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. Highlights for this fall:

Session #1 - Tamara Gonzalez: Unlocking the Strengths of Neurodivergent Learners

Session #2 - Mark Kausch: Lecture Demo: Managing Double Bassists in the Orchestral Classroom

Annual MNSOTA Awards Presentation

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 Dan Mollick.

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

$40 audition fee

$80 participation fee if accepted into ensemble

Contact

For any questions, please contact Brian Cole.

More Info

The Eclectic Strings Day is a fun and informative day of workshops and performances for violin, viola, cello, and bass. You will have three different classes exploring new styles on your instrument such as gypsy jazz, bluegrass, rock and roll, guided by a master teacher. After lunch, everyone gathers in the auditorium for a jam session playing the material covered in the morning classes. Join us for a fun experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cost

TBA

Location

TBA

Contact

For any questions, please contact Cristina Seaborn (email) or by phone.

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.

Cost

Location

Contact