All-State Band

Mr. Saucedo is a freelance arranger and composer, having released numerous marching band arrangements, choral arrangements, concert band works and orchestral compositions. Along with his work at Hal Leonard Publishing, he is the music ensemble coordinator for the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in Concord, California and is the Brass Arranger/Composer for the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in Rosemont, Illinois. Mr. Saucedo is an Educational Consultant for “Music for All” and “Bands of America.” He is a member of the Conn-Selmer Division of Education and currently serves as Chief Judge for Bands of America marching band competitions. He is married to wife Sarah, who is an interior design blogger. His daughter Carmen, teaches elementary school in Indianapolis and his son Ethan, is a sophomore percussionist at Fishers High School in Fishers, IN.

Mrs. Laird received her diploma from Sumrall High School and the Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. While at USM, Mrs. Laird performed in the Wind Ensemble and studied conducting with Dr. Thomas Fraschillo.

Mrs. Laird was a MS Lion’s All-State Band staff member, having served as the Concert Director and in 2019 was the Marching Director when the band won the Lions International Championship. She is Past President of the Mississippi Bandmaster’s Association, was the American School Band Director’s Association Region 5 representative, is a member of Phi Beta Mu National Band Fraternity, the National Band Association, and a member and past president of the Southeast Mississippi Band Director’s Association.

Mrs. Laird was presented the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, The Excellence in Teaching Award by Lamar County Schools, is a 1997 and 2015 recipient of the SEMBDA Outstanding Band Director of the Year Award, was inducted into the SEMBDA Hall of Fame, and was a quarter-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. She is the 2015 recipient of the MHSAA Outstanding Music Educator Award and the National Federation of State High Schools Region 3 Outstanding Music Educator Award. In 2014 she was presented the Mississippi Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Band Director of the Year Award and in 2018 was named the Mississippi Woman Band Director of the Year.

Mrs. Laird is an active clinician and adjudicator throughout the Southeast and in December of 2014, she and her husband Mark presented a clinic entitled, “Smooth Sailing on Stormy Seas” at the Sixty-Eighth Annual Midwest Clinic. When not involved in band activities, the Laird’s enjoy traveling, boating, fishing, and caring for their cats, Barnaby, Boomer, Drake, Jack Frost, Shoby, and Forrest. Mrs. Laird and her husband Mark, also a retired band director, have one son, Brandon, trumpet player.

• Students auditioning must be in 9^th – 12^th grade.
• The ensemble director of any students auditioning must be a current LMEA member.
• Students auditioning must be enrolled in a Louisiana-accredited high school and must be an active member of that school’s ensemble program. Click for a list of Nonpublic Accredited Approved Schools 2023-24.
• In a situation where there is no ensemble in the school, the student must be enrolled in a Louisiana-accredited high school and certified by the eligible music teacher at that school or a private teacher who is a current LMEA member.
• Students are eligible for membership in only one All-State group.
  *Exception:  A member of the Concert Band or Symphonic Band may participate in Mixed Choir or Treble Chorus provided there is no conflict with any part of the registration window, a rehearsal, or the performance. Students must be present at all scheduled activities for both ensembles.

The following wind and percussion audition materials (for All-State Band and Orchestra) will be used at both district level (1st round) and state level (2nd round) auditions.

Selected excerpts (cuts) in the prepared music (audition etudes) for wind and percussion instruments will be provided by the Band Division Chairperson and should be performed in their entirety. (Districts may not make additional cuts.)

The scoring rubric detailed below under “SCORING, TIE BREAKERS” will be used at both the district level (1st round) and the state level (2nd round) auditions to determining audition scores.

SCALES, RUDIMENTS

• All-State Scale Sheets (Winds) – all twelve major scales and the chromatic scale must be played in the order and with the articulation found on the scale sheets. Be aware of the minimum required tempo. All twelve (12) major scales are required at both first and second round.
  
• All-State Scale Sheet (Melodic Percussion) – Each set is part of a rotation of the major scales and includes three (3) of the twelve major scales. These scales must be played in the order listed on the current year’s set sheet. See the appropriate set sheet for the current year’s scale requirements.
• 4-Mallet Exercise Sheet (Percussion) – contains all four exercise sets. Each set includes a four-mallet chordal exercise based on the I, IV, V chords of one of the current year’s major scales. Choose set according to the following rotation.

Set I   – 2024-25
Set II  – 2025-26
Set III – 2026-27
Set IV – 2027-28

• Percussion Rudiments – The required rudiments for each year are listed as part of that year’s Set Sheet, linked below.
  

PREPARED SELECTIONS – There is a 4-year rotation consisting of one slow and one fast selection. Choose the appropriate set according to the following rotation. Percussion auditions include requirements on melodics, snare, and tympani. 

Set I   – 2024-25
Set II  – 2025-26
Set III – 2026-27 
Set IV – 2027-28

SIGHT-READING – All students will sight-read a short selection. Districts are encouraged to follow the procedure set up for 2nd Round.

SELECTION PROCESS. Each district will determine whether the audition will be an All-State 1st round audition only or combined with a District Honor Band audition.

ORDER OF AUDITION:

1. Wind Instruments: Scales (30%)
All 12 major scales and chromatic scale are to be performed first in the audition process. Use of the required order, tempo, and rhythmic pattern is not optional. Percussion should see the appropriate Cut Sheet for current year’s required scales.

• Major Scales: Students auditioning on a wind instrument will be prepared to perform all twelve major scales during the audition. The scales shall be in concert pitch and be performed in the following order: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db/C#, Gb/F#, B, E, A, D, and G. The octave requirements, tempo, and rhythmic patterns are given on the All-State Scale Sheets. Scales are to be tongued ascending and slurred descending. Students may use their music to perform all scales.
  
• Chromatic Scale:  Each student will be required to perform their chromatic scale. Chromatic scales are not in concert pitch. The required range, tempo, and rhythm are given on the scale sheet.
  

1. Percussion Instruments: Scale, 4-Mallet Exercises, Rudiments (30%)

• Major Scales: Students auditioning on percussion instruments will prepare three major scales as part of a 4-year scale rotation of the twelve major scales. See the current year’s Cut Sheet for the specific scales and the order in which they will be played. The octave requirements, tempo, and rhythmic patterns are given on the All-State Mallet Scale Sheet. Students may use their music to perform all scales.
• 4-Mallet Exercise: Students auditioning on percussion instruments will prepare one exercise, which includes three progressions, as part of the 4-year rotation. See the current year’s “Set Sheet” information for the specific exercise.
• Rudiments: Percussionists will prepare the current year’s rudiments as listed on the appropriate “Set Sheet.”

2. Prepared Selections (Etudes):

• Etudes:  Selected excerpts (cuts) in the prepared music (audition etudes) for wind and percussion instruments will be provided by the Band Division Chairperson and should be performed in their entirety. (Districts may not make additional cuts.)
• The student may use his/her own music in the audition.
• The Band Division Chair will determine the order of performance of the etudes.
• Scoring for Winds:  The following areas will be considered when scoring each individual etude: Tone, Intonation, Technique, Interpretation, and Musical Effect.
• Scoring for Percussion: The following areas will be considered when scoring each individual etude: Note Accuracy/Tone (melodic percussion), Rudimental Accuracy (snare), Rhythmic Accuracy, Musicality, Tempo, and Style.

3. Sight-Reading:

• Music and Allowed Time:  Each student auditioning shall be required to perform music at sight. Percussion will sight-read on both snare and melodics. The student will be given an adequate amount of time to examine the music before it is performed. All students will be given the same amount of time and all like instruments shall read the same material.
• Scoring for Winds:  The following areas will be adjudicated when scoring the sight-reading portion of the audition: Technical Accuracy, Tone, Interpretation, and Musical Effect.
• Scoring for Percussion: The following areas will be adjudicated when scoring the sight-reading for melodic percussion: Note Accuracy/Tone, Rhythmic Accuracy, Musicality, Tempo, and Style. The following areas will be adjudicated when scoring sight-reading for snare: Rudimental Accuracy, Rhythmic Accuracy, Musicality, Tempo, and Style.

SCORING THE AUDITION

For additional information, see “AUDITION PROCESS – ALL INSTRUMENTS (1st Round)”

Wind Instruments

• 30% – Scales (2 pts. each major scale; 6 pts. chromatic scale)
• 50% – Etudes (25 pts. each etude)
• 20% – Sight-Reading (20 pts. total)

Percussion

• 30 % – Major Scales, 4-Mallet Exercise, Rudiments:
     Major Scales – 12 pts. (4 pts. per major scale)
     4-Mallet Exercise – 6 pts. (2 pts. per progression)
     Rudiments – 12 pts. (3 pts. each)
• 54% – Etudes:
     Snare – 18 pts.
     Melodic – 18 pts.
     Timpani – 18 pts.
• 16% – Sight-Reading:
     Snare – 8 pts.
     Melodic – 8 pts.

TIE BREAKERS: 

• The sight-reading score shall be used to break ties in the overall score and ranking. For example, when two students have the same final score, the one with the higher sight-reading score shall be ranked first.
• If the score remains tied, the scale score shall be used to break the tie.
• If the tie remains, it shall be broken with the toss of a coin.

Any student who qualifies and auditions at 2nd round on multiple instruments will declare his/her choice of instrument by rank (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc.) at the conclusion of 1st round auditions. This choice will be noted by the district director on the district allotment quota form.

Depending on the current year’s music requirements, one piano player and one string bass player will be selected for membership in the All-State Symphonic Band and/or the All-State Concert Band. Auditions on these instruments will follow the audition requirements and procedures found on the All-State Orchestra page. There is only a single audition for these instruments as explained on the orchestra page.

Audition materials will include selected scales and prepared selections. Choose the “Set” for the current year. Auditions will be recorded by the district director or designated orchestra chair. The audition date will be listed on your district’s calendar.

The recorded auditions will be submitted to the Orchestra Division Chairperson for adjudication. If selected to All-State, a student will be invited to participate in one of these ensembles – Orchestra, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

1st Round Auditions:

• Students auditioning for “Bass Trombone” must audition on an actual bass trombone as defined by its bore size, configuration of rotor(s)/tubing, and ability to play the full range of all excerpts in the four-year audition cycle (low G).
• District allotments for 2nd round will be four tenor trombones and one bass trombone.
• In the event a district has no bass trombone auditioning or none qualifies per the above rule, no bass trombone will advance to the 2nd round from that district.

2nd Round Auditions:

• Students auditioning for “Bass Trombone” must audition on an actual bass trombone as defined by its bore size, configuration of rotor(s)/tubing, and ability to play the full range of all excepts in the four-year audition cycle (low G).
• A student’s score must rank within the range of the tenor trombone scores in the particular All-State ensemble or be next in line in order to be placed in that ensemble.
• In the event there is no bass trombone audition score ranking within the range specified, an additional tenor trombone will be placed in the ensemble.
• Instrumentation for each All-State ensemble will be as follows unless altered by music requirements:
  1.  Symphonic Band – 6 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone
  2.  Concert Band – 8 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone
  3.  Orchestra – 2 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone

At the conclusion of each district’s 1st round audition, students will be recommend for the second round (state level) auditions subject to the following quotas.

There will be no “alternates” submitted. The quotas have been increased to allow students who would have previously been “alternates” to now become part of the 2nd round quotas submitted.

All qualifying students must score at least 50% of the top score on their instrument at 1st round.

• 9 Flutes
  
• 4 Oboes
  
• 4 Bassoons
  
• 12 Bb Clarinets
  
• 4 Bass Clarinets
  
• 3 Contra Clarinet
  
• 8 Alto Saxes
  
• 4 Tenor Saxes
  
• 3 Baritone Saxes
  
• 9 Trumpets
  
• 8 French Horns
  
• 7 Trombones
  
• 3 Bass Trombones – see “Clarification on Bass Trombone Audition”
  
• 7 Euphoniums
  
• 8 Tubas
  
• 8 Percussionists

Quota Sheet: Once your District has completed its 1st round audition and students have been selected to continue to the 2nd round, District Directors should fill out the District Quota Sheet for your District. The quota sheet will be emailed to the District Directors by the Division Chair. Follow the Division Chair’s instructions and deadlines. Be aware of the current year’s deadline.

• Student Release of Information Form – this will need to be printed, signed, and must be turned in to your district. Follow your district’s instructions for submitting this form. Auditions cannot be adjudicated without this form.
• Registration – the information for all students who qualify for 2nd round must be submitted on the Allotments Sheets by the District Director or the District’s designee by Monday, October 2, 2023. Students and their directors must follow their districts instructions and deadlines for submitting this information and registration fee.

• Sight-reading will be sent to each district director by the band division chairperson as .pdf files via email.
• District directors should keep these files in strict confidentiality throughout the audition process.
• District directors should print and catalog the sight-reading as needed for distribution to auditioners (during the audition only), judges and monitors.
• Monitors will return all sight-reading copies to the district director at the conclusion of the audition recording. These copies will be discarded by the district director once he/she has verified that all copies have been returned.

DATE and LOCATION: Each district director will schedule the date, time, and location for recording 2nd round auditions in his/her district.

AUDITION FEE and REGISTRATION:

• $15 per audition
• Ensemble directors must follow their District Director’s instructions and deadline for submitting school checks.
• District Directors must confirm that they have received all audition fees and forms by the date the audition files are uploaded. An audition cannot be adjudicated if the audition fee has not been received.
  
• All auditioner information will be submitted on the Google form by the District Director or his/her designee. This includes: Name, School, Grade, Instrument or Voice, All-State Ensemble preference, T-Shirt Size, Audio audition file, Verification of receipt of the “Release of Information” Form.
• All second round audition recordings must also be submitted via the Google form by 11:59 pm on Monday, October 2, 2023 by the District Director or his/her designee. (Links will be sent to the District Director.)
  

MONITORS and AUDITION:

• All 2nd round auditions will be audio recorded (.mp3 file).
• Each District Director will assign one or more monitors to record the second round audition and certify that each auditioner played the material without any restarts.
• Monitors should be carefully selected by the district director to ensure procedural continuity of the audition. It is recommended that monitors are band directors within each district.
• An audio test of the recorder and room should be done before any auditions begin. Be sure the student will be clearly heard.
  
• The monitor will read the following script at the beginning of the audition/recording to announce and identify each auditioner: 
  “On (Insert Instrument), this is Audition Number (Insert Audition Number).”
• Be sure that the instrument and audition number announced on the recording are accurately entered on the track sheet.
• Monitors should verify that the recording is on the recorder before the auditioner leaves the room (if possible). (This can be done by playing a few seconds of the recording and checking the length of the file on the recorder.)
• Audition restarts will only be allowed if there is a technical issue with the recorder.

TRACK SHEET:

• A track sheet will be shared via Google Sheets to enter the audition information at the “room” level. This includes:  Room Number, Recorder Number, File Name, File Duration, Last Name, First Name, Instrument/Voice, Audition Number.
• The Room Number, Recorder Number, File Name and Audition Number are to be determined by the District Director or his/her designee.
• There should be one track sheet for each room used at the second round audition.

RECORDING EQUIPMENT:

• The recommended recorder is a typical “voice recorder” like those used for adjudicators at large ensemble assessment. District Directors have received information about these recorders.
  

2nd ROUND AUDITION FILE SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:

• Each district director (or designee) will be responsible for submitting the auditioners’ information and uploading audio audition recordings into the Google form shared by the audition coordinator.
• All student registration information and audition recordings must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, October 2, 2023. District Directors will communicate to their district regarding how they want to receive student information – name, school, grade, instrument, All-State ensemble preference, t-shirt size, audio audition file, verification of receipt of the “Student Release of Information Form.”
• Google Drive is one of the easiest and most accessible platforms to use for file sharing. However, some school districts restrict the sharing of files from their school google drives. Files must be accessible to the chairperson to be judged for inclusion in the group. Discussions with your school district’s IT department may be necessary to ensure usage in the All-State audition.

SCORING THE AUDITION

For additional information, see “AUDITION PROCESS – ALL INSTRUMENTS (1st Round)”

Wind Instruments

• 30% – Scales (2 pts. each major scale; 6 pts. chromatic scale)
• 50% – Etudes (25 pts. each etude)
• 20% – Sight-Reading (20 pts. total)

Percussion

• 30 % – Major Scales, 4-Mallet Exercise, Rudiments:
     Major Scales – 12 pts. (4 pts. per major scale)
     4-Mallet Exercise – 6 pts. (2 pts. per progression)
     Rudiments – 12 pts. (3 pts. each)
• 54% – Etudes:
     Snare – 18 pts.
     Melodic – 18 pts.
     Timpani – 18 pts.
• 16% – Sight-Reading:
     Snare – 8 pts.
     Melodic – 8 pts.

TIE BREAKERS: 

• The sight-reading score shall be used to break ties in the overall score and ranking. For example, when two students have the same final score, the one with the higher sight-reading score shall be ranked first.
• If the score remains tied, the scale score shall be used to break the tie.
• If the tie remains, it shall be broken with the toss of a coin.

ENSEMBLE ASSIGNMENTS:  Wind and percussion students’ assignments to symphonic band, concert band, and orchestra are based on the total 2nd round audition score. Seniors have a choice between band and orchestra, but this choice must be submitted by the district director prior to the 2nd round audition.

AUDITION RESULTS:  Results will be posted on this website by Monday, October 9, 2023 (11:59 pm) or as soon as possible once they are finalized for all ensembles requiring wind and percussion players.

Check results for Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Orchestra Winds.

• Student Forms:  Important information (including the rehearsal schedule), required forms with instructions, and optional forms can be found under the All-State: Student Forms tab in the menu. Scroll down to the appropriate ensemble’s section.
• Academic Award Form (OPTIONAL) – A student who has a verified cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher should upload the verified academic award form when completing the online All-State Student Registration Form. (9th graders are not eligible for this award.) 
  
• Hotel Information:  Information can be found under the All-State: Hotel Information tab in the menu.

All-State Rules and Regulations are part of the All-State Entry form and are to be signed by each student, parent, director and principal involved.

Rules and Regulations for LMEA All-State:

1. Teachers are required to screen students who are discipline problems and not allow them to audition.
2. Students are expected to follow their school’s rules while at LMEA All-State.
3. Students must be present and on time for registration, all rehearsals, and any other scheduled All-State events.
4. Students failing to adhere to their LMEA All-State schedules or the rules and regulations are subject to dismissal.
5. Students are responsible for their personal equipment and instruments, including any school instruments or other items checked out to them. LMEA will not assume responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen equipment or instruments.
6. Any student who participates in any type of vandalism will be subject to immediate dismissal. The student and the school will be held responsible for damages.
7. Any student in possession of prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription, any illegal drugs or other illegal substances, including alcoholic beverages, or who consumes any of these will be subject to immediate dismissal. The parent, director, and administrator will be notified.
8. Students’ teachers are required to be current LMEA members and to register for and be present at the All-State event and Professional Development Conference to ensure students are supervised/chaperoned when not in rehearsals or another scheduled All-State activity.
9. Students and parents are hereby notified that LMEA’s authority and responsibility extends until a student is released to return home.

Consequences and procedures related to the violation of any rules:

1. The student’s principal, director and parents will be immediately notified of any rule violation.
2. A disciplinary committee consisting of the Executive Director, the LMEA President, and the Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Guitar or Jazz Ensemble Chairperson (as pertinent) shall review any disciplinary problems before dismissal from the All-State group is recommended.
3. Any student dismissed (sent home) from an All-State event will be prohibited from participating in any LMEA event for one (1) full year starting from the time of the dismissal.
4. Any school organization whose student (or students) must be dismissed from an LMEA All-State event will be placed on a one-year probation. If a student is dismissed within the probation period, that school organization will be prohibited from participating in LMEA All-State events the following year.
5. Any infraction and subsequent dismissal will be referred to the LMEA Executive Board for resolution and clarification.