events

The Fall Clinic and Awards is a half day event, allowing educators and musicians a space to collaborate, connect, learn, as well as honor those who go above and beyond in our field.

Session #1- Julie Willey - Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique offers tools for musicians--and anyone for that matter--to meet life's challenges with poise. Yes, we can change those habits of pulling down on ourselves, allowing more self-awareness, freedom, and enjoyment in what we do. In this introductory session, we will briefly explore how the Alexander Technique can specifically benefit string teaching and performance. Participants will learn simple, hands-on principles to promote ease, prevent injury, and enhance both personal coordination and student guidance. No prior experience with the technique is necessary—just a willingness to explore a more mindful and balanced approach to movement and music-making. Note: please bring your instrument and a yoga mat or towel.

Julie Willey first encountered the Alexander Technique as a teenager through the recommendation of her violin teacher Nancy Lokken. Later as a student of Christian Teal at Vanderbilt University (B.M. in violin performance), string players were encouraged to take "Alexander Technique 101." Not only did she experience a deep benefit to her skill as a musician, but also an improved sense of well-being on a personal level. She continued to pursue her interest in this method (and love for the German language) as a trainee in the Alexander Technique Centre Vienna. Upon returning to Minnesota, she completed her M.M. at the University of Minnesota while working as a string teacher in various contexts. She currently maintains a small violin studio and homeschools her three small children.

Session #2- MNSOTA Town Hall-Meet with the MNSOTA board members to share ideas and discuss what string teachers need and want from MNSOTA

Cost

$10 for MNSOTA members

$20 for non-members

You may pay via registration, or pay at the door.

Location

This event takes place at the Totino Fine Arts Center in the choir room.

Contact

For any questions, please contact Becky Plachy.

The Mary West Solo Competition is held annually each fall for Minnesota students of the violin, viola, cello, bass, harp and classical guitar. There are prizes in each division, and a grand prize of a performance with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

Cost

Elementary/Intermediate Division: $55

Junior/Senior Division: $70

Contact

For any questions, please contact Daniel Keeler.

The purpose of Middle Level Regional Festival is to provide a positive, supportive and educational opportunity for Minnesota middle level school orchestras to perform for judges, work with guest conductors, and watch/listen to other school orchestras perform. Students have the opportunity to make social connections with each other as they travel to the festival to perform, listen, and work together. Teachers can opt to make the day special by taking their students out to lunch or adding other activities during the day.

Contact

For any questions, please contact Josh Biles and Brian Cole.

Details

The Middle Level All-State Orchestra is for students in grades 7–9. The most accomplished young string players from around the state will join together for a day of rehearsals and then perform at the Minneapolis Convention Center as part of the MMEA convention.

Cost

Audition fee $15

$80 participation fee if accepted into ensemble

Contact

For any questions, please contact Daniel Ericksen.

More Info

Come learn to fiddle, chop, groove, and improvise, all in a single Saturday from three of Minnesota's most celebrated Creative Strings teaching artists

Students of all ages, beginners to professionals- come jam with us!

Cost

$50

Location

Champlin Park High School

Contact

For any questions, please contact Levi Comstock.

Clinicians

Ernest Bisong, Greg Byers, Levi Comstock

Competition Rules

The Mary West Solo Competition is held annually each fall for Minnesota students of the violin, viola, cello, bass, harp and classical guitar. There are prizes in each division, and a grand prize of a performance with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

Cost

Elementary/Intermediate Division: $50

Junior/Senior Division: $65

Contact

For any questions, please contact Faith Farr or Daniel Keeler.

The MNSOTA All-State Teachers' Workshop will feature a variety of local and regional presenters in addition to our keynote presenter's full day of presentations. There will be topics for studio and school teachers, and for elementary through advanced levels.

Keynote Presenter - Emily Heuschele

Emily Heuschele is a veteran educator and string specialist. She taught orchestra grades 5-12 in Western Wisconsin, served as an arts coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools, and currently teaches music education methods at the University of Minnesota. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a M.M. and Ph.D. in music education from the University of Minnesota. Her research interests include music education history, music teacher education, creative musicianship and eclectic string styles.

Cost

Early-bird rates

3 day workshop fee (member) - $150

3 day workshop fee (non-member ) - $200

Single day Th or Fri workshop fee (member) - $75

Single day Th or Fri workshop fee (non-member) - $100

Single day Saturday workshop fee (member) - $40

Single day Saturday workshop fee (non-member) - $60

After June 30th

3 day workshop fee (member) - $180

3 day workshop fee (non-member) - $230

Single day Th or Fri workshop fee (member) - $90

Single day Th or Fri workshop fee (non-member) - $115

Single day Saturday workshop fee (member) - $50

Single day Saturday workshop fee (non-member) - $70

Location

This event takes place at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.

We have a hotel block at the Courtyard Marriott Fargo Moorhead. Please call (218) 284-1000, the block is under the name MNSOTA.

Contact

For any questions, please contact Becky Plachy.

2025 All-State Workshop Schedule and Bro

Cost

Location

Contact