All-State High School Guitar Ensemble

2025 All-State Guitar Director: Dr. Chad Ibison

American guitarist Dr. Chad Ibison has captivated audiences across North America and abroad through his imaginative musical interpretations and charismatic stage presence. Hailed through critical acclaim, Chad has been described as “very versatile in terms of contrast and range of expression” (Classical Guitar Canada) with “masterful phrasing combined with technical precision” (ClassicalGuitar.org). Composer Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, describes Ibison’s impact as a performer; “Chad gave an incendiary performance. His approach was, at the same time, aggressive and intimate. He melded with the instrument, and the result was brash, expressive and technically secure.” Along with his critical acclaim, Ibison has accumulated ten first place awards among his eighteen top prize wins at international guitar competitions including The Guitar Foundation of America, JoAnn Falletta Concerto Competition and Boston’s New England Conservatory Guitarfest. He participates regularly at guitar festivals as a performer, teacher and judge. Chad resides in Austin and is currently the Assistant Professor at Austin Community College and maintains a private studio in Hyde Park.

All-State Program for the Guitar Ensemble: TBA

LMEA All-State Guitar Ensemble – 2025

There is a single live monitored audition for All-State Guitar Ensemble.  All auditions will be audio recorded by the District Director or his/her designee and submitted to the All-State Guitar Chair as an mp3 file.

District directors will verify that teachers of all students participating in these auditions are current members of LMEA.

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 Guitar Ensemble will be posted online. Registration forms for students selected to an ensemble will be 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


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


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.

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


If you have a question that the district director cannot answer, please email Dr. Greg Robin, LMEA Guitar Committee Chair, at [email protected].