HONOR GROUPS
All instrumental music students should consider auditioning for an FMCMEA or All State honor ensemble at some point during their time in time in the program. Besides being great college resumé builders, these events are educational and fun experiences where students get to perform along side the best student musicians from our county and our state under the direction of a world class educator and conductor. See below for more information about the registration and audition process for both of these opportunities.
Message from FMCMEA 12.12.25
Hello Orchestra Directors, Parents & Guardians,
Thank you so much for your patience as we navigate and work out the next steps after our original Orchestra Representative step down earlier this week. We finally have audition information you have been waiting for. Please understand, with the given situation that we tried our best to accommodate preferences for audition times. We will try to work with everyone if a conflict should arise, but keep in mind, with the sheer number of students signed up to audition, we may be very limited with what we can offer.
Thank you for your patience and understanding that we did our very best. Please know, that we will do our absolute best to stick to this schedule and will not begin any auditions early. Please note, if you miss your audition, you will have to wait until the very end to be heard, and we can not guarantee that there will be time to hear you. Please plan to arrive early so you aren't feeling rushed or frantic and have plenty of time to find your room, warm-up and nail your performance! You've worked hard! Judges will do their best to stick to the schedule, but due to our large registration numbers, some rooms only have 3 minutes to assess their students. If the judge stops you early, it does not mean you did poorly—it simply helps us stay on schedule. Please be ready to "hurry up and wait". We promise, we are doing everything in our power to move things according to the schedule. Thank you for your kindness and understanding in advance.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time, in order to allow enough time for warm up and to find the correct room. There will also be signs posted throughout campus to help. There will be no formal check in, however, if you have any questions or concerns you will be able to find a FMCMEA Volunteer at Fresno Pacific, located on the north side of campus off of Townsend Avenue, the corner of Townsend & Garden would be the easiest to access the front of the building!
Below is all the important information you need to help your student be prepared. Please read everything carefully.
Location of AuditionsFresno Pacific University - 1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
Arrival Time: Please plan to arrive 25–30 minutes before your student’s audition time.
This will give them time to:
Signs will be posted to help students find their way.
Auditions are timed. If the judge stops your student early, it does not mean they did poorly—it simply helps us stay on schedule. We will audition over 475 students in just four hours.
If a student misses their audition time, we cannot reschedule.
Students should wait outside their audition room 1–2 students before their scheduled time.
Results: After your students' audition, please visit the FMCMEA Website for live updates. We also encourage you to sign up for the 2026 FMCMEA Honor Orchestra Band App where you will also get live updates along with direct communication with the orchestra managers and myself.
FMCMEA Website
2026 FMCMEA Honor Orchestra Band App (also attached to this email)
Attendance at all rehearsals and the concert is required if selected.
Room Locations on Campus: Warm-up rooms will be close to the audition rooms.
Campus maps are attached for your convenience.
We will have two stations located throughout the campus with volunteers to assist you to your rooms along with sinage and chalk to help guide you.
Instrument: Building - Floor - Warm-Up Room - Audition Room
Elem. Violin: North Hall - 1st Floor - BC Lounge - NH 127
Elem. Viola: Wiebe Ed. Cen. - 2nd Floor - WEC 224 - WEC 223
Elem. Cello: North Hall - 1st Floor - NH 124 - NH 125
Elem. Bass: Sattler Hall - 1st Floor - SAT 103 - SAT 102
Int. Violin: North Hall - 1st Floor BC Lounge - NH 123
Int. Viola: Wiebe Ed. Cen.- 2nd Floor WEC 224 - WEC 223
Int. Cello: North Hall - 1st Floor NH 124 - NH 125
Int. Bass: Sattler Hall - 1st Floor SAT 103 - SAT 102
HS Violin: Marpeck Hall - 1st Floor MAR 101 - MAR 102
HS Viola: Marpeck Hall - 1st Floor Mar 107 - Mar 103
HS Cello: SAT/MAR Hall -1st Floor SAT 101 - MAR 108
HS Bass: Sattler Hall - 1st Floor SAT 103 - SAT 102
LASTLY, here is the audition list: 2026 Honor Orchestra Auditions
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday morning & best of luck to you! Again, I apologize for the tardiness of this information and lack of communication. I took over the position this Monday on top of having my own concerts this week & having a death in the family. Student success is my utmost goal and calling as an educator, so I thank you for having the patience and support you have shown thus far.
Warmest regards,
Frank Velasco
FMCMEA Vice-President
P.S. PLEASE help us out by sharing this information with everyone and ensuring everyone has the correct information! Thank you!!!
Hello Orchestra Directors, Parents & Guardians,
Thank you so much for your patience as we navigate and work out the next steps after our original Orchestra Representative step down earlier this week. We finally have audition information you have been waiting for. Please understand, with the given situation that we tried our best to accommodate preferences for audition times. We will try to work with everyone if a conflict should arise, but keep in mind, with the sheer number of students signed up to audition, we may be very limited with what we can offer.
Thank you for your patience and understanding that we did our very best. Please know, that we will do our absolute best to stick to this schedule and will not begin any auditions early. Please note, if you miss your audition, you will have to wait until the very end to be heard, and we can not guarantee that there will be time to hear you. Please plan to arrive early so you aren't feeling rushed or frantic and have plenty of time to find your room, warm-up and nail your performance! You've worked hard! Judges will do their best to stick to the schedule, but due to our large registration numbers, some rooms only have 3 minutes to assess their students. If the judge stops you early, it does not mean you did poorly—it simply helps us stay on schedule. Please be ready to "hurry up and wait". We promise, we are doing everything in our power to move things according to the schedule. Thank you for your kindness and understanding in advance.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time, in order to allow enough time for warm up and to find the correct room. There will also be signs posted throughout campus to help. There will be no formal check in, however, if you have any questions or concerns you will be able to find a FMCMEA Volunteer at Fresno Pacific, located on the north side of campus off of Townsend Avenue, the corner of Townsend & Garden would be the easiest to access the front of the building!
Below is all the important information you need to help your student be prepared. Please read everything carefully.
Location of AuditionsFresno Pacific University - 1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
- Home Base (you don't have to check in, but if you would like help finding your room, we will be at the HOME BASE to assist you: Warkentine Culture & Arts Center -- 4838 E Butler Ave, Fresno, CA 93727
- Marpeck Hall (MAR): High School Violins, Violas, & Cellos
- Sattler Hall (SAT): ALL Basses
- North Hall (NOH): Elementary/Intermediate Violins & Cellos
- Wiebe Education Center (WEC): Elementary/Intermediate Violas
Arrival Time: Please plan to arrive 25–30 minutes before your student’s audition time.
This will give them time to:
- Find their warm-up and audition rooms
- Navigate the campus (it is large and easy to get turned around)
- Warm up before they perform
Signs will be posted to help students find their way.
Auditions are timed. If the judge stops your student early, it does not mean they did poorly—it simply helps us stay on schedule. We will audition over 475 students in just four hours.
If a student misses their audition time, we cannot reschedule.
Students should wait outside their audition room 1–2 students before their scheduled time.
Results: After your students' audition, please visit the FMCMEA Website for live updates. We also encourage you to sign up for the 2026 FMCMEA Honor Orchestra Band App where you will also get live updates along with direct communication with the orchestra managers and myself.
FMCMEA Website
2026 FMCMEA Honor Orchestra Band App (also attached to this email)
- If your student does not make an ensemble, we sincerely thank them for their effort and preparation.
- If your student is selected, please ensure they arrive early to all rehearsals.
- Elementary Orchestra: WCAC Green Room
- Intermediate Orchestra: WCAC Blackbox Theater
- High School Orchestra: WCAC Mainstage Theater
Attendance at all rehearsals and the concert is required if selected.
Room Locations on Campus: Warm-up rooms will be close to the audition rooms.
- Warkentine Culture & Arts Center: Home Base (you can find assistance here & where we will be most available to serve you)
- Marpeck Hall (MAR): High School Violins, Violas, & Cellos
- Sattler Hall (SAT): ALL Basses
- North Hall (NOH): Elementary/Intermediate Violins & Cellos
- Wiebe Education Center (WEC): Elementary/Intermediate Violas
Campus maps are attached for your convenience.
We will have two stations located throughout the campus with volunteers to assist you to your rooms along with sinage and chalk to help guide you.
Instrument: Building - Floor - Warm-Up Room - Audition Room
Elem. Violin: North Hall - 1st Floor - BC Lounge - NH 127
Elem. Viola: Wiebe Ed. Cen. - 2nd Floor - WEC 224 - WEC 223
Elem. Cello: North Hall - 1st Floor - NH 124 - NH 125
Elem. Bass: Sattler Hall - 1st Floor - SAT 103 - SAT 102
Int. Violin: North Hall - 1st Floor BC Lounge - NH 123
Int. Viola: Wiebe Ed. Cen.- 2nd Floor WEC 224 - WEC 223
Int. Cello: North Hall - 1st Floor NH 124 - NH 125
Int. Bass: Sattler Hall - 1st Floor SAT 103 - SAT 102
HS Violin: Marpeck Hall - 1st Floor MAR 101 - MAR 102
HS Viola: Marpeck Hall - 1st Floor Mar 107 - Mar 103
HS Cello: SAT/MAR Hall -1st Floor SAT 101 - MAR 108
HS Bass: Sattler Hall - 1st Floor SAT 103 - SAT 102
LASTLY, here is the audition list: 2026 Honor Orchestra Auditions
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday morning & best of luck to you! Again, I apologize for the tardiness of this information and lack of communication. I took over the position this Monday on top of having my own concerts this week & having a death in the family. Student success is my utmost goal and calling as an educator, so I thank you for having the patience and support you have shown thus far.
Warmest regards,
Frank Velasco
FMCMEA Vice-President
P.S. PLEASE help us out by sharing this information with everyone and ensuring everyone has the correct information! Thank you!!!
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