Honor Band

February 6-8, 2025

February 6-8, 2025

We are excited to announce the 16th Annual University of Mobile Honor Band. Your time will be artistically inspiring, musically challenging, educational and FUN – all at the university named a Best Value Regional College in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to rehearsal time, under the direction of Mr. Jason Warnix, the schedule will also include performances by University of Mobile instrumental ensembles such as Symphonic Winds, RamCorps, the UM Jazz Band, and Welsh Revival. For the 12th year, students in grades 9-12 will have the unique opportunity to perform the World Premiere of an original work for band, conducted by composer Steve Dunn.

STEP 1: APPLY

Admission into the UM Honor Band is based on student application (9th -12th grade) and band director recommendation, not by audition.

STUDENTS:
Apply below and your band director will receive an email to recommend you.

DIRECTORS:
Recommend a student below and they will receive an email invite.

Deadline is November 20, 2024.

STEP 2: ARRIVE

February 6-8, 2025

Located on the beautiful UM campus in south Alabama.

Quality Instruction by Guest Director, Jason Warnix.

Elevate your band program.

Meet new friends.

See UM Ensembles in Concert.

Receive a University of Mobile Alabama School of the Arts scholarship.

What does it cost?

The cost for the honor band is $85.
($10 non-refundable application fee and $75 registration fee upon acceptance)

YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
3 meals
An awesome Honor Band t-shirt
Honor Band medal
Honor Band name tag
Expert Instruction

Featured Clinician & Conductor

The 2025 featured clinician and guest conductor is Mr. Jason Warnix.

Mr. Warnix is a native of Arab, AL where he graduated with an advanced diploma from Arab High School in 1995. Mr. Warnix received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2001 from the University of North Alabama where he was a member and section leader in various performance groups including the “Pride of Dixie” Marching Band, the UNA Concert Band, and the UNA Percussion Ensemble. While in Florence, performances with the Shoals Symphony and other local professional groups were common to Mr. Warnix. His talents extended into the world of Drum Corps International in 1997 as a member of the Front Ensemble of Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps. From 2001 to 2004, he was the band director at Prattville Jr. High School where he averaged 400+ students under his direction per year. In 2004, Mr. Warnix became the Assistant Band Director at Prattville High School. He was in charge of the Prattville High School percussion sections and the director of the Prattville High School Symphonic Band.

Mr. Warnix was the assistant Music Director at First United Methodist Church in Prattville from October 2005 until August 2009. In service at FUMC Prattville, Mr. Warnix led the Adult Hand Bells and the Contemporary Praise Band, and assisted with the Adult Choir and the Youth Choir in addition to leading music at various regular and special services. Mr. Warnix has also been the Sound Technician for the First United Methodist Church in Clanton. Presently, Mr. Warnix attends church with his wife, Mandy, and three daughters, Jordan, Kara, and Erin at Bethsalem Baptist Church in Billingsley, Alabama where he is the Worship Leader/Choir Director.

Mr. Jason Warnix has been the Director of Bands at Wetumpka High School since August 2008, and has guided the band to straight Superior Ratings and numerous Best in Class Awards at marching competitions. The Pride of the Tribe was also invited to be one of two featured high school bands at the 2013 Alabama/Mississippi High School Football All-Star Game. The band participated in the Alabama Bandmasters Association’s District Concert Assessment in February 2009 for the first time in over 12 years and scored Straight Superior Ratings. The band also scored an Overall Superior Rating at the first ABA Music Performance Assessment in March 2010, and then again in 2013 and 2014. The Pride of the Tribe has also performed in the Dynamic Music Festival in Orlando, and the Southern Star Music Festival in Atlanta. Members of the band have acheived Superior Ratings at Solo and Ensemble, and have attended several college and university honor bands as well as the ABA District VI Honor Band. Since 2010, Wetumpka HS Band members have consistently been placed in the Alabama All-State Honor Band under Mr. Warnix’s direction. Mr. Warnix is a member of NAfME, AMEA, ABA, and AEA.

Chair Placement Audition Requirements

Auditions will take place upon arrival for chair placements. See audition requirements below.

  • Two (2) major scales of your choice as many octaves as you can comfortably play them. Choose one “flat” scale and one “sharp” scale.
  • Prepare a short piece (etude, solo excerpt, etc.) to demonstrate your technique, tone and musicianship. Please plan to play 30 seconds – 1 minute of this piece.
  • Site Reading.
  • Snare: 2 rudiments (double stroke and either a paradiddle or flam rudiment)
  • Mallets: A chromatic scale and another major scale of your choosing
  • Timpani: Play a note given by adjudicator on a mallet instrument and then tune a drum to that pitch. You will then need to tune another drum a specific interval above that pitch.
  • Site Reading.

Meet your ASOTA Instrumental Directors

Steve Dunn

Chair of Music
Director of Instrumental Studies, Symphonic Winds and Welsh Revival

Kenn Hughes

Associate Dean
Director of Ram:Corps & Jazz Band

FAQs

When does registration end?
The Deadline for Applications and Nomination Forms is November 20, 2024

What do we wear for performances?
Concert Dress is your high school concert band uniform

Do I bring a music stand?
Yes! Each participant must bring a music stand with them for the weekend.

Is housing provided for participants?
UM Honor Band does not provide housing, but there are a number of hotels very close to campus. See Accommodations button above.

Who should I contact with questions?
Steve Dunn 251.442.2447