All-State Middle School Choir

2025 ALL-STATE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR CLINICIAN: Dr. Jamie Hillman

JAMIE HILLMAN is an American and Canadian musician, active as a conductor, singer, pianist, music educator, and composer-arranger. He holds the endowed Elmer Iseler Chair in Conducting at the University of Toronto where he is Director of Choral Studies and an Associate Professor. He conducts the U of T MacMillan Singers and leads the master’s and doctoral degree programs in Choral Conducting, as well as the annual summer Choral Conducting Symposium. Professor Hillman is also cross listed as an adjunct faculty member in Emmanuel College’s Master of Sacred Music program.

For the 2022-2023 season, Hillman was Associate Conductor and Director of Community Engagement of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Hillman has served on the faculty of Boston University Metropolitan College/Prison Education Program, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Kodály Music Institute, Longy School of Music of Bard College, and Toronto Summer Music. As a Boston University Prison Arts Scholar, Hillman co-initiated an innovative vocal music program in the Massachusetts prison system.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-STATE AUDITIONS

Each of the nine LMEA Districts will hold a district level 1st round qualifying audition to determine the students who will qualify for the 2nd round state level audition. All 2nd round auditions will be audio-recorded in each district.

Students must audition in their school’s LMEA district for the 1st round audition.

DATE, TIME, FEES, and LOCATION for the 1st round audition are set by the District Director for his/her district.

INFORMATION ABOUT STATE LEVEL (2nd ROUND) AUDITIONS

The format of the Second Round audition is a Live Monitored Audition which will be submitted as an mp3 file. 

  • District directors will verify that teachers of all students participating in these auditions are current members of LMEA.
  • All “2nd round” auditions will be audio recorded by the District Director or his/her designee(s) and submitted as an mp3 file to the Division Chair for adjudication.

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.
  • Saturday, November 9, 2024 – Deadline for completion of all 2nd round auditions and the receipt of all student registrations and audition fees by the district director or his/her designee.
  • Monday, November 18, 2024 (by 11:59 pm) – Results for the Middle School All-State Choir will be posted online. Registration forms for students selected to an ensemble will be opened once rosters are posted.
  • Friday, December 6, 2024 (by 11:59pm) – Deadline for students selected to the Middle School All-State Choir to complete their registration.

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, Decembler 6, 2024 by 11:59pm (All-State registration form, All-State permission form, and fees)

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, and All-State t-shirt.

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 with instructions, and optional forms

CONCERT REPERTOIRE LEARNING TRACKS – Includes the concert repertoire learning tracks for all three (3) All-State Choirs

HOTEL INFORMATION:  (Information is located under the Conference tab in the menu.)