EIU Department of Music

36th Annual HS Honor Band Festival

Saturday, December 9, 2023—8:30am-5:15pm

This year we will offer one auditioned ensemble and one non-auditioned ensemble.

Audition Video Submision deadline is 10:00pm on Friday, October 27, 2023.

For non-auditioning students interested in participating, the student application and band director nomination form deadline is 10:00pm on Friday, October 27, 2023.

The EIU HS Honor Band festival will bring approximately 120-150 of the best high school band students around Illinois and Indiana to campus for a day of rehearsals, master classes, a faculty recital, and a culminating concert conducted by EIU band directors, Dr. Alicia Neal and Prof. David Boggs.

To be considered for the High School Honor Band Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Neal, students must submit an audition video and an online application. The video audition procedure is similar to the Illinois All-State audition video submission, and using the same video is encouraged. For those who did not audition for All-State, alternative audition material and submission instructions are below.

Students who prefer not to audition for placement should submit an application, accompanied by a band director nomination form. These students will only be considered for participation in the High School Honor Band Concert Band, which will be conducted by Prof. David Boggs.

All participating students will receive lunch, a t-shirt, and all instruction and materials for only $25/student. All-State and FME participants from the 2022-2023 academic year pay only $10 to participate. All participants and audience members will hear a performance by the EIU Wind Symphony to conclude the day.

Click here to see a schedule for the day.

HS Honor Band Wind Symphony Audition Procedures:

Here is the link to submit your online application and video audition. You will be asked to copy and paste a YouTube audition link at the end of your application form. Please do not click this link and complete the form until your video is ready to upload.

Honor Band Festival Audition Application and Video Link

HS Honor Band Concert Band Application and Recommendation Procedures:

Acceptance and Payment:

All students who auditioned will be notified via e-mail by Monday, November 6th regarding their acceptance into the groups. Directors of selected students will also be notified via e-mail.

Once students are notified of their participation in the Honor Band Festival, payment should be postmarked by Friday, November 17. If extenuating circumstances arise with regards to the payment deadline, please contact Dr. Neal directly via email at: amneal2@eiu.edu 

The cost is $25/student. 2022-2023 All-State and FME participants should pay $10/student. Checks should be made out to "EIU." Please mail payments to:

EIU Band Program, Attn: HS Honor Band Festival, 2620 Doudna, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920.

Auditioning students not using your IMEA audition material, click on your instrument to download a printable pdf packet containing the alternative audition materials (available by October 6, 2023).

Flute

Oboe

B-flat Clarinet

Bass Clarinet

Bassoon

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet

Horn

Trombone

Bass Trombone

Euphonium T.C.

Euphonium B.C.

Tuba

Percussion