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.
Our 2024 guest conductor is Mary Schneider, director of bands and professor of conducting at Eastern Michigan University.
Feb. 23-24, 2024
Both the rehearsals and the performance will take place at the University of Colorado Boulder. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, 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. 24, and perform a concert in Macky Auditorium that evening.
2024 High School Honor Band results
Students will be notified of their audition results by Dec. 15, 2023. We will post the honor band rosters shortly thereafter.
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.
New submission process for 2024
We will no longer be using Google Drive to collect audition recordings. Please review the new submission guidelines below for how to submit your recording.
New audition submission guidelines
Audition materials
2024 CU Boulder High School Honor Band audition materials
Please note that chair placement within the ensembles will be based on the initial audition.
Audition deadline: All audition submissions must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.
Directors will receive a list of students selected for the High School Honor Band and all students will be notified by Dec. 15, 2023. Selected students are expected to attend all scheduled programming and activities on Feb. 23-24, 2024, 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.
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.