ELIGIBILITY

A student must follow all policies below to be eligible for All-State participation.

Enrolled in a music ensemble in their high school from audition to following February
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 in good standing from the time of the audition through the following February rehearsals and performance to be eligible. Enrollment in a collegiate ensemble via PSEO does not make a student eligible for All-State participation.

If a student's high school does not have a corresponding ensemble, the student must describe his/her ensemble experience in corresponding ensembles in prior schools or outside of high school. Ensemble experience is important to a student's success in the All-State program. Ensemble experience information may be used in making selection decisions on All-State Draft Day.

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

Maximum years of participation
Band, jazz or choral students may participate in an All-State group for two years. String students may participate for three years.

Rotation between ensembles
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, brass 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.

Sponsoring teacher is a member of MMEA
All-State is sponsored by MMEA as a service to its members and their students. Participation is limited to those students whose sponsoring teacher is a current member in good standing of MMEA and NAfME at the time of the audition and continues to be a member during the rehearsal and performance period. The sponsoring music educator must be currently teaching the student, and must continue as a music educator for that student through the following February. Examples of sponsoring music educators are school ensemble directors, studio teachers/instructors for private lessons, and individuals conducting a community youth ensemble.

Maximum number of auditions per sponsoring teacher
For any sponsoring teacher in each audition category, the maximum number of students who can audition is: 15 string students, 15 vocal students, 19 wind/brass/percussion students, and 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.

ATTENDANCE

Students will not be excused from attendance at All-State rehearsals, concerts, or other activities for any reason. This commitment includes both the summer camp and February performance. Exceptions to this rule are rare and will be made only in emergency situations.

For the February rehearsals only, students who are participating in state or national-level competitions may be allowed to miss a few hours of the Friday afternoon rehearsal, but the student is required to notify the MMEA office of the conflict in advance. Region, section and sub-section contests are not considered state level competitions.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Students participating in the All-State program are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner. Any student failing to do so will face disciplinary action which may include loss of membership in the group.

Each All-State member will be provided with a written copy of the rules and regulations (available below). All expectations apply to both the summer and February All-State experience unless specifically stated otherwise. The following list provides an overview of the student behavior expectations.

1. Students must prepare the assigned literature and fully participate in rehearsals, regardless of the part assigned.
2. Students must attend and be on time for all rehearsals, sectionals and other All-State activities.
3. Students must adhere to policies as established by the MSHSL regarding sexual, racial and religious harassment, and violence. Students must also adhere to the eligibility requirements regarding Chemical Use as published in the MSHSL Fine Arts Rules and Policies Manual.
4. Students and parents or guardians must complete all requested forms and make timely payments.
5. Students must remain eligible for participation in All-State through membership in the corresponding music group in their high school.

If a student(s) has any concerns or questions, s/he should approach one of the MMEA Vice Presidents, section coaches or other staff to discuss those concerns.