Choir Competitions Overview
TMEA All-State Choir Auditions . . . often referred to as "TMEA", "Region" or "All-State"
Region Audition Material: TBA
Region Auditions: TBA
Region Clinic and Concert: TBA
Pre-Area Auditions: TBA
Area Auditions: TBA
TMEA Music Convention and All-State Choir Performances: TBA
This is the most competitive choir competition of the year where students from across the state audition for a spot in the All-State Choirs. Most competing students begin working on the music during the summer prior to the start of the school year and attend one of the All-State Choir preparatory camps offered at universities throughout the state. Participating students are given
a packet of 6 or more pieces to learn and should expect some of them to be in languages other than English. Three audition cuts will be announced upon arrival at each stage of the competition.
The audition process is broken into three stages:
Each stage of this competition is long and the rules are very strict. Your child will not be able to use any electronic devices while waiting for their audition time. Students should bring homework, books, drawing materials, games, and snacks to occupy their time. Most McCallum students show their school pride by wearing their McCallum choir polos to the regional stage of the competition.
Participation is voluntary, although highly recommended for Choral Studies majors.
Region Audition Material: TBA
Region Auditions: TBA
Region Clinic and Concert: TBA
Pre-Area Auditions: TBA
Area Auditions: TBA
TMEA Music Convention and All-State Choir Performances: TBA
This is the most competitive choir competition of the year where students from across the state audition for a spot in the All-State Choirs. Most competing students begin working on the music during the summer prior to the start of the school year and attend one of the All-State Choir preparatory camps offered at universities throughout the state. Participating students are given
a packet of 6 or more pieces to learn and should expect some of them to be in languages other than English. Three audition cuts will be announced upon arrival at each stage of the competition.
The audition process is broken into three stages:
- The first stage, the regional competition, is similar to the Middle School regional competition and takes place annually at Bowie High School in south Austin on a Saturday. Students audition anonymously for a panel of five judges who score the performance. Students are then ranked and the top 16 in each vocal part make up the All-Region Choir and participate in an all-day choir clinic and performance approximately 6 weeks later. Competition hours are approximately 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., or whenever your student is finished. The results are shared the evening of the competition.
- Stage two, the pre-area competition, takes place at Austin ISD’s Anderson High School on a school evening and includes a sight-reading component in addition to the performance component. The top three students in each vocal part receive All-Area Choir designation. Competition hours are approximately 5–10 p.m. Students can stay to hear results late that night or learn results the following day.
- In stage three, the students that made All-Area move on to compete for a place in the All-State Choir at Reagan High School (North East ISD) on the north side of San Antonio. The competition begins very early Saturday morning, so parents and students will likely want to stay in the area overnight on Friday. The top three competitors in each vocal part from the combined regions receive a spot in the Texas All-State Mixed Choirs. Competitors in spots 4–6 receive a spot in the Treble or Tenor/Bass Choirs. Competition hours are approximately 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Students remain to hear results that evening.
Each stage of this competition is long and the rules are very strict. Your child will not be able to use any electronic devices while waiting for their audition time. Students should bring homework, books, drawing materials, games, and snacks to occupy their time. Most McCallum students show their school pride by wearing their McCallum choir polos to the regional stage of the competition.
Participation is voluntary, although highly recommended for Choral Studies majors.
UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest . . . often referred to as "Solo & Ensemble"
Typically held in February, and in past years was hosted by Mac Choir at McCallum High School. Will be hosted by Hays High School in February of 2024.
Prior to the competition, students register with their song selection. Pieces are defined by difficulty level from 1-3 with level 1 being the most challenging. Students will prepare independently for this competition, but often have some class time to practice.
At the competition, students will be assigned a time and location where they will perform in front of one judge. The judge fills out a scoring sheet with notes and often gives the student feedback in the judging room. Students may find out their scores after the results have been recorded. Performances are scored from 1-5; 1= superior, 2=excellent, 3=average, 4=below average, 5=poor.
Students that receive a superior (1) rating on a level 1 piece move on to the State UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest held at UT late May, early June. The process at the state competition is very similar to the regional competition. Judges at state competition are university instructors and typically give significant feedback to the students.
Participation is mandatory for Choral Studies majors and voluntary for non-major students.
Typically held in February, and in past years was hosted by Mac Choir at McCallum High School. Will be hosted by Hays High School in February of 2024.
Prior to the competition, students register with their song selection. Pieces are defined by difficulty level from 1-3 with level 1 being the most challenging. Students will prepare independently for this competition, but often have some class time to practice.
At the competition, students will be assigned a time and location where they will perform in front of one judge. The judge fills out a scoring sheet with notes and often gives the student feedback in the judging room. Students may find out their scores after the results have been recorded. Performances are scored from 1-5; 1= superior, 2=excellent, 3=average, 4=below average, 5=poor.
Students that receive a superior (1) rating on a level 1 piece move on to the State UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest held at UT late May, early June. The process at the state competition is very similar to the regional competition. Judges at state competition are university instructors and typically give significant feedback to the students.
Participation is mandatory for Choral Studies majors and voluntary for non-major students.
UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest . . . often referred to as "UIL"
Pre-UIL Concert: TBD
Contest: TBD
Each choir participates as a group at this regional competition.
The competition is divided into two parts:
Choirs will receive a rating from each judge. Performances are scored from 1-5; 1= superior, 2=excellent, 3=average, 4=below average, 5=poor. Scores of all ones on both concert and sight-reading receive a "sweepstakes" trophy.
Participation is mandatory for ALL choir students.
Pre-UIL Concert: TBD
Contest: TBD
Each choir participates as a group at this regional competition.
The competition is divided into two parts:
- First, choirs perform three pieces on stage for a panel of three judges.
- Second, choirs are given a piece they have not previously seen, and are asked to sight-read the song for three judges after being given limited time to review the music and run through it one time.
Choirs will receive a rating from each judge. Performances are scored from 1-5; 1= superior, 2=excellent, 3=average, 4=below average, 5=poor. Scores of all ones on both concert and sight-reading receive a "sweepstakes" trophy.
Participation is mandatory for ALL choir students.