Monday Notes - August 25, 2025
August 19th, 2025
Happy Monday and here is to a great week! As we fall into the routine of the school year, make sure to take care of a few small details early on to avoid bigger issues later in the semester!
Audition Registration
The registration for All-State Auditions is now open! Please follow this link to register students for auditions and make sure to keep these important dates regarding auditions in mind. And lastly, did you follow PO Pat's advice?
There are several helpful links at the bottom of the registration page if you are new to the system or need a refresher.
Audition Material
Reminder to check audition material for updates! As of note:
- There is a tempo correction for the Bizet orchestra excerpt!
- There is an updated Dona Nobis Pacem choral audition piece uploaded with conductor markings.
Audition Reminders
As you know, the Executive Committee have made several changes to the audition process (below) - Please review them now so that you can plan ahead. Additionally, the following things have not changed:
- Sight reading. The Sight reading process will be the same. It will be monitored by you and students are not allowed to play or sing during the study time.
- Memorization. Scales as well as vocal components are still to be memorized.
- Guitar Auditions. Do not take the repeat in the etude.
Previous information
The Executive Committee has made several changes to the All-State audition process. The most significant is that all audition components, except sight reading, will now be recorded on an external device and uploaded into the system. Since students can record components multiple times and submit what they feel is the best recording, the Executive Committee believes it will encourage students work toward mastery. It will also make audition management easier for teachers.
What does this mean for you? While there will be a designated upload window for adding recordings to OpusEvent, students can record and submit their auditions to you at any time. Review your program’s calendar and decide when you want to collect these from your students.
Please plan to attend our Fall Town hall (Zoom) on Sept. 17, 2025 at 6pm for more tips & tricks and to ask questions regarding the new process.
Conference Registration
It is time to register for the 2026 All-State Music Festival & In-Service Conference & Jazz All-State! Don't miss out on jam packed days of learning, sharing, music, and connecting. Register now!
Registration: Link
- Conference Dates: January 14-17, 2026
- Location: University of New Mexico
- Jazz All-State Dates: January 22-24, 2026
- Location: Eastern New Mexico University
Where Are They Now?
Do you know a former All-State student who’s gone on to achieve great things in music or another field? We want to feature their success at this year’s conference! This is a chance to celebrate their accomplishments, inspire current students, and showcase their achievements. Submit their name using the link below and help us share their story with our All-State community.
2025 Selections
Choral Survey
Choral Directors - see this short message from Camille Kelly and please take the survey!
Dear Choral Colleagues,
I’m inviting you to contribute to my master’s capstone by completing a brief survey that will help shape a professional development program for New Mexico secondary choral educators. This program will integrate trauma-informed, music-based, and relationship-centered strategies, while maintaining academic and artistic rigor to meet the complex needs of our students.
Your feedback is invaluable, and I deeply appreciate your time and insight.