Jr./Sr. Honor Band Invitation and FAQ

Table of Contents

Dear Director,

I hope your rehearsals are off to a great start as you begin what promises to be an exciting year. Registration opens on August 15 for our 66th Annual JR/SR Honor Band this fall, held on November 20 and 21. This two-day event provides participants with a musically versatile and fulfilling experience. Students will have the opportunity to study their all-region etudes with our distinguished applied faculty and perform in the clinic honor bands. This year, I am pleased to share the podium with Stephanie DeLuca, our Associate Director of Bands; Jeff Bradford, Director of Fine Arts in Richardson I.S.D.; and to welcome Adrian B. Sims as our guest composer for the weekend! All students in the honor bands will have the opportunity to work with Mr. Sims, one of the most popular modern band composers. Other unique musical events are scheduled throughout the weekend, including a performance by our Wind Ensemble and many of our applied faculty.

The participants of this year's Junior/Senior Honor Band Weekend will again be chosen solely from director recommendations. I am asking that each director select a maximum of TEN deserving upperclassmen to participate in the event. (I would encourage you to nominate a percussionist as part of the ten since Mr. Sims's music is often very percussion intensive). Students involved in performing at playoff football games on Friday night are still strongly encouraged to participate.

REGISTRATION FOR NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN ON AUGUST 15. Please see below for full registration details.

If you have any questions, please contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 903.886.5303. I look forward to seeing you and your students in November!

Sincerely,

  • Garth Gundersen
  • Interim Director of Bands
  • East Texas A&M University
  • 903.886.5303
  • [email protected]

Registration

Directors must nominate their students in order to secure participation. Each director may select a maximum of ten deserving upperclassmen to participate in the event. It is recommended that directors nominate a percussionist as part of the ten since Mr. Sims's music is often very percussion intensive.

Positions in the Honor Bands are limited and will be filled in the order the nominations are received.

Directors: To register students, please visit the Junior/Senior Honor Band page. Availability is limited, so please choose your students as soon as possible and confirm their ability to attend prior to registering them.

Fees

The registration fee, which includes a T-shirt, is $50.00 per student. To celebrate the musical accomplishments of your students, we are pleased to offer discounts to your students who achieved the following status in 2025:

  • All-Region members may register for $40.00
  • All-Area members may register for $25.00
  • All-State members may attend the Junior/Senior Honor Band Weekend free of charge.

This information will be verified by the director when the student is nominated. All fees are due prior to or at the time of check-in and can be paid online with credit card or, if needed, by cash or check (made out to East Texas A&M University).

All payments will be due on or before Friday, November 6.

FAQs for Students

What is JR/SR Honor Band?

On November 20 and 21, East Texas A&M University will host our Annual Junior/Senior Honor Band Weekend. This long-standing event features several opportunities for students over the two days:

  • Attend a masterclass with the ETAMU faculty on the all-region etudes (TMEA and ATTSB tracks available).
  • Perform in one of the two clinic honor bands.
  • Work with featured guest composer Adrian B. Sims.
  • Work with Conductors, Garth Gundersen, ETAMU Associate Director of Bands; Stephanie DeLuca, ETAMU Interim Associate Director of Athletic Bands; and Jeff Bradford, Director of Fine Arts, Richardson ISD.
  • Attend a concert featuring the ETAMU Wind Ensemble and instrumental faculty.

What music do I use for auditions?

Honor band auditions are for placement in the bands and for chair placement only. Every student nominated before the ensembles have filled is accepted into the bands. Students should prepare a one-minute technical piece and a one-minute lyrical piece. (Most students choose to use their All-Region Etudes). Because of time constraints, scales will not be asked in auditions. Percussionists should prepare a snare and mallet etude. (All-Region pieces are perfectly acceptable).

Attending

What if I have a play-off game on that Friday night?

We recognize that bands may still be involved in playoff games. While most directors excuse their students from the game to attend Junior/Senior Honor Band, students involved in performing at play-off games on Friday night are still strongly encouraged to participate. Students that must miss the Friday session due to a conflict with a football game are asked to submit an audition video so they may be evaluated and placed into the appropriate ensemble. They should arrive no later than 8 a.m. to check-in prior to the morning session. Details on video submissions will be sent directly to students and directors involved in playoff games.

Are there master-classes for both TMEA and ATSSB students?

Yes! There will be separate masterclasses on both the TMEA and ATSSB All-Region music for each instrument. Please bring a copy of your etudes.

Where do we eat?

There are several restaurants within a short walk of campus. The university dining hall is also available. Meals are not included in the cost of the event. A map of the area with restaurant listings will be available at check in.

What should I bring to rehearsal besides my instrument?

  • Percussionists are responsible for bringing their own sticks and mallets.
  • Brass players should bring all mutes.
  • Woodwind players should have a selection of quality reeds.

Housing

Is there housing available?

For directors, students, and parents that would like to spend Friday and/or Saturday night near campus, a select rate has been established with several local hotels in Commerce and Greenville.

To utilize these hotels and make hotel reservations, please call:

*Be sure to ask for the ETAMU Junior/Senior Honor Band Weekend rate. You may of course choose any hotel in the area you like.

Please note: There is no campus residence hall housing available, and the university does not supervise students in the hotels.

About the Concert

When is the final concert?

The final concert is on Saturday evening, November 21 at 7 p.m.

What do I wear for the concert?

Please bring your school's concert band uniform.

Is there a cost to attend the concert?

The concert is free, so please invite your friends and family.

What is the schedule for the weekend?

Please see the schedule of events for a more detailed description of the Honor Band Weekend, located at the Junior/Senior Honor Band Information page.

Will the concert be recorded?

Yes! A professional recording of the concert will be made and will be available via multiple streaming providers (ie. YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, etc.) several weeks after the concert. A link, or multiple links, will be emailed to you.

Navigate This Page