STARKVILLE — High school band students are invited to audition for Mississippi State University’s prestigious Honor Band Clinic.
One of the oldest of its kind nationally, the clinic will be held Jan. 29-31 on MSU’s campus. Auditions from students in grades 9-12 are accepted through Dec. 5 via video submission.
Those selected will have the opportunity to work with distinguished conductors and educators from across the country as they participate in the Honor Wind Symphony or one of two clinic bands. The weekend of rehearsals will culminate with a concert on Jan. 31 at 12:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium.
“It is always a pleasure to welcome students and directors from across our region to our annual Honor Band Clinic,” said Elva Kaye Lance, director of bands. “Our guest conductors are some of the most outstanding in our profession, and I know it will be inspiring to watch them make music with those who are in attendance.”
Guest clinicians include Jay Gephart, Al G. Wright chair of Purdue Bands and Orchestra at Purdue University; Scott Watson, associate professor of music at Pennsylvania’s Cairn University; and James Thompson, director of bands at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia. The Germantown High School Wind Ensemble, conducted by Justin Harvison, will perform on Jan. 29 evening to kick off the event. Seniors also will have the chance to audition for the 2026 Famous Maroon Band during the clinic.
“Each year more than 300 students audition for consideration to attend this event,” Lance said. “We hope that many of them will complete their audition for membership in the Famous Maroon Band while they are here, and we are looking forward to talking to future Bulldogs about music-making opportunities at State.”
Audition procedures are available at msuband.msstate.edu/news/2025/10/2026-msu- honor-band-clinic-audition-information.
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