A Note from the Missouri Music Educators Association

Missouri Fourth and Fifth Grade Parents/Guardians,

Each year the Missouri Music Educators Association holds a nationally recognized

professional development event in January at Tan-Tar-A Conference Center, Osage

Beach, that features 33 auditioned student performing ensembles, 65 clinics/sessions,

3,600 registrants and total foot traffic of 10,000 people. In an effort to add a mountain

top musical experience for outstanding fourth and fifth grade students like yours,

MMEA is thrilled to announce the inaugural Missouri All-State Children’s Choir.

We have made the audition process simple. Any fourth or fifth grade Missouri student

is eligible. The audition window will open on August 15 and close on October 1. The

audition piece is “Happy Birthday” sung without accompaniment (voice only) and in any

key your student prefers. The student, parent, guardian, or music teacher may complete

the registration process by uploading the recording to our online audition form at

mmea.net along with some basic information including student height and t-shirt size

(for reference if selected). A $10 audition fee will be due by credit card at the time of

submission. Students will be notified of selection on November 1. For selected students,

a participation fee of $60 will be due in November, and will include all performance

music mailed directly to the student or teacher, t-shirt, lunch, snack, as well as

conductor, accompanist, and conference expenses.

This incredible choir will begin rehearsal at 9:30am, Wednesday, January 22 in Compass

Rose Ballroom at Tan-Tar-A Conference Center. The conductor will be Joshua Pedde,

artistic director of the famed Indianapolis Children’s Choir. An adult chaperone will be

required for each student. The chaperone may be the student’s music teacher or

parent/guardian. The Missouri All-State Children’s Choir will perform at 4:30pm the

same day in Paradise C Ballroom. The performance is free and open to the public as is

parking throughout the resort. Audio and/or video recordings will be available for

purchase outside of the performance area.

For 82 years, MMEA has made quality our specialty. We would love to see your student

audition for this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Should you have any questions, please

contact the MASCC Chair Karen Dickinson at karenmused@gmail.com.

Yours in Music,

Brian Reeves

MMEA President