State group for two years. String students may participate for three years. If a student was a member of the All-State Mixed Chorus one year and selected for a second year, the student would be placed in either the Women’s Chorus or Men’s Chorus the second year. If a wind or percussion player was a member of the All-State Concert Band one year and selected for a second year, the student would be placed in the Symphonic Band or Orchestra. The reverse situations would also be true.

4. All-State is sponsored by the MMEA as a service to its members and their students. Participation is limited to those students whose school ensemble director is a current member in good standing of MMEA and MENC at the time of the audition and continues to be a member during the rehearsal and performance period. Students must audition representing the school they attend and be a student of the MMEA member submitting the application.

5. From any one school in each category, the maximum number of students who can audition is: 15 string students, 15 chorus students, 19 wind/percussion students, 15 jazz ensemble students. Students may audition on more than one instrument or for more than one group; a separate fee and application form is required for each audition.

Is a student eligible for All-State choir if she isn't singing in her high school choir?
No.

I have a student in the All-State Concert Band who has exercised a post secondary option and is no longer enrolled in any high school performing group. Is he still eligible for All-State?
No. Many students, however, who choose PSEO are able to stay enrolled in their high school band, orchestra or choir. Unless a student is a member in good standing in their high school ensemble, he is not eligible for All-State.

I have a student who is thinking about going post secondary in the fall. She's been selected to participate in the All-State Mixed Choir, but isn't sure if her post secondary schedule will allow her to remain enrolled in her school choir. Should she attend the summer camp anyway, even though she may be ineligible to participate in the February portion of All-State?
That's a tricky one, but the answer really depends on the student. If she is certain that she's going post-secondary, and knows that she can't stay enrolled in her high school performing group, then she is ineligible. If she thinks that she can work the schedule out, then she would remain eligible. We really want to avoid students becoming ineligible between the summer camp and the February performances, since no alternate can rightfully take her place after the summer camp is complete. When making this decision we urge the teacher and student to consider the many students who would love the opportunity to take her spot in All-State, and who would be able to fully participate in both portions of All-State.

What if one of my students selected for All-State Camp needs to miss a rehearsal?
Unless the absence is an emergency, students are not allowed to leave camp or miss rehearsal. This includes absences for weddings, sports events, vacations, other camps and competitions. If students leave camp without permission, they will not be allowed to return to camp. Students who have an irreconcilable conflict during the camp dates will need to choose one activity or the other.

Under what circumstances are students allowed to miss any portion of the February All-State rehearsals?
MMEA is very strict in its interpretation of our eligibility and attendance policies. With over 560 students involved in the seven All-State groups, it is necessary to follow these policies as much as possible in order to maintain the highest levels of quality in All-State. Out of fairness to the hundreds of students who make the All-State commitment and carry it through, as well as the hundreds who were not selected for participation, we make few exceptions to our attendance policy.

One of the situations, however, in which MMEA will be flexible is when an All-State student is also scheduled to participate in another state- or national-level activity. The State Nordic Ski competition is a good example of such an activity, as is the State One Act Play. For a musician, All-State is comparable to the State Tournament for an athlete. Students involved in such parallel activities may be allowed to miss the four-hour afternoon rehearsal on the Friday of the February event, but must be able to attend the evening rehearsal in its entirety in order to remain eligible for participation in All-State. Students involved in such state- or national-level activities that are not able to attend this evening rehearsal will need to choose between All-State and the other activity.