Housing and transportation is not provided. Families and band programs are welcome to book their own rooms at any hotel they choose. UK Bands will do everything in our power to reserve a block of rooms by Thanksgiving and that information will be updated here.
2027 George R. Boulden Honor Band Festival
The George R. Boulden Honor Band Festival features three concert ensembles and countless opportunities to learn, grow, and share in an inspiring and fulfilling musical experience with incredible conductors from across the United States and students from our region. The Festival will be held Friday January 29, 2027, through Sunday January 31, 2027.
Acceptance into the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band is based on a personal application and audition recording submitted by each student musician.
Acceptance into the Concert Band is based on high school director recommendation or audition. If interest in the Honor Band Festival is exceptionally high, some students who submit auditions may be placed into the Concert Band. All nominations must be submitted by a director and not by a student.
The Honor Band Festival Includes:
- The chance to perform a fantastic concert program with other band students from Kentucky and other states.
- Learn from and collaborate with our fabulous guest directors.
- Clinics/Masterclasses with the world-class UK music faculty.
- Director’s Session with the Guest Clinicians
- Attend a concert featuring the UK Wind Symphony
Wind Ensemble
The Wind ensemble comprises 50-70 student musicians who display exceptional skill and artistry. Auditions are open to all high school band members grades 9-12 by application and recorded audition. Auditions must be submitted in the audition form as links to an unlisted YouTube video. Only YouTube links will be accepted. Each excerpt must be performed in its entirety, DO NOT alter/edit the video in any way. Please ensure all permissions are appropriate and your video can be viewed by our adjudicators.
Wind Ensemble Audition deadline: December 1st, 2026
Audition for the Wind Ensemble
Bradley Genevro, Wind Ensemble Guest Conductor
Dr. Bradley Genevro is Director of Bands and Professor of Conducting in the Greenwood School of Music at Oklahoma State University. In his duties at Oklahoma State, Dr. Genevro oversees all aspects of the Band Area. Prior to his appointment at OSU, he has served on the faculties of the University of Texas at El Paso, Messiah University and the University of North Texas. Ensembles under Dr. Genevro's leadership have performed multiple times at state, national and international conventions.
Symphonic Band
Composed of 60 to 80 high school musicians, the Symphonic Band is open to 9th through 12th graders by application and recorded audition. Auditions must be submitted in the audition form as links to an unlisted YouTube video. Only YouTube links will be accepted. Each excerpt must be performed in its entirety, DO NOT alter/edit the video in any way. Please ensure all permissions are appropriate and your video can be viewed by our adjudicators.
Symphonic Band Audition deadline: December 1st, 2026
Audition for Symphonic Band
Chandler Wilson, Symphonic Band Guest Conductor
Chandler L. Wilson is the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Stetson University. In his duties, Wilson, PhD, conducts the Stetson University Symphonic Band and directs the Hatter Band and Pep Band. In addition to his conducting responsibilities, he teaches courses in conducting and oversees the band operations in the School of Music. He previously served as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University from 2020-2024.
Concert Band
The Concert Band is open to all high school band members grades 9-12 by director nomination. Directors: please limit your recommendations to 20% of your ensemble's size. Please rank your student recommendations from top to bottom. Part assignments will be made to properly balance the ensemble. We will make all attempts to include all students, but we cannot guarantee all nominated students will be accepted.
Concert Band Nomination deadline: December 1st, 2026
Director Nominations for the Concert Band
Teresa Elliot, Concert Band Guest Conductor
Teresa J. Elliott currently serves as the clarinet instructor for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and adjunct music faculty for the Chattanooga State Community College. Retired after more than four decades of a distinguished teaching career, Ms. Elliott has taught in the public schools across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, concluding her career as Director of Bands for the Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington, Kentucky. Her leadership included programs at Frederick Douglass High School, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Beaumont Middle School, SCAPA Bluegrass, and Henry Clary High School. In addition, she has served as adjunct faculty for Asbury and Transylvania Universities.
Student Expectations
Selected students are expected to attend all activities related to the George R. Boulden Honor Band Festival, including attending all rehearsals and the UK Wind Symphony performance. Parents and/or Band Directors are responsible for transportation, lodging, and supervision throughout the weekend.
Payment Information
Once the roster is announced and finalized, please plan to provide the registration fee of $75 per student. A link to a payment form will be sent to band directors and accepted students once the roster has been finalized. Payment of this fee may come from individuals or home band programs as organized by the band director. Pre-payment is available with credit card only. NO CASH IS ACCEPTED. Advance payment is mandatory to reserve your spot in the ensemble. All payments will become non-refundable on Monday January 4, 2027.
If a school is paying by check or money order, that will be accepted on site.
The $75 fee includes:
- Music folder and pencil
- Lunch on Saturday in Champions Kitchen on campus
- Ticket to the UK Wind Symphony Concert (Saturday evening)
- One ticket to give to a family member for the final concert (Sunday)
Director’s Session
All directors in attendance are invited to join our guest clinicians to discuss a variety of topics that may include: repertoire, conducting, rehearsal techniques, and an open invitation for questions. The session takes place Saturday afternoon in the Singletary Center President’s Room.
Contact Email
universitybands@uky.edu
Contact Phone
