2011 EIU Middle School Honor Band Festival

suspended for 2011...

It brings us no joy that we have to be the bearer of bad news concerning our wonderful Middle School and High School Honor Band Festivals.  
Due to staffing and the continuing budget issues in the state, we cannot offer the Middle School or High School Honor Band Festival this year.
We have discussed many options to continue what we feel is a great festival for your students.  
However, with the lack of funds and staffing in our University Bands area, this feat is mere impossible to hold to the same standard we have these past few years.

We certainly hope we can bring this back in the 2011-2012 academic year and we will keep you up to date with those specifics as they become available.  
On behalf of the University Bands, we can't thank you enough for your wonderful support in the past and hope we can offer these great festivals once again very soon.

As always, if there is anything we can do for your program, please let us know.

Thank you and nothing but the best for you and your wonderful students!

Saturday, February 6th

The EIU Bands are proud to host the 2010 EIU Middle School Honor Band Festival in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Saturday, February 6th, 2010. This is a special year as only 8th Grade students will spend the day rehearsing and performing with renowned guest composer / arranger Michael Story along with our very own Dr. Milton Allen, Director of Bands and Mr. Barry Houser, Associate Director of Bands in Eastern Illinois University's state of the art facilities.

About the Festival

The EIU Middle School Honor Band Festival is designed to provide students the opportunity to make music in a “first-hand” experience with an internationally recognized composer. The emphasis of the festival is therefore placed on the musical process, rather than “chair position.” Clinics presented by the conductors for attending directors are also a part of the day’s activities. Students and directors eat lunch on their own, but a list of restaurants – in addition to the EIU Food Court – will be made available. The Music Shoppe will also be on hand to take care of any instrumental business required – or emergency repairs! 

Selection Process  

This year there will be one band, and we are inviting 8th graders only (7th & 8th again in 2011). While there is no formal audition process, all interested students must fill out an on-line application and be recommended by their director.  Selection and seating in the bands will be based on directors’ recommendations.  Every school submitting names will be guaranteed at least two students selected (although we will accommodate as many of students as instrumentation allows).  Do know that double reeds, low reeds, horns, and low brass are often given preference.  We believe that every student should have the opportunity to work with our guest and, therefore, emphasis is placed on inclusion, rather than selection.  Directors are encouraged to determine a more specific selection process if you wish.  The festival is capped at 150 students. Registration deadline is Friday, November 20, 2009.

Do understand that emphasis is not on chair position, but the overall experience of working with our conductors and making music!

Cost 

The fee for the festival: $40 per student, which includes a t-shirt and all instructional materials.  Directors will be notified of accepted musicians via email. It is then the responsibility of the Director to submit fees on behalf of attending students by Friday, January 22nd.  ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. If a student is unable to attend, another student from that school may attend instead.

Application           

The application process is simple and completely automated. Please click the appropriate link and start sending in nominations today!

Student (11/20/09 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION)

Request a Director's Application (11/20/09 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION)          

Additional Information