Annual High School Honors Band
February 28, 2026
Gordon’s 4th High School Honors Band will provide a day-long immersive musical experience for any dedicated musicians who desire additional learning opportunities.
Your students will have the opportunity to work with our band director and esteemed music director, Dr. Gabe Southard, on Gordon's beautiful campus.
Dr. Southard has conducted successful honors bands in Michigan for 15 years. His impact on over 1,000 students in that time has been immense, and we are thrilled to offer such an experience again to Massachusetts band students in 2026.
Student will reahearse and partake in sectionals all day and in the evening they will present a shared concert with the Gordon College Symphonic Band, including a combined work.
Repertoire
"A Train Ride through America!"
Honors Band:
- Trentadue, Golder Pier
- Bennett, Suite of Old American Dances
- Third piece TBD
Symphonic Band:
- Gould, American Salute
- Ives, Variations on America
- Camphouse, Illuminations
- Whitacre, Ghost Train
Combined:
- Danyew, Magnolia Star
Nomination
All students participating in this High School Honors Band nominated by band directors and private teachers. In lieu of chair placements, we are asking that you briefly assess your student’s playing ability in your response below. You may nominate multiple students.
Deadline
The deadline to nominate students is Monday, January 26, 2026
Schedule
Schedule is subject to change.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:45 a.m. | Registration (Phillips Music Center) |
9:15 a.m. | Rehearsal (A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel) |
11:30 – 1 p.m. | Complimentary Lunch, time depending on sectional (Lane Student Center) |
2 p.m. | Tour of Campus (optional) |
3 p.m. | Rehearsal (A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel) |
4:30 p.m. | Rehearsal with the full Gordon Symphonic Band |
5:30 p.m. | Complimentary Dinner (Lane Student Center) |
7 p.m. | Symphony Band Concert (A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel) |
Questions? We're here to help
Dr. Gabe Southard
Director of the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band
Cordelia Schirer-Suter
Director of Admissions, Adams School of Music and the Arts