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SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 7th, 8:00am - 5:30pm
Sunday, February 8th, 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Non-Refundable Participation Fee: $120 (+$7.50 online processing fee)
Payment is due at the time of your application/audition form submission.
(*includes two meals, campus tour, masterclass, festival apparel)
All meals will be served at the university's main dining hall and have various options for students with dietary/allergy restrictions, information about the menu can be found here: https://cppdining.com/centerpointe/
Application/Audition form due no later than December 12th, 2025
(*submit your application/audition form & participation fee when your YouTube audition video is uploaded & complete)
The Festival of Winds at Cal Poly Pomona University is an exciting event hosted by the Cal Poly Pomona Band program celebrating musical excellence, collaboration, and education. The festival brings together outstanding high school and community college musicians from across California. Students and Directors will experience two immersive days of honor band rehearsals, masterclasses, a conducting workshop, and artistic growth for students considering Cal Poly Pomona as their destination for higher education in music.
The Festival of Winds features two distinguished honor ensembles: the Honor Wind Symphony, conducted by Frank Ticheli, world-renowned composer and conductor; and the Honor Concert Band, conducted by Jeanne Christensen, former SCSBOA President and longtime Mira Mesa High School Band Director.
The event culminates in a finale concert uniting both ensembles with the Cal Poly Pomona Wind Ensemble, an inspiring celebration of artistry, musicianship, and the power of shared musical experiences.
All selected students are required to submit a YouTube video audition for placement and appropriate chair seating. These auditions will determine your assignment into one of two ensembles: the Honor Wind Symphony or the Honor Concert Band. This process helps create balanced, high-quality ensembles and a truly memorable musical experience for everyone.
All performers are required to attend and be on time for all rehearsals and the finale concert. Cal Poly Pomona is unable to provide chaperones, so parents and directors should plan accordingly.
VIDEO AUDITION EXCERPT
Your choice of any 1-2 minute etude, solo, or excerpt of music that demonstrates your best technical and lyrical playing.
Two short excerpts may be utilized if desired. Excerpts for the SCSBOA All-Southern Honor Band or CASMEC All-State Bands will also be accepted.
If you do not have an excerpt to prepare, you are welcome to use the 1A Excerpt provided below.
Percussionists are urged to audition on TWO instruments of their choice from the following three choices: Snare Drum, Mallet/Keyboard Instrument, Timpani; showing proficiency on both. Scales or rudiments are not required. If you do not have an excerpt to prepare, you are welcome use the percussion excerpts provided below.
Audition Video Recording and Technical Information
BEFORE you begin — Equipment Check
1. Use whatever video recording device you have at your disposal (video camera, phone, tablet, computer, etc.), but select a device that captures the highest quality audio.
2. Check with your director to borrow a USB microphone if you do not have one. (optional)
o Looking to purchase one? (optional)
3. When positioning the camera, be sure that you can be seen clearly in the video.
4. Before recording, test the audio level and picture quality of both the device and microphone.
The Video Audition Recording
1. The audition video recording is to be one continuous take, with no pauses or edits in any way. Avoid adding any sound effects or reverb to the audio.
2. Begin the video with a short personal introduction. State:
· Your first and last name
· Your grade level (e.g. 9th grade, 10th grade)
· Full name of your high school/community college
3. Following your personal introduction, proceed to the excerpt(s). If performing more than one excerpt, you may take some time between excerpts, but do not stop or pause the recording.
Finalizing and Uploading Your Video
1. View your completed video in its entirety to ensure that it includes all the required components and your finest quality performance of the required excerpt.
2. Audition should be posted as an unlisted video on YouTube. The instructional video below can help with the process. Uploading videos to YouTube.
3. Copy/Paste your YouTube video link directly onto the online form field where listed.
Application & Audition Online Submission Form: CLICK HERE
PARTICIPATION FEE PAYMENT LINK: CLICK HERE
*Please click on the link to submit credit card payment for your participation fee of $120, an additional $7.50 will be charged for the online processing fee from the university. Payment is due at the time of application/audition form submission.
Housing:
If you are traveling beyond driving distance to campus below are a few hotel options nearby students/parents/directors can reside during the festival.
1. Kellogg West Conference Center & Hotel
Address: 3801 W Temple Ave, Building 76, Pomona, CA 91768
Website: https://www.kelloggwest.com/
Estimated Price (Feb 7–8, 2026): ~$125/night
2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona
Address: 3200 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/pomona-california/la-quinta-pomona/overview
Estimated Price (Feb 7–8, 2026): ~$136/night
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona
Address: 3101 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontpodt-doubletree-pomona/
Estimated Price (Feb 7–8, 2026): ~$128–$192/night
General questions can be directed to: cppbands@gmail.com
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