What is the deadline for performance applications?
The deadline for performance applications is March 19, 2008.

What is needed by this deadline?
Your complete application must be postmarked by March 10 or received in the Midwest Clinic office by 5:00 p.m. (CST) on March 19. (Items received after March 19 will only be accepted if they are postmarked by March 10). Applications received by the deadline, but without all the required items, will not be considered. Please do not call the Midwest Clinic office requesting an extension for any item. You are urged to schedule your photo and recording sessions well in advance of the deadline and submit your materials as early as possible, so that your application is not made ineligible by an unforeseen last-minute delay.

The Midwest Clinic requires that groups that perform at the conference wait four years before they may apply again. What does this mean?
The four-year waiting period means that groups that performed in the last four years--2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007--are ineligible to apply in 2008.

Do Ensembles that have applied before have a higher chance of being selected than ensembles that are applying for the first time?
No. The number of times an ensemble has applied is not a factor in the decision. What matters is the quality of the application this year.

Some of the questions on the application do not apply to my group. Is there another application I should be using?
No. All performance applications should be made using the same form. If there are questions that do not apply to your group, indicate that they are not applicable by typing N/A, and proceed to the questions that do apply.

I would like to bring a chamber ensemble to the Midwest Clinic. Which application form should I use?
Directors of chamber ensembles can apply to present a concert or a clinic. They should use the performance application if they would like to play a concert, and the clinic application if they would like to present a session that combines instruction with chamber performance. All ensembles that perform at Midwest, even if they are part of a clinic or a clinic demonstration group, must submit a recording with their application.

I read the programming guidelines for Midwest performers that are included with the performance application. Do these guidelines apply to chamber groups as well?
No, there are exceptions to the programming guidelines for chamber groups.

Is the choice of literature (grade level) on the audition tape or CD important, and does it make any difference if the tape is weighted toward transcriptions, contemporary or older, more established and well-known repertoire?
String orchestra: One selection should be a slow piece or movement, and one should be a fast piece or movement. Standard literature is preferred, though good arrangements or transcriptions are acceptable.

Band: Traditional accepted quality standard repertoire would be preferred. It makes no difference as to 'new vs. old'. It is probable that a more difficult selection played well would tip the scales in comparison to a less difficult selection played equally well.

Jazz: Jazz applicants are welcome to submit recordings reflecting a number of jazz styles via published charts and manuscripts, historical and new.

The recording of your ensemble is the single most important part of your application. You therefore will want to select music that best reflects your players' capabilities.

What kind a march must I include on my band's audition CD?
Your band should perform a traditional military style march by one of the composers listed in the application packet. That list can also be viewed here.

Why is a traditional military style march required on the band audition CD?
The performance of a standard “military style” march demonstrates to the band selection committee much about the ensemble. It exhibits a clear understanding by the director and individual musicians of the character, phrasing, dynamic contrast, articulation style, pitch control and transparency of musical lines often overlooked or under rehearsed by many bands. Additionally, the standard march is an important aspect of our band heritage and we desire to ensure this form of musical expression is not lost to future generations of directors and ensemble members. The march requirement is of equal importance to the other selection you include on your CD, and the same care should be given to each.

Is the video tape or DVD required, and must it be the same music that appears on the CD?
Yes, a video tape or DVD of your ensemble playing the same music that is on the CD is required. It does not need to be the same performance that was recorded on the CD.

Who should write my recommendations?
If possible, you should ask directors who are most familiar with your work and can write on behalf of your ensemble's record over an extended period of time. The committee is interested in learning if there has been a consistent high quality over the years and if the director has a reputation as a musician and 'builder' of music programs. Adjudicators at festivals are suitable as well, but may not be aware of a tradition of quality which may exist in your organization. Midwest Clinic board members are not eligible to submit evaluations.

Should recommendation forms be included with my application or sent separately?
Recommendation forms should be sent directly to the Midwest Clinic office by the person who is making the recommendation.

How should I prepare and present my application?
In processing the application, the Midwest Clinic will separate your materials and photocopy your application forms. It is therefore helpful if your materials are collected loosely, in a large envelope. Large, bulky notebooks with materials collected in individual folders or mounted to backing sheets take up more space than is necessary and require extra effort to process. A simple presentation is best. Though a professional appearance reflects well on a director and ensemble, the presentation of application materials is not a factor in the selection process.

How will the Midwest Clinic notify groups whether or not they have been accepted?
All applicants will be notified by mail within two weeks of when the Group Selection committees meet. Results will not be shared over the phone.

When will the Midwest Clinic announce which groups have been invited?
When all of the invited groups have confirmed that they are accepting the invitation, the Midwest Clinic will post the roster of performers on the web site. We hope to announce the list of performers by the end of April.