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. 21-22, 2025

Guest clinician
Kevin Sedatole, director of bands, Michigan State University

Audition deadline: All audition submissions must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.

Students selected for the High School Honor Band will be notified by Dec. 6, 2024. Selected students are expected to attend all scheduled programming and activities on Feb. 21-22, 2025 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 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 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. 22, 2025, and will perform a concert in Macky Auditorium that evening.

2024 schedule

2025 High School Honor Band results

Students will be notified of their audition results by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Rosters will be posted here shortly thereafter.

Auditions

Auditions are open to all students grades 9-12. Auditions are online only.

Upload your audition 

Record one student per file, and just one file per student. Do not alter the recording in any way.

Recording + 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.

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.