For the fourth year at MMEA Midwinter Convention, the board is thrilled to present:
2027 MMEA Elementary All-Star Choir (Grades 4-5 in an elementary setting)
Join us in celebrating elementary voices on Saturday, February 20th, 2027!
Conductor: Matthew Silpot
MMEA is excited to support elementary programs state-wide with the opportunity to experience esteemed music educator Matthew Silpot! The Elementary All-Star Choir was created to provide elementary music students throughout Minnesota with a learning and performance opportunity at the annual Midwinter Convention. The Elementary All-Star choir is non-auditioned, with an emphasis on a musically diverse experience that is inclusive, engaging, accessible, and fun.
Elementary All-Star Choir Flyer
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Nomination Information
Submission Criteria for Music Educators:
- Commit to work with your nominated singers so that they are fully prepared before arriving for the event. Scores will be provided by Dec 1.
- Maintain current MMEA membership BOTH at time of nomination AND Midwinter Convention. Your membership number is needed to submit student nominations. Membership can be renewed at nafme.org
- Be present at the convention center for the event. Once your singers are checked in for the day, you will be free to attend other ongoing sessions if you have registered for the Midwinter Convention and return for the concert, or you are welcome to sit in on rehearsals. If you want to volunteer for the event, you must be background checked. Email jbongaarts@mmea.org for more information.
- Arrange transportation for students to and from the Convention, whether it is school provided or parent provided.
Criteria for Student Nomination:
Please select up to SEVEN (7) students per school who:
- are in grades 4 or 5 within an elementary school setting (MMEA no longer accepts students in 6th grade into the Elementary All-Star Choir)
- sing in tune
- have the ability to hold a part in 2 or 3 part TREBLE material
- are serious about a fun, rewarding day of rich music-making
Registration:
- Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first 250 students will be accepted, and MMEA will contact sponsoring teachers on the waiting list if vacancies arise. Please nominate only seven (7) students per school no matter how many teachers are qualified to be sponsoring teachers.
- MMEA is committed to offering this opportunity to every student regardless of ability to contribute money toward the full cost of the program. Please help us sustain this program by paying what you can. The cost of the program to MMEA is $85 per student. If $85 is not possible, MMEA is offering partial or full fee waivers, and will be granted with no questions asked. Please do not let the ability to pay the full fee impact your nominations – BRING YOUR KIDS and we can make it happen! We appreciate the generous support from our sponsors (University of St Thomas) that helps make this program possible.
- The Google registration form must be completed and individual student registration forms (with parent permission) must be uploaded.
Important Dates:
October 1, 2026: Nomination Portal Opens! Register EARLY!
November 15, 2026: Portal closes or when cap is reached
What happens after I submit my nomination?
After you submit your student nominations, MMEA staff will review the information and confirm your NAFME membership. After the review is complete, you will receive an email from staff confirming your registration, and an invoice will follow shortly via email. Staff will make every effort to reach out within a week of your submission.
Nomination Support: Jordan Bongaarts, Program Coordinator jbongaarts@mmea.org
General Information: info@mmea.org
Program Questions: Michael Bjork, Elementary VP mbjork@mmea.org