REGISTRATIONS are now CLOSED
Due to the COVID-19 situation, this year's Senior High Honor Band event has been postponed until next year. Thank you for your understanding and we hope you all stay safe.
General honor event information:
This is your chance to allow your best students to come and play with top performers at their same level. When recommending students keep our criteria in mind.
Each fall, the UMD Bands host their annual high school honor band festival. This festival typically features 2 honor bands each totaling between 60 and 100 musicians.
If you have questions please email Dr. Mark Whitlock, [email protected] or call 218-726-6124.
Our Honor Band Philosophy
The purpose of this festival is to give the best students in your program a chance to participate in an ensemble that not only performs well but provides the students an opportunity to learn more about music and hopefully inspire them to become more excited about music. While we want bands that play well at the concert, we are more concerned about what your students learn while they are here at UMD. The level of performance does not always reflect what has been learned. Having said that, I would like you to consider the following when you are nominating your students.
- Nominate only those who you know have achieved a level of skill beyond beginner level.
- Please nominate students who have good attitudes and want to learn.
- Please nominate students who want to work hard.
- Nominate those who will appreciate the opportunity you/we are providing them and want to take there experiences back home to help improve your program.
Fall Festival Info & Schedule - Postponed until next year - 2021
The Gold Band
Membership in this ensemble should be limited to only the best musicians in the state. In most cases, students should have been members of one of the All-State ensembles, be in the first section of your band and/or have received a "1" rating at solo and ensemble contest. If you have a student that you feel is truly outstanding you may submit their name. Be sure to document the student’s accomplishments. Students not selected for this band will automatically be considered for the Maroon Band.
The Maroon Band
I am asking that you recommend other outstanding students from your band program for this ensemble. Your strongest juniors and seniors, other students who have attended honor bands or students who are serious musicians in your program should be considered.
The UMD Faculty will also be on hand to give clinics and performances throughout the weekend. A more complete biography is available in the honor band information packet. I am looking forward to having the chance to meet your fine students. All of us at UMD sincerely hope that you can find the time to become involved with this special festival.
How to Nominate
Please be specific about percussionist’s strengths (tympani, mallets, snare, etc.) and also indicate whether the baritone players read bass clef or treble clef.
Please nominate only students who have expressed an interest in participating and who can guarantee that they will attend if selected. We would like to make this event as musical and memorable as possible. So a commitment is essential.
On-line nominations will be available by mid June. Also please remember that you must fill out and submit a form for EACH student that you would like to nominate.
REGISTRATIONS are currently CLOSED due to the COVID-19 situation
If you have questions or problems nominating your students, please email: [email protected]
For daily up-dates and further information on our Senior High School Honor Band Festival visit us here often!
Contact Information
Mark Whitlock, Director of Bands
p: 218.726.6124
f: 218.726.8210
[email protected]
212 Humanities Building
1201 Ordean Court
Duluth, MN 55812
Our Honor Band Philosophy
The purpose of this festival is to give the best students in your program a chance to participate in an ensemble that not only performs well but provides the students an opportunity to learn more about music and hopefully inspire them to become more excited about music. While we want bands that play well at the concert, we are more concerned about what your students learn while they are here at UMD. The level of performance does not always reflect what has been learned. Having said that, I would like you to consider the following when you are nominating your students.
- Nominate only those who you know have achieved a level of skill beyond beginner level.
- Please nominate students who have good attitudes and want to learn.
- Please nominate students who want to work hard.
- Nominate those who will appreciate the opportunity you/we are providing them and want to take there experiences back home to help improve your program.
Guest Artist - To be announced
Fall Festival Info & Schedule - coming soon
On Friday, November 6th and Saturday, November 7th, 2020 the University of Minnesota Duluth's Department of Music will be hosting its 63rd Annual Senior High Honor Band Festival. As always, our hope is to provide you and your students with the best experience possible. This year there will be two bands, the Gold Band and the Maroon Band. We will keep membership for the Gold Band to around 65-70 members.
The Gold Band
Membership in this ensemble should be limited to only the best musicians in the state. In most cases, students should have been members of one of the All-State ensembles, be in the first section of your band and/or have received a "1" rating at solo and ensemble contest. If you have a student that you feel is truly outstanding you may submit their name. Be sure to document the student’s accomplishments. Students not selected for this band will automatically be considered for the Maroon Band.
The Maroon Band
I am asking that you recommend other outstanding students from your band program for this ensemble. Your strongest juniors and seniors, other students who have attended honor bands or students who are serious musicians in your program should be considered.
The UMD Faculty will also be on hand to give clinics and performances throughout the weekend. A more complete biography is available in the honor band information packet. I am looking forward to having the chance to meet your fine students. All of us at UMD sincerely hope that you can find the time to become involved with this special festival.
How to Nominate
Nominations for the Senior High Honor Band Festival can be done online next year 2021
Please be specific about percussionist’s strengths (tympani, mallets, snare, etc.) and also indicate whether the baritone players read bass clef or treble clef.
Please nominate only students who have expressed an interest in participating and who can guarantee that they will attend if selected. We would like to make this event as musical and memorable as possible. So a commitment is essential.
On-line nominations will be available by mid June. Also please remember that you must fill out and submit a form for EACH student that you would like to nominate.
REGISTRATIONS are currently CLOSED
If you have questions or problems nominating your students, please email: [email protected]
For daily up-dates and further information on our Senior High School Honor Band Festival visit us here often!
Payment and Final Concert
There will be a $25.00 charge per student for participation in the UMD Senior High Honor Band Festival.
Payment will be due on the day of registration. Checks should be made payable to UMD Bands.
Contact Information
Mark Whitlock, Director of Bands
p: 218.726.6124
f: 218.726.8210
[email protected]
212 Humanities Building
1201 Ordean Court
Duluth, MN 55812