Festival at a Glance
A national-level honor band experience
High-quality repertoire and musical direction led by a renowned conductor
Collaboration and the opportunity to meet like-minded young musicians from across the country
A culminating performance in a historic concert hall where John Philip Sousa himself performed more than 27 times
A chance to explore Boston’s cultural and historical landmarks during America’s 250th birthday celebration
Meet our Conductor
Former director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Michael J. Colburn will return to conduct our 2026 festival.
Venue
The Historical Mechanics Hall
Auditions
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Auditions now open
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Eligible Grades: Classes 2026-2030
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Audition deadline: February 15
Legacy
The John Philip Sousa Foundation offers many dynamic programs to support the cause of wind band music around the country as a way to bring honor to that most famous and respected of bandsmen, John Philip Sousa. One of the Foundation’s most popular events is the John Philip Sousa National Honors Band, which is organized every two years.
The band is open, by application, to all outstanding band students from throughout the United States. This program has been in existence for many years and has created outstanding opportunities for some of the most competent high school musicians in the country to come together and make music in the finest honors band setting.
2026 Festival Dates:
July 12-15, 2026
Donate here to support the Sousa National Honor Band!
Your donation of any size makes an impact on our students. For the amounts listed below, your support helps us do the following:
$10 Covers all printed materials and office supplies for one student.
$25 Is the cost per student to rent out our rehearsal spaces.
$50 Covers all transportation costs for one student.
$75 Covers the cost of renting the concert hall for one student.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$10
$25
$50
$75
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