Ohio University Honor Band Festival
The Honor Band Festival brings together the best high school musicians and professional music faculty over one weekend, November 30 - December 2, in Athens, Ohio.
Overview
Please join us on the beautiful campus of Ohio University for an inspiring three days of music making with the acclaimed, woodwind, brass, and percussion faculty in the School of Music. Students selected for the Honor Band Festival will have the opportunity to advance their musical, technical, and creative skills in large ensemble settings, as well as participate in master classes and special performances with our faculty.
The festival kicks off with "Band-O-Rama!" a special concert by the Ohio University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, University Band, and Marching 110, and it also features a performance by the OU Jazz Ensemble I.
Registration & Fees
There is no fee required for the nomination process. The festival fee is $50, collected upon acceptance into the Honor Band.
Lodging and Transportation
Band directors will be responsible for making housing and transportation arrangements for this year’s event. Directors and participants will be provided with a list of hotels that will offer a special discounted rate for festival participants. A list of area hotels is provided below for your convenience.
Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Ave.
Athens, OH 45701
866.593.6661
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
11 E Park Dr.
Athens, OH 45701
740.592.4260
Complimentary Breakfast
Fairfield Inn and Suites
924 E. State St.
Athens, OH 45701
740.589.5839
Complimentary Breakfast
Hampton Inn Athens
986 E. State St.
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.5600
Complimentary Breakfast
Festival Schedule
(subject to change)
Thursday, November 30, 2023
| 5:30–7:00 PM | Student check-in (students receive ensemble assignments at check-in) |
| 7:15 PM | Pre-Concert Introductory Meeting |
| 8:00 PM | *BAND-O-RAMA! with the Ohio University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, University Band, and Marching 110 at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. This event is free – no ticket is needed. (concert will be livestreamed) |
| 9:45 PM | Dismissal |
Friday, December 1, 2023
| 8:00–8:45 AM | Late arrival registration/check in
Memorial Auditorium |
| 9:00 AM–12 PM |
Rehearsal:
|
| 12:15–1:30 PM | Lunch on your own (Uptown Athens area or Baker Center offers many dining options) |
| 2:00–3:00 PM | Master Classes with Applied Faculty |
| 3:00–5:30 PM |
Rehearsal:
|
| 5:30–7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00–9:00 PM |
Rehearsal: • Festival Wind Symphony @ Glidden 101 |
| 9:15–10:30 PM | Jazz I Performance @ Glidden Recital Hall |
| 10:30 PM | Post-concert reception for Honor Ensemble participants |
Saturday, December 2, 2023
| 9:30 AM-12 PM |
Rehearsal: Festival Wind Symphony @ Glidden 101 |
| 12:00-1:15 PM | Lunch on your own (the uptown area offers many dining options) & change into concert dress in the designated rooms on the fourth floor of Glidden Hall |
| 1:30-3:00 PM | Dress Rehearsal for both bands at Memorial Auditorium (in concert dress) |
| 4:00 PM | HONOR BANDS FESTIVAL CONCERT Festival Symphonic Band and Festival Wind Symphony |
| 5:30PM | OHIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT |
Festival Application/Audition Process
- Instrumental Directors may nominate up to 10 students for participation in the Honor Band. (Please list students in order of ability, regardless of instrument, and list prior playing experience, i.e., past OU Honor Band, Region, State Honor Bands, etc.). Students may be nominated using the online form (available soon). The nomination deadline is October 27th.
- Participants will be selected from the nominated students. At least two students from every school will be selected, and other students will be selected based on rank order and other information submitted by band directors. Directors may nominate students by filling out the online audition form. Directors, please be sure that the students you nominate are available for the dates of clinic and that they want to participate.
- Nominated student participants will be notified on November 3rd and will be sent ensemble/chair placement audition material via email.
- Participants arrive on campus on November 30 and receive chair and ensemble placement results.
Additional Information and Questions
Please don't hesitate to contact us directly regarding the Festival:
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr. William Talley at wtalley@ohio.edu (Bands/Orchestra)
Ohio University Honor Band Festival
℅ Dr. William Talley, Director of Bands
School of Music
497B Robert Glidden Hall
Athens, Ohio 45701