Associate Dean
Director of Ram:Corps & Jazz Band
February 1-3, 2024
We are excited to announce the 15th 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. Chris Neugent, 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 11th 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, 2023.
STEP 2: ARRIVE
February 1-3, 2024
Located on the beautiful UM campus in south Alabama.
Quality Instruction by Guest Director, Chris Neugent.
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 $80.
($10 non-refundable application fee and $70 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
2024 Featured Clinician & Conductor
Mr. Chris Neugent is Band Director at Briarwood Christian School. He began his teaching career in 2001 and has served at Spain Park High School, Simmons Middle School, and Oak Grove High School. He has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. His teaching responsibilities have included elementary, concert, jazz, and marching bands as well as an exceptional education drum circle and worship leadership.
Mr. Neugent is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Music Education. He is a past National Board Certified teacher. His professional affiliations include MENC, ABA, and NBA.
Outside of his teaching duties, Mr. Neugent also enjoys serving as the Orchestra Director at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Neugent and his wife, Angie, have been blessed with seven children: Hampton, Emma, Brice, Eli, Bekah, Shepherd and John Stephen. He and his family reside in Helena, Alabama.
Chair Placement Audition Requirements
Auditions will take place upon arrival for chair placements. See audition requirements below.
Woodwinds & Brass
- 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.
Percussion
- 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.
FAQs
When does registration end?
The Deadline for Applications and Nomination Forms is November 20, 2023
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