USA Concert Honor Band
High School Students in Grades 9-12 are Eligible to Apply!
About the Honor Band
We welcome students in grades 9-12 to apply for the University of South Alabama Concert Honor Band to be held Friday, December 8, 2023 - Saturday, December 9, 2023 on the campus of the University of South Alabama!
Hosted in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, students will experience a rewarding weekend of music-making! The Red Band will be conducted by nationally recognized conductor and music educator, Dr. Chad Nicholson, Director of Bands at the University of Arizona. Dr. Will Petersen, Director of Bands at the University of South Alabama, along with Dr. Robert Abend, Associate Director of Bands at USA will team up to conduct the Blue Band. Both groups will perform an their finale concert in the Laidlaw Performing Ars Center Recital Hall on Saturday evening, December 9th.
Application Process
Students currently in grades 9-12 can apply online beginning Monday, September 18th through a registration link on this page. Students should apply for themselves for consideration. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Once the application process is closed, directors for all the schools represented in the applications will be emailed and asked to rank their students who have applied. Once rankings are received both bands will be selected and a list of accepted students will be posted on Friday, November 10, 2023.
2023 University of South Alabama Concert Honor Band Student Application
Concert Honor Wind Ensemble Features
• Instruction by nationally recognized clinicians and masterclasses by USA faculty
• Concert Honor Band Medal
• Concert Honor Band T-shirt
• Red Band Finale Concert and Blue Band Finale Concert
Costs
There is no cost to apply for the University of South Alabama Concert Honor Wind Ensemble. Students who are selected for this event will pay a $50.00 registration fee. This registration fee covers the costs of all features and activities.
Schedule of Events
University of South Alabama
2023 Concert Honor Band Weekend
Schedule of Events
Friday, December 8, 2023
1:00 PM-1:45 PM - Registration Open (Lobby of the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center)
- Accepted students will be sent to warm-up rooms – when warmed up proceed to your audition room
- Percussionists will meet at 4PM in the Percussion Storage Room for part assignments
- Placement auditions will consist of a short etude, scales, and sight reading
- Warm-up areas will be available (Laidlaw Rehearsal Room and Practice Rooms)
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM – Seating Auditions
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Rehearsal and Sectionals
- Red Band - Recital Hall Stage
- Blue Band - Rehearsal Hall
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Rehearsal and Sectionals
- Red Band - Recital Hall Stage
- Blue Band - Rehearsal Hall
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Dinner on own
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Full Ensemble Rehearsal
- Red Band - Recital Hall Stage
- Blue Band - Rehearsal Hall
9:30 PM - Rehearsal complete
- Students must depart for hotels or local residences.
- Chaperones and Band Directors in attendance are responsible for students.
- Secure areas will be made available for storage of instruments.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
8:15 AM - Laidlaw Performing Arts Center open for students wishing to warm-up or practice
8:55 AM - All student participants should be seated in their ensemble, warming up
9:00 AM - Rehearsal
- Red Band - Recital Hall
- Blue Band - Rehearsal Hall
12:00 PM - Lunch Break (on your own)
1:30 PM - Rehearsal
- Red Band - Rehearsal Hall
- Blue Band - Recital Hall Stage
4:00 PM – Break
6:00 PM - Blue Band Finale Concert (Laidlaw Recital Hall) – FREE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC!
7:30 PM - Red Band Finale Concert (Laidlaw Recital Hall) – FREE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC!