1. Home
  2. /
  3. High School Honor Band
instafacebook youtube email

High School Honor Band

High School Honor Band

Fall 2025 Honor Band: November 2, 2025

You’re invited to participate in a unique side-by-side experience with the YSU Wind Ensemble! High school students will have the opportunity to interact with our talented student musicians and world-class faculty artists, working collaboratively to prepare a concert. The program includes Arabesqueby Samuel Hazo, Horkstow Grangefrom Lincolnshire Posyby Percy Grainger, and John Williams’ iconic Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)— conducted by the winner of our student conducting competition!  

We hope you join us for this opportunity to play alongside our musicians at one of the best concert halls in the country in what will no doubt be a powerful and memorable musical experience!  

 

Have questions?

 bands@ysu.edu 

 

 
 
 

Cost and deadlines

  • Cost*: $20
  • Deadlines:

Registration for Fall 2025: October 16
For questions about registration and availability after the deadline, please contact Dr. Butler at bands@ysu.edu.
 

*Checks must be made payable to Youngstown State University.

 

Register now!

 

Side-by-Side Honor Band Conducting Competition

Do you dream of standing on the podium and leading the band? Here’s your chance!
The winner of this competition will conduct John Williams’ Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme) on the Side-by-Side Honor Band concert on Sunday, November 2.
 

  • Record a short video of yourself conducting along to this recording.
  • Be sure your video is in landscape mode and shows you clearly from the torso up (arms visible).
  • The piece mostly stays in a consistent time signature, so do your best to keep a steady beat and show the style/character of the music.
  • Upload your video to YouTube (unlisted link is fine) and email the link to Dr. Butler at bands@ysu.edu by October 1.
  • You must be registered for the Side-by-Side Honor Band and plan to play in the concert whether or not you’re selected as conductor.

 

What we're looking for:

  • Clear beat pattern
  • Confidence and energy
  • Musical expression that matches Darth Vader’s theme (strong, bold, and epic!)
 

Schedule

  • 9:00-9:25 AM: Check-in at Bliss Hall
  • 9:30 AM: Rehearsal with YSU Wind Ensemble
  • 11:20 AM: Break
  • 11:30 AM: Sectionals with Wind Ensemble Musicians
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch break
  • 1:30 PM: Masterclasses with YSU Faculty
  • 2:30 PM: Break
  • 2:45 PM: Full Ensemble rehearsal
  • 3:45 PM: Transition to Stambaugh Auditorium
  • 4:15 PM: Ensemble rehearsal
  • 5:30 PM: Dinner break
  • 7:00 PM: Concert at Stambaugh Auditorium

 

Student testimonials

"I had a phenomenal time at the side-by-side honor band. I learned some valuable skills about fundamentals and performing in the beautiful and historic Stambaugh Auditorium was incredible. The powerful sound from our ensemble rang for multiple seconds after the release of the last note. Playing music that I would not typically play in my school ensembles was very exciting too!"

“It was the most fun I have ever had at an honor band. It was really cool getting to sit next to the top college players because you absorb certain aspects of what it means to be a good player, so I learned a lot!” 

 

Learn more about our community engagement programs

CLIFFE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS | FACULTY INTRANET