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Overview

Please join us on the beautiful campus of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ for an inspiring three days of music making with the acclaimed, woodwind, brass, and percussion faculty in the School of Music. Students selected for the Honor Band Festival will have the opportunity to advance their musical, technical, and creative skills in large ensemble settings, as well as participate in master classes and special performances with our faculty.

The festival kicks off with "Band-O-Rama!" a special concert by the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, University Band, and Marching 110, and it also features a performance by the OU Jazz Ensemble I.

Registration & Fees

There is no fee required for the nomination process. The festival fee is $75, collected upon acceptance into the Honor Band.

Honor Band Clinicians

This year we are excited to welcome two outstanding guest clinicians for the bands!

Dr. John Climer is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. During his tenure in Milwaukee, John oversaw all facets of the band program, guided the graduate wind conducting curriculum, and conducted the Wind Ensemble, the university’s premier wind band. Following his retirement in 2022 and move back to ºìÐÓÊÓƵ, he served as the interim director of wind ensembles at Capital University and taught instrumental conducting courses at The ºìÐÓÊÓƵ State University. John previously served as Director of Bands at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ, the University of North Dakota, and Emory University. He is absolutely delighted and honored to be back on campus at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ to guest conduct the OU Wind Symphony and collaborate with the talented musicians in the high school Honor Band.

As a guest conductor and clinician, John has led performances at venues including The Midwest Clinic, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Eastman School of Music, and the Conservatorio di Musica G. Martucci in Salerno, Italy. Notably, ensembles under his direction performed for four conferences of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), including the 2013 National Conference. His groups have also performed for the international conference of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), the Society of Composers Inc., and several state music education events, including five appearances for the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Music Education Association.

John’s teaching has been recognized with the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ College of Fine Arts Outstanding Teacher Award, the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ School of Music Distinguished Teaching Award, and the Outstanding Music Educator Alumni Award from the University of Akron. In 2021, he was named the Phi Beta Mu Wisconsin Bandmaster of the Year. He is a past president of the North Central Division of CBDNA, a former editor of the CBDNA Report, and an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Susan Climer retired in 2022 following a distinguished 36-year career as a music educator and school administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University, a Master of Music in clarinet performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Educational Administration from ºìÐÓÊÓƵ. Over her 21 years teaching band and general music across Kansas, Georgia, North Dakota, and ºìÐÓÊÓƵ, Mrs. Climer's longest tenure was as Director of Bands for the Athens City School District (OH). Under her direction, her middle and high school ensembles consistently earned superior ratings at district and state concert and marching band events. She transitioned into school leadership for the final 15 years of her career, serving as a principal in both ºìÐÓÊÓƵ and Wisconsin. An active leader in the music community, Mrs. Climer has served as a band adjudicator and clinician in ºìÐÓÊÓƵ and West Virginia, as well as the OMEA Junior High Affairs Chair. She is honored to conduct at this year’s ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Honor Band Festival. 

Lodging and Transportation

Band directors/Parents will again be responsible for making housing and transportation arrangements for this year’s event. Please see the list of area hotels below.  Most of them offer a discounted rate for Honor Band participants.

331 Richland Ave.
Athens, OH 45701

866.593.6661

11 E Park Dr.
Athens, OH 45701
740.592.4260
Complimentary Breakfast

924 E. State St.
Athens, OH 45701
740.589.5839
Complimentary Breakfast

986 E. State St.
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.5600
Complimentary Breakfast