Honor Ensembles

 

Honor ensembles give motivated student musicians the opportunity to perform challenging music with accomplished musicians from across the county, region, state, and nation.

 

Students selected for these ensembles can strengthen their audition and performance skills, rehearse with distinguished conductors, meet other dedicated musicians, and experience music beyond their regular school ensembles.

 

Interested in Auditioning?

 

Students should speak with their California High School music director before beginning an application or recording an audition.

 

Your director can help you:

• Identify the appropriate ensemble and audition level

• Locate the current audition music and requirements

• Confirm eligibility and application procedures

• Prepare and review your audition

• Meet any Cal High internal deadlines

• Coordinate required director approval or submission

 

The deadlines published by an honor ensemble organization may be its final submission deadlines. Cal High may establish earlier internal deadlines so directors have enough time to review and submit student materials.

 

California All-State Honor Ensembles

 

California All-State Honor Ensembles bring together outstanding student musicians from throughout the state.

 

All-State Bands, Jazz Ensembles, and Wind, Brass and Percussion Auditions

 

The California Band Directors Association, or CBDA, coordinates All-State opportunities for concert bands, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, and participating wind, brass, and percussion musicians.

Audition requirements vary by ensemble and instrument and may include scales, prepared excerpts, improvisation, or other instrument-specific materials.

 

For current audition materials, eligibility requirements, application instructions, deadlines, fees, and event information, visit:

• California Band Directors Association

• CBDA All-State Auditions

• California All-State Music Education Conference

 

Students must consult their Cal High music director before submitting an audition.

 

All-State Orchestras

 

The California Orchestra Directors Association, or CODA, coordinates California All-State Orchestra opportunities for string musicians.

For current audition excerpts, recording instructions, eligibility requirements, deadlines, fees, and event information, visit:

• CODA High School All-State Orchestras

• CODA Auditions and Membership

• CODA Calendar

 

Wind, brass, and percussion students interested in performing with an All-State Orchestra should review the applicable CBDA audition information.

 

All-Northern California Honor Band

 

The Northern California Band Association, or NCBA, sponsors the All-Northern California Honor Band program for advanced middle school and high school musicians.

The program may include concert band and jazz ensemble opportunities. Audition materials, ensemble offerings, eligibility requirements, and event details may change from year to year.

 

For current audition information, deadlines, forms, fees, and event details, visit:

• NCBA All-Northern California Honor Band

• NCBA Calendar

 

Students should consult their Cal High music director before applying.

 

Contra Costa County Honor Ensembles

 

Contra Costa County honor ensembles give accomplished student musicians the opportunity to perform with students from schools throughout the county.

 

Opportunities may include concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, or other ensembles depending on the programs offered during a particular school year.

 

Auditions may include prepared music, scales, sight-reading, improvisation, or other instrument-specific requirements.

 

Because county programs, audition procedures, and deadlines may change, students should ask their Cal High music director for the most current information.

 

Contra Costa County Honor Jazz Bands

 

The Generations in Jazz Foundation coordinates honor jazz opportunities for middle school and high school musicians in Contra Costa County.

 

For current details, visit:

Generations in Jazz Honor Bands

 

National Honor Ensembles

 

National honor ensembles give advanced student musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform with musicians from across the country.

 

Music for All offers national-level ensemble opportunities through its Music for All National Festival. Available ensembles and application requirements may vary from year to year.

 

For current ensemble offerings, audition materials, eligibility requirements, deadlines, fees, and festival information, visit:

• Music for All Honor Ensembles

• Application and Audition Requirements

 

Students interested in applying should speak with their Cal High music director well before the published deadline.

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College, University, and Independent Honor Ensembles

 

Colleges, universities, conservatories, youth orchestras, and community music organizations may also offer honor bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, workshops, camps, and festivals.

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These opportunities can help students:

• Explore a college or university music program

• Work with college faculty and guest conductors

• Experience a campus rehearsal and performance environment

• Prepare for future auditions

• Meet other musicians with similar interests

 

Students should discuss outside honor ensemble opportunities with their Cal High music director before applying.

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Before You Apply

 

Honor ensemble schedules, audition materials, fees, deadlines, eligibility rules, and submission procedures may change each year.

 

Before submitting an application:

1. Speak with your Cal High music director.

2. Visit the official organization’s website.

3. Review the current audition and eligibility requirements.

4. Confirm the Cal High internal deadline.

5. Allow enough time to prepare and record your audition.

6. Do not wait until the organization’s final submission deadline.

 

Not sure which opportunity is right for you? Start by speaking with your ensemble director.