May Music Meet Information

Entry Fees:

If your school’s ensembles have participated in any one of our other contests, which include the Buccaneer Marching Festival, Jazz Festival, or Music Meet during the 2025-2026 school year we will be extending a preferred ensemble rate. If you are attending a Blinn instrumental music contest for the first time during the 2025-2026 school year you will be paying the standard contest fees.

Preferred Ensemble Rate - $100 per ensemble regardless of age/division
$250 per ensemble - Beginner or Middle School/Junior High
$350 for a single ensemble - High School
- $325 each for two HS ensembles
- $300 each for three or more HS ensembles
$100 per ensemble if you previously attended a 2025-2026 Blinn College Music Contest
Only checks will be accepted.
- Payable to: Blinn College Band, 902 College Ave., Brenham, TX 77833.
- Mail checks to: Sarah Burke, Blinn College Band, 902 College Ave., Brenham, TX 77833.
  - Note: a check made payable to Blinn College without the Band designation or a mailing without Sarah Burke’s name will most likely not arrive in the proper account or department for this contest.

All participants will receive:

A detailed comment sheet from each judge
A rating of Division I (Superior), Division II (Good), or Division III (Needs Improvement).
A Google Drive link or thumb drive with an audio recording of your performances and the judges’ spoken comments.
An award plaque will be presented to each ensemble receiving a Superior rating.

Both warm-up and performance will be on the main stage of the W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center.

Upon arrival (see Brenham Campus Map for location details):

Unload students and equipment in the parking lot behind the W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center.
- A faculty or student monitor will greet you as you arrive.
Buses and equipment vehicles must then move across to the Student Center (see Brenham Campus Map).
- Note: Parking in other areas on campus is designated as reserved and could lead to a citation from the Blinn Police Department.

Scheduled time slots include both warm-up and performance. Please plan repertoire and warm-up procedures accordingly (it is imperative that we stay on schedule).

- High School ensembles: 1 hour
- Middle School/Junior High Varsity ensembles: 1 hour
- Middle School/Junior High Non-Varsity ensembles: 45 minutes
- 6th Grade/Beginner ensembles: 45 minutes
  - Note: If desired and time permits after your performance, one or more judges may address the ensemble (mini-clinic) and/or have an opportunity to discuss the performance backstage with a judge.

Music selection is at the discretion of the director.

There is no minimum number of selections, but please limit the number to three.
- Please provide three copies of the score of each selection, with measure numbers and the school name clearly labelled
Judges’ comments will be based on suitability of music for your group according to class, age-level, etc.

The following percussion equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own:

- Note: Sticks, mallets, beaters, snare stands, etc. are not available and must be provided by the school/student.
4 timpani (with gauges)
Xylophone
Bells
Chimes
Vibraphone
Marimba (4.3 Octave)
Piano
Concert Bass Drum

All additional equipment and logistical concerns would be the responsibility of the director.

To adequately prepare for all groups, a setup chart of your ensemble is required at least one week before your performance date, including:

Number of chairs and stands for each row.
A detailed drawing outlining shape and orientation of chairs, stands, and percussion equipment.
- Email to Sarah Burke at sarah.burke@blinn.edu

Schools with multiple groups will be scheduled consecutively unless otherwise requested. For ease of transition, seating is available in the auditorium for any additional groups while not on stage or loading/unloading.

There is no entry fee for spectators. Parents and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend (students love an audience).

For questions or any additional information, please contact:

May Music Meet Information

Festival Rules and Guidelines

Contest Coordinator

Related Links

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