Invited Elementary Ensembles

Updated March 13, 2026

Below are the requirements and application for our annual clinic/convention elementary ensemble concerts. Applications begin May 1 and applications and recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CDT), June 15.

Selected ensembles are included on the Convention Concert Ensembles page.

Eligibility

1. The ensemble must represent a school located in Texas.
2. The director must be a current Active or Honorary Life member of TMEA.
3. At the time of application, the director must be in at least their fourth year of teaching the ensemble.
4. An applying ensemble is no longer eligible if there is a change of directors between the time of their application and TMEA performance. The director must notify the State Elementary Chair if a change occurs.
5. Previous Invited Elementary Ensembles: An ensemble can apply again three years after it performed at a TMEA convention. I.e., an ensemble that performed in February 2026 will be eligible to apply in 2029, for a February 2030 performance.

Entry Requirements

1. Applications and video recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CDT), June 15.
   Uploading video recordings will take time. Start the application process before 8 pm (CDT), June 15th.
2. The following ensemble are eligible for consideration:
• Choirs from elementary schools with only grades 6 and/or lower.
• Instrumental ensembles from elementary schools with only grades 6 and/or lower.
• Groups with students from campuses which include only 6th grade and higher are not eligible and should apply in the Vocal Division middle school application process.

Accompaniment

1. Recorded accompaniment is acceptable in submission videos, but live accompaniment is preferred.
2. Live accompaniment is required during conference performances. Consider the expense of hiring accompanists when applying to perform.

Recording Requirements

1. A single video recording must be no more than 15 minutes total. A minimum of three selections is required with a with a maximum of five selections all from only the current academic school year of the application deadline.
2. The selections must be combined into a single video file for uploading.
3. There should be nothing that identifies the school or its director on the video, in the audio, or on a title screen.
4. If you choose to submit a concert recording, please advise the audience. Audience noise significantly impacts the quality of the recording and may invalidate your submission.
5. Acceptable video format for uploading:
• Must be MP4 (MPEG-4) container with video codec H.264 and audio codec ACC-LC.
• Video resolution should be no larger than 1080p HD (1920 x 1080 pixels).
• Video bitrate should not exceed 10 Mbps, audio bitrate should not exceed 512 kbps.
• Recordings will be deleted after the review process is complete.

Selection Process

1. Applicants will be reviewed by a committee of elementary specialists.
2. This is a blind process, only the Elementary Vice President knows which schools have submitted.
3. The selections committee scores each ensemble individually; ensembles are ranked at the conclusion of the listening.
4. An effort will be made to include ensemble from as many geographic locations as possible.

Acknowledgment

1. All applicants and the invited groups will be notified on Thursday with a posting in the TMEA exhibit booth in conjunction with the Texas Choral Directors Association Summer Convention.
2. All elementary Invited Concert slots consist of three ensemble performances of no more than 25 minutes for each ensemble creating a 90 minute concert.

Application

1. Online application process opens May 1. Application button will appear below.
2. The online application for must be PRINTED and include the signature of the director.
3. A letter from the school superintendent (or designee) stating the ensemble will be allowed to perform at the TMEA Convention.
4. Print and sign the application then digitally upload the form including the superintendent letter in one PDF file to TMEA on the website application.
5. Deadline to complete the application process including the signed application and single video file upload is 11:59 pm (CDT), June 15.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or concerns about invited elementary ensembles, contact the TMEA Elementary Division Vice President.