High School Honor Band
High School Honor Band
The 2027 University of Minnesota High School Honor Band Weekend will be held on the Twin Cities campus Friday, January 22 - Sunday, January 24. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Upper Midwest’s finest high school wind and percussion instrumentalists in grades 10, 11, and 12 to study music with UMN music faculty on the stage of Ted Mann Concert Hall. The weekend will conclude with a concert in Ted Mann Concert Hall on Sunday, January 24 at 1:30 PM.
It is free to apply and open to all 10-12 high school students. The application opens on October 5, 2026.
Timeline
2027 Program
She Dares, She Leaps (2022) by Erika Svanoe
Hymn to a Blue Hour (2010) by John Mackey
Letters (2021) by Kelijah Dunton
Danzon No. 2 (1994/2009) by Arturo Márquez (trans. Oliver Nickel)
Repertoire selection at the discretion of UMN-TC Faculty and subject to change.
Access the concert livestream at z.umn.edu/musicstream and click on Ted Mann Concert Hall events.
Typical Weekend Time Commitment
Eligibility and Audition Requirements
High school students in grades 10–12 are eligible to apply. Each student must be recommended by their music instructor and should be an outstanding instrumentalist capable of performing class A literature. Each applicant must submit an online application and that includes a recording containing three to five total minutes of playing. The audio file must be submitted via the online application portal. Selections should include a slow legato work and a contrasting etude or movement of a technical nature. Percussionists should perform on at least two different instruments of their choice. Applicants who wish to audition for more than one instrument must submit a separate music file for each instrument.
New for 2027: Chair Placement and Part Assignments will be determined based on Fall Audition Submissions. All parts will be digitally shared with each selected student in December and it is expected that students come well prepared on their parts to the first rehearsal in January.
2027 registration is open. APPLY HERE
2027 Honor Band Fees
Collected after confirmation of acceptance/attendance:
- $115.00 program fee for all participants
Fees Cover: Meals, snacks, masterclass with applied instrumental faculty, supplies, and access to a world-class music performance facility.
Housing: For those who wish to stay on campus, you will be responsible for making your own reservations and covering the cost of your room.
You may contact the Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown directly to make a reservation. To book, please have your guests call our reservations line at 866-699-3216 and request the lowered “UMN Honor Band” group rate, or book online via the reservation link below:
Book your group rate for UMN Honor Band
UMN Honor Band families will have until 12/25/2026 to reserve under our room block; after that, we will release any remaining rooms, and the group rate will no longer be available for new reservations.
If the fee could pose a barrier to your participation, please contact us at [email protected]. Submitting an application to the UMN-TC Honor Band is FREE.