What is the MSBOA All-State Program?
The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) All-State Program is an elite opportunity for middle and high school band and orchestra students to showcase their musical talents on a statewide level. The All-State program recognizes the best young musicians in Michigan, offering them a chance to audition for a spot in prestigious All-State ensembles. These ensembles are comprised of the top student musicians in the state and perform at the annual Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids.

Five ensembles are selected from recorded auditions:
• Middle School String Orchestra
• Middle School Band
• High School Full Orchestra
• High School Band
• High School Jazz Ensemble

What Does the Program Involve?
1. Auditions:
• To be considered for the All-State ensembles, students must audition by performing prepared selections and etudes, as well as demonstrating proficiency in sight-reading.
• Auditions are typically held in October at designated regional sites across the state. The audition process is designed to be challenging and competitive, as it identifies students with the highest level of musical ability.

2. Selection Process:
• After the auditions, a panel of expert judges evaluates the students’ performances. Based on these evaluations, the top performers are selected to participate in the All-State ensembles.
• The selected students are notified in late November or early December.

3. Rehearsals and Performances:
• Students selected for the All-State ensembles will participate in rehearsals with renowned conductors and musicians, giving them the chance to learn from some of the best in the field.
• The All-State ensembles perform at the Michigan Music Conference held in January in Grand Rapids. This performance is the culmination of the students’ hard work and provides a platform for them to showcase their talents in front of a large audience.

Why Should You Audition?
Participating in the MSBOA All-State Program offers numerous benefits:
• Musical Growth: Auditioning for and performing in an All-State ensemble provides students with the opportunity to work at a high level of musical excellence. Students will develop their technical skills, learn advanced repertoire, and refine their ensemble playing.
• Professional Instruction: Selected students have the opportunity to rehearse with some of the nation’s top conductors and music educators, gaining insights that will enhance their musicianship.
• Networking: Students meet and collaborate with talented musicians from across the state, forming friendships and connections that could last a lifetime.
• Recognition: Being selected for an All-State ensemble is a prestigious achievement that looks great on college and scholarship applications. It demonstrates dedication, discipline, and exceptional musical ability.
• Performance Opportunity: The chance to perform in a large, professional setting at the Michigan Music Conference is a unique and rewarding experience for any young musician.

How to Prepare for Your Audition:
• Practice the Required Etudes: The MSBOA provides a list of required audition etudes and scales, which are available on their website. Make sure you practice these pieces thoroughly and seek help from your band or orchestra director if needed.
• Sight-Reading Practice: The audition includes a sight-reading component, so it’s important to practice sight-reading music you’ve never seen before. This skill will help you during your audition and in your overall musicianship. Consider using SightReadingFactory.com!
• Private Lessons (Optional): Many students find that taking private lessons with an instrument specialist can give them an edge in their preparation. Private instructors can provide valuable feedback and help refine your technique.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but confidence in your preparation is key. The more you practice and familiarize yourself with the material, the more confident you’ll feel during your audition.

Each audition is submitted using only an identification number with no reference to the student or school. The auditions are evaluated by an adjudicator and placed in order. The required number of instruments is selected to fill each section. An average of some 2,500 students audition each year for the 400 seats in our five ensembles.

In January the students assemble for two and a half days of rehearsal with nationally recognized conductors. A concert is held on the Saturday of the Michigan Music Conference.

The MSBOA All-State Program is an incredible opportunity for middle and high school musicians to challenge themselves, grow as musicians, and be recognized for their hard work and talent. If you have a passion for music and want to perform with the best student musicians in Michigan, the All-State Program is for you!

All State Audition Locations & Dates:
Saline High School - Sat. Oct 19: 8:00am-4:00pm
Saline High School - Sun. Oct 20: 1:00pm-6:00pm
Detroit School of Arts - Wed. Oct 16: 4:00pm-6:00pm

ALL STATE Instructions and Scoring Rubric-PDF
ALL STATE TIME TABLE-PDF
2024-2025 MS WIND & PERCUSSION AUDITION REQUIREMENTS-PDF
2024-2025 MS PERCUSSION ETUDE-PDF
CLARINET SCALE REQUIREMENTS-PDF
TRUMPET SCALE REQUIREMENTS-PDF
HORN SCALE REQUIREMENTS-PDF
TROMBONE SCALE REQUIREMENTS-PDF
MSBOA Music Education Workshop - ALL-STATE BAND- Resources
2024/25 MSBOA Middle School All-State Trombone Etude-YouTube, https://www.colebartels.net/
MSBOA ALL STATE Lesson Series by Central Michigan University Saxophone Studio-YouTube
MSBOA Michigan All State Audition - Three Parts-YouTube
Lorenzo's Clock - MSBOA All State Middle School Band - January 27, 2024-YouTube
The Haunted Carousel - MSBOA All State Middle School Band - January 27, 2024-YouTube
The King Across the Water - MSBOA All State Middle School Band - January 27, 2024-YouTube

AUDITION PROCEDURE:
A. Each student will be given a “Student ID Number” which must be used exclusively during the audition procedure. The student will be identified only by this number on the recording. If the student changes the audition day, time or section, the “Student ID Number” must remain with that student.
B. Ten (10) minutes will be allowed for each audition. This time will be used for each student to perform
   1. the required etude,
   2. the required scales and
   3. sight-read - in that order.
In the audition room, students will be provided with the list of scales as printed on the audition requirements page. Each listed scale must be memorized. No additional scale notation is allowed in the audition room. For sight-reading, each student will have 60 seconds to study the music. During that time the student may not play their instrument.
C. Auditions will be adjudicated using a point system with 1000 points being the maximum earned for all three parts of the audition. The etude will earn up to 500 points, the scales will earn up to 250 points (total for all performed), and the sight reading will earn up to 250 points.
D. Following the completion of the auditions, the recordings will be evaluated by a panel of adjudicators.
E. Chair positions within each ensemble will be determined by the adjudicators.
F. The listing of selected students will be posted on the MSBOA website.
G. Selected students will complete the acceptance registration forms and return them along with payment of the registration fee to the State Office on or before December 2, 2024.
H. Any positions not accepted by that date may be awarded to another student.

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Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association
• ALL-STATE BAND - Grades 7 & 8
• ALL-STATE STRING ORCHESTRA - Grades 7 & 8

Dear 7th & 8th Grade Band and Orchestra Students of MSBOA Member Schools,

Seventh and eighth grade band and orchestra students from all of Michigan are invited to audition for the Michigan All-State Band or All-State String Orchestra. The two middle school All-State ensembles will be representing music education as part of the 20th Annual Michigan Music Conference (MMC) held on January 23-25, 2025. There will also be a high school concert band, jazz ensemble and full orchestra, however this notice is specifically for the 7th and 8th grade students. If selected from your audition, you will join hundreds of other top instrumentalists from across the state of Michigan in Grand Rapids for this three-day event.

Your questions might be:
• How do I become part of the All-State Band or Orchestra?
Students will audition to determine the top students at your grade level from all of Michigan.

• When are the auditions?
Audition dates are Wednesday, October 16 through Sunday, October 20, 2024
(Please see your director for the specific dates in your MSBOA District)

• Where are the auditions?
There will be a site close to your school. Sites will be announced to your director.

• What music do I play for the audition?
Students will play an etude, which your director will have for you. You will also be asked to play a few scales. Your director will also have the scales you will play. There will also be a sight-reading portion.

• Is there a fee for participation?
o There is a $15 fee per audition
o If selected, the fee is $80.00
o Housing, transportation and meals will be the student/parent/guardian responsibility.

• What is the Registration Deadline for auditions?
The deadline for your All-State application is Tuesday, October 1, 2024. If interested in auditioning, please let your director know before this date. We look forward to your participation in this Michigan All-State Event.

Best wishes,
MSBOA