Overview

Maryland Choral Educators Association (MCEA) will host the Maryland 5th/6th Grade Treble Demonstration Chorus as part of the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) Annual Conference on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The chorus will include exemplary 5th and 6th grade (as of the 2025-2026 school year) treble singers (unchanged soprano and alto voices) from across the state of Maryland. Educators may nominate up to six (6) singers. All nominated students must be members of their elementary or middle school choral class. 

 

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Objectives

Fifth and sixth grade choral students will have the opportunity to spend the day making music with a renowned guest conductor and other enthusiastic young musicians. The session will be programmed with diverse literature for an emerging treble chorus and will focus on aspects of the rehearsal process including warm-ups, vocal technique and intonation, rehearsal techniques for the large chorus, time management, and rehearsal pacing. At the conclusion, the ensemble will perform for conference attendees, family, and friends.

 

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Guest Conductor and Guest Accompanist

This year’s guest conductor and accompanist are to be announced.

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Date, Location, Schedule 

• Date - Saturday, February 21, 2026

• Location - Baltimore Convention Center

• Rehearsal/Performance Location - Room TBA

• Exhibit Hall Invitation

  • Exhibit Hall open until 8am-1pm

  • Caregivers are welcome to visit before or after checking in their student

• Student Arrival/Check In - 12:00-12:30pm

  • Hallway outside of rehearsal room

• Rehearsals - 12:30-3:45pm

  • There will be breaks throughout the day

  • Students remain with ensemble

  • Bring peanut/tree nut free snacks

  • No food delivery allowed

• Concluding Performance - 3:45-4:45pm*

• Student Dismissal/Pick Up - 4:45pm

 

*Family and friends are encouraged to attend the concluding performance.

 

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Timeline

• Nominations Deadline (Educators) - Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5pm

  • There is no late nomination window

• Registration Window (Caregivers) - Friday, January 15 to Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 5pm. 

  • Registration forms will be sent directly to the caregivers email address(es) provided on the nomination form.

  • There is no late registration window. 

 

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Participation Fee

The participation fee is $25 per student, due at registration. All students must be registered. Day-of registrations will not be allowed. All transactions are final and non-refundable. Refunds will not be offered if the student cancels or does not complete the event.

 

Invoicing Requests (Educators Only)

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1. Invoicing requests can be made by educators on the nomination form.

2. MMEA does not accept invoicing requests from private studio educators, caregivers, or students. 

3. Educators will be provided a check out code for caregivers to use during registration.

4. Payment of participation fees will still be required if the student cancels or does not complete the event.

5. Invoices will be emailed after the registration window closes.

6. All invoices are payable upon receipt. Late fees will be applied as below.

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Late Fee Policy (Educators ONLY)

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1. Invoices not paid within 60 days will be assessed a late fee. 

2. Invoice totals of $100 or less will be assessed a late fee of $20. 

3. Invoices over $100 will be assessed a 20% late fee, not to exceed $500.

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Nomination Form​​​

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​Nominations must be received by Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5pm.

Nominations will only be accepted through the form linked above. 

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Rules for Participating Students/Caregivers

• Each student must be on time.

• Each student must be prepared (music, pencil) and follow the directions.

• Students are not permitted to leave until the conclusion and dismissal of the event.

• Caregivers are not permitted to remain at the event or interact with their students until the concluding performance.

• Food/drinks will not be provided. Students must have peanut/tree nut free snacks for the breaks.

• Students may not leave the rehearsal area to purchase food. Food delivery/orders, such as UberEats or DoorDash are not permitted. Students should bring a refillable water bottle.

• No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed. ALL devices must be turned off and put away for the duration of the event, including breaks.  (Exception: medically necessary devices. Please complete the Accommodations Form at least five (5) days prior to the event).

• Students who bring a cell phone, laptop or any electronic device to the event do so at their own risk. MMEA is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft, nor any connection charges. 

• Students will show respect for all supervising adults and one another. 

• Creating a positive environment for diversity, inclusion, leadership, and teamwork is essential. All defamatory, abusive, slurs, profane, threatening, offensive, harassing language or actions are strictly prohibited. 

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Chaperones/ Caregiver Wristbands

Chaperones will be MMEA member volunteers. Caregivers may not remain in the rehearsal rooms or interact with their children during the event. Caregivers who wish to remain in the building will be given a wristband and are encouraged to visit the conference vendors and other performances. 

 

We encourage all family and friends to return and attend the concluding concert.

 

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Performance Repertoire

Access to the repertoire for rehearsal purposes will be provided to educators at the conclusion of the nomination process. Access to the repertoire will also be provided to the caregivers with a successful student registration.

 

Students are not required to have the music memorized but should be well prepared and be willing to put their music down at the conductor's request.

 

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Food/Transportation

• Food/drinks will not be provided. Students must bring peanut/tree nut free snacks for the breaks. 

• Students will not be allowed to leave to purchase food. Food delivery/orders, such as UberEats or DoorDash are not permitted.

• Students should bring a refillable water bottle. MMEA will provide additional water if needed. 

• MMEA is not responsible for any transportation. Students must be picked up immediately at the conclusion of the event.

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Dress Code

Students should come dressed in their performance attire. There will not be a changing area.

• White Top

• Black Bottom

• Black Shoes

• Appropriate for a choral performance

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What Should Students Bring

• Practice Music (folders will be provided)

• Pencil with eraser

• Meal/Snacks (See above)

• Refillable Water Bottle

 

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Certificate of Participation

MMEA will email certificates of participation to the primary caregiver after the event.

 

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Questions & Communication

Please consult with your student’s nominating music educator with any questions. If your question is not answered, contact MMEA Staff at mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com.

 

When communicating with MMEA, please include the student’s full name, ensemble, and vocal part. Please copy the student's music educator on all messages to assure transparency and accurate communication. MMEA staff will extend the same courtesy in the event staff needs to communicate with caregivers and/or students.

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IMPORTANT POLICIES - CAREGIVERS OF PARTICIPANTS MUST AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:

 

Statement of Participation 

The Caregiver completing this form understands the information provided and approves the student’s  participation in this event/activity. Participation in the activity is entirely voluntary and requires participants to abide by applicable rules and standards of conduct. The caregiver releases Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA), the activity coordinators, and all directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and related parties from any and all claims or liability arising out of this participation. Caregivers also understand that MMEA is not providing any transportation to/from this event. 

 

Rules for Participating Students

• Each student must be on time.

• Each student must be prepared (music, pencil) and follow the directions.

• Students are not permitted to leave until the conclusion and dismissal of the event.

• Caregivers are not permitted to remain at the event until the concluding performance.

• Food/drinks will not be provided. Students must have peanut/tree nut free snacks for the breaks.

• Students may not leave the rehearsal area to purchase food. Food delivery/orders, such as UberEats or DoorDash are not permitted. Students should bring a refillable water bottle.

• No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed. ALL devices must be turned off and put away for the duration of the event, including breaks.  (Exception: medically necessary devices. Please complete the Accommodations Form at least five (5) days prior to the event).

• Students who bring a cell phone, laptop or any electronic device to the event do so at their own risk. MMEA is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft, nor any connection charges. 

• Students will show respect for all supervising adults and one another. 

• Creating a positive environment for diversity, inclusion, leadership, and teamwork is essential. All defamatory, abusive, slurs, profane, threatening, offensive, harassing language or actions are strictly prohibited. 

 

Student Health Provision

• MMEA asks all students, as well as their families, to monitor their health status and be informative and transparent with MMEA Staff should anyone be experiencing health issues.

• MMEA fully supports the use of masks or other PPE for all participants.

• MMEA will communicate any changes in safety protocols prior to the conference weekend (masking, social distancing, etc). All participants must follow safety protocols and guidelines. 

• MMEA’s policy will be subject to any rules/regulations set forth by the venues.

• MMEA asks for compliance with this policy for the safety and welfare of our attendees. Failure of any participant to comply with this policy and all applicable safety protocols may result in removal or being denied entry to the event.  

• MMEA appreciates everyone's cooperation and support to create a safe experience.

 

Photo Release Statement 

The Caregiver completing this form consents to the publication and use of their student’s first name/ likeness for the purpose of promotion, publicity, advertising, or other manner or media by the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) or any other representative authorized to act on behalf of the aforementioned entity. Likeness shall include, but not be limited to, photographs, sound and/or video recordings, films, broadcasts, brochures, publications, reports, web pages, promotional materials or any other audio-visual, electronic, printed, tangible work in any media or format, now known or hereafter to become known, and/or reproductions of any of these. These items are the property of the MMEA and that neither the caregiver, nor the student, shall have any right of review or approval regarding the use of the student’s first name/likeness in such material. The Caregiver hereby releases and hold harmless, the MMEA along with their respective employees, agents, affiliates, sponsors, or other representatives from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of the use of the student’s first name and/or likeness, in accordance with the terms of this release. It is understood and agreed that neither the caregiver, nor the student, will be compensated in any way for the use of my student’s first name and/or likeness by MMEA. (MMEA will not use a student’s last name in a public forum for this event.)