Honor Band Festivals

Honor Band Festivals 2026

Only directors may submit student names. Students must apply through their school band director.

Information for Accepted Honor Band Students

High School Festival

Chair try-out audition requirements are listed below.

March 6-8, 2026

You must be recommended by a band instructor to register for the UM Honor Band. The deadline for directors to recommend students is Feb. 21. We reserve the right to invite a limited number to fill the positions available. Upper-class students will have first preference, but we encourage young talented students to apply as well.

The fee is $85.00 and must be paid upon registration. There are no refunds.

Update

Due to the large number of nominations this year, we will have to impose a registration limit of 240 students. We logistically cannot host any more than this number. We realize that we have invited more than this total. However, historically not all nominees register. Therefore, we will end registration by that total number or the end of the day Wednesday, March 4th, whichever comes first. We cannot accept registrations at the door. Thank you for your understanding on this decision.

Festival Schedule - High School Information for Accepted Honor Band Students

Payment

Don’t forget to also complete the registration form linked above!

Audition Requirements

Auditions for chair placements will take place after check-in on the day of the Festivals. Please refer to the required musical exercises and scales based on grade: middle school (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-12).

Middle School Festival

February 20 & 21, 2026

This two-day festival takes place on February 20 & 21, 2026. The festival begins with chair placement and a rehearsal Friday night. The participants will have an opportunity to hear UM’s chamber ensembles Saturday afternoon. The final concert is also on Saturday afternoon. A complete schedule of events will be updated soon, below.

Students must be recommended by a band instructor in order to register for the UM Honor Band. The deadline for Directors to recommend students is Feb. 6. We reserve the right to invite a limited number to fill the positions available. More experienced students will have first preference, but we encourage young talented students to apply.

For MIDDLE SCHOOL Parents/Guardians: To ensure your student receives an exceptional honor band experience, you must register online by February 16 at 5:00 pm to guarantee all event scheduling and equipment logistics are confirmed. We cannot take registrations at the door on the day of the event.

The fee is $85.00 and must be paid upon registration. There are no refunds.

UPDATE – Middle School

Due to the large number of nominations this year, we will have to impose a registration limit of 240 students. We logistically cannot host any more than this number. We realize that we have invited more than this total. However, historically not all nominees register. Therefore, we will end registration by that total number or the end of the day Monday February 16 whichever comes first. Thank you for your understanding on this decision.