EMU High School Honor Band | November 18-19, 2023

Eastern Michigan University Bands is proud to host our annual weekend event for high school instrumentalists on our campus. HS Band Directors nominate their outstanding winds/brass/ percussion students for consideration EMU Honor Band. Conducted by the Director and Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Mary K. Schneider and Dr. J. Nick Smith, this two-day event will provide an enriching musical experience for all participants through the study and performance of varied repertoire. While on campus, students will also receive expert group instruction on their instrument from our applied School of Music & Dance faculty, and enjoy a #TruEMU college experience. 

In addition to Saturday ensemble rehearsals, sectionals with EMU applied faculty, and provided meals, members of the Honor Band will receive a complementary ticket to attend the Bandorama Concert at 7pm that evening, featuring the EMU Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony. Students will return to campus on Sunday for rehearsal and lunch prior to the culminating Honor Band concert performance at 3:00pm in Pease Auditorium.  Honor Band students who are ranked No. 1 overall in each section following auditions will be invited to perform a selection with the EMU Wind Symphony at Bandorama. 

Band Director and Nominated Student Forms

Due by October 2

Director Nominations Now Closed

Due by October 15

Submit Audition and Info

October 24 thru 31 only

Accepted Student Registration Fee

2023 EMU Honor Band
Tentative Schedule   

Saturday, November 18
8:15-8:45am  Registration: Pease Auditorium Lobby
9:00-11:30am Rehearsal
12:00-12:45 Lunch (provided)
1:00-2:15pm Sectionals
2:30-5:00pm Rehearsal 
5:15-6:15pm Dinner (provided)
7:00-9:00pm Bandorama Concert at Pease Auditorium

Sunday, November 19
9:45am Check-in | WarmUp - Pease Aud.
10:00am-12:45pm Rehearsal
1:00-2:00pm Lunch (provided) 
2:00pm Change into concert attire

Concert 3:00pm (free admission)
Pease Auditorium

*concert dress code is the same as it is for your own high school performances.







Hotel (optional)
A limited block of discounted rooms is available exclusively for Honor Band students/families on Saturday, Nov. 19. Book directly by calling Ann Arbor Regent Hotel and Suites reservations at 800-973-6101 or online at Ann Arbor Regent Hotel using group code "EMUHONORS23" for discounted rate, good through Nov. 10 only.


Tickets for the November 18 Bandorama Concert are available for purchase for those who are not student-members of the Honor Band. A complimentary ticket will be available from EMU Bands for any sponsoring HS Band Director at the event.