On behalf of the Lyon College music faculty, we invite high school music educators to nominate students for our High School Invitational Honor Ensembles (band and choir) on Wednesday, November 18.
• What are the Lyon College Honor Ensembles for?
• Who performs?
• Criteria for musician selection• Concert Repertoire
What are the Lyon College High School Invitational Honor Ensembles?
The Lyon College High School Invitational Honor Ensembles offer students a chance to elevate their musicianship, develop leadership skills, and represent their school with pride. It’s an opportunity for motivated students in grades 9-12 to challenge themselves and grow both personally and musically. Participation highlights dedication and provides valuable experience for future endeavors.
Who will perform:
Participating School Educators audition potential performers at their school, with input from appropriate school officials, to meet their school’s established selection criteria. Each school should select up to 8 band musicians in grades 9-12 and up to 8 vocal members who are motivated to prepare independently with their high school faculty, with Lyon College Faculty, and honor ensemble members to prepare a challenging program of approximately 30 minutes of music.
Recommended Criteria for selection:
· First is the student’s maturity, values positive progress, and ability to work cooperatively.
· Second is the student’s performance. Musicians should have good facilities for their instruments/voices. Students need not be All-State performers, but should have basic ensemble performance skills and etiquette.
· Third, the repertoire is mixed, including sacred and secular music from all periods. I chose quality music for its beauty, educational merit, and suitability for participating performers. Students should perform all compositions.
· Finally, consider how your students need to grow and what benefits they have to themselves and your program. They will use what they learn with us, build confidence, and help energize your program.
We will construct up to four ensembles of approximately 50 performers each. Based on the director’s recommendation, instrumentation, and the time of submission, at least three performers will represent your school in each ensemble. Other students will be alternates.
Submissions must be received by October 16, 2026, to be considered. Please submit your school’s entries by this date to secure your spot in the ensembles.
Submission Link: https://forms.gle/FKqWivgrekV643op8
Student Fees: The Lyon College HS Invitational Honor Ensemble experience fee is $30 per performer.
Students receive a Lyon College Student Swag Bag, T-shirt, Breakfast, lunch at our Dining Hall, and a snack.
Directors may pay fees on-site by check or cash. Schools that have students who cancel or don’t attend are still financially responsible for their spots. Alternates may pay on-site if selected.
We invite directors to volunteer and collaborate with us, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and supporting your teaching community. Your involvement helps create a welcoming environment that values teamwork and shared success.
Transportation: Each participating school is responsible for organizing and paying for the transportation of participating students/chaperones to and from Batesville. Musicians must arrive in time to attend all rehearsals; schools that arrive after rehearsals begin put themselves at a disadvantage and hinder the entire group’s progress.
Student Guidelines:
1. Students come with all the music prepared.
2. Students actively participate in rehearsals, performing and following instructions.
3. Students come with a great attitude and accept constructive feedback from the director/staff.
4. Students follow our schedule and arrive at rehearsals and departures on time.
5. Students demonstrate appropriate rehearsal etiquette and concert decorum.
Up to Two Bands each w/ flexible Instrumentation (50)
1 flute/piccolo
5 flutes
2 Oboes
2 Bassoons
6 clarinets
1 bass clarinet
4 alto saxophones
1 tenor saxophone
1 baritone saxophone
6 trumpets
4 horns
6 trombones
2 euphoniums
3 tubas
6 percussion
Up to Two Choirs each w/ flexible vocal sections (50)
16 Sopranos
12 Altos
12 Tenors
10 Basses
Thank you to all the directors and music teachers for encouraging this activity. We appreciate your time and effort in preparation for this event. I hope that we can create an opportunity for superior musicianship and fellowship. Please contact us with any questions. (870) 307-7080 or music@lyon.edu