The Lipscomb University Middle & High School Honor Bands Festival will be held November 15 and 16, 2023. This festival is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of exceptional middle and high school musicians in the Greater Nashville area, providing an opportunity to work with great guest conductors, and get to know the amazing faculty at Lipscomb University. The festival also includes master classes and performances with world-renowned musicians and educators. We are thrilled to welcome you all to campus.
The Clinicians:
Dr. Ben Blasko – High School Honor Band
Mr. Noel Hicks – Middle School Honor Band
Important Dates:
- October 1 – Audition recordings due
- October 10 – Decisions and ensemble rosters posted
- October 15 – Music will be emailed to the provided email address
- November 15 and 16, 2023 – Honor Band
To apply:
Participants will submit a video audition and will be placed into one of two honor bands. The weekend will conclude with a concert by both of the ensembles. Guideline can be found below.
Step 1 (information):
Video auditions are required from those students selected to attend either Honor Band by October 1st, 2023. Along with the video, a short form will need to be completed. The applicant will need to know the following (Directors can submit on behalf of the student):
- Student’s full name
- Instrument
- School Attending
- Band Director’s Name
- Grade
- Years of Experience
- Previous all-county, all-state, honor band, and/or musical experience/ability.
- Email to send pdf music to if selected
Step 2 (submission):
- Record audition material
- Upload to YouTube as an “unlisted” video
- Provide your information and video link here.
Audition Guidelines by instrument:
- Wind players: must play 2 major scales and a prepared piece
- Percussionists: must play 2 scales, 2 snare rudiments, and 3 minutes of a prepared piece.
Wednesday
9:00am – Check-in (McMeen Lobby)
9:45am – Required meeting with all students (Collins Auditorium)
10am-12:45pm – Rehearsal
12:45-1:30pm – Lunch (Shamblin Theater)
1:30-3:00pm – High School Rehearsal
3:00-4:00pm – Guest Performance (Collins Auditorium)
4:00-5:00pm – Rehearsal All
Thursday
9am-12:45pm – Rehearsal
12:45-1:30pm – Lunch (Shamblin Theater)
1:30-3:00pm – High School Rehearsal
3:00-4:00pm – Guest Performance All (Collins Auditorium)
3:00-4:45pm – Rehearsal All
4:45-5:00pm – All meet in Collins Auditorium
5:00-6:00pm – Dinner All
6:00-6:45pm – Change into Concert Attire
7:00pm – Concert (Collins Auditorium)
Wednesday
9:00am – Check-in
9:45am – Required meeting with all students (Collins Auditorium)
10am-12:00pm – Rehearsal
12:00-12:45pm – Lunch (Shamblin Theater)
12:45-2:00pm – Rehearsal
2:00-3:00pm – Sectionals
3:00-4:00pm – Guest Performance all (Collins)
4:00-5:00pm – Rehearsal All
Thursday
10am-12:00pm – Rehearsal
12:00-12:45pm – Lunch (Shamblin Theater)
12:45-2:00pm – Rehearsal
2:00-3:00pm – Sectionals
3:00-4:00pm – Guest Performance all (Collins)
3:00-4:45pm – Rehearsal All
4:45-5:00pm – All meet (Collins)
5:00-6:00pm – Dinner all
6:00-6:45pm – Change into Concert Attire
7:00pm – Concert
Those who wish to audition for ensemble scholarships or entrance into the Lipscomb School of Music can do so on Thursday, during the afternoon rehearsal block. Those interested in auditioning to be a music major should contact Dr. Blasko at bablasko [at] lipscomb.edu (bablasko[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) by October 15th, 2023 to schedule a time to audition.
Please also submit two pre-screening videos through your Bison Portal when applying for the university. You can find more information regarding audition guidelines for these pre-screening materials here.
