The NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band Festival is a one-day event taking place at the CSI Northeast Conference at Ithaca College on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Selected 4th and 5th grade students from across New York State will prepare four pieces of music in advance and come together on the festival day to collaborate and perform a concert for family and friends in Ithaca College’s Ford Hall.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application portal will open up on March 7th, 2025 and will close on April 21st, 2025. Applications will be submitted through the DaCapo membership portal at https://nysbdamembers.org.
Nominating teachers will be notified of acceptances by May 1st, 2025. Selected students will be responsible for paying a $50 participation fee which will cover the guest conductor honorarium, music purchases, use of Ithaca College facilities, lunch and snacks during the festival and NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band Shirts. This fee is due no later than July 31st, 2025.
SELECTION
- Nominating teacher must be a current NYSBDA member
- Nominating teacher must be on-site for the duration of the Elementary Honor Band Festival and a CSI Northeast Conference attendee
- Each teacher can submit up to ten names for participation and every teacher is guaranteed to have at least two students chosen (with the exception of percussion)
- Students from the same building must be ranked in order of ability
- Teachers will fill out a teacher recommendation for each student rating the students tone, intonation, rhythmic understanding, musicianship, sight-reading ability and range.
- NYSSMA participation will be considered but is not required
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jessica Williamson, NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band Chairperson, jwilliamson@me.stier.org