CU Boulder High School Honor Band
Thank you for your interest in the CU Boulder High School Honor Band, providing a premier musical experience for students from across Colorado.
Our goal is to enhance the opportunity students receive in their school band program by allowing them to meet and perform with other students. Participants benefit from master classes with CU Boulder faculty and rehearse as an ensemble for two days. At the end of the festival, they present a full-length concert that demonstrates their growth and development.
Feb. 20-21, 2026
Guest clinician
TBD
Audition deadline: The 2026 audition deadline will be announced in fall 2025.
Students selected for the High School Honor Band will be notified in early December 2025. Selected students are expected to attend all scheduled programming and activities on Feb. 20-21, 2026 including the Friday evening CU Boulder Wind Symphony + Symphonic Band concert. Parents are responsible for transportation, lodging and supervision at all other times during the High School Honor Band weekend.
Please see the sections below for repertoire and recording guidelines.
Rehearsals and performances will take place at the University of Colorado Boulder. Check-in will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 with master classes, rehearsals and the CU Boulder Wind Symphony + Symphonic Band concert that evening. The High School Honor Band will rehearse from approximately 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 and will perform a concert in Macky Auditorium that evening.
2025 High School Honor Band results
Auditions
Auditions are open to all students grades 9-12. Auditions are online only.
Record one student per file, and just one file per student. Do not alter the recording in any way.
Recording + submission guidelines
Audition materials
Audition materials for 2026 will be posted here in fall 2025.
Please note that chair placement within the ensembles will be based on the initial audition.
Fees
There is no fee to audition; the cost to participate in the festival if selected is $40 per student.
Private instructors
As many directors requested, we have compiled a list of graduate and undergraduate students, alumni and faculty who are interested in offering private lessons. Note: The College of Music does not specifically endorse any private instructor on this list; this is simply a resource for you and your students.
Questions? Email HSHonorBand@colorado.edu.