Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—High school band students are invited to audition for Mississippi State University’s distinguished Honor Band Clinic.

One of the oldest of its kind nationally, the clinic will be held Jan. 25-27, 2024, on MSU’s campus. Auditions from students in grades 9-12 are accepted through Dec. 1 via video submission.

Those selected will have the opportunity to work with renowned 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 Saturday [Jan. 27] at 12:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium.

MSU Director of Bands Elva Kaye Lance said, “We are delighted to welcome students and directors from across our region to our annual Honor Band Clinic. The participants’ selection to this prestigious event reflects their outstanding musicianship and the commitment their teachers make to developing their musical understanding.”

Guest clinicians include Steven Moore, associate dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music; Ishbah Cox, director of wind ensembles at Capital University’s Conservatory of Music; and Beth Fabrizio, retired public school educator, most recently serving as a director of bands in New York’s Hilton Central School District. The Ocean Springs High School Wind Symphony and the Alabama Winds ensembles will perform on Thursday evening [Jan. 25] to kick off the event. Seniors also will have the chance to audition for the 2024 Famous Maroon Band during the clinic.

“Not only does this weekend provide an opportunity for musical growth, but also allows high school students to become more familiar with our music program and to make new relationships with the students and faculty at MSU,” said Lance. “We are always delighted to have these guests on our campus and hope that many of them will choose Mississippi State University as a place to invest in their future when they graduate from high school.”

Audition procedures are available at: https://www.msuband.msstate.edu/news/2023/10/2024-honor-band-clinic-audition-information

Department of Music Head Daniel Stevens said, “The band program at MSU is a highlight of the student experience, led by three distinguished directors with distinct, complementary gifts that push students to become better versions of themselves. As the envy of many other major universities, MSU Bands are regularly invited to travel globally to represent some of the strongest talents on campus. The Honor Band Clinic is a must-participate event that combines the skills of guest clinicians within the setting of the rich tradition of the Famous Maroon Band.”      

MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more about its Famous Maroon Band at www.educ.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.