Monday Notes - April 27, 2026

The final stretch of April is here, how did that happen? With May 1 right around the corner, we’re officially in the home stretch. I know this time of year gets busy, so take a few minutes to look through the info below and make sure nothing sneaks past you.

Below are state contest dates to better help you prepare your performance calendars for the next school year.

• State Marching Contest - October 24, 2026
• State Choir Contest - April 13 & 14, 2027
• State Band Contest - April 15, 16 & 17, 2027

To submit potential judges for the State Choir and Concert Band contests, click here. Judges should be from outside the local area and have no ties to New Mexico. After submissions are collected, the advisory council will rank the candidates.

Audition material for the 2027 All-State Music Festival has been posted. Please make sure your students have the information and the correct audition material. Let the practicing begin!

• Audition Material

Make sure to follow the link below to secure the choral learning tracks. Remember that these tracks are the exact ones that are needed for auditions.

• Learning tracks

Make sure to attend your district spring meeting where important decisions will be made including next year's event calendar, award nominations and district officer elections. In addition to the important business, it is always great to see everyone and celebrate the end of the school year.

It is time to register for the 3rd Annual State Marching Contest to be held on October 24th. Remember that schools can register for comments only or to be entered into the competition class. Registrations received prior to May 1 will be entered into a drawing for performance order - so don't procrastinate!

• Registration link
• Registration Fee - tentatively $300 (confirmed entry cost)
• Judges

Click here for a wonderful tribute to Norvil. It goes without saying that music education in New Mexico was built by Norvil and his colleagues. We can do what we do today because of what they did years ago. What a tremendous man, educator, mentor, friend, and example.