Furman Honor Band Symposium

Friday, November 7th-Saturday, November 8th, 2025

This year’s Furman Honor Band Symposium (for High School students) will be a concert band-based event. We anticipate seating two full bands; students will be placed in bands based on video audition (more information regarding video audition requirements will be distributed in early October to nominees selected).

The nomination form will open on August 18, and the deadline for band directors to nominate eligible students is September 15. The nomination form can be found here (reminder: the form opens August 18).

Students and directors will be notified of their acceptance no later than September 25.

Questions? Contact Dr. Sue Samuels at [email protected]

Eligibility

High school students (9th-12th grade) nominated by their band directors

Division of Ensembles

Via video audition. More information to come.

Selection Process

Band directors may nominate up to 10% of their currently enrolled program. Selection for participation will be based on the following:

Band directors’ ranked order of nomination
Placement in a 2025 All-State Band
Students with past experience at Furman summer camps (especially Seniors)
Students with especially positive band director recommendations

Director Nomination Form

The nomination form can be found here (the form opens August 18). Notification of acceptance will email to directors no later than September 25.

Questions?

Contact Dr. Sue Samuels, Furman Director of Bands
864-294-3193 or email [email protected]

Important Information

Cost: $50
All participation fees are non-refundable and due after notification of selection (we will provide a registration/payment portal). Here’s what they cover:

Friday dinner
Saturday snacks
Saturday lunch
Instruction
Event shirt
Participation medal

Students are encouraged to participate in the entire Furman Honor Band Symposium Experience.

Event Location: Furman University campus (McAlister Auditorium, Daniel Music Building)

Important Dates:
thru September 15 | Band director online nomination forms collected
September 25 | Band directors/students notified of acceptance and video audition info; registration opens
October 15 | Students will submit video recordings of their placement auditions
October 30 | Band/chair placements notification and music available

Audition Information

Coming soon for nominees selected to participate.

Honor Band Symposium Schedule (subject to modification)

Friday, November 7
1:30-2:15 pm | Check-in (McAlister Auditorium Lobby or Tone; you’ll receive advance notification of location)
2:30-5:30 pm | Full Band Rehearsals
6:00-6:45 pm | Dinner (provided at Furman Dining Hall)
7:30-8:45 pm | attend Furman Symphonic Band concert
9:00 pm | student pick-up in McA/DMB parking lot

Furman Honor Band Symposium