Monday Notes

Happy Monday and here is to a great week. As we approach April here are a few reminders and announcements. Hang in there, we are nearing the final stretch!

“Make Music Day” 2025 is a global event that features a new (FREE!) composition from Brian Balmages: Critical Impact! By participating, schools can help amplify the message that music and music education make a Critical Impact in our communities! Please check out all the information at our Make Music Day 2025 webpage, and review the unique ways you can get involved this year! Highlights include:

New Literature from Brian Balmages: Critical Impact! - Grade 2 - written for concert band, full orchestra, or for band and strings combined (duration 2:30).

• Digital parts and scores are available on the MakeMusic Cloud.
• Printable parts and scores are available to all who register online.

Multiple Performance Options:

• Perform live on June 21st – Make Music Day’s global event
• Submit a performance video: This year, we are collecting performance submissions, and specific details for that process are included with your registration.

“Critical Impact” Testimonial Videos: As a part of this year’s event, we would like to capture your stories about the Critical Impact that music and music education have had in your community. By submitting video testimonials, your school can be entered to win a share of $15,000 in new music!

We hope you’ll join this year’s celebration as we focus on the Critical Impact! of music and music education in our communities.

Please share the link below regarding the Santa Fe Symphony Concert Competition with your students. Multiple divisions, prize money, and performance opportunities!

• Link to more information

Below are important dates to add to your calendar as you begin plans for the summer and next year:

• June 21, 2025 - NMMEA General Music Workshop
• October 16-25, 2025 - Choir, Guitar & Orchestra All-State Auditions
• October 25, 2025 - NMAA/NMMEA State Marching Band Contest (Registration link)
• October 29-November 8, 2025 - Band & Jazz All-State Auditions

• January 14-17, 2026 - All-State Music Festival & In-Service Conference
• January 22-24, 2026 - Jazz All-State

Do you have a great idea for an All-State clinic and want to share it at the 2026 conference? Click the link below to submit your proposal for consideration. We’d love to hear from you!

• Clinic Proposal Link

Consider submitting a recording of your ensemble for consideration as a 2026 Honor Ensemble. All directors are welcome to apply, but the preferred rotation for the 2026 conference is outlined below:

• Alternative/Guitar - No rotation
• Choir & Orchestra - Large school preference
• Band - Small school
• General Music - Elementary ensemble
• Jazz - Small school

Application and more information can be found here.