MMEA All-State Band & Orchestra
MMEA’s All-State, considered the top program of its kind across the nation, develops high school musicians and school music programs. The All-State program supports secondary school music ensembles, MMEA members and members’ students.
How All-State Works
Students in high school bands, choir, and orchestras audition through their sponsoring teacher for an All-State spot in March. Judges listen to the students, evaluating them on their overall musicianship and technique. The MMEA All-State Committee chooses the final rosters considering scores and MMEA’s placement policies. 628 students are selected for the seven All-State groups.
Students selected for the MMEA All-State groups attend camp in August where they meet their guest conductor and attend long hours of rehearsals and sectionals. Although the major focus during the summer camp is developing advanced technique and making music, a full schedule of recreation and social activities gives the students an opportunity to relax and develop new friendships. The August concert is the result of great dedication and commitment by some of the most talented young musicians in Minnesota. All of the young musicians meet again in February to perform at Orchestra Hall as part of the MMEA Midwinter Convention in Minneapolis, MN.
Auditions
Current 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to audition for MMEA All-State. The audition materials are made available to students at the beginning of the school year. Students who plan to audition are required to study with a private instructor outside of the school day or with Dr. L during the school day. Regular lessons are paramount to the success of a student's audition. Audition Videos are due at the end of February and judged blindly. After the judges have reviewed and scored all of the auditions, sponsoring teachers are notified of the results in mid-April.
Following auditions, sponsoring teachers also receive the comments provided by the judges for students who are selected as well as those who are not. Judges receive training to give clear, constructive feedback based on the MMEA All-State rubrics and are made aware ahead of time that their comments will be shared with each sponsoring teacher. Dr. L serves as an adjudicator for the Winds / Brass / Percussion Division of the MMEA All-State group.
Please click HERE for more Frequently Asked Questions.
How All-State Works
Students in high school bands, choir, and orchestras audition through their sponsoring teacher for an All-State spot in March. Judges listen to the students, evaluating them on their overall musicianship and technique. The MMEA All-State Committee chooses the final rosters considering scores and MMEA’s placement policies. 628 students are selected for the seven All-State groups.
Students selected for the MMEA All-State groups attend camp in August where they meet their guest conductor and attend long hours of rehearsals and sectionals. Although the major focus during the summer camp is developing advanced technique and making music, a full schedule of recreation and social activities gives the students an opportunity to relax and develop new friendships. The August concert is the result of great dedication and commitment by some of the most talented young musicians in Minnesota. All of the young musicians meet again in February to perform at Orchestra Hall as part of the MMEA Midwinter Convention in Minneapolis, MN.
Auditions
Current 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to audition for MMEA All-State. The audition materials are made available to students at the beginning of the school year. Students who plan to audition are required to study with a private instructor outside of the school day or with Dr. L during the school day. Regular lessons are paramount to the success of a student's audition. Audition Videos are due at the end of February and judged blindly. After the judges have reviewed and scored all of the auditions, sponsoring teachers are notified of the results in mid-April.
Following auditions, sponsoring teachers also receive the comments provided by the judges for students who are selected as well as those who are not. Judges receive training to give clear, constructive feedback based on the MMEA All-State rubrics and are made aware ahead of time that their comments will be shared with each sponsoring teacher. Dr. L serves as an adjudicator for the Winds / Brass / Percussion Division of the MMEA All-State group.
Please click HERE for more Frequently Asked Questions.
Current & Past Irondale All-State Musicians
2025-26
Maggie Anderson, Flute (Band)
Colin Andert, Trumpet (Orchestra)
Laura Braun, Clarinet (Band)
Marlena Dufault, Trumpet (Band)
Jace Gryniewski, Clarinet (Band)
Isaiah Hoilien, Flute (Band)
James Jang, Clarinet (Orchestra)
Rosa Menning, Horn (Band)
Kai Nelson, Tuba (Alternate)
Jacob Schmidt, Horn (Band)
Violet Votruba, Horn (Band)
2024-25
Marlenda Dufault, Trumpet (Band)
Jace Gryniewski, Clarinet (Orchestra)
Jaidyn Meaux, Clarinet (Band)
Ian Rodgers, Trombone (Band)
Carter Thistle, Percussion (Band)
Marlenda Dufault, Trumpet (Band)
Jace Gryniewski, Clarinet (Orchestra)
Jaidyn Meaux, Clarinet (Band)
Ian Rodgers, Trombone (Band)
Carter Thistle, Percussion (Band)
2023-24
Ben Kuipers, Trombone (Band)
Garrett Mahlum, Trumpet (Band)
Jaidyn Meaux, Clarinet (Band)
Mia Nordberg, Horn (Band)
Ian Rodgers, Trombone (Band)
Jimena Sichiqui, Flute (Orchestra)
Carter Thistle, Percussion (Orchestra)
Austin Tranowski, Percussion (Band)
Ben Kuipers, Trombone (Band)
Garrett Mahlum, Trumpet (Band)
Jaidyn Meaux, Clarinet (Band)
Mia Nordberg, Horn (Band)
Ian Rodgers, Trombone (Band)
Jimena Sichiqui, Flute (Orchestra)
Carter Thistle, Percussion (Orchestra)
Austin Tranowski, Percussion (Band)
2022-23
Emily Fatkhiyev, Clarinet (Band)
Jimena Sichiqui, Flute (Band)
Emily Fatkhiyev, Clarinet (Band)
Jimena Sichiqui, Flute (Band)