Please carefully read the entire message below regarding Honors Orchestra auditions on Monday, September 16 at Fox Chapel High School. There are 3 sections to the message below:
1. Director Responsibilities 
2. Director Pre-registration link
3. A copy of the information Mairi shared last spring.
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1. Director Responsibilities
To be in alignment with band and chorus, there have been a few significant changes to our procedures for the auditions. It is imperative that you and your students are aware of them prior to the audition night.
Director Responsibilities
Before Honors Strings Audition Day: 

• NEW!!! DIRECTOR PRE-REGISTRATION: You must complete the Honors Strings Audition Day Director Registration Form to attend.  This will ask you to provide an estimated number of students attending and their audition room(s).  In addition, you must also include a copy of your PMEA card. This will be verified and must be current before students can audition.  You will receive this google form in your email or can access it from the District 1 website.  The information asked on this form allows the executive board and audition committee to best prepare for a satisfactory audition process for directors and students.  
• AUDITION FEE: Remind your students that there is a $5.00 audition fee for each instrument they plan to audition on. No student will be permitted to audition if their audition fee is not paid at registration.

On District Wide Audition day:

• DIRECTOR/PROXY ATTENDANCE: Each director must attend auditions or provide a current PMEA member as a substitute. This substitute will not be responsible for representing any other school at the audition.  Please be sure to make note of this on the DWA Day Director Registration Form or contact the PMEA District 1 President or Festival Coordinator as early as possible so judging assignments can be made accordingly.  Every director/proxy will have an assignment for the audition timeframe.  Responsibilities can be reviewed on the following page.  
• MEETING ATTENDANCE: Each director/proxy must attend the Director Meeting prior to auditions.  During this time, the audition procedures will be reviewed, updates will be announced and discussion for future auditions and festivals will occur as needed and judging assignments/responsibilities will be announced.  
• NEW!!!UPDATES TO AUDITION PROCEDURES: 
  • Audition numbers will be randomly assigned and not based on order of arrival/registration.  They will be sorted following the close of registration at 5pm.
  • Students must use paper copies of the music; no iPads or similar devices are permitted in the audition room.
  • Digital scoring will be used; paper copies of scores may be used if there are connection issues. All directors are expected to bring a device in order to submit digital scoresheets.
    
    

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2. Director Pre-Registration

All directors attending the Honors Orchestra auditions on Monday, September 16 are asked to complete THIS FORM by Friday, September 13. All directors will be assigned a role during auditions as required for your students to participate.  Please indicate your instrumental specialties so that appropriate assignments can be made for the best interest of the students. Also, in an effort to help auditions run as smoothly as possible, please indicate your estimated audition counts in each instrument.
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3. Information from Mairi


Dear Fellow Directors:

I look forward to seeing you on Monday September 16th at PMEA District 1 Honors Orchestra Auditions. Auditions will be held at Fox Chapel Area High School (611 Field Club Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238). Please come through the auditorium entrance.


Please be aware of the following:

1. Students will pay a $5 registration fee (checks should be made payable to PMEA). 
2. No student will be allowed to register if a sponsoring PMEA member is not with them and prepared to listen to auditions. All directors must be prepared to present their current PMEA membership cards at registration.
3. Registration will open at 3:30pm and close at 5pm. The directors' meeting will start promptly at 5pm. Students who arrive after this time are not permitted to audition.
4. Please check the PMEA District 1 website for details about the audition pieces. Students need to follow the bowings as indicated on the approved editions.
5. For copyright purposes, students should own (and be playing from) an original copy of the music. All music must be paper copies; iPads and similar devices are NOT permitted in the audition rooms.
6. We will have pizza and water for purchase from 4:30-5:30pm.
7. Your students are NOT allowed to drive themselves to the audition.
8. I promise to have yummy food for the directors and a smile on my face to greet you.

The PMEA Honors Orchestra Festival will be held at Upper St. Clair High School on November 15th and 16th. Many thanks to Karen Chisholm and Doug Reichenfeld for co-hosting! Please have your students check these dates BEFORE they audition. They may not attend only part of the festival. They need to commit to both days.


I look forward to seeing you!
Mairi Cooper

PMEA District 1 Mini-Grant

Each year, the PMEA District 1 Executive Committee discusses the ways in which we can best support our members.  It is our hope that the continuation of our mini-grant program will aid our members to reimagine our music offerings and give authentic musical experiences to their students.

Purpose
To provide grants to qualifying PMEA District 1 members who require funding for professional development, resources, equipment, or creative projects which will enhance music instruction, student learning and forward the mission of PMEA.
Requirements

• Applicant must be a current active PMEA member.
• PMEA District 1 members may submit grant applications in more than one area, but may only be awarded one grant per year.
• Grants will not be awarded to the same applicant in consecutive years.
• Applicant must complete the application form. No incomplete forms will be considered.  If the member is applying for multiple grants, separate applications must be completed for each request.

Funding

• Two (2) grants of up to $500 will be awarded in each of the following areas - general music, vocal, orchestra, and band.
• The PMEA District 1 Executive Committee reserves the right to not provide the maximum amount of grants in any area where applications are not deemed qualified.
• Applications of less than $500 are also welcome, as applicants are asked not to request more funding than is required.
• Grant funding must be paid to an entity such as a school district or a booster organization, as specified by the applicant. Funds cannot be paid to an individual.

Rubric, on a scale of 35 total points

• Impact on Students - 10 points
  • Potential to profoundly impact the learning of a significant number of students (grade level or schoolwide)
• Innovation and Creativity - 5 points
  • Idea distinguishes itself from others. It is original, innovative and creative. Demonstrates a new way of thinking and meets a current or emerging need within a school or district. Enriches the learning experience of students.
• Project Description - 5 points
  • Project description is clear with specific and thoughtful proposed outcomes.
• Evaluation of the Project - 5 points
  • There is a detailed and clearly defined and outlined plan for evaluating the success of the grant.
• Budget - 5 points
  • Budget outlines in detail how the money will be spent including where funds are going, prices, quantity of materials purchased, titles of specific materials and shipping.
• Cost Effective - 5 points
  • This grant seems like a good financial investment. Excellent benefit for cost.

Application 
The application for the PMEA District 1 Mini-Grant can be completed by clicking on this link PMEA District 1 Mini-Grant Application
docs.google.com/forms/d/1rYON54QtSPzfmLPCrxaFNsqSII0AIqoN_tYbmvyHuaA

The application window opens on January 31, 2024, and closes on April 1, 2024. If you have any questions, contact Aaron Booz, PMEA District 1 Curriculum & Instruction Representative at [email protected].

Exploring Popular Music Pedagogy: Approaches, Repertoire, & Techniques

Session Description:
The 2023 PMEA D1 Workshop invites you to embark on a journey of musical exploration this fall. Our session, titled **"Popular Music Pedagogy: Approaches, Repertoire, & Techniques,"** promises to be a dynamic and enlightening experience for educators and music enthusiasts alike. Dive into the world of popular music and discover innovative ways to incorporate it into your K-12 music classroom.

Unlocking the Power of Popular Music:
Popular music is a vibrant and influential force in today's musical landscape. Its appeal is undeniable, making it a potent tool for engaging students and fostering a deeper appreciation for music. In this workshop, we will guide you through the process of effectively integrating popular music into your curriculum.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identifying Pedagogical Approaches: Embrace pedagogical approaches to popular music, such as encouraging student choice, utilizing iconic notation, and promoting public performances. Understand how these approaches can enhance the learning experience and ignite students' passion for music.

2. Selecting Repertoire with Purpose: Learn to choose repertoire for a popular music ensemble based on its educational and musical value. We will discuss criteria for selecting songs that are not only engaging but also provide valuable learning opportunities.

3. Mastering Techniques for Modern Band Ensembles: Explore essential techniques for teaching instruments commonly used in modern band ensembles. Whether it's guitar, keyboard, or drums, our experts will equip you with the skills and strategies to guide your students effectively.

Why Attend "Expanding the Horizon":
The 2023 PMEA D1 Workshop, themed "Expanding the Horizon," is your chance to expand your musical horizons and enrich your teaching toolkit. Our "Popular Music Pedagogy" session is just one of many exciting opportunities awaiting you at this year's event.

Date & Location:
Don't miss out on this enriching experience! Join us on November 4th at Seton Hill University and immerse yourself in the world of popular music pedagogy. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher looking to invigorate your music classroom, this workshop has something for everyone.

Register now and be a part of a transformative musical journey!

The 2024 All-State Audition Information for the Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble, Accompanist and At -Large Instruments (Band and Orchestra) along with Harp and the Jazz Ensemble have been posted on the PMEA website- 
https://www.pmea.net/pmeaall-stateinformation/