Music Festivals & Workshops
Explore Our University’s Dynamic Music Scene
The Department of Music regularly hosts programs for high school musicians and members of the community.
These events encourage students to strengthen musicianship and provide a great introduction to department programs. Programs and festivals topics rotate regularly. Information on current programs and festivals can be found below.
Honors Band Festival
Feb. 14–16, 2025
This unique event is designed to give talented high school woodwind, brass and percussion players an opportunity to share their passion for music with similarly motivated students.
Susquehanna invites band directors and students to learn more about the festival. All applications must be received by Nov. 22, 2024. For more information, please contact Dr. Eric L. Hinton at or 570-372-4296.
Registration for this event is closed.
Friday, February 16:
- Seating auditions.
- Masterclasses with Susquehanna’s applied wind and percussion faculty.
- Evening performances by Susquehanna faculty, the University Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble.
Saturday, February 17:
- Full rehearsals.
- Sectional rehearsals led by SU faculty.
- Pizza party (vegetarian and gluten-free options available).
Sunday, February 18:
Free admission for parents to the gala concert.
Gala concert at 3 p.m. featuring performances by the Honors Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Honors Festival Band.
Registration fee: $70.00 (includes all activities, housing and meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday brunch).
Housing: Participants will stay in University dormitories with University Symphonic Band members and other music students.
Step 1: Submit your online application by Friday, November 22, 2024. Application Form
Step 2: Band directors must upload recommendations and rankings by Friday, November 22, 2024. Director Recommendation Form
Step 3: Accepted students, their parents, and band directors will be notified by Monday, December 9, 2024.
Step 4: Accepted students will receive seating audition material by Friday, December 13, 2024.
Step 5: Fees and emergency contact forms are due by Friday, January 17, 2025. A link to the form will be provided later.
For any questions, contact us at bands@susqu.edu or call (570) 372-4296.
Symposium on Historic American Music
Oct. 16–18, 2025
Diverse Sounds for a Young Nation celebrates and explores American music from 1860 to 1920, featuring spirituals, brass bands, popular songs, ragtime, banjo and string bands, “jass” and more, spanning vernacular and classical traditions. The symposium includes performances and workshops by leading professional musicians and lectures and presentations by renowned scholars.
Horn Day
Horn Day is an excellent opportunity for horn playing students grades 7-12 to interact and perform with Susquehanna University’s horn studio led by professor Christi Smith. The day will include masterclasses with Susquehanna faculty and a guest artist, a side-by-side horn choir performance, and a Susquehanna studio recital. We hope you join us for a day filled with all things horn!
Music Summer ProgramS
Expand your musical knowledge at our Summer Pre-College Programs! Susquehanna offers weeklong, on-campus workshops for high school students interested in improving their musicianship, polishing their choral repertoire or developing their own voice as they gain skills in music recording and production.
