Honors Wind Ensemble

Honors Wind Ensemble Logo

We are once again hosting the SJSU Honors Wind Ensemble for high school students in the FALL of 2026!  

Who is Honors Wind Ensemble for?

This ensemble is designed for high school musicians who are highly motivated by musical curiosity and want to challenge themselves in a high-level musical environment. Especially those considering pursuing a career in music education or performance. The SJSU Honors Wind Ensemble also brings together dedicated musicians who are ready to perform advanced repertoire, collaborate with other skilled musicians, and grow both technically and artistically.

The Honors Wind Ensemble is created through director/studio teacher recommendations. After reviewing nominations, the selected students will attend a full rehearsal day, which includes ensemble seating auditions, followed by a dress rehearsal and concert one week later. (see dates below)

The Honors Wind Ensemble will include at least one musician from each school/studio that fills out a nomination form, as long as they nominate a minimum of three students. Directors/studio teachers are encouraged to nominate as many students as they wish, as long as they are confident that the students can rehearse and perform at a high level. 

Schedule

  • Sunday, October 18 - Seating Auditions, Rehearsals, and Masterclasses
    • 7:30 am-4:00 pm Lunch included
  • Sunday, October 25 - Dress Rehearsal and Concert
    • 9:30 am-3:00 pm Lunch Included
    • Concert at 5:00 pm

*All participating Honors Wind Ensemble members must attend both days of the event.*

Registration

Selected students will pay a $80 fee, which includes the two days of rehearsals and workshop, as well as:

  • Meeting and working with SJSU artist faculty, including David Vickerman, Director of Bands and Grant Knox, Associate Director of Bands.
  • Speaking with current SJSU students to learn about their experiences as music majors and how they prepare for college and auditions.
  • a commemorative tote bag

Nomination Deadline

  • September 11, 2026, by midnight

How to Nominate Students

1. Print and hand out the Student Interest Form to your band. On the online nomination form, you will be asked to fill in the information we are requesting on this form.

  • The Student Interest Form is not required, but nominations will be weighted and students selected for the Honors Wind Ensemble based on these answers, so it would be wise to know as much as possible before beginning the Nomination Form (below). 

2. Decide which students you want to nominate, then verify that the students you want to nominate can commit to both days before nominating them.

3. Fill out the Nomination form.

    • This form is to be completed by band directors or studio teachers ONLY, not students.
    • There is no restriction on the number of students you may nominate.
    • Just FYI: You will need the following information for the nominations: 
    • Don't forget to CLICK SUBMIT at the end!!

If you have any questions about the application, please email Carson Kimber, SJSU Bands Graduate Student. We look forward to hosting your students here at SJSU!