Music Showcase

2025 Convention: February 12-15 in San Antonio, Texas

Proposal Period: May 1–June 1, 2024

The 2025 TMEA Clinic/Convention will feature approximately 50 music showcases in 4 open areas of the convention center. To present a music showcase, you must complete an online proposal by the June 1 deadline. The link to submit is below the following important information on proposing.

Our Commitment to Music Education for All
  • All students at every level deserve a well-balanced education that includes a comprehensive, high-quality, sequential program of music taught by teachers who are certified in music education. All students should have this opportunity regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, disability, economic status, religious background, or other unique characteristics. TMEA is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We stand with all those we serve. We are committed to providing professional education that promotes these principles. All session verbal, visual, and written content must adhere to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
Our Convention Inclusivity Pledge
  • TMEA is committed to providing a positive experience for all convention attendees. We expect every participant and presenter to adhere to our association’s commitment to offering an inclusive, respectful convention environment that invites participation from all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, disability, or other unique characteristics. Participants should report any behavior inconsistent with the principles outlined here, to TMEA staff.

Membership/Convention Registration Requirements

If selected, clinicians, demonstration group directors, and music showcase group directors and musicians must comply with these requirements:

  • Texas music educators/musicians and college students must be current members of TMEA and pay convention registration fees.
  • Out-of-state educators/musicians must:
    • pay convention registration fees but, are not required to become TMEA members, or
    • if industry sponsored must get their convention badge through their sponsoring exhibitor (not for Texas music educators/musicians).

All performers must comply with these requirements:

  • College students and non-school performing groups must comply with the director and student registration requirements above.
    Exceptions: Student performers also in a clinic demonstration group or invited performing group are provided complimentary badges.
  • K–12 performers are provided complimentary badges.

Online membership and convention registration will be available in early May. Find more Membership and Registration Information here.


Music Showcase Venues

Acoustic-Only:
For showcase performances that are acoustic-only (no amplification of instruments or voices is allowed). The venues include a small stage, music stands, and chairs (for performers). All instruments, including keyboards, must be provided by the performing group. There is no storage room, dressing room, or warm-up area provided. Each group has a 30 minute setup/warm-up period preceding the performance time which may not exceed 30 minutes and must be only during the scheduled performance time.

  • North Lobby Music Showcase
    • Brass and Saxophone Ensembles
    • Maximum 8 performers
    • Amplification of any instument is not allowed
    • Built-in stage
    • 8 chairs and 10 music stands
    • electrical is not provided
    • No bus or truck passes provided

  • West Lobby Music Showcase
    • String and Woodwind chamber ensembles
    • Maximum 12 performers
    • Amplification of any instument is not allowed
    • Platform stage - 16' wide, 8' deep, 16" high
    • 12 chairs and 14 music stands
    • electrical is not provided
    • No bus or truck passes provided

  • Registration Music Showcase
    • String, Woodwind and Brass chamber ensembles; Percussion Keyboard (not drums), and Steel Drum ensembles
    • Maximum 18 performers
    • Amplification of any instument is not allowed
    • Platform stage - 32' wide, 16' deep, 24" high
    • 18 chairs and 20 music stands
    • electrical is not provided
    • 1 bus only and 1 truck only passes provided (Bus Stop #2 - Main Entrance)

Acoustic and Amplified:
Venue allows amplified performances by medium-sized ensembles (10-24 members). The venue includes a medium-sized stage, music stands, and chairs (for performers and audience). All instruments, including keyboards and sound reinforcement, must be provided by the performing group. There is no storage room, dressing room, or warm-up area provided. Each group has a 30 minute setup/warm-up period preceding the performance time which may not exceed 30 minutes and must be only during the scheduled time.

  • Bridge Hall Music Showcase
    • Large Ensembles, Vocal Ensembles, String, Electric String, Percussion Ensembles, Jazz Combos
    • Maximum 24 performers
    • Amplification is allowed. Must be provided by the organization.
    • Platform stage - 40' wide, 16' deep, 24" high
    • 24 chairs and 30 music stands
    • electrical is provided
    • 1 bus only and 1 truck only passes provided (Bus Stop #1 - Theater Entrance)

Information Needed to Complete your Proposal

Do not start a proposal until you have all information available.

You will need:

  • Performing group director's TMEA Member ID and contact information. For non-TMEA members, the director's name, school/company, phone, cell phone, and email.
  • Performing group name and number of participants.
    • Note: Number of paricipants cannot be increased from this number if selected to perform.
  • Description of ensemble
  • 1-3 audio files that represent your group's musical abilities, not to exceed 15 minutes.

Audio/Visual Equipment

TMEA does not provide A/V equipment for this venue.


Music Showcase Selection Factors

Important factors in the selection process of showcase sessions will be:

  • Performance Quality. Each group must upload up to three recordings to TMEA by June 1, 2024.
  • Compatibility with the performance venue.
  • Variety of performing group genres.
  • NOTE: Bands, orchestras, full size jazz ensemble/stage bands and all grade school level mixed choirs, treble choirs, tenor-bass choirs, elementary choirs/large instumental ensembles, HS percussion ensembles and HS mariachi ensembles will not be considered for music showcase performances. These groups must use the Invited Group processes to apply to perform in a formal ballroom setting.
  • Priority consideration is provided to performers also serving as clinic demonstration groups and to Texas resident ensembles.

Music Showcase Application Status

Notification of your proposal's status will take place by August 15. Directors/Applicants must verify their acceptance by September 1 by responding to the invitation email using the link provided and must comply with all requirements stated here and in the acceptance notification.

TMEA assigns the performance venue.

Scheduling information will become available online the last week in September. A link to this information will be provided via email.


Music showcase application submission for the 2025 TMEA Clinic/Convention begins May 1, 2024.