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During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the massed choral ensemble became a popular phenomenon in American cultural life. Assuming various formats, it also found a permanent place in choral music education in the schools. Today, it exists as the all-state chorus, and is supported as a goal of choral music education programs in every state in the nation. In spite of its prevalence, few studies have addressed its policies and practices or its effectiveness as an educational endeavor. This book provides an overview of policies and practices utilized in all-state choral events; and, opinions of active all-state choral clinicians regarding the effectiveness of these policies and practices. Subjects were those involved in the organization of all-state events in each state and the District of Columbia as well as clinicians who had conducted all- state choirs in at least three states during a five year period. An analysis of the data provides an examination of policies and practices currently employed in schools as well as suggestions for improvement in the planning of all-state events.

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Dawn Harmon McCord is Associate Professor at the University of West Georgia. Dr. McCord´s studies include Florida State University (BMEd), Louisiana State University (MM: Choral Conducting), and University of Georgia (DMA). Her research interests include projects on all-state choral policies and procedures, keyboard proficiency, and Sacred Harp.

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