Invited Jazz Ensembles

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

Selected ensembles are included on the Convention Concert Ensembles page.

Eligibility

1. The directors must be active members of both TMEA and TJEA.
2. The director cannot be on the board of TMEA or TJEA.
3. Invited jazz 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 for high school and middle school must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CDT), June 1.
   Note: Uploading recordings will take time. Start the application process before 9 pm (CDT), June 1.
2. The online application form must be printed and include the signature of the director with the permission of the school principal.
3. The selected high school ensemble will agree to be a demonstration group (if needed) for a jazz clinic at the TMEA convention along with their performance.

Recording Requirements

• All recordings must have been made during the 2024-25 school year.
• All recordings must be from live concerts and at least 15 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes of music and should contain examples of different jazz styles.
• Titles, composers, arrangers, length of tracks and dates of the performances will be submitted online.
• Up to 5 recorded tracks will be uploaded to TMEA through the online application process.
• Acceptable recording formats for upload:
  • m4a (AAC-LC); Sample rate: 48000 Hz; Stereo; Bitrate: 256 kbps, constant
  • mp3; Sample rate: 48000 Hz; Stereo; Bitrate: 256 kbps, constant
  • WAV (Uncompressed); Sample rate: 44,100 Hz; Stereo; 16-Bit (required)
• The recordings must be of registered students only. No guest artists can appear on the submitted recording.
• There can be no speaking of any kind on the recording.
• Recordings will not be returned.

Selection

• The Texas Jazz Educators Association will select a committee of five of its members from all around the state to listen to the recordings.
• No directors who are applying for performance will be allowed to serve on the selection committee.
• This is a blind audition process. Only the Selection Committee Chairperson will know which schools have applied.
• The announcement of the selected programs will be made on Thursday during the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention.

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. The performance must be in the jazz ensemble genre and only include student members of the top Varsity ensemble.
6. Any adult performers must be approved by the TMEA Band Division Vice-President.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. TMEA prohibits any organization from soliciting exhibitors for use of instruments or equipment before or during the convention.

Application

1. Online application process opens April 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 audio uploads is 11:59 pm (CDT), June 1.