2024-2025 Samford Honor Band Festivals

The Samford Honor Band Festival allows middle and high school students the opportunity to collaborate, rehearse, and perform with peers from various schools in Alabama and surrounding states. Our hope is that students will leave with a renewed passion for music-making through connecting with fellow musicians, our wonderful faculty, and the distinguished guest conductors. 

Middle School Honor Band Festival

The deadline for middle school honor band applications is October 11.

Application Pay Your Registration Fee Middle School Honor Band Information

High School Honor Band Festival

More information is coming soon.

Please direct all questions to jgillen@samford.edu

Clinicians

Middle School

Kim Bain
Director of Bands Emeritus at Pizitz Middle School
(Also the Samford Saxophone Instructor)

Katie Burnside
Director of Bands at Helena Middle School

High School

Justin White
Interim Director of Bands
Festival Winds
Samford University

 

Heather Palmer
Assistant Director of Bands & Samford Alum
Symphonic Winds
Vestavia Hills High School

 
 

Eligibility

Samford Middle School Honor Band

6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will be considered for the middle school portion of the Samford Honor Band.

Samford High School Honor Band

9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students will be considered for the high school portion of the Samford Honor Band.

Ensembles

  • Festival Winds
  • Symphonic Winds
  • Middle School Red Band
  • Middle School Blue Band

Middle School ensembles will be divided equally.

How Can I Be Selected?

Students will be selected based on the following:

  • Application
  • Director Recommendation.
    • Recommendation forms will be sent to your directors. They will provide input on your performance within your band program.
  • Prior honor band experience will be strongly considered

Fees

Application Fee: $5 (High School Only)

If selected, there is an $85.00 participation fee. This fee includes:

  • Instruction from our distinguished clinicians
  • Samford Honor Band Shirt
  • Samford Honor Band Pin
  • Provided meal(s) and snacks

Audition Material

For Middle School Participants, auditions for ensemble and chair placements will be held on Sunday, November 12th.

For High School Participants, auditions for ensemble and chair placements will be held on Thursday, January 11th.

High School Requirements

  • 23-24 Alabama High School All-State lyrical selection
  • 2 scales of student choosing (2 octaves preferred)

Middle School Requirements

  • 23-24 Alabama Middle School All-State lyrical selection
  • 2 scales of student choosing

Juniors & Seniors: Interested in potentially studying at Samford University?

Contact us at jgillen@samford.edu to schedule a time to meet with faculty to discuss joining the Samford Family.