Key Dates & Deadlines
- Portal Opens:
- January 1, 2026
- Submission Deadline:
- NOON (12 PM) February 24, 2026
- Format:
- Video files (continuous take, max 250 MB)
- Portal:
- MMEA Opus Audition Portal
Minnesota MMEA
All-State Band Audition Guide
Prepare for Minnesota All-State video auditions — Opus portal opens January 1 with submission deadline NOON February 24, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To audition for Minnesota MMEA All-State Band, you must meet all of the following:
- ✓Be a sophomore or junior at the time of the audition (wind, brass, percussion auditions are limited to these grades)
- ✓Have your sponsoring teacher as a current MMEA and NAfME member in good standing at the time of audition
- ✓Your teacher must remain a member throughout the rehearsal and performance period
Video Recording & Submission
Minnesota All-State uses video submissions. Each component (etudes, scales, sight-reading) must be a separate video file recorded in one continuous take.
Video File Requirements
- • Max 250 MB per file
- • One continuous take per component
- • NO metronome in background
- • Separate files: etudes, scales, sight-reading
- • Clear audio and video quality required
File Size Tips
If your video exceeds 250 MB, compress it before uploading. Use video compression tools or check your phone's video quality settings to reduce file size without sacrificing audio clarity.
Audition Components
Your audition consists of three components, each recorded separately:
Etudes
Specific etudes are assigned by MMEA based on your instrument and grade level. Download from the MMEA website.
Scales
Major and minor scales specific to your instrument level. Check audition materials for your required scales.
Sight-Reading
You will be assigned sight-reading material at audition submission time. Prepare to sight-read a prepared excerpt.
For complete audition etudes and materials, visit the MMEA All-State Band Auditions page.
Video Recording Strategy
Recording video auditions requires thoughtful preparation. Plan your recordings with time to do multiple takes:
Record Early
Submit videos by Feb 24, but record by Feb 18-20 to handle technical issues.
Best Takes
Do 3-5 takes of each component. Use your cleanest, most confident recording.
Silent Environment
No background noise, no metronome audible. Lock your door. Turn off devices.
Good Lighting
Use natural light or position a lamp so the camera can see your hand position.
Audio Quality
Use your phone's built-in mic if it's clear. Test audio levels before recording.
One Take Per File
Each audition component is one continuous take. Play through without stopping.
Preparation Timeline (2 Weeks)
With the deadline February 24, use this timeline to prepare and record strategically:
Now – Feb 14
Isolate weak spots. 80% of practice on problem areas.
Feb 15 – Feb 18
Run etudes and scales full-speed daily. Record live practice sessions.
Feb 19 – Feb 20
Record official audition takes. 3-5 takes of each component. Save the best.
Feb 21 – Feb 23
Light review. No new work. Confidence-building runs only. Get sleep.
Feb 24 (Deadline)
Upload videos by NOON. Verify file sizes are under 250 MB.
Practice Tips for Video Auditions
- →Record practice sessions regularly — compare takes to identify improvement
- →NO metronome in submitted videos — practice with a metronome, record without
- →Practice scales in random order to prevent muscle memory from masking issues
- →Record at the same time of day you'll submit — consistency helps
- →Play the audition order the way judges will hear it — etudes, then scales
- →Review recordings immediately after — first takes are often best, but listen critically
- →Compress files if needed — upload troubleshooting takes hours away from the deadline
Perfect Your Takes with Session Feedback
Virtunity scores your scales after each session — pitch accuracy, rhythm precision, timing consistency. Use these insights to select your best takes for video submission.
Get startedBuilt for all 10 band instruments. $15 to download.