Furman Honor Band Symposium

David Stanley rehearsing Stanley Band, Furman Honor Band 2023

Furman Honor Band Symposium

Thursday, November 19th – Friday, November 20th, 2026

This year’s Furman Honor Band Symposium (for High School students) will be a concert band-based event.  We anticipate seating three full bands (placement based on video audition: more information below).

The nomination form will open on August 31, and the deadline for band directors to nominate eligible students is September 25. The nomination form can be found here (reminder: the form opens August 31: it will not be accessible until that date).

Students and directors will be notified of their acceptance no later than October 5.

Important Dates at a Glance

thru September 25 | Band director online nomination forms collected
October 5 | Band directors/students notified of acceptance and video audition info; registration opens
October 26 | Students will submit video recordings of their placement auditions
November 9-10 | Band/chair placements notification and music available
November 19-20 | Honor Band Symposium

Questions? Contact Jill Gusukuma.

Event Information

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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 2026 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 31). Notification of acceptance will email to directors no later than October 5.

Questions?

Contact Jill Gusukuma.

Important Dates:

thru September 25 | Band director online nomination forms collected
October 5 | Band directors/students notified of acceptance and video audition info; registration opens
October 26 | Students will submit video recordings of their placement auditions
November 9-10 | Band/chair placements notification and music available
November 19-20 | Honor Band Symposium

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 lunch
  • Friday dinner
  • 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)

Need Overnight Accommodations?

Our colleagues in Admissions have created a Preferred Hotel Information list to help you start your search.

From Charlotte, NC, and points northeast:

Take I-85 to I-385 N toward downtown Greenville. Pass the Bi-Lo Center on the right, staying on the same road (which becomes Beattie Place, then College Street) until it meets US 276. Bear right onto US 276 West toward Travelers Rest. Go five miles to the Furman exit.

From Atlanta, GA, and points southwest:

Take I-85 to I-185 N toward downtown Greenville (exit 42). Follow I-185 into Greenville (continuing straight as the road becomes Mills Avenue, then Church Street). Turn left onto Beattie Place (which becomes College Street). Bear right onto US 276 West toward Travelers Rest. Continue five miles to the Furman exit.

From Columbia, SC, and points southeast:

Take I-26 to I-385 N toward downtown Greenville. Travel I-385 approximately 43 miles into downtown Greenville. Go past the Bi-Lo Center on the right. This road becomes Beattie Place, then College Street. Follow this road until bearing right onto US 276 West toward Travelers Rest. Continue five miles to the Furman exit.

From Asheville, NC, and points northwest:

Take I-26 to Hendersonville, NC, then US-25 S. In Travelers Rest, bear left onto US-276 to Greenville, just past the Hampton Inn. Stay on US-276 one mile to the Furman exit.

To Daniel Music Building:

The university address is 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613. Once you arrive at the front gate of campus, travel around the main traffic circle to the first building on the right, and first driveway on the right (look for campus map station). Parking is to the far right, or at the back of McAlister (large auditorium). (Note: some map applications drill down campus by building name– you can select Daniel Music Building for directions straight to us, if so.)

Coming soon for nominees selected to participate.

Nominees invited to register: please check your email for instructions beginning October 5.

Tentative Honor Band Schedule (prepared 16 Sep 2026)

Thursday, November 19
  • 6:00-6:45 PM – Check-In/Registration: McAlister Auditorium Lobby or Trone.  You will be notified of which location, based on ensemble placement auditions.  Please eat before arriving.
  • 7:00-9:00 – Full Band Rehearsals
  • 9:00 – Rehearsals conclude; students may be picked up at the same place they were dropped off.  Upon conclusion of rehearsals, store large instruments neatly along walls in D-13/Inst. Storage.
Friday, November 20
  • 9:00 AM – Daniel Music Building opens.  Please arrive to your location by 9:20 AM for attendance check.
  • 9:30-12:00 – Rehearsals and Masterclasses
  • 12:30-1:30 PM – Lunch in Furman’s Dining Hall (provided)
  • 1:45 – Feature Concert: Furman Symphonic Band – McAlister Auditorium
  • 2:15 – Break/Transition
  • 2:30-5:45 – Rehearsals and Masterclasses
  • 6:00-7:00 – Dinner in Furman’s Dining Hall (provided)
  • 7:15 – Staging
  • 7:30 PM – McAlister Auditorium Showcase Concert for friends and family—FREE and open to the public.  Concert duration is approximately 2 hours with short breaks between bands.