All-State Handbell Ensemble

New in 2025!  

The Louisiana All State High School Handbell Ensemble.

2025 All-State Handbell Director: Greig Ashurst

Greig Ashurst has cultivated an illustrious pedagogical and conducting career spanning over three decades, encompassing various domains such as technology, educational philosophy, and music throughout the United States. Mr. Ashurst has amassed a distinguished professional background in the field of music, where he has instructed, directed, and delivered clinics, seminars, and keynote addresses across the United States. Recently, he presented clinics at the annual conferences of the Connecticut Music Educators Association and the Michigan Music Conference. This year, some of Mr. Ashurst’s notable conducting engagements include conducting the Indiana All-State Handbell Ensemble and the International Handbell Symposium in Hamamatsu, Japan.

As a music education and technology consultant for Schulmermich Bells, LLC, he was instrumental in the development of numerous products. He was a member of the design and implementation group for the electronic handbell-like instrument, MelodyWave. He designed and introduced the Greig Ashurst Artists Series and the Greig Ashurst Legato Series, two new lines of professional performance mallets that have revolutionized the timbral landscape of contemporary handbell performance and music. In addition to numerous articles in local and national music journals, GIA Publications, Hope Publishing, and From the Top Publishing have all published his music.

He has held the position of music educator at universities and public and private institutions in Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. At present, Mr. Ashurst holds the positions of Director of Instrumental Music and Director of Technology at Cathedral-Carmel School, where he was the 2016–2017 “teacher of the year.” In 2009 and 2003, respectively, North Vermilion High School in Maurice, LA and CW Stanford Middle School in Hillsborough, NC honored him as “Teacher of the Year.” In addition, he holds the position of Youth Music and Instrumental Director at Asbury United Methodist Church, located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Greig Ashurst holds multiple positions within a multitude of organizations, including that of board member for the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors’ Association and president of the Handbell Musicians of America.

All-State Program for the Handbell Ensemble: TBA

LMEA All-State Handbell Ensemble – 2025

There is a single live monitored audition for the All-State Handbell Ensemble. Auditions will be video recorded by the District Director or his/her designee and submitted as an mp4 file to the All-State Handbell Chair for adjudication.

Students in 8th-12th grades may audition.

DEADLINES for 2024-25:

  • District Deadlines – District Directors will provide procedural information and set the deadline for receiving checks and student information from schools in their district. This deadline may be before the state’s deadline.
  • Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Deadline for completion of all auditions and the receipt of all student registrations and audition fees by the district director or his/her designee.
  • Monday, October 14, 2024 (by 11:59 pm) – Results for the All-State Handbell Ensemble will be posted online. Registration forms for students selected to an ensemble will opened once rosters are posted.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS SELECTED TO AN ALL-STATE ENSEMBLE

LOCATION, DEADLINES, FEES

  • Location – Hilton New Orleans Riverside (all rehearsals and concerts)
  • Registration Fees – $165
  • Deadline – Saturday, November 2, 2024 by 11:59pm (All-State registration form, All-State permission form, fees, and if applicable, LMEA Academic Award form)

LMEA is working hard to provide the highest quality All-State experience. All ensembles will rehearse and perform under the leadership of a nationally-celebrated director. Evening concerts will feature Louisiana universities as well as guest artists from around the country.

The registration fee covers rehearsal and performance related expenses, music, an All-State patch, All-State t-shirt, and the LMEA Academic Award (if applicable).

All students will be served a buffet style dinner each night, which will include a fresh salad, hearty main course, two sides, dessert, and beverage. Special meal options will be provided for students with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Students are on their own for lunch and breakfast. They may take advantage of food options within the Hilton. For lunch, students may choose to eat in the food court of the Riverwalk Outlet, which adjoins the Hilton Riverside. Multiple fast-food options are available and lunch breaks will be staggered to help alleviate crowds.


DONATIONS
Links to information and ways to help support Louisiana’s talented LMEA All-State students can be found below. Join us as we celebrate their hard work and dedication, and this prestigious achievement.

Donation LetterA downloadable Word doc with suggested modifications that teachers can customize to fit each student’s situation

FAQ Sheet Detailed information on how to support Louisiana’s talented young musicians cover their All-State expenses (registration and evening meals only) by donating to students through LMEA’s portal

Donation Form/LMEA PortalTo donate to a specific student(s), school(s), or All-State ensemble events


SCHEDULE


REGISTRATION FORMS

  • Student Forms – Important registration information, required forms, and optional forms.
  • Academic Award Form (OPTIONAL) – A student who has a verified cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher must upload the verified academic award form when completing the online All-State Student Registration Form. (Only 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are eligible for this award.) The deadline is the same as the “registration due” deadline.

MUSIC: All-State Handbell Ensemble music will be distributed to the selected musicians by their LMEA District Director, their LMEA District’s Handbell Chair, or through their director.


HOTEL INFORMATION: (Information can also be found under the Conference tab in the menu.)


QUESTIONS
If you have a question that the district director cannot answer, please email Greig Ashurst, LMEA Handbell Committee Chair, at [email protected].