For the first time ever at MMEA Midwinter Convention, the board is thrilled to announce:

2024 MMEA Elementary All-Star Choir (Grades 4-6) 

Join us in celebrating elementary voices on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!

Conductor: Franklin Willis

MMEA is excited to support elementary programs state-wide with the opportunity to experience esteemed music educator Franklin Willis and his unique gift of music magic in a mass choral setting. The Elementary All-Star Choir was created to provide elementary music students throughout Minnesota with a learning and performance opportunity at the annual Midwinter Convention. The Elementary All-Star choir is non-auditioned, with an emphasis on a musically diverse experience that is inclusive, engaging, accessible, and fun.

Event Information

Schedule:

11:00-11:30 On-Site Registration – nominating teachers present for student check-in
11:30-1:00 Rehearsal
1:00-1:15 Break (snacks provided)
1:15-2:45 Rehearsal
2:45-3:00 Break (snacks provided)
3:00-3:45 Rehearsal and photo
4:00 – 4:30 Concert: Minneapolis Convention Center – Ballroom A

Additional Information – please keep checking back for updates!

Please note that at the event in February, snacks will be provided but there will be NO MEALS for students.

Educators are required to be present at student check in and check out with their students on Saturday Feb 17th. Check in is between 11AM-11:30AM. Please do not arrive at the check in rooms before 11AM. Everyone will be checked in by Group Assignment. Educators are not required to stay for the duration of the rehearsal but will be on call during the rehearsal – please do not turn off phones for the afternoon! Parents are not allowed to sit in on rehearsals with the students. MMEA volunteers will be chaperones for the event and ALL have background checks for the safety of students.

Check in rooms: 

Part 1: Room 200CH

Part 2 (includes both 2A and 2B): Room 200DE

Part 3: Room 200FG

Student dress code: All students will wear t-shirts provided by MMEA over their clothing for the day.  We recommend jeans, pants, or leggings under skirts as students will be moving a lot and be on the floor some also. We do not wish for any families to purchase special clothing for the event, but should you have clothing that represents the student’s community with pride, feel free to incorporate that. Students will be provided with T-shirts at the beginning of rehearsal (shirts will be handed to educators at check in, educators will distribute appropriate sizes to their students) – revised 1/15/24

The Elementary All-Star Choir Concert is at 4PM on Saturday February 17th, 2024 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, in Ballroom AB. This year, the concert is FREE and open to the public, thanks to our sponsors (MacPhail Center for Music, University of St Thomas, and Schmitt Music). Donations are always welcome to support our future programming, and can be made at https://minnesota-music-educators-association.square.site/

 The best entrance for parents and concert attendees to use is the street entrance on 2nd Ave S (across from the Plaza Parking Ramp), or the East Skyway from the 11th & Marquette parking ramp. Please visit the Minneapolis Convention Center website for more information about parking, etc. Parents and educators are welcome to use the Midwinter Convention Hilton Hotel Block if needed. 

After the concert, all students will return to the rehearsal rooms, where they will collect their personal belongings. Parents MUST come check out their student from the rehearsal room. Educators are also expected to be present at check out. If there are any custodial issues that may be relevant to student check out, please email jbongaarts@mmea.org

 

Nomination Information

Submission Criteria for Music Educators:

  • Commit to work with your nominated singers so that they are fully prepared before arriving for the event. Scores will be provided by Dec 1. 
  • Maintain current MMEA membership BOTH at time of nomination AND Midwinter Convention. Your membership number is needed to submit student nominations.
  • Be present at the convention center for the event. Once your singers are checked in for the day, you will be free to attend other ongoing sessions and return for the concert, or you are welcome to stay throughout the rehearsal hours.
  • Arrange transportation for students to and from the Convention, whether it is school provided or parent provided.

Criteria for Student Nomination:

Please select up to THREE (3) students per school who:

  • are in grades 4, 5, or 6 within an elementary school setting
  • sing in tune 
  • have the ability to hold a part in 2 or 3 part TREBLE material
  • are serious about a fun, rewarding day of rich music-making

Registration:

  • Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first 200 students will be accepted, and MMEA will contact sponsoring teachers on waiting list if vacancies arise. Please nominate only three students per school no matter how many teachers are qualified to be sponsoring teachers.
  • If students or schools are unable to pay for registration, fee waivers are available, and will be granted with no questions asked.
  • Fee of $25.00 per student (non-refundable) to cover registration. MMEA will invoice the school. Invoices can be paid online with a credit card or paid by check made out to Minnesota Music Educators Association. MMEA will not accept individual student payments or cash.
  • Generous support from our sponsors (University of St. Thomas, MacPhail Center for Music, and Schmitt Music) allows MMEA to offer a participation fee of only $25. This fee along with our sponsors’ support covers the costs for our clinician, t-shirts, scores, snacks, and liability insurance.  
  • The Google registration form must be completed and individual student registration forms (with parent permission) must be uploaded.

Important Dates:

October 13, 2023: Nomination Portal Opens! Register EARLY!

November 15, 2023:  Portal closes or when cap is reached


Registration Instructions


Individual Student Registration Form


Registration Spreadsheet


Registration Portal Google Form

What happens after I submit my registration?

After you submit your student registration, MMEA staff will review the information and confirm your NAFME membership. After the review is complete, you will receive an email from staff confirming your registration, and an invoice will follow shortly via email. Staff will make every effort to reach out within a week of your submission. 

Registration Support: jbongaarts@mmea.org

General Information: info@mmea.org

Program Questions: khoward@mmea.org