Dear Band Directors and Music Students,<\/p>\n
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\u201328, 2026, on our historic campus.<\/p>\n
This three-day festival provides an exceptional opportunity for talented middle school (grades 6\u20138) and high school (grades 9\u201312) 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.<\/p>\n
Audition Information<\/p>\n
Audition Requirements
\nStudents are selected based on audition recordings that demonstrate both technical proficiency and musical artistry.<\/p>\n
Middle School:<\/p>\n
Scales: Chromatic (practical range), C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D<\/p>\n
Rudiments (Percussion): Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke\/Long Roll, Paradiddle, Flam<\/p>\n
High School:<\/p>\n
Scales: Chromatic (practical range), C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D, A<\/p>\n
Rudiments (Percussion): Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke\/Long Roll, Paradiddle, Flam, Drag<\/p>\n
Required Etudes: High school students must include recordings of the required etudes available in the Google Drive folder:<\/p>\n
Audition recordings must include all listed requirements and should be submitted using the official Audition Link.<\/p>\n
Audition Timeline<\/p>\n
December 15, 2025: Audition videos due<\/p>\n
January 4, 2026: Selected students notified<\/p>\n
January 15, 2026: $45 participation fee due (mandatory for participation)<\/p>\n
Festival Fee: $45 (non-refundable; due after selection)
\nIncludes festival T-shirt, meals (Feb 27 lunch & dinner; Feb 28 brunch), and all activities.
\nLodging is not provided and is the responsibility of participants.<\/p>\n
Festival Highlights<\/p>\n
Rehearsals and sectionals with experienced conductors and JSU faculty<\/p>\n
Master classes with applied professors<\/p>\n
Performance by the JSU Wind Ensemble<\/p>\n
Final concert performances by both Honor Bands<\/p>\n
Clinicians:<\/p>\n
Mr. Kevan Johnson \u2013 Middle School Honor Band<\/p>\n
Dr. Roderick Little \u2013 High School Honor Band<\/p>\n
Festival Schedule<\/p>\n
A complete schedule of festival activities\u2014including rehearsals, master classes, and performances\u2014can be accessed here:
\n👉 2026 JSU Honor Band Schedule<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For audition materials, links, and additional information, please contact:
\nRoderick Little, Ph.D.
\nFestival Chair | 601-979-763 | Roderick.D.Little@jsums.edu<\/p>\n
We look forward to hosting you on our campus and celebrating the musical talents of the next generation of young artists.<\/p>\n
Musically yours,<\/p>\n
Roderick Little, PhD.
\n601-979-7063 or Roderick.D.Little@jsums.edu<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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