Concordia Nebraska music department invites high school students to participate in 2026 National Honor Choir and National Honor Band weekend

Throughout the year, Concordia University, Nebraska frequently hosts events that allow high school students to visit campus and experience the university. Two of these events include the annual National Honor Band and National Honor Choir days held by the university music department. This year, the two events will be held on November 5 and 6, respectively. 

“These events serve to draw like-minded students to Concordia for a one-of-a-kind musical experience,” said Professor Robert Cody, conductor of the University Wind Symphony. “Combining these two events into one weekend creates an opportunity for students talented in both areas to audition and possibly get to participate in both events in ways that have been cost and schedule prohibited in the past.” 

Cody stated that the department decided to combine this year’s events into one weekend to try to alleviate students having to choose between the two events. Since the events are open to students from all over the country, previous scheduling of the events on different weekend forced directors to choose which event to send students to. While schools geographically closer to campus may have been able to send students to campus for two separate weekends, students from high schools farther away were previously forced to choose between events. 

“Students are not alone in their commitment to and passion for music and their knowledge of music’s Creator, even though in our individual context it can sometimes feel that way. I encourage students to work hard, audition and hopefully come experience what it is like to be in a room of people who love music as much as they do!”

This year, students are allowed and encouraged to audition for both the choir and band events. If accepted to both, they will participate in both. If students are only participating in one event but are attending with a group participating in both events, they are welcome to participate in a Visit Day experience that the university will be hosting. Students and their guests will tour campus and hear from faculty and staff about academics, admissions, financial aid and student life at Concordia Nebraska.  

Auditions for this year’s National Honor Choir and National Honor Band are now open. Auditions are due by September 15. 

“Everyone should tell a high school musician that they know to audition for these ensembles!” Cody encouraged. “Students are not alone in their commitment to and passion for music and their knowledge of music’s Creator, even though in our individual context it can sometimes feel that way. I encourage students to work hard, audition and hopefully come experience what it is like to be in a room of people who love music as much as they do!” 

Interested in auditioning for National Honor Choir? Learn more here 

Interested in auditioning for National Honor Band? Learn more here 

The music department at Concordia University, Nebraska provides students with a top-tier, Christ-centered education that prepares them to serve the church and world with their music. Learn more about Concordia’s musical ensembles and lesson opportunities here.