Dorian Band Festival
February 25-26, 2024
Calling all band directors! Each year we invite band directors to nominate high school band students to attend the Dorian Band Festival. Approximately 500 students are typically accepted to participate in the festival where students are placed in one of three bands: two Festival Massed Bands and the select Festival Symphonic Band. The Symphonic Band consists of the 60-70 students who audition for chair placement prior to the Festival by video. A few student soloists are selected to perform at the festival concert.
In addition to festival band rehearsals, students will have the chance to participate in a private, mini-lesson with Luther College faculty. This lesson may serve as an audition to be a concert soloist, and it may serve as a music scholarship audition for seniors who are interested in attending Luther College. The Luther College Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra perform for the festival participants on Sunday evening, and the three festival bands perform in a Grand Concert on Monday evening.
Helpful Links
Please use the 2023 Dorian Band Festival daily schedule as a reference until the 2024 schedule is posted in November, 2024.
You may use the 2023 fees form as a reference until the 2024 fees form is posted. Please reach out to dorian@luther.edu if the fees present a financial hardship for your school or students.
Symphonic Band held under the direction of Dr. Cory Near
- Release the Hounds by Daniel Montoya Jr.
- Shenandoah by Omar Thomas
- River Valley Suite by Charles L. Booker Jr.
Sperati Band held under the direction of Dr. J. Nick Smith
- The Redwoods by Rossano Galante
- Country Gardens by Percy Aldridge Grainger/Karrick
- Letter from Sado by Jodie Blackshaw
- Rollo Takes a Walk by David Maslanka
Noble Band held under the direction of Dr. Cassandra Bechard
- American Fanfare by James Stephenson
- Smiling After the Rain by Yukiko Nishimura
- Winter on Emerald Bay by Alan Lee Silva
- Suite Provencale by Jan Van der Roost
Click the tab below to find the 2023 packing list. If you are staying overnight on campus – please be sure to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
Be sure to check our FAQ page if you have any questions about the Dorian Band Festival.