January 10-13, 2024
Tampa Convention Center
Join us as we continue our exploration into Artistry as both teachers and performers. Stay tuned for announcements regarding the world-class keynote speakers and performers that will be joining us in 2023.
The FMEA Professional Development Conference is one of the most significant music education professional development events in the United States. In addition to approximately 250 clinic sessions and concerts, it is host to 22 All-State Ensembles featuring Florida’s top Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Guitar, and Elementary Orff students conducted by world-class conductors and teachers. Ten Thousand people, including secondary music directors, elementary music teachers, music supervisors, college students, college music teachers, school administrators, and K-12 students are performing in the All-State ensembles, students, and professional musicians performing with invited performing ensembles, exhibitors, and parents of performing students.
The annual FMEA Professional Development Conference is held early in January on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center.
INFORMATION ABOUT ALL-STATE CHORUS
CENTRAL HUB for ALL-STATE CHORUS
The link above, “The Omnibus” is for the parents and directors who want to know everything about All-State and the audition process. It is a bit lengthy; however, it is very thorough and explains every detail imaginable.
Registration
Directors and families do this together and should be aware that there are two different forms of registration:
The audition registration
Online audition registration must be completed within the time frame established by the District Chairman. All online registration must be completed statewide by September 15th. Directors who wish to enter students in the All-State chorus auditions must first register students online at flmusiced.org/MPAonline. The following information will be required for each student: name, address, emergency contact and phone number (not the director’s), height, and voice part. At the end of online registration, your All-State application form will be automatically generated for you as a PDF file. Print this, get it signed by your principal, and send it with payment to the appropriate person in your FVA district.
Student Audition Registration Fee: $15.00 (which is covered by the Surfside Choral Department).
There are exactly three stages for the student audition in All-State Ensemble/Choir (this is a shortened version of the Omnibus above).
Stage One – The Written Theory Exam (click on the link below) will be held at Crestview High School
A student must pass this exam to take the sight-singing exam in stage two of the audition process.
Stage Two – The Sight Singing Exam (click on the link below) will be held at Crestview High School
A student must pass the theory and the sight-reading exam to move on to the vocal audition.
Stage Three – The Vocal Audition (click on the link below) will be held at Navarre High School
Informational page and links for rehearsal
The conference registration
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- Directors with students that earn a place in an All-State chorus must register both themselves and their students for the FMEA conference. You can do this using the paper application or online through FMEA (flmusiced.org).
- Study materials on fva.net
Study web sites
Online ear training practice
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with auditioning for the 2024 Florida All-State Chorus?
Students and their parents who are interested may schedule a parent conference with Mr. Mullen before school, during the planning period of the director, or after school to set up study materials and study time for All-State at the beginning of the school year.
Who is eligible to audition?
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- 7th – 8th-grade chorus students
- Students must maintain an “A” in the chorus and a 2.0 overall GPA
- Students with strong musicianship skills
- Girls: We can take up to three first sopranos, three-second sopranos, 3 first altos, and three-second altos (that’s maximum).
- Boys: We can take up to 20 changed male voices (also maximum number).
How will it be determined who gets to go to the auditions?
Students will need to come to our after-school tutoring and mentoring or may study intensely for their preparation at home. Students will need to pass all three stages of the audition process. Students will need to score a minimum of 80% on the written exam and be able to sight-read a minimum of 10 out of 40 measures. Students will then be ranked according to their composite scores. The top students within the voicing guidelines are then eligible for the first round of district auditions.
Does every student who passes the auditions get in the all-state chorus?
Your director and colleagues will make every effort to ensure every student who passes each exam can attend.
What do I need to do now?
Know the 3 R’s: Register, Review, and Record.
Click on this link for the 3 R’s
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- Let’s get the registration process going.
- Let’s get the rehearsal and reviewing by attending the practice sessions for musicianship / sight-reading practice with the director. Sign-up times are on the director’s office door at the beginning of the school year.
- Practice your skills on your own – especially your sight-reading. The links to the study sources are truly excellent preparation. Use our daily class lessons to help you with your musicianship and sight-reading skills as well. The higher your composite scores, the better your chance to be selected (that is explained in detail in the omnibus)
- Rehearse with your practice CD and online resources.
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Test Dates
2023-2024 Test Dates
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- Sept. 9, 2023 @ Crestview High School (Theory and Sight Singing)
- Oct. 10, 2023 @ Navarre High School (Voice Part)
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Future Conference Dates:
January 10-13, 2024
January 8-11, 2025