| America/New_York Time | |
| Open: | Nov 1, 2025, 11:00 am |
| Closed: | Dec 1, 2026, 5:00 pm |
| Results: | Date Not Set |
Application Requirements
The following details outline the application process for the 2027 Harmony Honors Invitational at Carnegie Hall. All applications and supporting materials must be received by December 1, 2026.
ELIGIBLE ENSEMBLES:
– High School Concert Bands, Full Orchestras, String Orchestras and HS Full Choirs (SATB): Submit an unedited audio recording of 12-20 minutes of music performed during the 2025–2026 school year.
AUDITION RECORDINGS AND REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS:
– The audio recording should showcase not only the technical skill of the ensemble but also their musical expression and artistry. We strongly recommend submitting a high-quality, high-fidelity recording. Keep in mind that the quality of the audition is only as good as the recording itself.
– While there is no required repertoire list, we suggest selecting music from Grade IV or higher for high school ensembles.
– Recordings may be taken from festival performances, live concerts, or specially recorded for this audition.
– Submissions exceeding the time limit of 20 minutes (for bands and orchestras) will not be considered beyond that length.
RECORDING FORMAT:
– All recordings must be in stereo. Any deviation may result in a loss of sound quality.
– Do not apply audio editing or enhancement techniques to alter the live performance.
– Submit a digital audio file in 128k mp3 format. Use the online application portal to upload your recording.
– We recommend the following recording setup for optimal results:
+Use a directional microphone (not an omni microphone).
+Use a dynamic microphone (not a condenser microphone).
+Set meters to peak at +3.
+Position microphones 8–11 feet behind the conductor/ensemble and at least 8 feet above the ensemble.
APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE PROTOCOLS:
– Accepted ensembles are required to attend the Opening Session and all subsequent rehearsals/sessions and performances.
+Accepted ensembles are also required to use Harmony Tours for all hotel and meals while in NYC.
FEES:
– If accepted, a 25% deposit is due by November 30, 2026.
– Full cost details will be provided upon acceptance. Please be aware that all ensembles must use Harmony Tours for hotel accommodations.
OTHER CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE:
– By signing the proposal after being accepted, the ensemble grants Harmony Productions the right to use the ensemble’s name, likeness, photographs, and recordings in any media for promotional purposes. The signed application releases and indemnifies Harmony Honors and its agents from any claims or liabilities arising from such use.
– Harmony Productions will obtain permission to perform all published works and arrangements of copyrighted music. However, for any custom arrangements or newly commissioned works, the participating ensemble must provide Harmony Productions with written permission from the copyright holder.
– If the ensemble plans to use a travel agent, that agent must work through Harmony Honors to finalize the itinerary details. Accepted ensembles must use Harmony Productions/Harmony Tours for hotel and meal accommodations while in New York City between Sunday and Tuesday.
– Bands and orchestras accepted for the 2026 Harmony Honors National Festival will be notified no later than November 2, 2026.
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RUBRICS FOR EVALUATION
Tone Quality
• Produce a dark, characteristic tone quality
• Produce a focused, controlled sound in all ranges and registers
• Demonstrate proper use of vibrato
• Produce a quality sound on percussion instruments through proper technique and choice of equipment
• Bowing/breath support -Upper range Lower range
• Produce uniform tonal focus throughout the ensemble
Intonation
• Demonstrate careful attention to tuning and pitch processes
• Understand chordal and harmonic structures
• Adjust any perceived pitch issues
• Demonstrate percussion tuning to match the ensemble
• Listening for pitch adjusting pitch issues
• Unisons /melodic pitch
Technique
• Meet technical demands with precision
• Demonstrate an understanding of styles of articulation
• Demonstrate dexterity in performing technical passages
• Start and stop together, within sections and across the ensemble
• Finger/bowing precision
Rhythm
• Demonstrate control of rhythms
• Maintain tempo
• Produce a natural feel to rhythmic passages
• Demonstrate control in multi-metered passages
• Vertical alignment Subdivision
Balance
• Produce correct balance in all sections of the music
• Demonstrate balance between inner and outer voices
• Demonstrate the melodic line as the prevalent voice as required
• Understand the supportive relationship between the percussion, strings and wind sections
Musicianship
• Demonstrate attention to detail
• Demonstrate the music's expressive features
• Shaping phrases using dynamics, articulation, and direction
• Produce effective moods and emotions
• Demonstrate an understanding of musical style
• Interpretation
CLICK HERE FOR CHORAL RUBRICS.