Capitol Concert Series

Each year, the NMEA coordinates the Capitol Concert Series as part of "Music In Our Schools Month®" (MIOSM). MIOSM is officially designated by NAfME to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children and to remind citizens that schools are where all children should have access to music. Ensembles across the state are selected to perform in the Rotunda of the State Capitol in Lincoln where State Senators, along with the public, are invited to attend.

NEW - Starting in 2023, we are excited to introduce additional dates to our Capitol Concert Series!

  • Wednesday, January 17
  • Wednesday, February 14
  • Monday, March 18 - Thursday, March 21 (Music Education Week)
  • Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Each concert hour is 12:00-1:00 pm at the Capitol Building in Lincoln, NE.

Applications for ensemble participation (20-minute concert) in the 2024 Capitol Concerts will be taken online from October 31 to January 15, 2024. The online application will consist of entering member and ensemble information, and uploading two selections.

GUIDELINES:

  • Director must be an NMEA/NAfME member.
  • Only the ensemble that auditions (other than soloists or accompaniment chamber ensemble) may perform at Capitol Concerts.
  • Small instrumental chamber ensembles are encouraged to apply. (LARGE instrumental ensembles are not effective in the Capitol rotunda.)
  • Two good quality selections with a variety of musical styles must be uploaded to complete the application. Files should be labeled with the ensemble/school name, but the selections should NOT identify the ensemble. (Acceptable file formats: mp3, m4a, wav.)
  • A photo of the ensemble must be uploaded and the file labeled with the ensemble/school name.
  • All travel expenses are the responsibility of the school, not NMEA.
  • All equipment needs, with the exception of a piano, will be the responsibility of the school. Specific requests may be allowed after the selection process.
  • The Nebraska State Capitol and the Capitol complex are public buildings that are used daily for the purpose of government. It is understood that the behavior of students is the responsibility of the director and chaperones.
  • NMEA is not responsible for the legislative session going past 12 noon - no groups are allowed to perform while the Legislature is in session.
  • The selection of the ensembles shall be the responsibility of a committee selected by the NMEA Executive Board. Selection will be based on equity regarding instrumental/vocal, grade level, school size and geographic location.
  • NMEA Policy: Groups who performed for the 2022 or 2023 Captiol Concert Series are NOT eligible in 2024.

Past Capitol Concert Series

2023

Pictures coming soon!