Invited University Concert and Jazz Ensembles

Below are the requirements and application for college/university concert band and/or jazz ensemble to perform during the TMEA 2026 annual clinic/convention. Applications and recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CT), April 1.

Selected ensembles are included on the Convention Concert Ensembles page.

Eligibility

1. The director must be a current Active member of TMEA.
2. The performing ensemble must be a college or university concert band or jazz ensemble.
3. Previously invited ensembles will not be eligible to apply for three years after their performance at the TMEA convention. i.e. - Performed in 2024-2025, not eligible in 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028, eligible in 2028-2029.

Entry Requirements

1. Applications and recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CT), April 1.
   Uploading recordings will take time. Start the application process before 9 p.m., April 1.
2. The printed application must include the signature of the director stating that if selected, the ensemble will participate.

Recording Requirements

1. All recordings must be from live performances. Jazz ensemble applications should contain examples of different jazz styles.
2. The recordings must have been made during the 2024-25 school year.
3. Titles, composers, arrangers, length of tracks and dates of the performances will be submitted online.
4. Up to 5 recorded tracks will be uploaded to TMEA through the online application process.
5. The total combined length of all recordings must be a minimum of 20 minutes with a maximum of 40 minutes.
6. Acceptable recording formats for upload:
• Preferred: WAV(Uncompressed); Sample rate: 48000 Hz; Stereo; 16-Bit (required)
• m4a (AAC-LC); Sample rate: 48000 Hz; Stereo; Bitrate: 256 kbps, constant
• mp3; Sample rate: 48000 Hz; Stereo; Bitrate: 256 kbps, constant:
7. The recordings must be of students only. No guest artists can appear on the submitted recording.
8. There can be no speaking of any kind on the recording.
9. Recordings will not be returned.

Selection

1. The TMEA Band Division Vice-President is responsible for selecting the invited college/university ensembles.
2. All applicants and invited ensembles will be notified by or before April 15.

Performance

1. The invited ensemble will agree to complete their concert within the 50 minute allotted time. This includes introductions, applause, and presentations. This includes the final concert of any day.
2. The total time of the repertoire must not exceed 40 minutes.
3. Repertoire must be approved by the Band Division Vice-President and must be submitted by October 10 via the TMEA website.
4. The invited ensemble will be scheduled by the Band Division Vice-President in consultation with the TMEA Executive Board.
5. If the performance is scheduled in the Lila Cockrell Theatre, TMEA will provide a grand piano, chairs, music stands, conductor podium and music stand, and if required, up to 4 - 8" tall 4'x 8' platforms, 4 - 16" tall 4' x 8' platforms, and 4 - 24" tall 4' x 8' platforms.
6. If the performance is scheduled in a ballroom, TMEA will provide a grand piano, chairs, music stands, conductor podium and music stand, and if required, up to 2 - 8" tall 4'x 8' platforms, 2- 16" tall 4' x 8' platforms.
7. For either performance location, all other instruments and equipment must be provided by the ensemble and must fit in a one box truck. Only one truck is permitted.
8. TMEA prohibits any organization from soliciting exhibitors for use of instruments or equipment during the convention.

Application

1. Online application process will open March 1. Application button will appear below.
2. The online application form must be printed and include the signature of the director.
   a) Include two recent concert programs.
3. Print and sign the application form, then digitally upload the form and concert programs in one PDF file to TMEA on the website application.
4. Deadline to complete the application process including the signed application and audio uploads is 11:59 pm (CT), April 1.

For more information contact: TMEA Band Division Vice-President - bandvp@tmea.org