All-State Auditions

• Harpists should prepare an audition mp4 video file and email a link.

• Iowa State University, Scheman Building
  • Address: 1805 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011

• NORTHWEST: LeMars
  • Address: 921 3rd Ave SW, Le Mars, IA 51031
  • Counties: Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster, Woodbury
• NORTH  CENTRAL:  Hampton-Dumont-CAL
  • Address: 101 12th Ave NW, Hampton, IA 50441
  • Counties: Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Floyd, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Howard, Marshall, Mitchell, Story, Tama, Winnebago, Worth, Wright
• NORTHEAST: Independence
  • Address: 700 20th Ave SW, Independence, IA 50644
  • Counties: Allamakee, Benton, Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Winneshiek
• SOUTHWEST: Atlantic
  • Address: 1201 E 14th St, Atlantic, IA 50022
  • Counties: Adair, Adams, Audubon, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Crawford, Dallas, Fremont, Greene, Guthrie, Harrison, Madison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Taylor, Union
• SOUTH CENTRAL: Indianola
  • Address: 1304 E 1st Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
  • Counties: Appanoose, Clarke, Decatur, Jasper, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Polk, Warren, Wayne
• SOUTHEAST: Iowa City, West
  • Address: 2901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246
  • Counties: Cedar, Clinton, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Jefferson, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Poweshiek, Scott, Van Buren, Wapello, Washington

• Complete the “Music Adjudication” course offered through the National Federation of High Schools at nfhslearn.com and send course completion certificate to the IHSMA Office.
• Complete a new W-9 and send it to the IHSMA Office.
• NEW ADJUDICATORS: Request that two (2) currently approved adjudicators for the IHSMA write letters of recommendation for you on your behalf and send them to the IHSMA Office.

All-State audition adjudicators are selected because of their demonstrated expertise as music educators and performers. Adjudicators are expected to possess:

• A minimum of five years of successful experience as a music educator, conductor, performer, or collegiate instructor.
• Extensive knowledge of the All-State audition process, audition literature, and the performance standards expected of Iowa’s most accomplished high school musicians.
• Proven experience directing successful secondary or collegiate instrumental or vocal ensembles.
• Current certification through the IHSMA adjudication process, including completion of the NFHS Music Adjudication Course and required recertification.
• A reputation for integrity, consistency, fairness, and professionalism within the music education community.
• The ability to evaluate performances objectively.
• Strong listening and analytical skills that allow accurate evaluation of tone quality, intonation, rhythm, technique, musicianship, interpretation, and overall artistry.
• A commitment to treating every student with respect and evaluating every audition without bias.

• Apply the official audition criteria consistently for every performer.
• Judge only what is heard during the audition.
• Maintain complete confidentiality throughout the selection process.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any circumstances that could compromise impartiality.
• Complete all scoring accurately and within established timelines.

The All-State audition is designed to provide every student with a fair, organized, and professional opportunity to demonstrate their musical abilities. While audition procedures vary slightly by ensemble, students can expect a consistent and respectful experience throughout the day.

Before Your Audition

• Arrive early with your school director.
• Review the audition schedule and any site-specific instructions.
• Use the designated warm-up areas to prepare physically and mentally.
• Bring all required materials, including your instrument and music.
• Dress comfortably while maintaining a neat, school-appropriate appearance.

During Your Audition

• When called, enter the audition room promptly and follow the instructions provided by the adjudicator or room assistant.
• Perform only the materials requested in the order specified for your audition area.
• Required excerpts and cuts are announced according to the published audition procedures.
• If clarification is needed, you may ask before beginning your performance.
• Once your audition begins, focus on making music and demonstrating your preparation.

Recall Auditions

Being recalled simply means the adjudicator would like to hear additional material before making final selections. It is not a guarantee of selection, nor does the absence of a recall necessarily reflect negatively on a student’s performance. Recall procedures vary among Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Piano auditions and are announced at each audition center.

The goal of the All-State Audition is to identify students who demonstrate the highest level of musical preparation and performance. Adjudicators evaluate each audition using established criteria to ensure every student is assessed fairly and consistently across the state.

Overall Musicianship

Above all, adjudicators are listening for complete musicianship—not just technical accuracy. They evaluate how well you communicate through your performance while demonstrating a strong command of your instrument or voice.

Tone Quality

A characteristic, mature sound is one of the most important elements of any audition.

• Instrumentalists should strive for a centered, controlled tone throughout all registers.
• Vocalists should sing with healthy tone production, resonance, and consistent vocal quality.

Accuracy

Students are expected to perform the printed music accurately.
Adjudicators listen for:

• Correct notes
• Accurate rhythms
• Secure intonation
• Appropriate articulation
• Dynamic contrast
• Consistent tempo

Technical Facility

Strong technique allows musicians to perform confidently and efficiently.
Adjudicators evaluate:

• Finger and hand coordination
• Breath support or bow control
• Flexibility across registers
• Clean articulation
• Overall control of technical passages

Musical Interpretation

Great performances go beyond playing the correct notes.
Adjudicators value students who demonstrate:

• Musical phrasing
• Stylistic understanding
• Expressive dynamics
• Appropriate tempo choices
• Attention to musical detail

Consistency

One exceptional measure or phrase is not enough. Adjudicators are listening for a high level of performance from beginning to end, with consistent tone, rhythm, technique, and musical expression throughout the audition.

Professional Preparation

Preparation is evident before the first note is played. Students who are well prepared typically demonstrate:

• Confidence without rushing
• Focus and concentration
• Strong performance habits
• Composure under pressure

Remember

Adjudicators want every student to perform at their very best. They are experienced music educators committed to evaluating each audition fairly, consistently, and according to the published audition criteria. While technical accuracy is important, the strongest auditions combine preparation, musical understanding, and expressive performance into a complete demonstration of musicianship.

The All-State Music Auditions are among Iowa’s most respected educational music events. Every student is expected to contribute to a positive, respectful, and professional environment throughout the day. Your conduct reflects not only on you, but also on your school, director, and community.

Be Prepared

Professionalism begins before you arrive.

• Arrive early to allow time for check-in, warming up, and finding your audition location.
• Bring all required music, equipment, and materials.
• Know your audition requirements and be ready when your audition is called.

Respect the Audition Environment

Hundreds of students will be preparing for one of the most important musical performances of their year.

• Keep conversations quiet in hallways and waiting areas.
• Follow directions from event staff, room monitors, and volunteers.
• Warm up only in designated locations.
• Silence cell phones and other electronic devices before entering the audition area.

Demonstrate Professional Conduct

Treat everyone with courtesy and respect throughout the day.

• Be respectful of fellow students, regardless of school or experience.
• Thank volunteers, adjudicators, and event staff for their time and service.
• Represent your school with integrity and professionalism.

During Your Audition

Once inside the audition room:

• Follow instructions from the room monitor promptly.
• Remain focused and composed throughout your performance.
• If something does not go as planned, continue performing with confidence.
• Exit quietly when your audition is complete.

Support Your Fellow Musicians

Every student has invested significant time preparing for this opportunity.

• Encourage classmates and fellow musicians.
• Avoid comparing performances or discussing auditions immediately afterward.
• Celebrate the accomplishments of others, regardless of the outcome.

Accept the Results Professionally

Selection for the Iowa All-State Music Festival is highly competitive. Outstanding musicians may not be selected each year due to the exceptional level of talent across the state.

• Respect the results and the audition process.
• Use the experience as motivation for continued growth.
• Remember that one audition does not define your musical ability or future success.

Represent the Iowa Music Community

The All-State Auditions are more than a selection process—they are an opportunity to join musicians from across Iowa who share a commitment to excellence. Professional behavior, respect for others, and a positive attitude help create an outstanding experience for every participant and reflect the values of Iowa’s music education community.

Auditioning for the Iowa All-State Music Festival is about more than earning a place in one of Iowa’s premier performing ensembles. The audition process itself is one of the most valuable educational experiences available to high school musicians, encouraging growth, discipline, and musical excellence regardless of the final outcome.

A Commitment to Excellence

Preparing for an All-State audition challenges you to set ambitious goals and work toward them over an extended period of time. The focused preparation required helps develop stronger musicianship, improved practice habits, and greater confidence as a performer.

Learning Through Preparation

The skills developed while preparing for an audition extend far beyond a single performance. Students learn to:

• Set meaningful goals and create a long-term practice plan.
• Solve musical and technical challenges independently.
• Build consistency through disciplined daily practice.
• Perform with confidence under pressure.
• Develop resilience by learning from both successes and setbacks.

These are skills that benefit musicians throughout high school, college, and future careers—both inside and outside of music.

A Fair and Educational Process

The Iowa High School Music Association has designed the All-State Audition process to provide every student with an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. Common audition materials, standardized procedures, and trained adjudicators help ensure that every audition is evaluated consistently and professionally.

The goal is to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional musical achievement while maintaining a process that emphasizes fairness, integrity, and educational value.

Growth Beyond Selection

Not every outstanding musician will earn a place in an All-State ensemble, and that is a reflection of the extraordinary level of talent across Iowa. Every audition provides valuable feedback and experience that can strengthen future performances, auditions, and musical opportunities.

Many successful All-State musicians were not selected on their first attempt. Growth often comes from continuing to prepare, refine your skills, and audition again.

Joining Iowa’s Finest Student Musicians

For those who are selected, the All-State Music Festival is an opportunity to perform alongside many of Iowa’s most accomplished student musicians under nationally recognized conductors. Students experience intensive rehearsals, artistic collaboration, and a culminating concert that represents the highest level of high school music performance in the state.

An Achievement to Be Proud Of

Whether you are auditioning for the first time or returning for another opportunity, choosing to participate is an accomplishment in itself. The dedication, perseverance, and musicianship required to prepare for an All-State audition represent the very qualities that define outstanding musicians.

Regardless of the outcome, the experience will help you grow as a performer, deepen your understanding of music, and prepare you for future opportunities both on and off the stage.