All-State Middle School Jazz Ensemble


2025 CLINICIAN: Robert Keating

Robert Keating is a highly accomplished music educator and professional musician, currently serving as the Music Director at Gulliver Preparatory in Miami, Florida. With an impressive tenure of 35 years at Gulliver Prep, he has made a significant impact on the school’s music program.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of music education, Robert was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Mu honorary band directors fraternity in 2008 and the American School Band Directors Association in 2012. He has also served as the FBA District Chair and currently sits on the Jazz Committee for the Florida Bandmasters Association, showcasing his commitment to advancing music education in the state. In addition, he was selected to conduct the FMEA All State Middle School Jazz Band which performed at the 2024 All State FMEA Convention.

Robert’s expertise and passion for music education have led to numerous speaking engagements and workshops. He has been invited to present at the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) five times and the Jazz Education Network (JEN) conferences twice, sharing his knowledge and insights with fellow educators. Notably, Robert was chosen to conduct the FMEA All State Middle School Jazz Band, which showcased at the 2024 All State FMEA Convention.

2025 All-State Jazz Ensemble Program: TBA

LMEA All-State Middle School Jazz Ensemble

There is a single live monitored audition for All-State Middle School Jazz Ensemble. Auditions will be recorded by the District Director or the district’s Jazz Chair and submitted to the All-State Jazz Division Chair as an mp3 file 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 2, 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, November 18, 2024 (by 11:59 pm) – Results for the Middle School All-State Jazz Ensemble 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 All-State Middle School Jazz Ensemble to complete their registration.

LOCATION, DEADLINES, FEES

  • Location – Hilton New Orleans Riverside (all rehearsals and concerts)
  • Registration Fees – $205
  • 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

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