Performance Application

Click Here to Download the 2012 Performance Application (PDF)  The Midwest Clinic is the world's largest annual instrumental music education conference.  Began in 1946, as a concert band new music reading session, the conference continues to offers a wide variety of concerts, rehearsal labs, clinics, and exhibitors.  Concerts include a balance of original manuscripts, new music, and previously published music at all grade levels.  The board of directors provides program guidelines that help to ensure well-balanced and inspiring performances for all attendees.  Groups invited to perform at the conference must adhere to these program guidelines and are responsible for all organizational and financial obligations.  Groups interested in performing at the 66th Annual Conference must submit an application and supportive materials no later than 5:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, March 19. 2012 or postmarked no later than Monday, March 12, 2012 to be considered.  Please send the application and all materials (except evaluation forms) in the same package to:
 
The Midwest Clinic
1111 E. Touhy Ave., Ste. 250
Des Plaines, IL 60018-5831

All Midwest Clinic performers must wait at least five years before applying to perform again.  For example, groups that performed in 2008 or later would ineligible to submit a performance application in 2012.

All applicants should read the Frequently Asked Questions about performance applications: Performance FAQs

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION:

1. An unedited compact disc, including the following:

   Chamber Ensembles:  Two selections of contrasting styles
   Concert Band:  One symphonic selection (overture, tone poem, etc.) and one traditional military-style march (see list)
   String Orchestra: Two contrasting selections representing different historical periods, styles, and tempi (no solo repertoire)
   Full Orchestra:     Two selections contrasting historical periods, styles, and tempi (no solo repertoire) – one selection must be string orchestra
   Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Combo: Three selections in contrasting styles
   ALL RECORDED SELECTIONS MUST BE UNEDITED (NOT DIGITALLY ENHANCED IN ANY MANNER).

2. A DVD of your ensemble performing the same music as on the CD. (Must be a complete, unedited performance or rehearsal of the CD music, though need not be of the same performance or rehearsal as the CD.) For band and orchestra, the camera should be set in a location which allows the committee a front view of conductor’s gestures, posture, and also a view of the musicians. For jazz, the camera should be set in front of the stage, showing a rear-view of the director. VHS cassettes are not accepted.
3. A roster of your current ensemble, including instrumentation.  Indicate with an asterisk the players who will be leaving your ensemble prior to December 2012.
4. Three evaluations from prominent directors who have worked with or heard your group within the last year.  Midwest Clinic board members are not eligible to submit evaluations.  These forms must be sent directly to the Midwest Clinic office by Monday, March 19, 2012.  The evaluation form (included) may be duplicated as needed, or it may be emailed to info@midwestclinic.org.
5. Please email a high resolution photo of yourself (at least 2”) and one of your ensemble (at least 8”) at least 300 dpi to info@midwestclinic.org.
6. Also, please send several printed programs for your group from the last two years.
7. Your signature and your school official's signature on this application, indicating acceptance of the policies set forth in this application, including your school's/government's commitment to support your appearance if your application is accepted.
8. Directors of the participating groups are required to attend a planning meeting to be held in Chicago on Saturday, June 09, 2012.  If you cannot attend this meeting, or cannot financially commit to performing (if selected) at the time of submitting the application, please do not apply.
9. CDs, DVDs, photos, and other materials will not be returned.