Beginning 2023-24, the requirements and guidelines for Large Ensemble Assessments – classification, performance, and sight reading – have been updated:
- To reflect the current situations of schools and music programs across the state.
- To create a more equitable and inclusive assessment.
- To eliminate school size as a factor in determining classification and performance requirements.
The following charts provide the classification descriptions and minimum requirements for both the stage performance and sight reading performance for all levels of participation.
As long as the ensemble meets the minimum requirements explained below, the director can choose to perform their required music selection from a higher grade and/or choose to sight read at a higher level without changing its classification.
Middle School Ensembles
Middle School Ensembles should consist of students in 4th – 8th grades. The level of classification will be determined by the years of instruction of the majority (51%) of the students in the ensemble.
Each ensemble will be labeled as Middle School Level 1, 2, or 3.
| Middle School Ensembles (4th – 8th Grade) |
| Classification | Description | Minimal State Level Requirement | Minimal Sight Reading Level Requirement |
| Middle School Level 1 | Majority of students in the ensemble are in their 1st year of instruction | 3 selections from any source | Not required* |
| Middle School Level 2 | Majority of students in the ensemble are in their 2nd year of instruction | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level .5 list | Level .5 |
| Middle School Level 3 | Majority of students in the ensemble are in their 3rd year of instruction | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 1 list | Level 1 |
| *To qualify for a Sweepstakes trophy, the ensemble must sight read. |
Multiple Ensembles: If a participating middle school has multiple ensembles with the same majority of students with the same level of instruction, each ensemble will then be labeled with “Middle School Level 1/2/3 1st Group” and “Middle School Level 1/2/3 2nd Group” etc.
The 2nd Group may choose the required selection from the LMEA PML list one level lower than the 1st Group.
Participation in Multiple Ensembles: Members cannot participate in multiple ensembles from the same school unless they are performing on a different instrument.
Middle and High School Combined Ensembles
If an ensemble consists of a combination of students from 4th-12th grades, they will be classified as a combined ensemble. The level of classification will be determined by the grade level majority (51%) of the ensemble.
Each ensemble will be labeled as Middle School Combined or High School Combined.
| Middle/High School Combined Ensembles (4th – 12th Grade) |
| Classification | Description | Minimal State Level Requirement | Minimal Sight Reading Level Requirement |
| Middle School Combined | Majority of students in the ensemble are in 4th-8th grades | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 1 list | Level 1 |
| High School Combined | Majority of students in the ensemble are 9th-12th grades |
3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 2 list | Level 2 |
High School Ensembles
High School ensembles should consist of students in 9th-12th grades. The level of classification will be determined by the number of participating ensembles from that particular school.
| High School Ensembles (9th – 12th Grade) |
| Classification | Description | Minimal State Level Requirement | Minimal Sight Reading Level Requirement |
| High School |
Minimum level for participating high school ensemble with only 1 ensemble participating or lowest level for schools with multiple groups. | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 2 list | Level 2 |
Multiple Ensembles at the Same School: If a high school has multiple ensembles, each ensemble will then be labeled as “School Name 1st Group”, “School Name 2nd Group”, or “School Name 3rd Group”. The minimum requirements increase for each added ensemble.
The minimum requirements for a high school with a 2nd and/or 3rd group are as follows:
| High School Minimum Requirements 2 Participating Ensembles |
| 1st Group |
2nd Group |
| 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 3 list | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 1 list |
| Level 3 |
Level 1 |
| High School Minimum Requirements 3 Participating Ensembles |
| 1st Group |
2nd Group | 3rd Group |
| 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 4 list | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 2 list | 3 selections with one chosen from the LMEA PML Level 1 list |
| Level 4 |
Level 2 | Level 1 |
Participation in Multiple Ensembles: Members cannot participate in multiple ensembles from the same school unless they are performing on a different instrument.
Select Groups (Wind Ensembles): Select Groups must read up one level from the top group.
Extenuating Circumstance Class
Extenuating or unusual circumstances many times prevent groups from participating in the normal District Assessment Classification. A director who feels that extenuating circumstances warrant an opportunity to participate in the assessment with lessened performance and sight reading requirements may apply for this classification. Ensembles placed in this class are allowed to perform and/or sight read one level lower than their originally required minimum.
Reasons for Extenuating Circumstance consideration are, but are not limited to:
- New, reestablished, and/or developing programs (Old Class D)
- Majority High School Beginners
- Disaster/Emergency situations (Old Class E)
- Limited or unusual class time restrictions
- Combines school with multiple directors
- Youth, All-City, All-Parish Groups (Old Class H and I)
The process to apply and be accepted into the Extenuating Circumstance Class will be as follows:
- The Ensemble Director must complete the Extenuating Circumstance Application. (Google form; for deadline, contact your District Director)
- The application includes all of the information and explanations needed for the selected panel to consider.
- A panel consisting of the District Director, Division Chair, and 1 other District Director in that specific division will review the applications and determine if the situation warrants granting the classification.
Once an ensemble is approved for the extenuating circumstance class, the director will choose to have published ratings or comments only. Awards are given with published ratings only.