Honor Band
February 5-7, 2026
We are excited to announce the 17th Annual University of Mobile Honor Band. Your time will be artistically inspiring, musically challenging, educational and FUN!
In addition to rehearsal time the schedule will also include performances by University of Mobile instrumental ensembles such as Symphonic Winds, RamCorps, the UM Jazz Band, and Welsh Revival. For the 17th year, students in grades 9-12 will have the unique opportunity to perform the World Premiere of an original work for band, conducted by composer Steve Dunn.
What to Expect
February 5–7, 2026
Located on the beautiful University of Mobile campus in South Alabama.
• Quality instruction from our Guest Director
• Elevate your band program
• Meet new friends
• Experience UM ensembles in concert
Cost: $15 application fee + $65 remaining balance
Participants also receive a University of Mobile Alabama School of the Arts scholarship.
Woodwinds & Brass
- Two (2) major scales of your choice as many octaves as you can comfortably play them. Choose one “flat” scale and one “sharp” scale.
- Prepare a short piece (etude, solo excerpt, etc.) to demonstrate your technique, tone and musicianship. Please plan to play 30 seconds – 1 minute of this piece.
- Sight Reading.
Percussion
- Snare: 2 rudiments (double stroke and either a paradiddle or flam rudiment)
- Mallets: A chromatic scale and another major scale of your choosing
- Timpani: Play a note given by adjudicator on a mallet instrument and then tune a drum to that pitch. You will then need to tune another drum a specific interval above that pitch.
- Sight Reading.
Schedule
Thursday, February 5
1:30 PM
Juniors and Seniors register at the Alabama School of the Arts
(1st floor of Thomas Martin Hall, University of Mobile campus)
2:30 PM
Freshmen and Sophomores register
Please arrive only during your assigned registration time. Directors bringing groups may register their entire group at once.
4:30 PM
Dinner on your own
6:00 PM
Welcome & Concert by UM RamCorps
7:15 PM
Rehearsal #1 (Band Room)
9:15 PM
Rehearsal concludes
Friday, February 6
9:15 AM
Rehearsal #2 (Band Room)
Wear your UM Honor Band T-shirt
10:30 AM
Campus Tours
11:45 AM
Lunch in Ram Hall (provided)
12:45 PM
Mini-Concert by Welsh Revival
(Moorer Auditorium)
1:30 PM
Rehearsal #3 (Band Room)
3:00 PM
The University of Mobile Experience – Q&A
3:45 PM
Rehearsal #4 (Band Room)
5:15 PM
Dinner in Ram Hall (provided)
Break in the Commons & Coffee Shop
Free coffee!
After Dinner
All Honor Band participants move to:
Burnett Center Auditorium
5860 College Pkwy, Prichard, AL 36613
7:00 PM
UM Symphonic Winds Concert
7:45 PM
Rehearsal #5
9:00 PM
Rehearsal concludes
Saturday, February 7
All Saturday activities take place at the Burnett Center Auditorium
9:00 AM
Final Rehearsal
11:30 AM
Pizza Lunch (provided)
1:00 PM
UM Jazz Band & UM Honor Band Concert
*All parents and friends are invited to attend the final concert. Students and families should plan to stay for the entire concert, which will last no more than 90 minutes.
