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• Master classes and sectionals with ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ faculty and graduate assistants
• A side-by-side orchestra rehearsal and concert experience with the ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ Symphony Orchestra
• Opportunities to connect with current music students and faculty
• A final educational concert performance on the ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ campus
• Professional development opportunities for attending directors
• On-site audition opportunities for seniors interested in Fall 2027 enrollment

This event is designed to inspire and support the next generation of orchestral musicians while giving students and teachers the chance to experience the vibrant musical community at ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ.

Isaac Terceros, Director of Orchestras 
Amy Glick, Violin 
James Rhodes, Viola 
Hannah Moses, Cello 
Bryan Thomas, Bass

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026

1-1:10 p.m.
Welcome session and check-in
Band Education Facility

1:10-3:10 p.m.
Master classes and sectionals
Band Education Facility

3:10-3:30 p.m.
Move to Cartwright Hall
650 Hilltop Drive, ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ, Ohio 44243

3:30-5:15 p.m.
Side-by-side orchestra rehearsal
University Auditorium

5:15-6 p.m.
Dinner and change into event T-shirt
Cartwright Hall

6-7 p.m.
Final concert performance with the ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ Orchestra
University Auditorium

Cartwright Hall is located at 650 Hilltop Drive, ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ, Ohio 44243. The walk between the Band Education Facility and Cartwright Hall takes about 10 minutes.

High school directors are invited to nominate students for a day of high-level music making with faculty and students on the campus of ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ. Students should be musically high-achieving, able to prepare music in advance and positive and hardworking.

No audition is necessary — directors may select students however works best for their individual program. Directors should confirm each student's availability, interest and ability to commit before submitting nominations.

Please confirm that all nominated students and their parents or guardians are able to commit to the full festival day before completing the nomination form.

Nomination deadline: Oct. 6, 2026

After students are nominated, a registration form and payment link will be sent to directors. The registration and payment deadline is Oct. 20, 2026.

Registration fee: $40 per student

Registration includes:

• Sheet music
• Event T-shirt
• Dinner

No student audition is required. Directors select students for participation.

Nomination deadline: Oct. 6, 2026
Registration and payment deadline: Oct. 20, 2026

Festival participants will rehearse and perform several pieces under the direction of Dr. Isaac Terceros, Director of Orchestras, alongside ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ string faculty and graduate assistants. Digital copies of the music will be provided to registered students in advance, once nominations and payment have been received.

Dinner is included in the registration fee and will be served at the Band Education Facility (pizza and drinks). Accommodations are available for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and other dietary restrictions — students may indicate their needs on the registration form.

Each participating school is responsible for its own transportation to and from ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ, whether traveling individually or as a group. Students who need assistance moving across campus (approximately a 10-minute walk) should coordinate with their school to arrange transport between buildings at key times, such as dinner and the performance.

Attire

• KSU Orchestra event t-shirt (provided) with blue jeans (no rips or tears)
• A school-appropriate top should be worn for the daytime sessions
• Students will have time later in the day to change into their event t-shirt

Expectations

Students are required to attend the full day of Honors Orchestra Festival rehearsals and activities to help ensure the safety of all participants and the integrity of the event. As representatives of their school districts and guests of ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ, all participants are asked to demonstrate their best behavior throughout the experience. As a University and School of Music, we strive to provide a welcoming, positive environment for everyone.

Directors in attendance can earn professional development hours through sessions with ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ faculty and by observing rehearsal techniques throughout the day. A detailed professional development schedule will be released closer to the festival, and certificates will be emailed to directors after the event.

Where: University Auditorium, Cartwright Hall, 650 Hilltop Drive, ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ, Ohio 44243

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public

Seniors wishing to audition for Fall 2027 enrollment at the ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ Hugh A. Glauser School of Music can audition for string faculty members during the Honors Orchestra Festival — a convenient opportunity to combine the festival experience with a college audition.

Visit our undergraduate auditions page to learn about the needed requirements and additional details.

To schedule an audition, please contact us at musicadmissions@kent.edu.

Campus maps, parking information and visitor guidance are available on the ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ website. Directors and families are encouraged to review directions and parking options in advance, especially for the move between the Band Education Facility and Cartwright Hall.

To view a campus map and get additional details, check out our visitors page.