Link to WMEA Jr. All-State

Pioneer Middle School Band and Orchestra students have the opportunity to audition for the Washington Music Educators’ Association’s Junior All-State Band and/or Orchestra.  The Junior All-State Band and Orchestra are comprised of the best musicians throughout the state at the junior or middle school level.  If interested, students should discuss there interest to Mr. Hammond and audition information and materials will be provided.  It is important to note that the deadline for auditions in North Central Washington is October 15, 2010 this year. Because Pioneer Middle School is an Associate Member of WMEA, the fee for sending in an audition is waived. Please note the new information provided below.  A link for further details is available in the left-hand menu.

NEW THIS YEAR

JUNIOR ALL-STATE MOVES TO CONFERENCE WEEKEND IN YAKIMA: As a pilot project, Junior All-State will become a part of the WMEA Yakima Conference and take place on Saturday, February 13. Students from across the state will be blended in all groups. There will be two bands (Baker and Rainier, with students alternating between bands according to ranking), two choirs (Mixed and Treble, with girls alternating between choirs according to ranking) and one orchestra.

SEVENTH GRADERS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR JUNIOR ALL-STATE:  The WMEA board has decided to pilot the addition of seventh graders to the Junior All-State groups. While teachers are not obligated to include seventh graders, several have asked for this opportunity because of their schools’ configurations, thus the board honored their request on a one-year trial basis.

AUDITION FEES FOR JUNIOR ALL-STATE:  There will now be an audition fee for all levels (NOTE: because Pioneer Middle School is an Associate Member of WMEA, the fee for sending in an audition is waived). The huge investment in moving to the highly successful online system has incurred significant costs that WMEA must be able to recover over time. Beginning this year, auditions will cost $10 for Junior All-State.  Of course, all applicants from schools holding Associate Memberships will have audition fees waived.

COST OF PARTICIPATION:  The cost of participation in Junior All-State remains at $100.  Through assistance from YME, student events at all levels receive some subsidy to help contain costs. The opportunity for needy students to apply for additional individual assistance from YME are in the audition packets.  Please see Mr. Hammond for Financial Aid forms if needed.