Junior High/Middle School Section

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. Objects: (a) The advancement of musical
concepts and education throughout North Carolina on
the Middle School and Junior High levels, grades six
(6) through nine (9).
(b) 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: (a) The Middle School Choral
Section shall encourage and promote music education
in North Carolina by means of clinics, festivals,
workshops and other activities sponsored or approved
by the Middle School Choral Section.
(b) 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.
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 festivals, such as the regional choral
festivals, 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:
(a) Eastern Region #1 shall consist of the following
counties: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville,
Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, Vance and
Wake.
(b) Eastern Region #2 shall consist of the following
counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck,
Dare, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford,
Hyde, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northamption, Pamlico,
Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrell, Warren,
Washington, Wayne and Wilson.
(c) Eastern Region #3 shall consist of the following
counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus,
Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover,
Onslow, Pender and Sampson.
(d) Central Region #1 shall consist of the following
counties: Alamance, Caswell, Forsyth, Guilford,
Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin.
(e) Central Region #2 shall consist of the following
counties: Anson, Hoke, Montgomery, Moore,
Richmond, Robeson and Scotland.
(f) Western Region #1 shall consist of the following
counties: Cabarrus, Davidson, Davie, Mecklenberg,
Rowan, Stanley and Union.
(g) Western Region #2 shall consist of the following
counties: Alesander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell,
Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Watauga
and Wilkes.
(h) Western Region #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.
Seciton 5. Regions will be identical for Regional Choral
Festivals/Workshops and Solo-Small Ensemble
Festivals.
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.
ARTICLE VI - ELECTIONS
Section 1. (a) The Chairperson-Elect and members at
large shall be elected by secret ballot in even-numbered
years at the annual Fall In-Service Conference, while
the outgoing Chairperson-Elect shall automatically
succeed to the office of Chairperson. Installation of said
officers shall precede adjournment of this conference.
(b) 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.
(c) The eight (8) regional coordinators shall be
appointed by the Chairperson, upon assuming office, in
the even-numbered years.
Section 2. (a) 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.
(b) 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 Fall In-Service Conference and at the
Annual All-State Festival 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 shall consist of twenty per cent
(20%) of the active members registered at the Fall In-
Service Conference.
Section 2. (a) The election of all officers shall be by
secret ballot.
(b) All other business shall be voted upon by a counted
show of hands, unless secret ballot is requested by an
active member present.
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 Fall In-Service 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 by mail to the entire membership 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 furnish the editor of the North
Carolina Music Educator Magazine a summary of said
minutes for immediate publication, 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 furnish the
editor of The North Carolina Music Educator with a
summary of planned or completed activities of the
Middle School Choral Section for immediate
publication and will file a complete Financial Report
with the NCMEA Executive Director. At the following
Fall In-Service 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.
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
Choral Festival; 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 furnish the editor of The North
Carolina Music Educator for immediate publication, a
summary of the event’s results and will file a complete
Financial Report with the NCMEA Executive Director.
At the following Fall In-Service Conference the All-
State Coordinator shall report on the All-State event
with recommendations for the coming year.
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 furnish the editor of The North
Carolina Music Educator for immediate publication, a
summary of the event and will file a complete Financial
Report with the NCMEA Executive Director. At the
following All-State Festival the Honors Chorus
coordinator will report on the event and make
recommendations for the coming year.
Section 8. The Executive Committee shall (a)
Administer the business and educational affairs of the
Middle School Choral Section and have responsibility
for its general policies and program of activities.
(b) Fill vacancies in offices by temporary appointments
pending regular elections.
(c) Plan and develop effective means of promoting
music education by working closely with all other
sections of the North Carolina Music Educators
Association.
(d) Serve as the planning committee for the Middle
School Choral Section meetings of NCMEA Fall In-
Service 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 shall consist of
five (5) members of the choral teachers of the Middle
School Choral Section who shall be appointed by the
Middle School Choral School Section Chairperson.
Section 3. The Publications Committee shall consist of
four (4) members appointed by the Middle School
Choral School Section Chairperson.
Section 4. The Constitution Committee shall consist of
at least three (3) members appointed by the Middle
School Choral Section Chairperson.
Section 5. The Rules and Regulations Committee shall
consist of the Executive Committee of the Middle
School Choral Section.
Section 6. The Music Selection/Commission Committee
shall consist of three (3) members of the Choral
teachers of the Section. The committee chair shall be
appointed by the chairperson.
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 Publications Committee shall publish the
Middle School Choral Newsletter in the months of
August and December, and work closely with the editor
of The North Carolina Music Educator to ensure that
news about and articles pertinent to the members of this
section be included in each issue of this publication.
Section 4. The Constitution Committee shall review
annually the Constitution and Bylaws and make
recommendations for revisions and/or amendments.
Section 5. The Rules and Regulations 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 rules and regulations
governing middle School Choral choral activities being
included in forthcoming editions of the North Carolina
Music Educators Association Handbook. In addition,
this committee shall furnish upon request copies of said
information to the general membership of the Middle
School Choral Section.
Section 6. The Music Selection Committee shall work
with Honors Chorus and All-State Conductors to
provide the music for each event.
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 RULES AND
REGULATIONS
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE RULES AND
REGULATIONS 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. There shall be a chorus of mixed voices not to
exceed 150 students drawn from students in grades 7, 8
and 9.
c. There shall be 16 alternate students selected, two (2)
for each section for a SSAATTBB mixed chorus.
d. The Honors Chorus will perform at a session of the
Fall In-Service Conference.
e. Selection of the Conductor will be accomplished by
the same process used to select the All-State conductor.
f. The Honors Chorus will rehearse for two days prior
to its performance.
g. The selection of judges for auditions will be based on
the same criteria as Festival Judges.
h. All students auditioning for a particular voice part
shall be heard by the same judge. Results of the
auditions will be sent the following week.
I. Judges will be paid $150.00 per day plus expenses, as
approved by the coordinator.
2. Fees
a. Audition fee - non-refundable, will be announced in
the Spring edition of The North Carolina Music
Educator.
b. Registration fee - will be announced in the Spring
edition of The North Carolina Music Educator.
c. Fees for auditions will be mailed to the local audition
chairperson by September 15.
3. Regulations
a. Auditions for the Honors Chorus will be the first
Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October in the
Central, Eastern and Western locations.
b. Notification of withdrawal must be submitted to the
Honors Chorus coordinator no later than two weeks
before the performance of the Honors Chorus.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Each soloist will sing his/her 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.
f. A simple rating form used by the adjudicators will be
returned to teachers for each participating student if the
director submits a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
g. Each director is responsible for the conduct of his/her
students at all times. The director should remain on the
premises for the duration of the festival and attend
rehearsals, business meetings, etc., as well as, be with
his/her students at night. If the director cannot attend
because of an emergency, he/she must notify the
Honors Chorus Coordinator and send another faculty
member designated by the administration of the school
to come in the director’s place. This faculty members
must also follow the same rules and regulations of the
director he/she is 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
a. Each choral director entering students must be a
current member of NCMEA.
b. All participating students must be regularly enrolled
in their choral music program or general music class.
c. All participating students must be enrolled in the
choral program of a single middle school and
accompanied to NCMEA events by the teacher of that
program. If the school does not have a choral program
or if the student is home-schooled, he/she must be
participating in an on-going choral program and be
registered by any member with a current NCMEA
membership card.
d. Ninth grade students who are enrolled in a
middle/junior high school in order to participate in the
Middle School Honors Chorus.
B. SOLO-SMALL ENSEMBLE REGIONAL
FESTIVALS
1. Purpose
a. To give students and selected small ensembles an
opportunity to perform individually for experience and
personal evaluation.
b. To give the better singers the opportunity to work at
a higher level.
2. Eligibility
a. All choral directors having entries must be current
members of NCMEA.
b. All participating students must be regularly enrolled
in a single middle school or junior high school
administrative unit having the same teacher.
c. Only 9th grade students who are enrolled in a 9-12
unit may opt to participate in either junior high or
senior high festivals.
3. Regulations
a. Schools are not limited as to the number of
contestants entering.
b. 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.
c. Schools are expected to register and participate
within their own region except where travel would be
shorter to another region, or where conflicts in dates
might be avoided. Where groups have reason to
participate outside their own region, they may do so
with the prior written approval of their own region
chairperson and the chairperson to whom they are
applying. In no case will a group be permitted to enter
more than one Solo-Ensemble Regional Festival per
school year.
d. A registration blank 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 festival forms, titles of selections, etc.
See district list by counties.
e. 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 Festival within a two
year period.
f. Notification of withdrawal must be made in writing to
the region chairperson postmarked no later than two
weeks before the festival date, otherwise entry fees wil
not be refunded.
g. 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, Good, Average, or Below Average, to
accompany the adjudicators comments.
h. Deadline for application is January 15.
i. Qualified adjudicators will be appointed by the
Middle School Choral Student Activities Coordinator
to judge in a particular region.
j. 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 thirty (30) days after the event. Failure
to do so will result in forfeiture of the District
Chairperson’s honorarium.
k. Adjudicators will not discuss ratings at the festival
site. All inquiries should be addressed to the Festival
Coordinator in writing.
4. Fees - Current fees will be published in the Fall Issue
of the North Carolina Music Educator.
5. Time Limit - Soloists and ensembles are limited to a
six (6) minutes performance. If a selection runs longer
than six minutes, cuts must be made and marked by the
director.
6. Performance: Soloist
a. Confined to soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor,
baritone, bass, and boys unchanged voices.
b. Choice material, at the discretion of the director.
c. 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.
d. A copy of music must be presented to the judge
before performing. All cuts must be clearly indicated
and measures numbered.
e. Duplicated music will not be accepted. Judges will be
instructed not to adjudicate soloists using illegally
duplicated music.
7. Performances: Ensembles
a. May be of three types: male, female and mixed
voices.
b. May include duets, trios, quartets, etc., and any larger
group to 20.
c. 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 festival list which are suitable for a small
group, and barbershop selections.
d. Copies of scores must be presented to the judge with
cuts clearly indicated and measures numbered.
e. Duplicated music is a violation of the copyright laws
and will not be accepted.
8. Regions: See page MSC 1 and 2.
C. REGIONAL LARGE CHORAL FESTIVALS
1. Purpose: a. To provide each performing group with
an opportunity to improve and to evaluate its
performance by comparison with a set standard of
excellence: and
b. To provide students and teachers with an opportunity
to hear other choral groups from their region.
2. Eligibility
a. All Choral directors having entries must be current
members of NCMEA.
b. Students must be enrolled in the choral program of a
single middle school and accompanied to NCMEA
events by the teacher of that program.
c. Ninth grade students enrolled in a 9-12 unit must
attend high school events.
3. Regulations
a. Schools will be expected to register and participate
within their own region except where travel will be
shorter to another region, or where conflicts in dates
might be avoided. Where groups have reason to
participate outside their own region, the regional
chairman to whom they are applying will rule on their
acceptance, dependent on time and space available. In
no case will a group be permitted to enter more than
one Regional Choral Festival per school year.
b. Registration blanks and fees from each school
participating must be completed and mailed to the
regional chairperson on or before the designated
deadline.
c. Notification of withdrawal must be made to the
regional chairperson postmarked no later than two
weeks before the festival date, otherwise entry fees will
not be refunded.
d. Each choral group will be permitted to participate in
any Regional Choral Festival 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, Good, Average, or Below Average.
e. 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 a
least one selection from the list.
f. 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: male chorus and mixed
chorus).
g. Deadline for application is January 15 of each year.
h. There will be a minimum number of twenty-one
student participants in each group eligible to perform at
a Regional Choral Festival (criticism and/or rating).
i. If neither of the two selections performed is from the
Festival List, the group will be classified as Grade One.
j. Regional chairpersons will set deadlines (and enforce
penalty) for submission of all required Festival forms
(except statewide registration deadline - January 15)
i.e., judges information, titles of selections, etc.
k. 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 Festival within a two-year
period.
l. 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 thirty (30) days
after the event. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture
of the regional chairperson’s honorarium.
m. Use of cassette tapes: If the majority of directors in
any region express a preference for recorded comments,
ONE adjudicator of the three will be asked to make his
comments using a cassette recorder, the cassette to be
provided by the director at the time of registration. The
adjudicator making comments by recording will use the
standard printed form for recording his/her rating of the
performance.
n. Special recognition of “superior” ratings: A plaque
will be made available from the Executive Director to
all groups with superior ratings at the participants’
expense. All “superior” ratings will be listed in the
North Carolina Music Educator, as well as the sight-
singing superior ratings.
4. Performance
a. Each group will prepare from memory two selections
of equal difficulty. For those groups wishing to receive
ratings, one of the two selections MUST be from the
official CURRENT NCMEA MUSIC LISTS.
b. All choral directors must deposit their prepared
compositions (three copies) with cuts clearly indicated
and measurers numbered to the regional chairperson
prior to performance.
c. Duplicated music will not be accepted.
d. Ratings will not be posted or announced in the
performance area.
e. Time Limit: not to exceed ten minutes per entry.
f. Failure to observe the rules and regulations 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.
5. Sight-reading
Sight-reading will be optional. 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. Sight-
reading grades will not be published in the NCME. The
state coordinator of choral activities shall be
responsible for securing and 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. An accompanist must be a high
school graduate. A separate adjudicator will be
employed for the sight-reading when necessary.
a. Each chorus should be met at the door by an
attendant and told to file in and take seats quietly and
quickly, rearranging to the accustomed seating
arrangements. Attendants can assist in rearranging
seats. If one group arrives before another has finished
its performance, it should be detained at a point far
enough away so that the members will be unable to hear
the music distinctly.
b. The attendants may pass out the music after the
chorus members take their seated positions. The music
is not seen until instructions have been given.
c. The judge shall then go to the conductor’s stand and
read the rules of the festival and/or deliver such other
instructions as he feels will assist the organization in
doing the best possible job of sight-reading.
1. Each group shall perform one (1) rhythmic
exercise of the adjudicators’ choosing. The
group will have one (1) minute to examine the
exercise. The director may not actualize any
rhythm. The method of executing of the
rhythmic exercise shall be at the discretion of
the director, i.e., clapping or any rhythmic
syllables.
2. Each group shall also perform one (1)
singing exercise in the voicing selected by the
director. THE DIRECTOR MAY NOT
ACTUALIZE ANY RHYTHM,
HARMONIES OR VOICE LEADINGS. THE
DIRECTOR SHALL NOT SING ANY PART
OF THE SELECTION (RHYTHMIC OR
MELODIC) OR PLAY IT ON THE PIANO.
3. Students are each given a copy of the
music. They and the director are given four (4)
minutes to study and discuss the music. The
students may ask questions but may
not discuss or rehearse the music in
any way. After the four minutes are
over, the pitches are given at the
piano, the group may hum or sing
their starting pitches and sing
through the piece one time with
piano accompaniment. After that,
they may have one minutes to
discuss the piece, then the pitches are
given again and the piece is sung
through a cappella. During both
readings, the director may only
conduct, he/she may make no audible
contribution to the group’s
performance.
4. The sight-reading demonstration should be
treated as a performance not as a rehearsal.
While it is not against the rules to call out
numbers to the singers while they are
performing or to stop and begin again, the
director is admitting a sight-reading weakness
which must be taken into consideration by the
judge.
d. 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 he/she wishes to
give, and the singers should then be asked to leave
quietly and quickly to make room for the next group.
e. Groups awarded a superior rating will be given a
certificate.
6. Fees - Current fees will be published in the Fall issue
of the North Carolina Music Educator.
7. Adjudicators
a. Three or four adjudicators (who must be members of
NCMEA) will be assigned to each Regional Choral
Festival.
b. Adjudicators will be asked to be specific in their
comments and to give positive, constructive criticism.
c. Adjudicators will be paid $150.00 honorarium plus
allowable expenses.
d. Adjudicators are selected based on their education,
experience and qualifications at the discretion of the
Student Activities Coordinator.
D. ALL-STATE CHORAL FESTIVAL
1. Purposes
a. To give our most outstanding students a chance to
participate with other students of like ability in a highly
select group.
b. To give these students an opportunity to work with
outstanding choral directors.
2. Quota
a. There will be one chorus of mixed voices not to
exceed 500 students drawn from students in grades 7, 8,
and 9; and one girls chorus not to exceed 200 students.
b. The quota for each school will be determined by the
All-State coordinator. Allotment is based on the number
of 7th, 8th and 9th grade students in the choral program
in the school during the grading period at the time of
the application. General music students are not eligible
for this activity.
3. Fees - $10.00 per student participant.
4. Regulations
a. Each director must indicate to the All-State
coordinator by mail or official registration blank or
facsimile a desire to enter the event by January 15.
Intent during the Fall In-Service Conference is accepted
if an official entrance application is presented.
b. The official registration blank signed by the school
principal along with necessary fees must be submitted
by March 15. Failure to do so will result in a school
losing its allotment for that year.
c. The deadline for withdrawal and refunding of money
will be April 1 and will be strictly adhered to.
d. Notification of withdrawal must be made to the All-
State Coordinator, postmarked no later than two weeks
before the festival date. Failure to do so will cause a
school to lose its quota for the following year.
e. 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.
f. 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.
g. Each director is responsible for the conduct of his/her
students at all times. The director should remain on the
premises for the duration of the festival and attend
rehearsals, business meetings, etc., as well as be with
his/her students at night. If the director cannot attend
because of an emergency, he must notify the All-State
coordinator and send another faculty 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
who he/she is replacing. This includes staying on the
premises at all times. If rules and procedures are not
adhered to a letter of reprimand will be sent to the
principal.
5. Guest Conductor
a. A guest conductor will be chosen from the
conductors recommended by the Middle School Choral
Section at its spring conference (the All-State Choral
Festival).
b. The selected conductor and the repertory for the All-
State event is to be announced no later than the
following fall conference. Music selected at the Fall In-
Service Conference is to be listed in the Winter issue of
the North Carolina Music Educator.
6. The Middle School Choral Section chairperson shall
be notified by the All-State Coordinator immediately in
the event of any emergency situation concerning
changes.
7. Eligibility
a. All choral directors having entries must be current
members of NCMEA.
b. All participating students must be regularly enrolled
in their choral music program.
c. All participating students must be enrolled in a single
middle or junior high school or a single middle or
junior high school system having the same teacher.
d. Ninth grade students who are enrolled in a chorus
class in a 9-12 unit may participate.

REGISTRATION FORM

NORTH CAROLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL
ALL-STATE CHORAL FESTIVAL

(GRADES 7, 8 & 9 ONLY)

TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY

The undersigned hereby makes application to enter selected students in the
North Carolina Junior High All-State Choral Festival to be held on
____________________________, 19___ (Contest Date)
at ________________________________________ (Contest Site).

School Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Choral Director: ________________________________________________________________

School Address: _________________________________________________________________

School Phone _____________________________ Home Phone __________________________

Total number of students currently enrolled in the choral program in your school
______________.
Choral director must be a current member of the North Carolina Music Educators
Association.

MENC I.D. Number __________________________ Expiration Date: _____________________

Date _________________ _________________________________________________
Principal’s Signature

_________________________________________________
Print Principal’s Name

Application Deadline - January 15

Student allotments per school will be determined (on a percentage basis) by the
All-State coordinator and sent to each school. Acceptance by each school will be
the return of entry fees to the All-State
coordinator.

Please use a photocopy of this application and retain the original for future use.

THE NORTH CAROLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL HONORS CHORUS

Audition Application
(Grades 7, 8 or 9 only)
Please type or print

APPLICANT _______________________________________________________ Voice S1 S2 A1 A2
Last Name First Name Part T1 T2 B1 B2

School: __________________________________________________________________________
Name Street Address
__________________________________________________________________________
City Zip Code School phone w/ area code
Choral Director ______________________________________ Home Phone________________
Print name to be listed in program
Signature of Choral Director: ______________________________________________________
Signature indicates ALL information is given and correct
MENC I.D. Number __________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________
[New members of MENC must supply this information to area Chairperson by
November 1.]
INSTRUCTIONS: Complete and mail one application per student plus a check
($7.00 per student)
to your area Chairperson.

TIME PREFERENCE: ________________________________________

COMMENTS __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT: If selected for the N.C. Middle School/ Jr. High Honors
Chorus, I will have the music prepared before the first rehearsal.

__________________________________________ ____________
Signature of Applicant Date

_____________________________________________
Signature of School Principal

Please complete all items carefully!

Please use a photocopy of this application and retain original for future use.
NORTH CAROLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL
LARGE CHORAL FESTIVAL APPLICATION FORM

DEADLINE - JANUARY 15

Name of School: ________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

School Phone: _____________________________ Teacher’s Home Phone: _________________

Teacher’s Name: ___________________________ MENC I.D. Number: ___________________

Site Location: _____________________________ Date of Festival _______________________

Name and Type of Group: _________________________________________________________

Grade of Music: __________________ Number of Students in Group: _____________________
$75.00 flat fee for all large groups, any size. Make Checks payable to festival site,
e.g. West #1 Choral Festival.

Audit ____________ Ratings _______________ Comments only ________________

Do you plan to participate in sightreading? Yes __________ No __________

Time Preference ___________________ (Awarded in order of applications received)

Please list selections performed in the past two years: ___________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Principal’s Signature: ______________________________________

Use a separate form for each group entering.
Photocopy this form and retain original for future use.

NORTH CAROLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL
VOCAL SOLO/SMALL ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
DEADLINE - JANUARY 15

Name of School: ________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

School Phone: _____________________________ Teacher’s Home Phone: _________________

Teacher’s Name: ___________________________ MENC I.D. Number: ___________________

Site Location: _____________________________ Date of Festival _______________________

Time Preference: ___________________________
Name of Soloist Voice or Group Number of Title of Composition
or Ensemble Classification Participants and Composer

10.

FEES:
Total number of Solo participants (x $10.00 each) = $_____________

Total number of small ensembles (x$25.00 each) = $_____________
(Small ensemble is 5 to 20 students)

Total number of Duets, Trios, Quartets (x $20.00 each) $_____________

Total Amount of Check $_____________
(Make checks payable to site)

Use the back of this page to list selections performed in the past two years.

Principal’s Signature: ______________________________________

Please photocopy this form and retain original for future use.

JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL SECTION

N.C. All-State Festival Guest Conductors:
1988 Johannes Bron, New Hanover High School
1989 Dr. Rhoda Fleming, East Carolina University
1990 Jerry Cribbs, Wilmington
1991 Dr. William Carroll, UNC-Greensboro
1992 SATB Chorus - Richard Keasler, Concord
SSA Chorus - Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, UNC-Greensboro
1993 SATB Chorus - Michael Nuss, Nebraska
SSA Chorus - Rhonda Fleming, East Carolina University
1994 9th Grade SATB Chorus - Allen Pote, Pensacola, FL
7-8 Grade SATB Chorus - Larry Wyatt, USC
SSA Chorus - Susan Wyatt, USC
1995 9th Grade SATB Chorus - Dennis Jewett
7-8 Grade SATB Chorus - Dr. Al Sturgis
SSA Chorus - Helen Kemp

N.C. Honors Chorus Guest Conductors
1986 Eugene Bumgardner, Kings Mountain Sr. High School
1987 Dr. Rhonda Fleming, East Carolina University
1988 David Edelman, Silver Burdette Company
1989 Sally Harmann, Missouri
1990 Dr. John Cooksey, Utah
1991 Dr. Bill Cutter, Boston, Massachusetts
1992 David Pegg, Salem College
1993 Lynn Gackle, Florida
1994 James Litton, Director, American Boys’ Choir, New York
1995 Michael Nuss, Nebraska
1996 Dr. David Brunner, Florida