Dear Band Directors and Music Students,

It is with great excitement that we invite you to participate in the 2026 Jackson State University Department of Music Middle & High School Honor Band Festival, taking place February 26–28, 2026, on our historic campus.

This three-day festival provides an exceptional opportunity for talented middle school (grades 6–8) and high school (grades 9–12) band students to experience a collegiate-level environment of musical excellence. Participants will rehearse and perform under the direction of distinguished guest clinicians, attend master classes with our faculty, and enjoy a special performance by the university Wind Ensemble.

Based on audition recordings, some students will be selected for a complimentary private lesson during the festival with faculty members.

Audition Information

Audition Requirements
Students are selected based on audition recordings that demonstrate both technical proficiency and musical artistry.

Middle School:

• Scales: Chromatic (practical range), C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D

• Rudiments (Percussion): Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke/Long Roll, Paradiddle, Flam

• Required Etudes: Middle school students must include recordings of the required etudes available in the Google Drive folder:

High School:

• Scales: Chromatic (practical range), C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D, A

• Rudiments (Percussion): Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke/Long Roll, Paradiddle, Flam, Drag

• Required Etudes: High school students must include recordings of the required etudes available in the Google Drive folder:
  

Audition recordings must include all listed requirements and should be submitted using the official Audition Link.

Audition Timeline

• December 15, 2025: Audition videos due

• January 4, 2026: Selected students notified

• January 15, 2026: $45 participation fee due (mandatory for participation)

Festival Fee: $45 (non-refundable; due after selection)
Includes festival T-shirt, meals (Feb 27 lunch & dinner; Feb 28 brunch), and all activities.
Lodging is not provided and is the responsibility of participants.

Festival Highlights

• Rehearsals and sectionals with experienced conductors and JSU faculty

• Master classes with applied professors

• Performance by the JSU Wind Ensemble

• Final concert performances by both Honor Bands

Clinicians:

• Mr. Kevan Johnson – Middle School Honor Band

• Dr. Roderick Little – High School Honor Band

Festival Schedule

A complete schedule of festival activities including rehearsals, master classes, and performances can be accessed here: Honor Band Schedule

We look forward to welcoming you to Jackson State University for a weekend of musical excellence, collaboration, and growth. This experience will not only strengthen your musicianship but also provide meaningful connections with other talented young artists and educators from across the region.

For audition materials, links, and additional information, please contact:
Roderick Little, PhD
Festival Chair | 601-979-7063 | Roderick.D.Little@jsums.edu

We look forward to hosting you on our campus and celebrating the musical talents of the next generation of young artists.

Musically yours,

Roderick Little, PhD
Festival Chair, JSU Middle & High School Honor Band
Department of Music | Jackson State University

Department of Music