Governing Documents

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of the

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL SECTION of the

NORTH CAROLINA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Click the links to jump to a page.)

Articles of the Constitution

By-Laws

Middle School Choral Activities Policy & Procedures

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

of the

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL SECTION

of the

NORTH CAROLINA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I – NAME AND RELATIONSHIPS

Section 1 Name:

The name of the organization shall be the Middle School Choral Section of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, an affiliate of the Music Educators National Conference, which is an affiliate of the National Education Association.

Section 2 Relationship:

This organization shall maintain a close relationship with the North Carolina Music Educators Association, the North Carolina Association of Educators, the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction, the Music Educators National Conference, the American Choral Directors Association, and with other organizations devoted to the cause of music education.

ARTICLE II – OBJECTS AND FUNCTIONS

Section 1 Object:

  • The advancement of musical concepts and education throughout North Carolina on the Middle School and Junior High levels, grades six(6) through nine (9).
  • The fostering of a closer relationship among the choral directors and general music teachers throughout North Carolina, thereby bringing an interchange of ideas beneficial to all.

Section 2 Functions:

  • The Middle School Choral Section shall encourage and promote music education in North Carolina by means of clinics, MPAs, workshops and other activities sponsored or approved by the Middle School Choral Section.
  • The Middle School Choral Section shall promote a membership drive each year at the city, county and/or regional levels in an effort to reach and inform all middle School Choral school music teachers, especially new teachers and those transferring from out-of-state.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 Active membership may be granted to any individual engaged in middle School Choral music education in North Carolina who is a member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association.

Section 2 The right to vote or hold office is reserved to active members.

ARTICLE IV – DUES

Active membership in the North Carolina Music Educators Association shall be the only dues requirement in the Middle School Choral Section of the North Carolina Music Educators Association.

ARTICLE V – GOVERNMENT

Section 1 The elective officers of the Middle School Choral Section shall be a Chairperson, a Chairperson- Elect, a Secretary, an Activities Coordinator, an All-State Coordinator, an Honors Chorus Coordinator, five Members-at-Large, which when working apart from the membership, shall be joined by the immediate Past Chairperson of the Middle School Choral Section, and shall be known as the Executive Committee. (For detailed job descriptions, click here.)

Section 2 The term of office for all elected officers shall be for a period of two (2) years.

Section 3 Vacancies in all elective offices shall be filled upon the recommendations of the executive committee of the Middle School Choral Section, until an election for the unexpired term is held at the next regularly scheduled general meeting of the membership.

Section 4 For the purpose of serving current needs in large choral Music Performance Adjudication (MPA)s, such as the regional choral MPAs, offered by the Middle School Choral and Choral Sections of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, the state of North Carolina shall be divided into eight regions as follows:

  • East #1 shall consist of the following counties: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, Vance and Wake.
  • East #2 shall consist of the following counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrell, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wilson.
  • East #3 shall consist of the following counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, Hoke, Jones, Moore New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland.
  • Central Region shall consist of the following counties: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin.
  • West #1 shall consist of the following counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenberg, Montgomery, Richmond, Rowan, Stanley and Union.
  • West #2 shall consist of the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Watauga, and Wilkes.
  • West #3 shall consist of the following counties: Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey.

Section 5 Regions will be identical for Regional Choral MPAs/Workshops and Solo-Small Ensemble MPAs.

Section 6 The Executive Committee and/or the Middle School Choral Section membership by majority vote may combine regions and/or districts or divide existing ones to better serve the need of teachers and students in choral activities offered by the Middle School Choral Section.

Section 7 All board members, which includes MPA site chairs, will be required to attend (in person or virtual) 3 of the 4 regularly scheduled board meetings each year. They will also be required to submit board reports whether or not they are attending the meeting. Failure to do so can result in a board member being replaced.

ARTICLE VI – ELECTIONS

Section 1

  • The Chairperson-Elect and members at large shall be elected by secret ballot in even-numbered years at the annual NCMEA Professional Development Conference, while the outgoing chairperson-Elect shall automatically succeed to the office of Chairperson. Installation of said officers shall precede adjournment of this conference.
  • The Secretary, the Middle School Choral Activities Coordinator, the All-State Coordinator, and the Honors Chorus Coordinator, shall be elected by secret ballot in odd numbered years at the fall conference. Installation of said officers shall precede adjournment of this conference.
  • The MPA chairs are encouraged but not required to attend all board meetings.

Section 2

  • A Nomination Committee composed of the Executive Committee shall prepare a racially balanced slate of candidates for the offices to be elected which shall be presented to the membership by the elections committee.
  • Additional nominations may be made by the Elections Committee and/or from the floor by any active member upon receiving prior consent from the nominee.

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS

Section 1 The Middle School Choral Section of the North Carolina Music Educators Association shall meet annually at the NCMEA Professional Development Conference and at the Annual All-State Chorus in the spring. Additional meetings may be approved at these meetings by the membership.

Section 2 The Executive Committee shall meet upon the call of the chairperson and must meet prior to the In-Service Conference.

ARTICLE VIII – QUORUM AND VOTING

Section 1

  • A quorum at the General Meeting shall consist of twenty percent (20%) of the active members registered at the NCMEA Professional Development Conference.
  • A quorum for the Executive Board will consist of twenty percent (20%) of the elected positions.

Section 2

  • The election of all officers shall be by secret ballot.
  • All other business shall be voted upon by secret ballot.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS AND BY-LAWS

Section 1 The Constitution and/or Bylaws of the Middle School Choral Section of the North Carolina Music Educators Association may be amended with the approval of the Executive Committee first, followed by the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership present at the NCMEA Professional Development Conference.

Section 2 The Constitution and/or Bylaws may

be added to or deleted upon the approval of the Executive Committee and with the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership present at a regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 3 Proposed amendments to the Constitution must be submitted to the website at least thirty (30) days prior to a regularly scheduled conference or meeting.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1 The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the section, enforce due observance of the Constitution and Bylaws, call meetings of the Executive Committee and select clinicians for Honors Chorus/All-State and appoint committees not otherwise provided for in the Constitution. The Chairperson shall provide the committee the necessary information pertaining to the carrying out of the responsibilities. When an immediate decision is necessary, he/she shall be empowered to act with the concurrence of the Executive Committee.

Section 2 It shall be the duty of the Chairperson-Elect to perform all the duties of the Chairperson in the event of the absence of the Chairperson.

Section 3 The immediate past Chairperson of the Middle School Choral Section shall serve as a consultant to the active Chairperson, and shall perform such other duties as are assigned to him/her by the active Chairperson and the Executive Committee.

Section 4 The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall perform other duties directed by the Chairperson and/or the Executive Committee.

Section 5 The Middle School Choral Activities Coordinator shall oversee the planning and execution of all the district and regional choral activities; shall instruct each regional coordinator as to their duties which shall include collecting entry fees, selecting locations and dates, and working with the Executive Committee in planned activities for the choral division of the Middle School Choral Section of the North Carolina Music Educators Association. The Middle School Choral Activities Coordinator will file a complete Financial Report with the NCMEA Executive Director and Middle School Chair. At the following NCMEA Professional Development Conference the Activities Coordinator will report to the general membership of the Middle School Choral Section the activities of the past year with recommendations for the coming year. The Student Activities Coordinator will be paid an honorarium of $1050 for the event.

Section 6 The All-State Coordinator shall work with the Executive Committee and the Middle School Choral Section membership in planning the annual All-State Chorus; specifically in selecting locale and dates, securing necessary equipment and materials and accompanist(s) for the event; determining the rehearsal and performance schedule; determining deadline dates or applications, student quotas from each school, participation fees, deadline dates for withdrawals and refunding of monies; auditing by teachers and public; and establishing all rules and regulations governing student and teacher participation in said event. After overseeing the execution of said event, the All-State Coordinator will send a summary of the event’s results and will file a complete Financial Report with the NCMEA Executive Director and Middle School Chair. At the following NCMEA Professional Development Conference the All-State Coordinator shall report on the All-State event with recommendations for the coming year. The All State Coordinator will be paid an honorarium of $1050 for the event.

Section 7 The Honors Chorus Coordinator shall work with the Executive Committee and the Middle School Choral Section membership in planning the annual Honors chorus, securing equipment and materials and accompanist(s) for the event; determining the rehearsal and performance schedule; determining deadline dates for auditions, audition sites, participation fees, deadline date for withdrawals and refund of monies; and establishing all rules and regulations governing student and teacher participation in the event. After overseeing the execution of said event, the Honors Chorus Coordinator will file a complete Financial Report with the NCMEA Executive Director. At the following All-State Chorus event the Honors Chorus coordinator will report on the event and make recommendations for the coming year. The Honors Chorus Coordinator will be paid an honorarium of $1050 for the event.

Section 8  The Conference Performance Choir Coordinator will  select 3 adjudicators to judge choir recordings for performance.  Request brief bio from each judge and keep on file. Coordinator will receive applications via mail, and recordings in mp3 format as email attachments (see application on choral website for details) from interested performance groups by May 1. The two choirs with the highest Superior ratings will be chosen to perform. Request results from judges by May 1.  The MS Choral Section Chair will confirmed that letters to all groups who submitted performance applications have been sent, and that the two performing directors have been contacted, send a congratulatory email to each choir. Confirm conference rehearsal and performance times with MS Choral Section Chair and coordinate with HS Performance Coordinator to create a master schedule for rehearsals, concert performances, seating charts for all performing groups and building logistics (Stevens Center) for combined concert. Email the directors with performance and rehearsal instructions.

Section 9 The Executive Committee shall

  • Administer the business and educational affairs of the Middle School Choral Section and have responsibility for its general policies and program of activities.
  • Fill vacancies in offices by temporary appointments pending regular elections.
  • Plan and develop effective means of promoting music education by working closely with all other sections of the North Carolina Music Educators Association.
  • Serve as the planning committee for the Middle School Choral Section meetings of NCMEA NCMEA Professional Development Conference.

ARTICLE II – STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1 The Elections Committee Chairperson shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Middle School Choral Section and shall consist of at least three (3) members appointed by the Executive Committee of the Middle School Choral Section.

Section 2 The Music List Committee will consist of the Music List Chair and the five members-at-large of the MS Choral Section.

Section 3 The Technology Committee shall consist of Past Chair, Chair, and Technology Chair. These persons will work with the website and any other communication to the members.

Section 4 The Constitution Committee shall consist of the Constitution Chair, Honors Chorus Coordinator, Student Activity Coordinator, All State Coordinator, Past Chair, and Chair Elect.

Section 5 The Policy and Procedures Committee shall consist of the Executive Committee of the Middle School Choral Section.

Section 6 The Music Selection/Commission Committee for Honors Chorus and All State shall consist of the Honors Chorus Coordinator, All State Coordinator, Chair, and Chair Elect.

ARTICLE III – DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEES

Section 1 The Elections Committee shall supervise all elections to the end that only active members shall cast secret ballots. It shall also be the duty of this committee to count the votes and announce the results.

Section 2 The Music List Committee shall compile a list of choral music for regional choral activities. In addition, this committee will furnish upon request, copies of said information to the general membership of the Middle School Choral Section.

Section 3 The Technology Committee shall keep the NCMEA Website current of all Middle School events.

Section 4 The Constitution Committee shall review annually the Constitution and Bylaws and make recommendations for revisions and/or amendments.

Section 5 The Policy and Procedures Committee shall be charges with enforcing the existing rules and regulations governing choral activities sponsored by the Middle School Choral Section, and in making recommendations to the membership for revision of said activities rules and regulations. This committee will be responsible for any policy and procedures governing middle School choral. All information can be found on the website.

ARTICLE IV – RULES OF ORDER

Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall govern all business meetings of the Middle School Choral Section in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws or the special rules of order of said organization.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL

ACTIVITIES POLICY AND PROCEDURES

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE POLICY and PROCEDURES OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL SECTION FOR ANY EVENT WILL CAUSE THE SCHOOL TO FORFEIT PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT THE FOLLOWING YEAR. A LETTER WILL BE WRITTEN TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND TO THE CHORAL DIRECTOR/TEACHER.

A. THE NORTH CAROLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL HONORS CHORUS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

To honor the best singers in our state by giving them the opportunity to perform at the highest possible level of achievement.

To provide an outstanding educational experience for both the students and the teachers.

To supplement the choral activities offered by the Middle School Choral Section.

THE HONORS CHORUS

1. Quota and General Information

a. The group should consist of only the most outstanding voices and will be selected by objective auditions.

b. Middle School Honors Chorus will consist of 160 singers – the top 20 singers in each voice part. Sixth graders enrolled in a middle school 6-8 may audition.

c. The Honors Chorus will perform at a session of the NCMEA Professional Development Conference.

d. A guest conductor will be chosen from the conductors recommended by the Middle School Choral Section at executive board meetings.

e. The Honors Chorus will rehearse for two days prior to its performance.

f. All students auditioning for a particular voice part shall be heard by the same judge. 

g. Results of the auditions will be sent the following week.

h. Judges will be paid $250.00 per day plus expenses, as approved by the coordinator.

2. Fees

    1. Audition fees – non-refundable can be found on the website.

    2. Registration fee can be found on the website.

    3. Fees for auditions will be mailed to the local audition chairperson by September 15.

3. Policy and Procedures

    1. Dates for the auditions can be found on the website.

    2. Notification of withdrawal must be submitted to the Honors Chorus coordinator no later than two weeks before the performance of the Honors Chorus.

    3. Registered students are expected to attend all rehearsals, the final concert, and any other activities planned by the Middle School Choral Section officers or Honors Chorus Coordinator during the event.

    4. Each student must know the music thoroughly although not necessarily from memory. There will be a screening of students prior to the first rehearsal. Students who are not adequately prepared will be sent home with no refund. The school will forfeit participation the following year.

    5. Each soloist will sing their voice part from the designated audition selection. The Honors Coordinator will announce the selection at the May meeting. Soloists will be required to display abilities in sight reading and/or vocalizations at the discretion of the judges.

    6. Each director is responsible for the conduct of his/her their students at all times. The director should remain on the premises for the duration of the event and attend rehearsals, business meetings, etc., as well as, be with their students at night. If the director cannot attend because of an emergency, they must notify the Honors Chorus Coordinator and send another faculty member from their school in their place, accompanied by a letter from their school administration naming the replacement.

    7. Member designated by the administration of the school to come in the director’s place. This faculty member must also follow the same rules and regulations of the director they are replacing. This includes staying on the premises at all times. If the rules and procedures are not adhered to, a letter of reprimand will be sent to the principal.

4. Eligibility

Middle School and Jr. High students may register for and/or participate in Honors Chorus auditions, Performance Adjudications, and in All-State Chorus, given that all registration requirements are met as defined on current event registration forms, as well as on the NCMEA website, and in the NCMEA constitution. This shall include, but may not be limited to the following conditions:

    1. Students must be currently enrolled at a school in a 6/7/8 choral music program.

    2. Students are currently enrolled in, or are registered members of an active chorus. An active chorus is defined as a group of at least 4 student-singers who have a publicized, set schedule of regular rehearsals and public performances of published choral literature. There are clear policies in place as to the requirements for participation and/or the academic grading policy in the active chorus. The chorus has a director and/or teacher who is responsible for rehearsal, performance, and rules/regulations/guidelines for student participation.

    3. The employed, appointed, or publicized director of the chorus must be an active member of NCMEA (paid, up-to-date membership) as of the time of both event registrations and the actual event.

    4. If a school does not have ‘chorus,’ ‘choral music,’ or the academic/musical equivalent as registered course, or the course is not being taught during the academic period during which the NCMEA event takes place, no student may participate in that NCMEA event as a representative from that school, as they are not currently a choral music student of that school.

    5. The hiring/receiving of private voice/musical instruction does not qualify as membership in an “active chorus” as defined above. All-State and Honors Chorus are choral music adjudications. Students who receive private vocal/musical instruction from an instructor can be registered (by their instructor) for performance/adjudication at their local NCMEA District Solo/Small Ensemble Performance Adjudication- given that the instructor is an active member of NCMEA (paid, up-to-date membership) as of the time of both event registrations and the actual event. The instructor will then be registered as the student’s sponsor, and must accompany the student to the event.

    6. A student who for any reason is not currently (at the time the NCMEA event takes place) enrolled in ‘chorus,’ ‘choral music,’ or the academic/musical equivalent at a school, cannot participate in that NCMEA event as a representative from that school, as they are not currently a choral music student of that school.

    7. Schools shall only register up to 20% of their total enrollment in the vocal music program. *

 

B.SOLO-SMALL ENSEMBLE REGIONAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE ADJUDICATION (MPA)

  • Purpose
      1. To give students and selected small ensembles an opportunity to perform individually for experience and personal evaluation.
      2. To give the better singers the opportunity to work at a higher level.
  • Eligibility
      1. All choral directors having entries must be current members of NCMEA.
      2. Students must be currently enrolled at a school in a 6/7/8 choral music program
  • Policy and Procedures
      1. Schools are not limited as to the number of contestants entering.
      2. A student entered in the Solo-Ensemble contest will be limited to one prepared selection in the solo contest, and to participate in two ensembles of unlike nature.
      3. Schools are expected to register and participate within their own region unless there are legitimate conflicts in MPA dates. If directors believe they have valid reasons to participate outside their region, they must submit their request in writing to the Student Activities Coordinator by December 15; otherwise the request will not be considered. Said requests must be signed by the school principal or an email will be accepted from the principal. The request must be approved by the Student Activities Coordinator, and then by the chairperson to whom they wish to apply. In no case will a group be permitted to enter more than one Solo-Ensemble Regional Performance Adjudication per school year.
      4. A registration form for each school must be completed and mailed to the region chairperson on or before the designated deadline. Region Chairpersons will set deadlines (and enforce penalties) for submission of all required MPA forms, titles of selections, etc. See district list by counties.
      5. For solos, duets, trios and quartets, there will be no repetition of repertory by individual students within a three year period. For ensembles, there will be no repetition of repertory by a single director from a single school within a two year period; therefore, directors may not choose the same music for Solo-Small Ensemble and/or Regional Choral MPA within a two year period.
      6. No refunds will be given for cancellations at Small Ensemble or Solo MPA.
      7. Students or ensembles may participate either for rating and/or criticism. Each entrant or group entering for rating will be assigned an honor rating of Superior, Excellent, Average, Below Average, or Poor to accompany the adjudicators’ comments.
      8. Deadline for application is February 1.
      9. Qualified adjudicators will be appointed by the Middle School Choral Student Activities Coordinator to judge in a particular region.
      10. The district chairperson will be required to complete all reports and forward correct copies to the student activities coordinator and the NCMEA Executive Director within forty-five (45) days after the event. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the District Chairperson’s honorarium.
      11. Adjudicators will not discuss ratings at the MPA site. All inquiries should be addressed to the MPA Coordinator in writing.
  • Fees – Current fees are $125 for each ensemble registered
  • Time Limit – Soloists and ensembles are limited to a six (6) minute performance. If a selection runs longer than six minutes, cuts must be made and marked by the director.
  • Performance: Soloist
      1. Confined to soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, and unchanged voices.
      2. Choice material, at the discretion of the director.
      3. Each soloist is expected to sing from memory. Two selections may be performed if together they do not exceed the time limit. A good performance of one number is preferred. There will be no observers for solo performances.
      4. A copy of music must be presented to the judge before performing. All cuts must be clearly indicated and measures numbered.
      5. Duplicated music will not be accepted. Judges will be instructed not to adjudicate soloists using illegally duplicated music.
  • Performances: Ensembles
      1. May be of three types: bass clef singers, treble clef singers, and mixed voices.
      2. May include duets, trios, quartets, etc., and any larger group to 20.
      3. Duets, trios, and quartets up to double quartets will perform from memory, one selection. Any ensemble of a double quartet or larger will perform from memory, two selections. Any group participating must perform music particularly suited and/or written for the voicing of the group and of sufficient quality as to demonstrate clearly the vocal skills of the performers. Appropriate. Classifications include, but are not limited to: madrigals, vocal chamber music, selections of the type included on the large MPA list which are suitable for a small group, and barbershop selections. There will be no observers for ensemble performances.
      4. Copies of scores must be presented to the judge with cuts clearly indicated and measures numbered.
      5. Duplicated music is a violation of the copyright laws and will not be accepted.
  • Adjudicators
      1. Adjudicators (who must be members of NCMEA) will be assigned to each Solo-Small Ensemble Regional Performance Adjudication based on the number of students/groups participating. This number will be determined by the Site Chairperson.
      2. Adjudicators will be asked to be specific in their comments and to give positive, constructive criticism that reflects an understanding of the middle school singer in terminology that the middle school singer can easily understand.
      3. Adjudicators will be paid $250/day honorarium, plus allowable expenses.
      4. Adjudicators are selected based on their education, experience, and qualifications at the discretion of the Student Activities Coordinator.
      5. Solo-Small Ensemble MPA Coordinators will be paid $350 per day. Maximum amount should not exceed 700 for the event.
      6. Regions: See Constitution, Article V, Section IV
  1.  

C.REGIONAL LARGE CHORAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE ADJUDICATION (MPA)

  • Purpose:
      1. To provide each performing group with an opportunity to improve and to evaluate its performance by comparison with a set standard of excellence: and
      2. To provide students and teachers with an opportunity to hear other choral groups from their region.
  • Eligibility
      1. All choral directors having entries must be current members of NCMEA.
      2. Students must be currently enrolled at a school in a 6/7/8 choral music program.
  • Policy and Procedures
      1. Schools are expected to register and participate within their own region unless there are legitimate conflicts in MPA dates. If directors believe they have valid reasons to participate outside their region, they must submit their request in writing to the Student Activities Coordinator by December 15; otherwise the request will not be considered. Said requests must be signed by the school principal or an email will be accepted from the principal. Said request must be signed by the school principal or an email will be accepted from the principal. The request must be approved by the Student Activities Coordinator, and then by the Chairperson to whom they wish to apply.
      2. Registration forms and fees from each school participating must be completed and mailed to the regional chairperson on or before the designated deadline.
      3. No refunds will be given for canceling a group at Large MPA.
      4. Each choral group will be permitted to participate in any Regional Choral MPA for criticism only or for criticism and a rating. Each group requesting criticism and rating will be awarded one of the following ratings: Superior, Excellent, Average, Below Average, or Poor.
      5. Each choral group in grade II of higher wishing criticism and rating will determine the classification by selecting music from the official NCMEA graded music list. Each choral group will be required to perform at least one selection from the list. If neither of the two selections performed is from the MPA list, the group will be classified at Grade 1.
      6. There will be no maximum limitation concerning the size of the choral groups. If a school has more than one choral group of like nature, each will be permitted to enter, provided there is no duplication of personnel within like groups. Such groups need not enter the same classification. A student may participate in two groups of unlike nature (for example: treble chorus and mixed chorus).
      7. Deadline for application is February 1 of each year.
      8. There is no size limitation for any chorus. Regional Choral MPA requires performing for three-four judges in performances and participating in sight-reading (criticism and/or rating).
      9. There will be no repetition of repertory by a single director from a single school with any ensemble or chorus within a two-year period; therefore, directors may not choose the same music for Small Ensemble and/or Regional Choral MPA within a two-year period.
      10. The regional chairperson will be required to complete all reports and forward correct copies to the Middle School Junior High Activities coordinator and the NCMEA Executive Director within forty five (45) days after the event. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the regional chairperson’s honorarium.
      11. All performance ratings will be listed on the web site, as well as the sight-reading superior ratings.
  • Performance
      1. Each group will prepare from memory two selections of equal difficulty. For those groups wishing to receive leveled ratings, selections must be from the official current NCMEA Music List. Groups may perform pieces off the required list and enter at Grade Level I.
      2. All choral directors must deposit their prepared compositions (three copies) with cuts clearly indicated and measurers numbered to the regional chairperson prior to performance.
      3. Duplicated music will not be accepted.
      4. Ratings will not be posted or announced in the performance area.
      5. Time Limit: not to exceed ten minutes per entry.
      6. Failure to observe the policy and procedures of the Middle School Choral Section for any event will cause the school to forfeit participation in the event the following year. A letter will be written to the school principal and to the choral director/teacher.
  • Sight-reading
      1. Sight-reading will be required. Directors may select which voicing their groups will sight-sing. Sight-reading will be graded separately from performance and not included as part of the cumulative grade.
      2. The state coordinator of choral activities shall be responsible for appointing a member of the executive board to secure the writing of the sight-reading exercises for Large MPA. Upon completion, the SAC will be responsible for distributing sight-reading material appropriate for all voice classifications. There will be NO OBSERVERS for sight-reading. The procedure will take place in a room close to the performance area. A separate adjudicator will be secured for sight-reading.
      3. Students will enter the sight-reading room quietly. Sight-reading materials will be face down in the chairs. Students pick up materials and, once seated, will turn them face up. The director will choose a rhythm pattern for the class. The director can ask the students to identify the time signature. Student-generated questions may be asked and answered by another student or the teacher; however, students may NOT ask specific questions about the rhythm pattern itself. Students will be given UP TO 30 seconds to look over the rhythm pattern. At the end of that time, the sight-reading judge will let the group know it is time to begin and the teacher will set the tempo. The teacher may direct the students with a conducting pattern during the performance of the rhythm pattern. Once the rhythm pattern has been performed, the teacher will choose a melody for the students to sight-sing. The director can ask the students to identify key signature, time signature, and beginning pitch, and can establish the key before the students look over the melody. Again, student-generated questions may be asked and answered by another student or by the teacher; however, students may NOT ask specific questions about the melody itself. Students will be given UP TO 2 minutes to look over the melody. At the end of the time, the sight-reading judge will let the group know it is time to begin. The teacher can again establish the key and have the students sing the beginning pitch. The director may direct the students with a conducting pattern through the piece, but the teacher CAN NOT sing or otherwise assist students in the melodic performance. Once the melody has been performed, students will leave the sight-reading room quietly, putting the sight-reading materials face down on the chairs.
      4. At the conclusion of the sight-reading, members of the group should remain seated until all the music has been handed in and accounted for. The director should caution students to look under chairs and not to forget any personal belongings. The director should be given a few seconds for any instructions they wish to give, and the singers should then be asked to leave quietly and quickly to make room for the next group.
      5. Groups awarded a superior rating will be given a certificate.
  • Fees – Current fees will be published on the website.
  • Adjudicators
    1. Three or four adjudicators (who must be members of NCMEA) will be assigned to each Regional Choral MPA.
    2. Adjudicators will be asked to be specific in their comments and to give positive, constructive criticism that reflects an understanding of the middle school singer in terminology that the middle school singer can easily understand.
    3. Adjudicators will be paid $250.00 honorarium plus allowable expenses.
    4. Adjudicators are selected based on their education, experience and qualifications at the discretion of the Student Activities Coordinator.
    5. Large MPA Coordinators will be paid $350 per day. Maximum amount should not exceed $700 for the event.

D. ALL-STATE CHORUS

  • Purposes
    1. To give our most outstanding students a chance to participate with other students of like ability in a highly select group.
    2. To give these students an opportunity to work with outstanding choral directors.
  • Quota
    1. There will be one 6th grade chorus not to exceed 200 students, one Treble choir not to exceed 200 students, and one SATB choir not to exceed 200 students.
    2. The quota for each school will be determined by the All-State coordinator. Allotment is based on the number of 6th and 7th/8th (combined) grade students in the choral program in the school during the fall semester. Exceptions will be handled by the All State Coordinator. General music students are not eligible for this activity.
  • Fees – Non-refundable payment of $150.00 per school. The breakdown of the cost is a $30 registration fee, and $120 for a minimum of three student slots at $40 per student, which includes the cost of the t-shirt. The $120 will be credited toward your total student registration cost and the remaining balance due March 1. 
  • Regulations
      1. Each director must submit an official application with the $150 school fee to the All-State coordinator by mail no later than November 15.
      2. The official registration form signed by the school principal along with remaining balance based on your school’s allotment of students for the event must be submitted by March 1. Failure to do so will result in a school losing its allotment for that year.
      3. No refunds will be given.
      4. Notification of withdrawal must be made to the All-State Coordinator, postmarked no later than two weeks before the event date. Failure to do so will cause a school to lose its allotment for the following year.
      5. Registered students are expected to attend all rehearsals, the final concert, and any other activities planned by the Middle School Choral Section officers during this event.
      6. Each student must know the music thoroughly although not necessarily from memory. There will be a screening of students prior to the first rehearsal. Students who are not adequately prepared will become audits and will not be allowed to sing at the concert. This school will not be allowed to participate in All State the following school year.
      7. Each director is responsible for the conduct of their students at all times. The director should remain on the premises for the duration of the event and attend rehearsals, business meetings, etc., as well as, be with their students at night or arrange appropriate care by the singers’ parents or guardians.
      8. If the director cannot attend because of an emergency, they must notify the All State Chorus Coordinator immediately. Another full-time teacher from the school or an administrator will be the only appropriate replacements. There will be no other exceptions. This replacement must also follow the same rules and regulations of the director they are replacing. This includes staying on the premises at all times. If the rules and procedures are not adhered to, a letter of reprimand will be sent to the principal.
  • Guest Conductor
      1. A guest conductor will be chosen from the conductors recommended by the Middle School Choral Section at executive board meetings.
      2. The selected conductor and the repertory for the All-State event is to be announced no later than the following fall conference.
      3. The Middle School Choral Section chairperson shall be notified by the All-State Coordinator immediately in the event of any emergency situation concerning changes.
  • Eligibility

    Middle School and Jr. High students may register for and/or participate in Honors Chorus auditions, Performance Adjudications, and in All-State Chorus, given that all registration requirements are met as defined on current event registration forms, as well as on the NCMEA website, and in the NCMEA constitution. This shall include, but may not be limited to the following conditions:
      1. Students must be currently enrolled at a school in a 6/7/8 choral music program.
      2. Students are currently enrolled in, or are registered members of an active chorus. An active chorus is defined as a group of at least 4 student-singers who have a publicized, set schedule of regular rehearsals and public performances of published choral literature. There are clear policies in place as to the requirements for participation and/or the academic grading policy in the active chorus. The chorus has a director and/or teacher who is responsible for rehearsal, performance, and rules/regulations/guidelines for student participation.
      3. The employed, appointed, or publicized director of the chorus must be an active member of NCMEA (paid, up-to-date membership) as of the time of both event registrations and the actual event.
      4. If a school does not have ‘chorus,’ ‘choral music,’ or the academic/musical equivalent as registered course, or the course is not being taught during the academic period during which the NCMEA event takes place, no student may participate in that NCMEA event as a representative from that school, as they are not currently a choral music student of that school.
      5. The hiring/receiving of private voice/musical instruction does not qualify as membership in an “active chorus” as defined above. All-State and Honors Chorus are choral music adjudications. Students who receive private vocal/musical instruction from an instructor can be registered (by their instructor) for performance/adjudication at their local NCMEA District Solo/Small Ensemble Performance Adjudication- given that the instructor is an active member of NCMEA (paid, up-to-date membership) as of the time of both event registrations and the actual event. The instructor will then be registered as the student’s sponsor, and must accompany the student to the event.
      6. A student who for any reason is not currently (at the time the NCMEA event takes place) enrolled in ‘chorus,’ ‘choral music,’ or the academic/musical equivalent at a school, cannot participate in that NCMEA event as a representative from that school, as they are not currently a choral music student of that school.
      7. If a school does not have ‘chorus,’ ‘choral music,’ or the academic/musical equivalent as registered course, or the course is not being taught during the academic period during which the NCMEA event takes place, no student may participate in that NCMEA event as a representative from that school, as they are not currently a choral music student of that school.