Region 28 Vocal Division Handbook

*Revised August 1st, 2025 for the 2025-2026 School Year

Table of Contents

Pg. 2         Table of Content

Pg. 3        Elected Region Officials and other Region Positions

Pg. 3 Region Officers, Duties, Responsibilities and Stipends

Pg. 4 The Region Vocal Chair

Pg. 5 The Region Vice-Chair, The Region Secretary/ Treasurer

Pg. 6 Computer Operator; Region Vocal Division Webmaster & Region Recording Personnel

Pg. 7         TMEA Active Member, Director/Sponsor Responsibilities

        Pg. 7 Division Meeting, Audition & TMEA Activity

Pg. 8 Attendance, Proxy Policies, Locality and Classification

Pg. 9        TMEA Region 28 Vocal Auditions: Policies and Procedures

Pg. 9 Region 28 Choirs & Voicing

        Pg. 9 Entry Procedures

        Pg. 9 Entry Fees

Pg. 10        District, Region, Pre-Area Audition Responsibilities and Procedures

        Pg. 10 Audition Responsibilities

Pg. 10 Auditioning Student Duties

Pg. 11 Director Duties

Pg. 12 Audition Personnel

        Pg. 12 Audition Host Responsibilities

        Pg. 12 Director (Judge’s) Responsibilities

        Pg. 12 Region Chair Responsibilities

        Pg. 13 Computer Operator Responsibilities

Pg. 13 Other Audition Related Procedures

        Pg. 13 Choir Selection Criteria

        Pg. 13 Audition Music

        Pg. 14 Certification Procedures

        Pg. 14 Announcement of Results

        Pg. 14 Alternates

Pg. 15 Region Clinic and Concert

        Pg. 15 Clinicians & Accompanists

        Pg. 15 Host duties

        Pg. 15 Director/Section Leader Duties

        Pg. 16 Student & Director Attendance Requirements

Pg. 17 – 39 Appendices

TMEA Contacts, Region Contract, TMEA Policies, TMEA Web Access, MS Handbook

Region 28 Vocal Division Officials, Duties & Responsibilities and Associated Stipends

Region 28 Vocal Division Officers 

• Elected by the Region 28 Vocal Division Membership and will serve a two-year term. Each Officer or contracted employee will receive a Stipend associated with the responsibilities to the Vocal Division.

• Chair – stipend not to exceed $500.00
• Vice-Chair – stipend not to exceed $500.00  
• Secretary – stipend not to exceed $500.00

• Appointed by Region Chair:

• Computer Operator – Stipend not to exceed $300.00
• Web Master - Stipend not to exceed $250.00 + Annual Web Associated Fees, not to exceed $150.00
• Region Recording Personnel (Vocalists, Accompanists & Audio Technician) – Stipends not to exceed $200.00 per person

The Region Vocal Chair

• General Duties

• Preside at Region 28 Vocal Division meetings
• Represent Region 28 Vocal Division at all TMEA statewide affairs
• Notify each director through written correspondence of TMEA statewide affairs
• Secure Clinicians prior to Fall meeting and supply them with appropriate music
• Secure UIL Judges and serve as liaison with the UIL Executive Secretary
• Complete State Office reports
• Distribute copies of the following information to one director from each school:

• Provide the Region 28 Vocal Division Handbook on webpage
• Provide a schedule of all event dates, entry deadlines, sites, and fees for the current year
• Provide State Audition Procedure Manuals and all relevant appendices on webpage
• Provide the annual All-State Choir Repertoire and Rehearsal Notes on webpage
• The chair or designee shall post audition results.

• In the event of a death of a Region Director’s immediate family, the chair is authorized to spend up to $50 for a memorial

• Spring Duties

• See that new officers are elected at the Spring Region meeting every two years
• Select and secure Clinicians and Accompanists for the Clinic/Concert
• Submit an Alteration Request to the Audition Procedures Manual/to the state vocal chair no later than June if sight reading is to be implemented at any audition other than the Pre-Area and Area auditions.
• Arrange for all District and Region patches from the TMEA State Office prior to June 1st for the next school year.

• Fall Duties

• See that each participating director is a member of TMEA and have on record a copy of a valid TMEA number by the district entry deadline.
• Notify directors of selections to be heard at each audition.
• Notify directors of music to be performed at the Region Concert.
• Arrange the Clinic & Concert and all necessary related items associated with the event.

• Audition Duties

• Certify that each student is entered according to audition regulations by the entry deadline.
• Notify each director by written correspondence in the event of any changes in Region activities.
• Certify eligible students at each audition.
• Contact the director of an alternate immediately upon notification of a student withdrawal.
• See that each audition follows the guidelines of the Audition Procedures Manual.
• Provide each director with a list of the songs to be auditioned.
• Be present when audition scores are tabulated.
• Provide the following materials:

• Audition Recordings, Score Sheets, and other official materials pertinent to the contest.
• 10 Audio Playback Devices (and power devices as necessary)
• General Office Supplies:

• Pens and Pencils
• Paper clips, rubber bands, scissors, tape, stapler
• Writing paper
• Large envelopes

The Vice-Chair

• General Duties

• Preside at Region 28 Vocal Division meetings if Chair is unavailable
• Represent Region 28 Vocal Division at all TMEA statewide affairs if Chair is unavailable.
• Compile a complete and accurate list of the Region Vocal Membership annually, to keep on record and provide to the Region Chair for distribution or posting to the webpage

• Audition Duties

• Duties as assigned by chair.
• Conduct a judging workshop at each audition at chair’s discretion.

• Create a Review Packet (inclusive of Job Description, Instructions, Do’s and Don’ts Information Sheet, Raw/Rank Form, etc…) to be presented and reviewed at the Fall Meeting.

• Clinic and Concert Duties

• Arrange lodging for the clinicians.
• Arrange for any additional instruments and players.
• Arrange for the printing of the concert program or provide a QR Code.
• Arrange for a professional recording of the concert.
• Make seating and standing arrangements (including alternates) and execute a plan of action for the flow and transition of the concert program.
• Assign section leaders.

The Region Secretary/Treasurer

• General Duties

• Preside at Region 28 Vocal Division meetings if Chair and Vice Chair are unavailable.
• Represent Region 28 Vocal Division at all TMEA statewide affairs if Chair and Vice Chair are unavailable.
• Take minutes at all Region 28 vocal Division meetings.

• Post a copy of current minutes on the website within two weeks of the meeting
• Maintain a file of minutes from previous year and keep them available

• Assist and Provide the Vice Chair and Chair with a New Membership Information Form.
• Keep all Region monies in a non-interest-bearing checking account.
• Be the collecting agent for all monies pertaining to the Vocal Division.
• Pay all Vocal Division Bills.
• Prepare and present a financial statement for each Spring and Fall Division Meeting
• Prepare and Submit the Financial Statement and Documentation for TMEA State Tax Purposes, to the Region 28 President and Vocal Chair
• Notify Region Chair of any school in debt to the Vocal Division
• With the assistance of the Region Chair, prepare and maintain documentation with all contractual work:  The Contract for Services online form and instructions, found on the Chair Resources web page, must be utilized for all monies $250.00 or more in one or multiple payments to individuals for miscellaneous services rendered.

Contest Tabulator

• General Duties

• Create each Vocal Contest (i.e. District Mixed, MS)
• Maintain and update Contest Information
• Provide the Region Treasurer with necessary updated documentation for Contest Financials at the start of each contest
• Run all labels, forms, registration sheets, etc.… associated with each vocal audition
• Run tabulation/score entries into the TMEA Contest computer operating system and generate sheets for division review and Chair Contest Announcements

Vocal Division Webmaster

• General Duties

• Create and Maintain a webpage for the Vocal Division
• Pay for annual webpage Service Fee and be reimbursed by Region for such costs
• Update Vocal/Choral information as needed (weekly, monthly, annually)
• Collaborate with Region Chair and Secretary for any webpage needs

Region Recording Personnel (Vocalists, Accompanists & Audio Technician)

• As appointed and contracted by the Region Chair for Vocal or Accompaniment Recordings
• General Duties

• Vocalists

• Learn assigned voice part(s)
• Record assigned voice part(s)
• Be available to record or re-record as needed

• Accompanist

• Learn assigned Selections accompaniment
• Record assigned accompaniments as needed
• Be available to rehearse, record or re-record as needed for Vocalists or Audio Technician purposes

• Audio Technician

• Be available to record, engineer, and master recordings
• Provide Mastered Recordings to Region Chair.

TMEA Active Member, Director/Sponsor Responsibilities

• TMEA Membership

• Each director should become a member of TMEA. Membership is required for any director whose students wish to participate in a TMEA activity. A director must be a member to vote on TMEA issues or hold a TMEA office. Membership runs from July 1st to June 30th.
• Any additional TMEA information is available from the TMEA Office. (www.tmea.org)

• Directors (Assistant Directors & Assistant Director/Professional Accompanists) will:

• Be available to fulfill responsibilities and obligations to the Region 28 Vocal Division in any and all capacities and attend all Division Related Meetings and Events.

• Fall Meeting (Annually Mid-August, site to be determined at Spring Meeting)
• Spring Meeting (Annually Mid-May, site to be determined at each Fall Meeting)
• Region/Division Meetings at TMEA (February) and TCDA (July) Conferences
• Annual Clinic & Concert (Annually in November)
• HS District Mixed, Treble, Region, Pre-Area, Area Auditions (Fall Semester)
• Middle School Region Auditions (Spring Semester)

• Avoid planning Annual Spring Trips or Personal Vacation during the above listed events (Spring/Fall Meetings)

• Notify students of:

• Rules of conduct for all TMEA and UIL activities
• Music to be used at each audition
• Dates, places, and events
• Dress for Region Choir (each school’s uniform).

• Arrange for lodging, meals, and transportation where appropriate.
• Mail all forms and fees (School or District Issued Check or APPROVED Purchase Order) for each audition to the Region Vocal Chair (Entries with above listed documents MUST BE postmarked 14 calendar days prior to the audition or event)
• Be present at all Region events in which your students are involved or send qualified proxy (not listed to perform duties for a specific event), to be responsible for your duties and be responsible for the payment of a qualified judge in the amount specified by the Region Chair. [See PROXY Policy on page 8]
• Notify the Region Chair by phone call and email at the earliest possible time in the event of a person’s inability to participate (DNA). Once a DNA is in writing (email) it is official and cannot be withdrawn
• Get District and Region patches from the Region Chair and distribute patches to the qualified students.

Attendance and Proxy Policies

Attendance Policy

Directors or TMEA sponsor that enters any participating students must be present at the competition.

Proxy Policy

ALL directors, assistant directors and campus choral music faculty should be available to judge at an audition if he/she has students competing.

In the case that a director/sponsor is unable to attend the audition, the following procedure must be followed:

Prior to the audition, a proxy must be designated, and approval submitted in writing primarily by the District’s Fine Arts Administrator (or Campus Principal in case a District Fine Arts Administrator is not available) and by the region chairperson.

The proxy will serve in a capacity designated by the region chairperson.

Each absent director is required to pay a judge’s fee if he/she is unavailable to judge and a replacement judge must be hired. A standard fee of $125.00 will be applicable for each absence and must be made payable to TMEA Region 28 Vocal Division.

In emergency situations the fee will be waived, at the discretion of the Region Vocal Chair.

Directors who fail to adhere to the rules, policies, or guidelines will be subject to terms of TMEA Penalties for Rules and Policies Infractions and be redirected to the TMEA State Vocal Chair.

Locality and Classification

A student shall compete in the Region in which they are currently receiving the majority of their educational instruction to meet graduation requirements. A UIL member school student shall compete in the school’s UIL assigned or UIL enrollment equivalent classification. A magnet school student shall compete in the UIL classification of the largest high school in the public school district in which the campus is located. A charter school shall compete in the UIL classification of the smallest high school in the public school district in which the campus is located. A private school shall compete in the UIL equivalent classification based on enrollment.

UIL Conferences for 2024-2026: 

• Class 6A….2275 and above 

• Class 5A….1315 – 2274 

• Class 4A….545 – 1314 

• Class 3A….254 – 544 

• Class 2A….105 – 253 

• Class 1A….104.9 and below 

Audition Policies and Procedures

Voicing for Each TMEA Region 28 Competitive/Performing Ensemble

• Entry Procedures

• Online Entry Instructions are available at:

•  http://www.tmea.org/divisions-regions/auditions

• Entry Fees: Fees for each participant are set by the Region at the Spring or Fall Meeting.

• Currently the fees for the 2024-2025 Contest Season, are as follows:

• A One-Time Campus Fee of $300.00 will be collected for the Region Clinic and Concert from each Region 28 campus.
• District Mixed Audition Fees - $15.00 fee per student, plus a $40.00 (cost to run each contest) per school fee for entries in the District Mixed Audition.
• Region/Pre-Area Campus Fee of $40.00 per campus
• LATE FEES: will be incurred at the following rates: School Fee + Late School Fee ($45.00) and the Student Fee will double ($30.00 per student). These fees can be avoided by providing all correct information and necessary paperwork during the initial online entry for each audition. A “window of opportunity” will be available to make minor corrections (NOT ADDITIONS) to current entries, up to 7 (seven) days prior to the auditions and MUST BE PAID IN FULL by the Region Clinic date. Schools not current or paid in full by the Friday Evening Clinic, will be subject to Campus and Student disqualification in the TMEA Audition Process.

Entry Fees (which include an Official School or District Issued Check, or a HARD COPY of your District Approved Purchase Order) and Official Entry Form (printed from the TMEA website) must be POSTMARKED 14 days prior to each audition date and mailed to the current region mailing address.

Checks must be made payable to the TMEA Region 28 Vocal Division. Personal Checks and Purchase Order Requests will not be accepted.

*Please note that Penalty Fees and Late Entry Charges are applied and enforced, if protocol is not followed, which may result in a reprimand from local and state TMEA Officials.

District, Region, Pre-Area Mixed Contest Audition Responsibilities and Procedures

• Auditioning Student Duties

• Each student will receive a badge at registration, with an audition number (and sight - reading number, if applicable to the audition) that is worn throughout the audition day
• Students will be prepared on the audition material and will sing portions of the selected music: Audition Cuts will be announced before the beginning of the audition. Students should have pencils and paper clips to mark these cuts
• Students will have the opportunity to sing their cut with the audition audio recording
• After cuts have been sung, no students will be allowed to sing, hum, reproduce pitch or play any of the audition material or other music  
• When the student’s number is announced, the student will proceed to the call monitor All students will have the opportunity to visit the warm-up room before auditioning
• The monitor will direct the student to the proper audition area
•  Upon entering the audition room, the student’s number will be announced by the monitor. The student should remain behind the screen throughout the audition.
• Each student will sing the assigned part of the selected literature with the recorded piano accompaniment. The recording on the audio device will play all voice parts on unaccompanied numbers. Pieces having a piano accompaniment independent of the voice parts will be played as printed. If the cut of a song with a piano accompaniment contains passages that are unaccompanied, the recording will play the voice parts until the regular accompaniment is resumed
• All students will return to the waiting area at the conclusion of the audition
• Students should remain attentive to the announcements and/or screens for possible call backs. If there are call backs it is the responsibility of the student to be available to sing again. Any student not available for a call back will forfeit their possible selection.
• If a student is permitted to leave the audition site early, it is understood that if the student is called back to sing, they will forfeit any possible placement in the auditioned choir
•  All students should accept the announcement of results with a display of good taste and good sportsmanship
• All School and District Policies, Procedures and rules and Regulations apply
• The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances will not be permitted
• The obvious use of visual or verbal profanity and/or obscene acts will result in disciplinary action by the student’s director.

• Director Duties

• Directors are responsible for informing their students of all the information in these guidelines and procedures of the audition before attending each contest
• Directors must register immediately upon arrival at the audition site and report student names that are to be withdrawn (DNA’s)
• No one will be allowed to register once registration has been closed and the auditions have begun
• PM Registrants, as indicated on the initial Official Online Registration form, must register by 1:00 PM to audition
• Only school-sponsored activities shall be considered for approval by the Region Chair for late audition times
• Directors are responsible for requesting early or late audition times prior to the DNA deadline (No Later than 4:00 PM on Friday, prior to the audition date)
• Should a student be arriving late or departing the contest early due to a conflict with a UIL or other school-sponsored activity, an Official List detailing Student Name, Reason for Late Arrival/Early Departure and a Parent Contact Phone Number must be provided to the Region Chair prior to the start of the Contest Day. This list will be turned over to the Call Center Staff Member & students will be accepted or released, based on this list
• Directors are responsible for providing an Adult Chaperone with and for students in the Holding Area: Chaperones must be made aware of TMEA Policy and abide by these rules.

* Failure to adhere to any of the above listed responsibilities are grounds for disqualification.

Audition Personnel

• Audition Host Duties & Responsibilities

• Reserve contest facilities
• File ALL Necessary Paperwork for Approval to Host TMEA Event

• Facilities Request
• A/C System Request & Secured for Contest Day (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
• Custodial Staff
• Be sure you have Emergency Contact numbers for Campus Administrators

• Provide the following personnel:

• Student Workers to serve the Audition Site in any capacity
• Guides (2 per audition room – students)
• Hall Monitors (1 per audition room or hallway – adult).
• Tabulation Runners

• Provide the following Facilities and Materials:

• Make sure school bells have been turned off
• Contest Areas

• Registration Area, Holding Area, Call Center, Director’s Lounge,     Warm-Up Room, Late Registration Room, Computer Operator Room, Tabulations Room, Adult Restrooms, Student Restrooms, access to an office (Campus Choir Director) with a Computer, Printer and Copier

• Tables, Desks, Chairs AND Audition Screens as needed
• Music Stands in each audition room
• piano or keyboard for warm-up, in designated warm-up room
• Signs for directions, room identification, etc.
• Audio System for announcements, instructions, and Audition Cut Review
• Separate holding area IF Sight Reading is included in the audition process.
• 1 computer and 1 compatible printer (if not provided by Computer Operator)

• Provide the following Meal Arrangements:

• Student Concession Stand (and staff) with plenty of snacks, food, and drink for the duration of the contest day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Student Worker Meals (Breakfast & Lunch) and Drinks not to exceed $150.00 in reimbursements
• Director (Judge) Breakfast Meal, Snacks & Drinks (Water, Soda, Coffee) not to exceed $200.00 in reimbursements
• Director (Judge) Lunch Meal not to exceed $10.00 per person

• Every Region member who wants to eat lunch must pay the $10 meal fee.

• Directors (Judges) [ALL Region 28 Vocal Division Personnel - MS & HS] Responsibilities

• ALL Audition Staff must arrive to the Audition Site and Sign – In by 8:00 AM unless otherwise notified by the Region Chair (ex: Audition Host 7 AM; Officers 7:15 AM; Registration 7:15 AM)
• All Audition Staff must be in attendance at the 8:30 AM Director’s Meeting, in the Judging Lounge, where Notices, Announcements and other Audition Protocol will be reviewed
• Judges have the responsibility to be familiar with the Audition Music prior to the contest
• Judges have the responsibility to avoid contact with ALL Auditioning Students

• In the Judging/Audition Room:

• cell phones must remain off during the entire audition
• Judges should be actively involved in the audition process not doing another task
• Judges must be silent and sit facing away from the screen once a student enters the audition room
• Laptops and tablets for judging purposes only
• Judges must use a consistent method of scoring, leaving sufficient space between scores to avoid boxing oneself in by scoring students too closely together
• Judges may not duplicate scores.
• There shall be no discussion between judges about a student’s audition
• Judges should have the courtesy and professionalism not to make remarks that might be heard and be misinterpreted.
• Avoid making visual contact with any auditioning student.

• In the Judging Lounge/after the audition process:

•  Judges have the responsibility to avoid contact with ALL Auditioning Students
• ALL Audition Staff, especially Judges, must remain in the Director’s Lounge until the Region Chair clears their panel
• Refrain from entering tabulations and computer room

• Region Chair Responsibilities

• Certify that each student is entered according to audition regulations by the entry deadline.
• Notify each director by written correspondence in the event of any changes in Region activities.
• Certify eligible students at each audition.
• Contact the director of an alternate immediately upon notification of a student withdrawal.
• See that each audition follows the guidelines of the Audition Procedures Manual.
• Provide each director with a list of the songs to be auditioned

• Computer Operator

• Run official entry reports and enter audition scores and run placement reports

District Honor Choir

Chairs 23-32 of each Treble panel and chairs 23-30 of each Tenor Bass panel from the District audition round will earn a chair in the District Honor Choir.  Every school will pay a $300 Region Clinic and Concert fee.

Choir Selection Criteria

• Technical knowledge of the music (rhythm, pitch, and intonation).
•  Voice quality (vocal technique and appropriate sound).
• Overall musicianship (diction, phrasing, style, and dynamics).

Audition Music

Music for the TMEA All-State music is selected by TMEA and is released to the public on its website, TMEA.org.  Pieces for the various levels of auditions will be voted and decided upon by the Region membership at the Fall meeting, as per TMEA guidelines.

Music for the District Honor choir is to be selected by director panels as needed for selection and at the approval and/or discretion of the clinician for the year.

The Region Chair shall prepare audition cuts.  Any director may submit audition cut suggestions by emailing cut suggestions. The final responsibility of choosing the cuts from the suggestions will be the decision of the Region Chair.

Certification Procedures

Tabulated results shall be available for inspection by directors for one hour following the conclusion of the entire audition. At the end of this period results are subject to the TMEA Appeals Process. Results posted on-site should list all students in alphabetical order.

Announcement of Results after certification

Posting of results. Results will no longer be announced in person at ANY audition. They may be posted in a common area, in ALPHABETICAL ORDER. No chairs will be posted. No photos shall be taken or shared. There will only be a copy for approval and a posting copy. Directors may share their school results with students separately. 

Alternates 

For Area auditions and alternate attendance, see below:

1. Every effort should be made by all TMEA Active Member/Sponsors to notify the respective Region Division Chair of any vacancies or forfeiture of Area candidacy at the earliest opportunity.
2. The Region Division Chair is the only person authorized to secure alternates to Area. The Region Division Chair shall notify the director/sponsor of the alternate student, the appropriate Area Chair, and the TMEA Deputy Director of the substitution.
3. An alternate may not represent a vacancy from a Region different than his/her own.
4. For vacancies that occur prior to the audition date, alternates should be notified as soon as the vacancy has been verified and no later than 10 pm two days preceding the audition day. (Thursday for Saturday auditions) 

1. Alternates must be contacted by the Region Division Chair representing the Region with the vacancy.
2. Alternates must be called in rank order from the preceding audition in which the vacating student qualified for advancement.

Region Clinic and Concert

• Concert Clinicians: selected and contracted by the Region Chair, must be a TMEA Member

• The  All Region Choir Clinician selected will receive an honorarium of $750.00, plus transportation costs of airfare or state allocated mileage not to exceed $300.00
• The District Honor Choir Clinician will receive an honorarium of $750.00, plus transportation costs of airfare or state allocated mileage not to exceed $300.00

• Accompanists: appointed and contracted by the Region Chair, must be a TMEA Member

• The All Region Choir Accompanist will receive an honorarium not to exceed $500.00
• The District Honor Choir Accompanist will receive an honorarium not to exceed $500.00

• Pre-Area Clinician

• The Area Clinician selected by the Region Chair, will receive an honorarium of $400.00 plus transportation costs of airfare or state allocated mileage not to exceed $300.00

• Clinic/Concert Host Duties

• Clinic Arrangements

• Secure Clinic Facilities:
• Rehearsal and performance areas
• Provide piano, risers, chairs, and music stands
• Be available to assist the Clinician(s) and Region Officers

• Concert Arrangements

• Secure concert facilities:
• Provide pianos, risers, and acoustical shells
• Reserve seating area for choirs
• Be available to assist the Clinician(s) and Region Officers

• Provide Water for all Student, Director and Clinician participants (Region Expense)
• Host Fee not to exceed $150.00

• Section Leader Duties

• To be selected by Vice-Chair

• Check roll for your section at the beginning of each rehearsal and at the concert.
• Notify the Region Chair of any absences or tardiness.
• Collect Completed and Signed Region Contracts from each District/Region Choir Member, at check-in, prior to rehearsal

• Student and Director Attendance Requirements/ Student Elimination

• Clinic: Region Choir and District Honor Choir on Friday Evening
• Clinic: District and Region Mixed Choir, District Honor Choir on Saturday
• Concert: Honor Choir, District Mixed Choir, Region Mixed Choir on Saturday
• Patches
• Patches will be distributed immediately following each audition.  Directors may distribute at their own discretion.
• Students selected for the District, Region, and Honor Choirs will receive a District and/or Region patch upon the completion of the Region Clinic and Concert requirements

• See Alternate Disclaimer on page 17

• Participation
• Any student selected for the District/Region Choir is required to participate in the rehearsals and performance of the District/Region Choir. Any deviation from this rule must be approved by the Region 28 Vocal Division Chairperson BEFORE the rehearsal or performance that will be missed.
• Guidelines for Clinic/Concert Attendance

• The first unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will result in a reprimand.
• The second unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will bring dismissal from the District/Region Choir and all District/Region Choir honors will be forfeited
• Any unexcused absence from a rehearsal will bring dismissal from the District/Region Choir and all District/Region Choir honors will be forfeited
• An unexcused tardy to the concert can result in dismissal from the District/Region and all District/Region Choir honors will be forfeited. The Section Leader determines a student’s tardiness. No student may leave the area without the permission of the Section Leader after roll call
• The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances will be ground for dismissal
• All School and District Policies, Rules and Regulations will be enforced during the Region Clinic and Concert
• The obvious use of visual or verbal profanity and/or obscene acts will result in disciplinary action by the student’s director and may be grounds for dismissal from the choir

• Alternates

• If any member of the District/Region Choir cannot participate in the Region Clinic and Concert, that student’s director must notify the Region Chair by phone and email by 5:00 PM on the day before the clinic so that the next alternate may be notified.

Appendix A –

TMEA Region & State Officers UIL Contacts

TMEA Region 28

President- Guy McKinney, Director of Bands and Fine Arts Mercedes ISD,  956-455-1390, Cell  william.mckinney@misdtx.net

Vice Chair- Elizabeth Stone, Band Director, Veterans Memorial ECHS, (956) 455-7675, Cell egstone@bisd.us

Secretary- Melody Eriksen. Supervisor of Choral Music, Brownsville, (956) 778-5975, Cell  mceriksen@bisd.us

High School Vocal Division

TMEA Region 28 Vocal Division – Office

region28vocal@gmail.com                                         www.region28vocal.com

Travis Baldwin, Chair. Choir Director, Veterans ECHS, Brownsville ISD (956) 574-5660, cell (956) 280-3137

Ginger Wheelock, Vice Chair. Choir Director, Harlingen HS, Harlingen CISD 956-427-3600 ext 1085,

cell 956-639-5125

Sylvia Flores, Secretary/Treasurer. Assistant Choir Director, Harlingen South HS, Harlingen CISD

Office: (956) 427-3800 ext 1709, cell 956-454-0511,   2502 Stone Pine Ct, Harlingen, TX 78550

Middle School Division

Katia Mares, Coordinator. Choir Director, Garcia MS, Brownsville ISD (956) 698-1303

Joshua Perez, Vice coordinator, Choir Director, Faulk MS, Brownsville ISD (956) 698-2073

Alfonso Gonzalez, Secretary. Choir Director, Memorial MS Harlingen CISD (956) 427-3020 ext. 5023

Vanessa Torres, Treasurer. Choir Director, Vernon MS, Harlingen CISD (956) 427-3040, 17297 Firestone Dr. Harlingen, TX 78552

University Interscholastic League (UIL)

Dr. Bradley Kent, UIL Music Director (512) 471-5883 or music@uiltexas.org 

P.O. Box 8028 University Station Austin, TX 78713 (1701 Manor Road Austin, Texas 78722)

UIL Region 28

Michael Corcoran (281) 772-7114

P.O. Box 532186  Harlingen, Texas 78553

Cell: (281) 772-7114    UILMusicRegion28@gmail.com

Appendix B

First & Last Name (Printed):                                                                                                                                      

Region 28 District/Region/Honor Choir Contract

As a member of the Region 28 District/Region/Honor Choir, I agree to accept the following responsibilities:

1. Learn all music before the Region rehearsals and clinic.

2. Bring all music and a pencil to the rehearsals.

3. Work and cooperate to the best of my ability with all students and directors participating in the event.

4. Obtain a schedule of events from my director and give to my parents or guardian.

As a member of the Region 28 District/Region/Honor Choir, I am required to participate in the rehearsals, and performance of the concert. Any deviation from this rule must be approved by the Region XXVIII Vocal Division Chairperson BEFORE the rehearsal or performance that will be missed.

Clinic and Concert

1. Region Choir & Honor Choir Clinic Friday Evening

2. District/Region/Honor Choirs Clinic Saturday morning and afternoon

3. District/Region/Honor Choirs Concert Saturday Evening

Patches Students selected for the District and/or Region, and Honor Choir will receive the patch(es) upon completion of the clinic/concert requirements.

Guidelines for Clinic/Concert Attendance

1. The first unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will result in a reprimand.

2. The second unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will result in dismissal from the District/Region/Honor Choir and all honors will be forfeited.

3. Any unexcused absence from a rehearsal will result in dismissal from the District/Region/Honor Choir and all honors will be forfeited.

4. An unexcused tardy to the concert can result in dismissal from the District/Region/Honor Choir and all honors will be forfeited. A student’s tardiness is determined by the section leader. No student may leave the area without the permission of the section leader after roll call.

5. The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances will be ground for dismissal.

6. All school rules and regulations will apply during the region clinic and concert.

7. The obvious use of visual or verbal profanity and/or obscene acts will result in disciplinary action by the student’s director and may be grounds for dismissal from the choir.

I realize that my failure to adhere to the responsibilities outlined here could

result in my dismissal from the Region 28 District/Region/Honor Choir.

_______________________________________         ______________________________________

Student Signature                                         School Name

_______________________________________        ______________________________________

Parent Signature                                          Director's Signature

Appendix C

Part I-Audition Eligibility Requirements

May be found at the TMEA website under the “Resources” tab under the drop-down menu click on “TMEA Policy” “Eligibility Requirements” is on the page that comes up or visit the hyperlink below:

http://www.tmea.org/programs/all-state/eligibility

Part II-Appeals Process

is also available in the same place or visit the hyperlink below:

http://www.tmea.org/about/appeals

Part III-Grievance & Infraction Penalties

is also available in the same place or visit the hyperlink below:

http://www.tmea.org/about/grievances

Part IV-Code of Ethics & Standard Practices

is also available in the same place or visit the hyperlink below:

http://www.tmea.org/about/code-of-ethics

 Part V-Copyright Policy

is also available in the same place or visit the hyperlink below

https://www.tmea.org/about/policies/copyright-policy/

Part VI-Region and Area Alignment

is also available on the TMEA website under the “Divisions & Regions” tab; click on “Regions” from the drop down menu; click on “Region Alignment” from the drop down menu or visit the hyperlink below:

https://www.tmea.org/regions/alignment/

Appendices D, E

Appendix D

Online Entry Instructions

http://www.tmea.org/divisions-regions/auditions

Appendix E

All State Vocal Audition Repertoire list can be found at:

https://www.tmea.org/divisions-regions/vocal/audition-material

Appendix G

UIL REGION 28 MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK

TMEA Region 28

Middle School

Vocal Division

Policies & Procedures

Manual

2025-2026

On October 11, 2008, the TMEA Region XXVIII MS Vocal Division Handbook Committee met in the Choir Room at Memorial Middle School in Harlingen to make the handbook current. The revised version of the handbook was approved by the Region XXVIII MS Vocal Division at their Spring Meeting on May 16, 2009.

Committee Members:

Linda Holkup, Stell MS (Brownsville), Chair

Becky Albritton, Memorial MS (Harlingen)

Fred Hernandez, Berta Cabaza (San Benito)

This handbook was again revised by the Vocal Coordinator and a committee of volunteers on June 16, 2015 to reflect current fees and procedures.  Revisions were presented to the MS Vocal Division at their Fall Meeting and approved on August 8, 2015.

Committee Members:

Jorge Torres, Moises Vela MS (Harlingen), Chair

Ginger Altamirano, Filemon Vela MS (Brownsville)

Pamela Briones, Gutierrez MS (Harlingen)

Mindy Bersalona, Solis MS (Donna)

Travis Baldwin, Stell MS (Brownsville)

This handbook was again revised by the Vocal Coordinator and a committee of volunteers on July 27, 2019 to reflect current fees and procedures.  Revisions were presented to the MS Vocal Division at their Fall Meeting and approved on August 10, 2019.

This handbook was again revised by the Vocal Coordinator and a committee of volunteers on July 28, 2023 to reflect current fees and procedures.  Revisions were presented to the MS Vocal Division at their Fall Meeting and approved on August 12, 2023.

Committee Members:

Robert Sanchez, Garcia MS (Brownsville), Chair

Katia Mares, Garcia MS (Brownsville),

Rebecca Albritten, Memorial MS (Harlingen)

Vanessa Torres, Vernon MS (Harlingen)

This handbook was again revised by the Vocal Coordinator and a committee of volunteers on June 11, 2024 to reflect current fees and procedures.  Revisions were presented to the MS Vocal Division at their Fall Meeting and approved on August 10,2024.

Committee Members:

Katia Mares, Garcia MS (Brownsville), Chair

Joshua Perez, Faulk MS (Brownsville),

Alfonso Gonzalez, Memorial MS (Harlingen)

Vanessa Torres, Vernon MS (Harlingen)

This handbook was again revised by the Vocal Coordinator and a committee of volunteers on July 21, 2025 to reflect current fees and procedures. Revisions were presented to the MS Vocal Division at their Fall Meeting and approved on August 9,2025.

Committee Members:

Katia Mares, Garcia MS (Brownsville), Chair

Joshua Perez, Faulk MS (Brownsville),

Alfonso Gonzalez, Memorial MS (Harlingen)

Vanessa Torres, Vernon MS (Harlingen)

Table of Contents

1. Purpose        4

2. Officers and Volunteer        4

Elected Positions        4

Volunteers        4

Elections        4

3. Duties of the Officers and Volunteers        4

Vocal Coordinator Duties        4

Vice-Coordinator Duties        5

Secretary Duties        6

Treasurer Duties        6

Officer Stipends        6

Audition Host Duties        6

Clinic/Concert Host Duties        7

4. Director/Sponsor/Active Member Responsibilities        7

Attendance Policy        8

Proxy Policy        8

5.TMEA Region XXVIII Middle School Region Choir Audition        8

Composition of Region Honor Choirs        8

Entry Guidelines and Procedures        8

Entry Fees        8

Audition Procedures        9

Audition Personnel        9

Responsibilities and Judging Procedures/Protocol/Etiquette        9

Region Audition Adjudicator Stipends        9

Audition Procedures        10

Directors Procedures        10

Students Procedures        10

Audition Music        11

Rehearsal Accompaniment Audio Files         11

Method of Choosing Cuts        11

Choir Selection Criteria        12

Tabulation Scores        12

Announcement of Results        12

Alternates        12

6. Clinic/Concert        12

Stipends/Honorariums Associated with Clinic/Concert        12

Clinicians        12

Accompanists        14

Patches        12

Student/Director Attendance Requirements        12

Participation Guidelines for Clinic/Concert Attendance        13

Student Elimination        13

TMEA Region 28 MS Vocal Division Handbook

Purpose

This handbook was created and revised to better inform our membership of the Region 28 Middle School Division practices and procedures. Although it may not cover every situation or circumstance, it serves as a guideline to meet the needs of our region.

1. Officers and Volunteers for Region 28 Vocal Division

I. Elected Positions-Region 28 MS Vocal Division

        Vocal Coordinator

        Vice-Coordinator

Secretary

        Treasurer

II. Volunteers

A. Appointed by Region Chair

        1. Computer Operator

        2. Region Clinic/Concert Section Leaders

3. MS Recording Engineer

B. Volunteers from Region 28 MS Vocal Division

        1. Audition Hosts

        2. Region Clinic/Concert Host

III. Elections

        Officers will be elected in even numbered years at Spring meeting for a two-year term

2. Duties of the Officers and Volunteers for Region 28 MS Vocal Division

I. Responsibilities of Vocal Coordinator

General Duties

• Preside at Region 28 MS Vocal Division meetings.
• Represent Region 28 MS Vocal Division at all TMEA statewide affairs.
• Notify each director through written correspondence of TMEA affairs.
• Secure Clinicians and their selection of repertoire prior to Fall meeting.
• Complete State Office reports.
• Access to Online Banking
• Distribute copies of the following information to one director from each school:

TMEA region web address where Region 28 MS Vocal Division Handbook is available for printing.

• A schedule of all event dates, entry deadlines, sites, and fees for the current year.
• Web address where Region Audition Procedures may be found.

• Distribute information on entry fees and forms concerning all upcoming events.

Fall Duties

• See that each participating director is a member of TMEA and have on record a copy of a valid TMEA number by the district entry deadline.

Spring Duties

• Notify directors of selections to be heard at Region auditions.
• See that new officers are elected at the Spring Region meeting every two years.
• Assist in arranging the Region clinics.
• Make arrangements for the clinicians/accompanists at the Clinic/Concert
• Provide screens for audition rooms

• The chair or designee shall post audition results on the region website.
• Arrange for following years Region patches from the TMEA State Office.

Audition Duties

• Certify each student entered according to audition regulations by the entry deadline.
• Notify each director by written correspondence in the event of any changes in Region activities.
• Certify eligible students at each audition.
• Provide each director with cuts to be auditioned.
• Be present when audition scores are tabulated.
• Contact Vocal Chair for following items:

• Contact director of an alternate immediately upon notification of a student withdrawal.
• See that each audition follows the guidelines of the Audition Procedures Manual.

• Vocal Chair provides the following materials:

         Audio files, score sheets, and all other pertinent materials to the contest.

        10-MP3 players, 10-speakers, 10-USB Charging devices, 10-Audio Auxiliary cables,

10-extension cords, Writing paper, Pens and Pencils, Paper clips, rubber bands, scissors, tape, stapler, large envelopes

Beginning Fall 2022, the Vocal Chair will run Middle School Auditions.

Beginning Fall 2016, the Vocal Coordinator will serve a two-year term and then relinquish their duties and responsibilities to the Vice-Coordinator at the close of the 2018 Spring Meeting. Each subsequent two-year term shall continue in this manner hereafter, unless voted otherwise by the MS Vocal Division. There is no bar against an outgoing Coordinator seeking a Vice-Coordinator position for an upcoming or subsequent two-year term.

II. Responsibilities of Vice-Coordinator

Shadow Vocal Coordinator for a period of two years, after which time, they shall automatically assume the full duties and responsibilities of the MS Vocal Division Vocal Coordinator at the close of the Spring Meeting.

Duties as assigned by the Coordinator.

Preside over Region meetings when the Coordinator is absent.

Assume responsibilities of the Secretary if the Secretary is in absentia.

III. Responsibilities of Secretary

Take minutes at all meetings.

Post a copy of current minutes on the website within two weeks of the meeting.

Have minutes from the previous year available upon request.

Region audition duties as assigned by coordinator.

Preside over Region meetings when the Coordinator and Vice-Coordinator are absent.

Clinic and Concert Duties

• Make lodging arrangements for the clinician.
• Arrange for any additional instruments and players.
• Arrange for the printing of the concert program.
• Arrange for a professional recording of the concert.
• Provide refreshments (Region Expense) for clinician and directors.

IV. Responsibilities of Treasurer

Preside over Region meetings when the Coordinator, V.C., and Sec. are in absentia.

Pay all Vocal Division bills in a timely manner.

Prepare and present a financial statement for Spring and Fall meetings.

Prepare and turn in financial statements to State twice a year or as requested.

Be the collecting agent for all monies pertaining to the MS/JH Vocal Division.

Notify Region Chair of any school in debt to the MS/JH Vocal Division.

Keep all Region monies in a non-interest bearing checking account.

Duties as assigned by chair.

Maintain accurate records of all expenditures and receipts.

Access to Online Banking

V. Officer Stipends

        Vocal Coordinator stipend: $400.00

        Vice-Coordinator stipend: $300.00

Secretary stipend: $300.00

        Treasurer stipend: $300.00

VI. Responsibilities of Audition Host

Reserve contest facilities

File ALL necessary paperwork for the approval to host TMEA event

• Facilities Request
• A/C Request secured for contest day (5AM-8PM)
• Custodial & Security Staff
• Emergency Contact information for Campus Administrators
• Make sure school bells have been turned off.

Provide the following personnel:

• Student workers to serve the audition site in any capacity
• Guides (2 per audition room – students)
• Hall Monitors (1 per audition room or hallway – adult).

Provide the following materials and facilities

• Map of rooms being used for custodial staff
• Tables, desks, & chairs in the judging, tabulating, registration, & waiting areas as needed.
• Audition Screens
• Signs for room directions, room identification, etc.
• Lunch area and arrangements for judges and workers.
• Audio system for announcements and instructions.
• Secure nurse, custodians and security guard
• PM Registrant Room (Registration & Cut Review)
• Call Center

Provide the following Meal Arrangements:

• Student concession stand (staff) with ample snacks, food, and drinks for the duration of the contest day.
• Student worker meals (Breakfast & Lunch) and drinks not to exceed $150.00 in reimbursements.
• Director (Judge) Breakfast meal, Snacks, & Drinks (Water, Soda, Coffee, etc.) not to exceed $250.00 in reimbursements.
• Director (Judge) meal not to exceed $10.00 per person.

VII. Clinic/Concert Host Duties

        A.  Clinic Arrangements

                1.   Secure clinic facilities

                        a.   Rehearsal and performance areas.

                        b.   Provide piano, risers, chairs, and music stands.

                2.   Be available to assist the clinicians.

        B.   Concert Arrangements

                1.   Secure concert facilities.

                        a.   Provide pianos, risers, and acoustical shells.

                        b.   Reserve seating area for choirs.

                2.   Be available to assist the clinicians.

3. Director/Sponsor/Active Member Responsibilities

• Be available to fulfill responsibilities and obligations to the Region 28 Vocal Division in any and all capacities
• Notify students of …

• Rules of conduct for all TMEA related activities.
• Music to be used at each audition.
• Dates, places, and events
• Dress for Region Choir (each school’s formal uniform).

• Arrange for student meals and transportation where appropriate.
• Mail or Scan all forms for each audition to the Region Vocal Chair (Entries with above listed documents MUST BE postmarked 14 calendar days prior to the audition or event).
• Be present at all Region events in which your students are involved and/or where you are needed to chaperone or adjudicate.
• Notify the Region Chair by phone call and email at earliest possible time in the event of a student’s inability to participate (DNA). Once a DNA is in writing (email) it is considered official and cannot be withdrawn.
• Get Region patches from the Region Chair and distribute patches to the qualified students.

Attendance Policy

The TMEA Active Director/Member Sponsor must be in attendance and be available to serve as an audition staff member for any and all activities in which their students are involved. Failure to adhere to this policy subjects the Active Member Sponsor to the TMEA Penalties for Rules and Policies Infractions process.

Directors who fail to adhere to the rules, policies, or guidelines will be subject to the terms of the TMEA Penalties for Rules and Policies Infractions and be redirected to the TMEA State Vocal Chair.

Proxy Policy

In the event a director cannot be present, he/she should be prepared to send a qualified proxy (that is not already assigned a specific responsibility for the event), to be responsible for your duties, and be responsible for the payment of a qualified judge in the amount specified by the Region (See Region Audition Adjudicator Stipend pg. 9 of this handbook).

5. TMEA Region 28 Middle School Region Choir Audition

Composition of Region Honor Choirs

7th Grade Treble Choir (SSA): 105 (35 Members per section/voice part)

        Tenor/Bass Choir (TTB): 105 (35 Members per section/voice part)

        8th Grade Treble Choir (SSA): 105 (35 Members per section/voice part)

Entry Guidelines and Procedures for TMEA Middle School Region Auditions

        No limit applies to the number of students entered. However, students must be certified individually on all audition music by the student’s director before the audition or the student will not be allowed to audition.

Online Entry Instructions can be found at: http://www.tmea.org/divisions-regions/auditions

Notify the Region 28 MS Vocal Division Coordinator of any withdrawals of students as soon as possible. If a student becomes ineligible, the student’s director should notify the Region 28 MS Vocal Division Coordinator immediately.

Entry Fees

           Fees for each participant are set by the Region at the Spring or Fall Meeting.

           Currently the fees are as follows:

• A one-time $15.00 fee for each student entered in the Region Audition.
• Campus fee of $50.00 per campus entered.
• Total amount must be postmarked 14 days prior to the audition date. Make

                                 checks payable to the TMEA Region XXVIII MS/JH Vocal Division.

• Late fees will be assessed according to the following: $30 per late entry and $25 campus fee in addition to the original fees paid.

Directors failing to submit fees and paperwork by the established deadline will be subject to the TMEA Penalties for Rules and Policies Infraction process.

Audition Personnel

Responsibilities and Judging Procedures

        Protocol

1. All judges must be in attendance at the directors meeting where the judging

        procedures will be reviewed.

2. All judges are responsible for being familiar with all music beforehand.

3. All judges have the responsibility to avoid contact with any auditioning students. (i.e. entering the holding area upon arrival)

4. All judges must be silent and sit facing away from the screen once a student

        enters the audition room.

5. There shall be no discussion between judges about a student’s audition.

6. All judges MUST provide their own electronic device for tabulations.

7. All judges must remain in the director’s lounge until the Region Chair clears

        their panel.

8. Judges may not duplicate scores.

9. All judges must use a consistent method of scoring. Leave sufficient space

between scores to avoid “boxing” oneself in by scoring students too closely together

10. All judges MUST notify a region officer or host coordinator if there are any inconsistencies during the audition processes (ex. Student re-auditioning for door opening or judge sneezing).

11.If a student needs to initiate a call, the call center, monitored by an adult contest official, will be available upon request. If a cell phone needs to be used, the chaperone must accompany the student to the call center in order for the contestant to initiate the call. Cell phone use is only permitted in this monitored area for the purpose of making monitored phone calls.

        Etiquette

1. Judges should have the courtesy and professionalism not to make remarks that might be heard by a student and may be misinterpreted.

2. All judges should be actively involved in the audition process not doing another task.

3. Avoid making visual contact with any auditionee.

  Region Audition Adjudicator Stipends

   The Region Chairman will select adjudicators for the Region Choir Auditions from the high school and middle school directors of the region. These adjudicators receive no honorarium.  If unable to fulfill their duty as an adjudicator the director must notify the Region Chair and, if necessary, work to find their own replacement. In the event that a replacement judge needs to be hired, the replacement shall receive an honorarium of $125.00 to be paid by the director for whom they are substituting.  In the event that there are not enough directors within the region to fill the original judging positions needed the region shall pay an honorarium of $125.00 to the judges hired to fill the needed positions. Recording Engineer (Assigned by Coordinator) Stipend $225.00.  

Audition Procedures

Director’s Procedures:

1. Enter all students into the appropriate choir and voicing section online in a timely manner. Mail fees to the MS Region Treasurer by deadline.

2. Directors are responsible for informing their students of all the information in these guidelines and procedures of the audition before attending the contest.

3. Directors must immediately report student names that are to be withdrawn (DNA’s) upon arrival at the audition site.

4. No one will be allowed to register once registration has closed and the auditions have begun unless an Official PM Registrant.

5. PM registrants, as indicated on the initial Official Registration Form, must register by 1:00 p.m. to audition.

6. Directors are responsible for requesting early or late audition times prior to the DNA deadline (No later than 4:00 P.M. on Friday prior to the audition).

7. Only school-sponsored activities shall be considered for approval by the Region XXVIII MS Vocal Division Coordinator for late audition times.

8. No electronic devices may be used or accessed by a student participant until the Student’s section audition has concluded. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in student disqualification. The list of non-allowable electronic devices includes, but is not limited to: phones, tablets, electronic games, computers, cameras (within an audition room), and playback systems.

9. Should a student be arriving late or departing the contest early due to a conflict with a UIL or         Another school-sponsored activity, an Official List detailing Student Name, Reason for Late Arrival/Early Departure and a Parent Contact Phone Number must be provided to the Region Vocal Coordinator prior to the start of the Contest Day. This list will be turned over to the Call Center Staff Member & students will be accepted or released, based on this list.

10. Directors are responsible for providing Adult Chaperone(s) for students in the Holding Area: Chaperones must be made aware of TMEA Policies, abide by these rules, and enforce them.

11. Original copies of the audition music must be present at the time of audition.

Student’s Procedures:

1. Each student will receive a badge with an audition number that is worn throughout the audition day.

2. Students will sing portions of the selected music. The cuts will be announced again before the beginning of the audition.

3. Students will have the opportunity to sing their cuts with the audio recording.

4. After cuts have been rehearsed, no students will be allowed to sing or play the cuts. PM registrants receive the same procedure.

5. When the student’s number is displayed or announced, the student will proceed to the monitor. The students will go directly to the audition room.

6. The monitor will direct the student to the proper audition area.

7. Upon entering the audition room, the student’s number will be announced by the monitor. The student should remain behind the screen throughout the audition. The monitor will be responsible for asking the student if they are ready to sing.

8. Each student will sing the assigned part of the selected literature with the recorded piano         accompaniment one time only. The audio recording will play all voice parts on unaccompanied numbers. Pieces having a piano accompaniment independent of the voice parts will be played as printed. If the “cut” of a song with a piano accompaniment contains passages that are unaccompanied, the recording will play the voice parts until the regular accompaniment is resumed. The audio recording used in all auditions will be the same accompaniment track that is available to the directors. There will be no stopping the playing of the cuts once the audition has begun. (See Rehearsal/Accompaniment CD’s above).

9. All students will return to the holding area at the conclusion of the audition.

10. Students should remain attentive to the announcements and/or screens for possible call backs.

1.  If there are call backs it is the responsibility of the student to be available to sing again. Any student not available for a call back may forfeit their possible selection.

11. If a student is called to re-audition, they acknowledge that the scores for the first sing-through (audition) will be forfeited and will only be scored with the new audition.

12. All students should accept the announcement of results with a display of good taste and good sportsmanship.

13. All school rules and regulations apply.

14. The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances will not be permitted.

15. The obvious use of visual or verbal profanity and/or obscene acts will result in disciplinary action by the student’s director.

* Failure to adhere to any of the above listed student responsibilities are grounds for           disqualification.

Audition Music

The Region music is usually selected by August at the Region Music selection meeting. Directors then vote on the clinician's selection of repertoire for approval.

   Rehearsal/Accompaniment MP3s

Rehearsal and piano accompaniment MP3s will be made available to each school before or by the February TMEA convention. The MS Vocal Coordinator will select singers and accompanists to record the Region MP3s. The MP3s will include tracks with individual vocal parts sung as well as tracks with the accompaniment only. Directors must make a new digital folder for students to receive recordings.

   Method of Choosing Cuts

        The Region 28 MS Vocal Division Coordinator shall prepare audition cuts.

Any director may submit Audition “Cuts” suggestions by email. The final responsibility of choosing the cuts from the suggestions will be the decision of the Region 28 MS Vocal Division Coordinator. Directors will be notified of the audition cuts via e-mail or Google Drive Thursday night no later than 11:59 p.m.

 Choir Selection Criteria

• Technical knowledge of the music (rhythm, pitch, and intonation).
• Voice quality (vocal technique and appropriate sound).
• Overall musicianship (diction, phrasing, style, and dynamics).

 Tabulation of Scores

        All ties will be broken by analyzing each judge’s preference as outlined in the

        TMEA Audition Procedures Manual.

   Announcement of Results

All results must be posted on-site and should list all students in final order.

At Region 28 MS Vocal Division Coordinator’s discretion, directors and students may be released to announce results individually on their bus or campus.

Clinic/Concert

Clinic: Saturday morning and afternoon

Concert: Saturday evening

Stipends/Honorariums Associated with Clinic Concert

  Clinicians

  The clinician selected will receive an honorarium of $400.00 and transportation costs of actual      

  airfare or state allocated mileage. Airline reservations must be made a minimum of 14 days in  

  advance. $400.00 is the maximum allowable for travel.

   Accompanists

   The Region Chairman will select accompanists who shall receive an honorarium of

   $250.00 $300.

   Patches

   Students selected for the Region Choir will receive a region patch upon the completion of the

   Region Clinic and Concert requirements.

Student and Director Attendance Requirements

   Any student selected for the Region Choir is required to participate in the

   rehearsals and performance of the Region Choir. Those students selected for the            

   region choir will receive a contract for their signature (as well as the signature of parent and                                          

   director), signifying their agreement to fulfill their responsibility as a member of the region  

  choir and explaining the consequences if they do not. Directors are not allowed to leave the                        Clinic Site unless directed to do so by the Vocal Coordinator for an official duty as designated by the Coordinator.

Students who will be auditioning for a solo will submit an audio recording to the MS Coordinator by the assigned date prior to the concert. The clinician will choose the soloist through a blind audition.

   Guidelines for Clinic/Concert Attendance

   Those students placed in the region choir must be present for the entire rehearsal.  

   Any deviation from this rule must be approved by the Region XXVIII MS Vocal Division    

  Chairperson BEFORE the rehearsal and must be a school-related activity.

                1.  Students MUST have Original scores and pencils during rehearsals.

2.  The first unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will result in a reprimand.

                3.  The second unexcused tardy to a rehearsal may result in dismissal from

                         Region Choir and all Region Choir honors will be forfeited.

                4.  Any unexcused absence from a rehearsal will bring dismissal from

   the Region Choir and all Region Choir honors will be forfeited.

                5.   An unexcused tardy to the concert can result in dismissal from the

Region and all Region Choir honors will be forfeited. The section leader determines a student’s tardiness. No student may leave the area without the permission of the section leader after roll call.

6.   The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, or other illegal

      substances will be ground for dismissal.

7. As specified in the Region Member contract, students must be in attendance for the entire clinic and concert.

Student Elimination

Students who do not exhibit proper rehearsal behavior will have a conference with their director and the Region Coordinator. The obvious use of visual or verbal profanity and/or obscene acts will result in disciplinary action by the student’s director and may be grounds for dismissal from the choir.cFailure of adherence to the student contract will result in immediate dismissal from the Region Choir.

Region 28 Region Choir Contract 

As a member of the Region 28 District/Region Choir, I agree to accept the following responsibilities: 

1. Learn all music before the Region rehearsals and clinic

2. Bring all music and a pencil to the rehearsals

3. Work and cooperate to the best of my ability with all students and directors participating in the event

4. Obtain a schedule of events from my director and give to my parents or guardian.

As a member of the Region 28 District/Region Choir, I am required to participate in all the rehearsals, and performance of the concert. Any deviation from this rule must be approved by the Region 28 Vocal Division Middle School Coordinator BEFORE the rehearsal or performance that will be missed.

Clinic and Concert 

1. Region Choir Clinic Saturday morning and afternoon

2. Region Choir Concert Saturday

Evening Patches Students selected for the Region Choir will receive the patch upon completion of the clinic/concert requirements.

Guidelines for Clinic/Concert Attendance

1. The first unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will result in a reprimand.

2. The second unexcused tardy to a rehearsal will result in dismissal from the Region Choir and all honors will be forfeited.

3. Any unexcused absence from a rehearsal will result in dismissal from the Region Choir and all honors will be forfeited.

4. An unexcused tardy to the concert can result in dismissal from the Region and all honors will be forfeited. A student’s tardiness is determined by the section leader. No student may leave the area without the permission of the section leader after roll call.

5. The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances will be ground for dismissal.

6. All school rules and regulations will apply during the region clinic and concert.

7. The obvious use of visual or verbal profanity and/or obscene acts will result in disciplinary action by the student’s director and may be grounds for dismissal from the choir.

I realize that my failure to adhere to the responsibilities outlined here could result in my dismissal from the Region 28 Region Choir.

____________________________________                ________________________

Student Name Print                                                Grade - Choir - Voice Part

____________________________________                ________________________

Student Signature                                                School

____________________________________                ________________________

Parent Signature                                                Phone Number