ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ Honor Orchestra and String Summit
Dates: December 4th & 5th, 2026
Registration: Coming Soon!
Cost: $75.00 (Payment link will be sent to students after completing the registration form.)
Please join us on the beautiful campus of ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ for an inspiring weekend of music making with the acclaimed string faculty in the School of Music. Students selected for the Honor Orchestra 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.
Festival Schedule
Subject to change. Any schedule updates will be communicated prior to the festival.
Friday
| Time | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 9:00-9:30 AM | Registration & Check-In |
| 9:30 AM-12:00 PM | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal: High school musicians will rehearse side-by-side with ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ student musicians under the direction of José Rocha. Music will be provided in advance to all registered participants. Location: Glidden Hall, Room 461 |
| 12:15-2:00 PM | Lunch on Campus & Guided Campus Tour (Lunch provided for all registered high school students) |
| 2:00-3:30 PM | Faculty Master Classes: Instrument-specific breakout sessions with ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ applied faculty in violin, viola, cello, and double bass. |
| 3:30-6:00 PM | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner Break - Dinner on your own/explore uptown Athens! |
| 7:00-9:00 PM | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal |
Saturday
| Time | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 9:15 AM  | Arrival & Warm-Up: Location: Glidden Recital Hall |
| 9:30-11AM | Festival Orchestra Rehearsal: Location: Glidden Recital Hall |
| 11´¡²Ñ-12±Ê²Ñ  | aculty & Guest Artist Showcase: Performances by ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ faculty and distinguished guest artists - Location: Glidden Recital Hall |
| 12-1PM | Lunch on Campus: Lunch provided for all registered high school students. |
| 1-2PM | Dress Rehearsal: Location: Glidden Recital Hall |
| 2:30 PM | 2026 ºìÐÓÊÓÆµ Honor Orchestra Festival Concert: Final performance featuring all festival participants. Open to the public and livestreamed. Location: Glidden Recital Hall |
Additional Information
Throughout the weekend, participants will rehearse and perform challenging orchestral repertoire while working closely with accomplished conductors, performers, and educators who are dedicated to helping every student grow. In addition to orchestra rehearsals, students will have opportunities to refine their ensemble skills in a positive and supportive environment. Faculty members will provide individualized feedback, practical performance strategies, and encouragement designed to help students reach their full potential.
Whether participants aspire to major in music or simply want to become stronger performers, they will leave the weekend with new skills, greater confidence, memorable experiences, and a renewed excitement for making music.
Contact
Please don't hesitate to contact us directly regarding the Festival:
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr. Jose Rocha, rocha@ohio.edu
Lodging
Orchestra directors/Parents will 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 Orchestra 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