Frequently Asked Questions

Who may submit an audition?

Students with an instrumental music program at their school:

Auditions must be submitted by the school director.
At the time of audition and participation, the student must be in their large ensemble school band program to be eligible.

Students with no instrumental music program at their school:

Private Instructor or parent must join as an Associate Member.
A letter on school letterhead, signed by the school principal, confirming that there is no instrumental music program at the school must be included with the All-State Application.

Students who are home schooled:

Parents must join CBDA as an Associate Member.
Proof of home school enrollment must be submitted with the All-State Application.
All auditions and memberships require a payment of fees including membership dues, school fees, and student fees.
Students must be in grades 7-8 to audition for JHS and grades 9-12 to audition for HS.

How much does it cost to participate?

The 2026 participation cost was $680 but this could increase for All-State 2027. The rate will be posted prior to auditions being due in the fall.

All fees are non-refundable

What if I cannot afford the participation fee?

Contact your school’s booster program, your school, the ASB at your school, your school district, or community organizations like Optimists, Lions, Elks, etc. Many of these organizations are willing to help students that have earned a place in an honor program.

What if I am auditioning for multiple groups?

The All-State HS Orchestras rehearsals and performances take place during the same time as the All-State High School Honor Bands.
All woodwind, brass, and percussion students submitting auditions will be asked to choose from three options:

“I am auditioning for either All-State Honor Band or the All-State Honor Orchestra.”

“I am only auditioning for All-State Honor Band.”

“I am only auditioning for All-State Honor Orchestra.”

Saxophone and Euphonium auditions are considered for band only.
There are no winds and percussion in the All-State Junior High Orchestras.

Where and when will results be posted?

Results will be posted online mid-November.

What is the deadline to submit the application?

All High School auditions must be uploaded, approved, and submitted for judging by the director by 9:00 PM on October 15, 2026.

All Junior High School auditions must be uploaded, approved, and submitted for judging by the director by 9:00 PM on November 2, 2026.

There are no exceptions to this rule. The audition system automatically closes at that time and will not reopen until the following year’s auditions open.

If paying by check, it must be postmarked by Nov 2, 2026 for all auditions.

What are other associated STUDENT costs outside of the participation fee?

$55.00 – Audition and application fee for students
$100.00 – Director membership
$55.00 – School fee (if your director joins between 7/1/2026-9/1/2026 this fee is waived)

All fees are non-refundable.

What are other associated DIRECTOR costs outside of the participation fee?

$55.00 – Audition and application fee for students

$100.00 – Director membership
$55.00 – School fee (if director joins between 7/1/2026-9/1/2026 this fee is waived)

All fees are non-refundable.

Conference Registration will be available soon!

How do I submit paperwork and payment?

Auditions: All audition payments can be submitted through the CBDA Digital Audition System. Audition paperwork is submitted electronically. Please check the Recording Instructions and/or Directors Instructions for more information.

Participation for Accepted Students: Information for submitting participation paperwork and fees will be shared with accepted students, directors, and parents via email closer to the event. This information will also be posted on the CASMEC website.

What organizations do I (the director) have to be a member of in order to participate?

You must be a member of CBDA to submit wind or percussion auditions for All-State. You must be a member of CAJ to submit jazz auditions for All-State. You must be a member of CODA to submit string auditions.

Where and when does All-State take place?

All-State takes place at the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC). CASMEC 2027 will be held January 13-17 in Sacramento, CA.
All-State Jazz Students arrive and begin rehearsals on January 13.
All other All-State students arrive and begin rehearsals on January 14.
All-State concerts will be held over several days at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814.
All-State concerts are free and open to the public. A schedule of concerts will be available at CASMEC.org closer to the event.

Where will musicians be housed?

All students will be CASMEC-housed. There are no exceptions.

What are the CASMEC Registration and Cancellation Policies?

All CASMEC registration and cancellation policies can be found here.