The Marshall University High School Honor Band Festival will be held February 19-21, 2025. The Honor Band Festival is an event developed for the purpose of recognizing the achievements of exceptional high school musicians and provide an opportunity to work with great guest conductors from around the country and get to know the amazing faculty at Marshall University. Once again, we are thrilled to welcome some outstanding music educators and conductors from around the country.

The weekend includes workshops and master classes with world-renowned musicians, performances by the Marshall Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, and demonstrations by student ensembles. Participants will submit a video audition and will be placed into one of three honor bands. The weekend will conclude with a concert by all three of the ensembles.

All students must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone for the event.

The Clinicians
Wind Symphony
Dr. Gary P. Gilroy – Director of Bands, California State University, Fresno

Symphonic Band
Dr. Devan Moore – Assistant Director of Bands/Athletic Bands, Florida State

Concert Band
Mr. Marc Whitlock – Conn Selmer/Music for All

Click here to view the Performance Flow Map.

Tentative Honor Band Itinerary

Wednesday

1:00 – check-in
2:30 – Required meeting with all students in recital hall
3:00 – Boyd County Concert Band & Marshall University Wind Symphony concert
4:00 – Move to rehearsal area
4:15 – Rehearsals begin

Locations:

Wind Symphony – Recital Hall
Symphony Band – 143
Concert Band – 150

5:00 – Conducting Workshop/Seminar for directors (Sign up for waiting list here) – All are welcome to attend.
7:00 – rehearsal ends

Thursday

9:00 – Rehearsal begins
12:15 – Lunch

Concert Band

1:50 – Masterclasses for students
2:00 – Clinician Workshop for directors w/Dr. Myra Rhoden
2:20 – Student tour and Q&A with Marshall Directors
3:00 – Rehearsal
5:45 – Rehearsal ends, move to Recital Hall
6:00 – Marshall Symphonic Band Concert
7:00 – dinner

Symphonic Band

1:45 – Rehearsal
3:05 – Masterclasses for students
3:15 – Clinician Workshop for directors w/ Garrett Griffin
3:35 – Student tour and Q&A with Marshall Directors
4:15 – Rehearsal

Wind Ensemble

1:45 – Rehearsal
4:30 – Student tour and Q&A with Marshall Directors
4:45 – Clinician Workshop for directors w/Dr. Jason Caslor
5:15 – Masterclasses for students

Friday

9:00 – Rehearsal (Symphonic Band in Recital Hall)
Presentation/Discussion with guest composer: Nicole Piunno
12:00 – Lunch
1:30 – Rehearsal (Concert Band in Recital Hall)
3:30 – Rehearsal Ends
4:00 – Hall opens
4:30 – Honor Band Concert Begins
Performance order: Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony

Date: February 19-21, 2025

Location: Marshall University - 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755

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