May 2011
Volume 76, Number 4

We end another successful year in music education marked by outstanding, memorable performances.  LMEA strives to offer our directors and their young choral musicians   the type of quality activities that develop audition skills, performance opportunities, and music literacy.

Our current First Round Audition cycle of songs is as follows:

2011 – Helig – Mendelssohn        
2012 – O Vos Omnes – Casals
2013 – Let All The Nations Praise The Lord – Leisring
2014 -  Richte Mich, Gott – Mendelssohn
2015 – Crucifixus – Lotti (SSAATTBB – Walton Music 6066-11)

Please purchase this edition now.  The different notes and markings of the CPDL edition is unsuitable for our purposes.                                                                                          

In preparation for all-state choir membership, students must learn the entire first round selection even though the district chooses only a portion of the song to audition.   Audition Chairmen must submit all district entries for Second Round to me no later than September 30.  The entry is valid upon payment of the fee of $12 per student.   Ideally, your entry form and check should be sent together.   However, I must receive the entry form by September 30 and your fee must be paid no later than October 1, the LMEA board meeting date.

Second round auditions will be held at Lafayette HIgh on Saturday, October 8.  The second round audition selection is “Sanctus”, Ola Gjeilo.   CD’s will not be mailed to District Audition Chairmen.  Our LMEA website will contain a recording of this selection available for each director to download and copy to a CD.  Also, on the website, you will receive specific instructions as to where the selection begins and ends for the audition.

Looking ahead, our clinicians for 2011 All-State Choirs are as follows:  Dr. Debra Spurgeon,  Director of the University of Mississippi Choral Activities, will direct our Women’s Chorale; Dr. David Childs, Choral Director at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, will direct our Mixed Choir.   Dr. Charles Bruffy, Director of the Kansas City Chorale will present workshops at 10a.m. and 2p.m.:  “Bringing Music Off The Page” and “Count-Singing 101”.

District Directors and Festival Chairmen received the contact information for each district’s panel of judges.  This is the fourth year this information has been circulated with the expectation of increasing communication, expanding the list of prospective judges, and keeping districts connected. 

I would like to extend appreciation to District 5 for hosting state choir festival at Lake Charles-Boston High School.  Assistance from current and retired directors helped to make this event a smooth process for all.  And, to all of you, thank you for your participation in LMEA activities and for your consistent support and unending dedication to our efforts to promote quality music education. 

Best wishes for a wonderful summer.