2026 Nebraska All-State Orchestra

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2026 ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR

Tobin Stewart is a Professor of Music at Montana State University, where he conducts the Symphony Orchestra and teaches conducting and music education courses. He is the author of Leading as a Conductor: With Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands and brings more than twenty-five years of teaching experience across middle school, high school, and college settings. His career has included work in choir, band, and orchestra classrooms in Florida, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Montana, and he continues to enjoy guest conducting musicians of all ages from state and regional festivals to college and professional settings in the US and Bulgaria, China, and Japan.

As a music educator, Tobin believes deeply in the transformational power of music and the value of creating music in community. It is within these collaborative environments that he finds great joy—serving, influencing, and empowering others to grow as individuals, musicians, and leaders. Central to his work is a passion for encouraging students to lead from their unique strengths while contributing meaningfully to a team.

Tobin regularly presents at regional and national conferences in the areas of conducting, music education, and leadership with recent appearances in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, Montana and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.

His academic background includes a Doctor of Musical Arts in orchestral conducting and a Master of Music in music education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in music education from St. Olaf College. Raised in Montana, Tobin’s love for music and teaching began early, and he now finds great fulfillment in mentoring emerging music educators. Outside of music, Tobin enjoys time with his wife and three children. He also loves a good book, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and a predictable routine.

2026 ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA REPERTOIRE

2026 ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA AUDITION RESULTS

The 2026 All-State Orchestra has been selected, and the list is available for the public to view.

All-State Orchestra Selected Participants

The final concert will be held Friday, November 20 at 7:30 pm at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. We’re looking forward to the 2026 All-State performances and to working with dedicated young musicians from across Nebraska.

DIRECTOR INFORMATION

PARTICIPATION FEE REMINDER

Participation fees ($25 per student) are due by November 2nd. All invoices are handled through Festival Scores. Access links and payment instructions can be found in the Auditions Manual.

ALL-STATE STUDENT CONTRACT

In order for your students to participate in All-State, they will need to sign and return the Participant Contract. Please note that these participant forms must be MAILED in by directors. Students will not be allowed to participate if this form is not postmarked by November 2nd. Directors will need to send in all signed contracts to:

Papillion LaVista South High School
Attn: Scott Dugdale
10799 NE-370
Papillion, NE 68046

Note: ALL STUDENT CONTRACTS MUST BE NOTARIZED!

Download the 2026 Student Contract

ALL-STATE PRESS RELEASES

NMEA will be handling a mass press release to all newspapers in Nebraska. A press release template will not be included in this year's materials.

PARENT & LEGAL GUARDIAN INFORMATION

TICKETS CONCERTS AT THE LIED

Ticket pre-sale must be completed online. Please read the following instruction documents carefully. Ticket pre-sale does not begin until October 26. You will not be able to order tickets until the pre-sale starts.

Band & Orchestra Concert Ticket Instructions (English)

Band & Orchestra Concert Ticket Instructions (Spanish)

ALL-STATE MEMORABILIA

Thank you to the following businesses for providing All-State memorabilia for participating students and their families!