Nominations are now OPEN for UMD's 67th Annual Senior High Honor Band Festival
Friday, November 1, & Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Guest Artist: Composer Nubia Jamie Donjuan
Ms. Jamie Donjuan will lead clinics, and conduct several of her compositions. 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.
For deadlines, and to submit nominations, complete this form.
Payment Information: $25 per student.
We want to encourage all band directors to please make payments online at our UMD Music Store prior to the start of the event, Friday, November 1st.
For alternate payment options, or if you have questions or problems nominating your students, please email Mark Whitlock, Director of Bands: [email protected]
Entry Deadline: Monday, October 14, 2024
Results Notification: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Please nominate only students who have expressed an interest in participating and who can guarantee they will attend if selected. We would like to make this event as musical and memorable as possible, so a commitment is essential.
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 Gold Band will be conducted by UMD's Director of Bands Mark Whitlock.
"As always, I am extremely anxious to work with your talented students. All of us at UMD sincerely hope that you can find the time to become involved with this special festival. I am looking forward to having the chance to meet your fine students." - Mark Whitlock, director of bands
THE MAROON BAND
Other outstanding students from your band program would be ideal nominations for this ensemble. Your strongest juniors and seniors, or other students who have attended honor bands or students who are serious musicians in your program should be considered.
"The Maroon Band will be conducted by Laura Goucher. Laura is the Director of Bands at Mahtomedi High School in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. She is a wonderful music educator and person. I am so pleased that she will be working with the students that will be in the Maroon Band. I can assure you that she’ll do wonderful work with your students, and I know they will enjoy her very much." - Mark Whitlock, director of bands
Note for Percussionists:
Please be specific about percussionist's strengths (timpani, mallets, snare, etc.) and also indicate whether the baritone players read bass clef or treble clef.
Chaperones/Adult Supervision:
We are requesting that a school director or school-assigned chaperone remain on campus for the duration of the event in-case of emergency. Additionally, it is recommended that an adult be with the students if they are staying in a hotel.
HOUSING (Please Read and Note Changes)
Things have changed a bit in Duluth regarding the cost and availability of hotel rooms. The Edgewater is not available as it is under construction.
I have connected with The AmericInn, and they are giving us a 15%. discount at a rate of $225.00 per night with up to 4 students per room. The good news is that there is no requirement for a two-night stay. You may just stay one night if that is your preference. The rooms will be available for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night of that weekend.
The hotel offers a free breakfast and has a pool. You may pay for your room upon arrival at the hotel. When you call, please mention that you are making reservations for the UMD Honor Band Festival. For more information, please call 218-723-8607. Below is a link to their website.
AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth
901 Joshua Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811 - $225.00 - per room per night
Janet Johnson | General Manager
+1-218-723-8607
Chaperones/Adult Supervision
We are requesting that a school director or school-assigned chaperone remain on campus for the duration of the event in-case of emergency. Additionally, it is recommended that an adult be with the students if they are staying in a hotel.
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.
For daily up-dates and further information visit the Senior High School Honor Band Festival Google Site.
For more information, contact:
Mark Whitlock, Director of Bands
Office: 218.726.6124
Fax: 218.726.8210
[email protected]
212 Humanities Building
1201 Ordean Court
Duluth, MN 55812