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Home » Curriculum » Arts Education » Honors Music – Band, Chorus, Orchestra

Honors Music – Band, Chorus, Orchestra

Honors music programs give elementary and middle school students the opportunity to grow and challenge themselves musically. These are auditioned groups; auditions are held in the fall of each school year, with rehearsals and performances beginning in January.

Registration and Audition General Information

Audition information for the 2026 – 2027 season will be uploaded over the next few weeks. Older information is included for informational purposes only.

Students must be enrolled in Arlington Public Schools in order to audition and/or participate in Arlington Public School programs. No private or home-schooled students are allowed to participate.

Early online registration for the county-wide musical groups is highly encouraged, to allow organizers of the event ample time to prepare. Registering online will allow for shorter wait times at the auditions. If you are unable to register online, please ask your school music teacher to help your student register.

In addition to the online registration, you may download other supporting files including sheet music, practice audio tracks, and a virtual audition video. All music is for audition purposes, only. Please contact your student’s music teacher if you have difficulty accessing any of the audition materials.

Students are required to audition for the appropriate grade level the audition requires. A student may audition for more than one music group. If selected for more than one group, the student may have to choose one or the other.

All auditions will be “blind” auditions. The students will audition behind a screen, and the judges will only be able to hear the students. The judges will not know anything about the student, except for their assigned audition number. They will not know the name of the student, or their school.

2026-27 Schedules for Auditions, Rehearsals and Concerts

  • Auditions are open to Arlington Public School Students only. No private or home-schooled students are allowed to participate.
  • Please see the blue “accordion” sections below for audition music and registration materials for each Honors Music Group

Group

Audition, Rehearsal and Concert Dates:
Honors Band

(grades 6 – 8)

 Auditions are at Kenmore MS

  • Auditions are on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – 4:30-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • Please see the blue “accordion” sections below for audition music and registration materials

All rehearsals and concerts are at Washington-Liberty HS

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 6:00-9:00 PM
  • “Dress” Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 23, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 4:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 25, 2027, at 7:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS

Audition music and Registration materials are linked here
Honors Orchestra

(grades 6 – 8)

 Auditions are at Kenmore MS

  • Auditions are on Thursday, November 5, 2026 – 5:30-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School. In addition, there will be extra violin-only slots between 4:30-5:30 PM

All rehearsals and concerts are at Washington-Liberty HS

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, 5:45-8:15 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 5:45-8:15 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 5:45-8:45 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • “Dress” Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 23, 12:30 PM-2:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 23, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 4:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 25, 2027, at 7:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS

Audition music and Registration materials are linked here
Elementary Honors Chorus

(grade 5)

 Auditions are available at Kenmore MS on

  • Monday, November 16, 2026,  4:00-7:30 PM
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4:30-7:30 PM
  • Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 4:00-7:30 PM

All rehearsals and concerts are at Kenmore MS

  • Rehearsals are from 6:45–8:00 PM, Tuesdays, January 12 – March 2, 2027 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are Monday, February 1, and Monday, February 22, 2027, if needed
  • “Dress” Rehearsals are on Monday, March 1, and Monday, March 8,  2027
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 9, 2027, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 16, 2027, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School

Audition music and Registration materials are linked here
Middle School Honors Chorus

(grades 6 – 8)

 Auditions are at Kenmore MS

  • Auditions are on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 – 4:00-8:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School

All rehearsals and concerts are at Washington-Liberty HS

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, 5:30-8:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 5:30-8:00 PM, Washinton-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 5:30-8:30 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • “Dress” Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 2:00-3:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, Jan. 23 may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 4:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 25, 2027, at 7:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS

Audition music and Registration materials are linked here

Below you will find the audition music and registration forms for each performing group. 

Honors Band (grades 6 - 8)

Mia Laping directs the Honors Band, and Kristen Bartholomew is the manager.

Auditions, at Kenmore MS

  • Auditions are on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – 4:30-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • Students may choose from six different audition times: 4:30–5:00, 5:00–5:30, 5:30–6:00, 6:00–6:30, 6:30–7:00, 7:00 – 7:30 PM.
    • Check-in begins 15 minutes before each audition slot. Registration closes at 7:15 PM
  • Please request a time slot through the online registration form linked below.
  • Percussionists must audition on both snare and a mallet instrument
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy

Rehearsals and Performance, all at Washington-Liberty High School

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, 6:00-8:30 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 6:00-8:30 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 6:00-9:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 23, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 4:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 25, 2027, at 7:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS

Registration Materials for Honors Band (grades 6 – 8): Updated materials coming soon!

Registration Materials for Honors Band in Spanish (grades 6 – 8): Updated materials coming soon!

2025 – 2026 Audition Music for Honors Band (grades 6 – 8):  Updated materials coming soon!

Scales will be requested in the key in which the instrument plays, not in concert key.

Honors Orchestra (grades 6 - 8)

Laura Cahn Wallace directs the Honors Orchestra, and Lexie Rowland is the manager.

Auditions, at Kenmore MS 

  • Auditions are on Thursday, November 5, 2026 – 5:30-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School. In addition, there will be extra violin-only slots between 4:30-5:30 PM
  • Check-in begins 15 minutes before each audition slot. Registration closes at 7:15 PM
  • Please request a time slot through the online registration form linked below.
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy

Rehearsals and Performance: All rehearsals and concerts are at Washington-Liberty HS

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, 5:45-8:15 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 5:45-8:15 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 5:45-8:45 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • “Dress” Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 12:30 PM-2:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 23, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 4:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 25, 2027, at 7:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS

Registration Materials for Honors Orchestra (grades 6 – 8): Updated materials coming soon!

Registration Materials for Honors Orchestra in Spanish (grades 6 – 8):  Updated materials coming soon!

2026 – 2027 Audition Music: Updated!

Notes from the director on the audition music:

  • All string instruments can rehearse the music together.
  • There is no sight reading; the judges will be listening for shifting, technique, and tone color.

Honors Orchestra Auditions Score Sheets

 

Elementary Honors Chorus (grade 5)

Samantha Cordasco directs the Elementary Honors Chorus, Raifel Faison is the accompanist.

Auditions, Kenmore MS

  • Auditions are available on
    • Monday, November 16, 2026,  4:00-7:30 PM
    • Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4:30-7:30 PM
    • Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 4:00-7:30 PM
    • All auditions are at Kenmore Middle School

Rehearsals and Performance, at Kenmore MS

  • Rehearsals are from 6:45–8:00 PM, Tuesdays, January 12 – March 9, 2027 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are Monday, February 1, and Monday, February 22, 2027, if needed
  • “Dress” Rehearsals are on Monday, March 1, and Monday, March 8, 2027
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 9, 2027, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 16, 2027, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School

 

  • Please request a time slot through the online registration form linked below.
  • Please arrive during the selected time slot.
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • All students will be notified of the results within two weeks
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy

2025 – 2026 Registration Materials and Music:  Updated materials coming soon!

Registration Materials for Honors Chorus in Spanish (grade 5): Updated materials coming soon!

Audition Music and Materials for Honors Chorus (grade 5):  Updated materials coming soon!

2025 -2026 Audition Music Files:

Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6 - 8)

Emily McTavish directs the Middle Schools Honors Chorus, The accompanist is Nadim Nader.

Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6-8)

  • Please note that the Middle School Honors Chorus is open to ALL Arlington Public School Middle School students
  • Students are encouraged to participate in their school’s choral program, but it is not a prerequisite for participation in the Honors Chorus
  • Students may audition for more than one group, but may participate in only one group: Honors Band, Honors Orchestra, or Honors Chorus. Students will be notified and given the opportunity to choose.

Auditions:

  • Auditions are on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 – 4:00-8:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • Please request a time slot through the online registration form linked below.
  • Feel free to sign up your students, regardless of grade level, into any of the open slots.
  • There will be eight time slots available – 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 PM. On-site registration ends at 7:45 PM.
  • Check in for all students begins 15 minutes before the assigned audition slot. Registration times will be selected on the online registration form.
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy

Rehearsals and Performance: All rehearsals as well as the concert, are at Washington-Liberty HS

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, 5:30-8:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 5:30-8:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 5:30-8:30 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • “Dress” Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 2:00-3:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, Jan. 23 may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, 4:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 25, 2027, at 7:00 PM, Washington-Liberty HS

Registration Materials for Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6 – 8): Updated materials coming soon!

Registration Materials for Middle School Honors Chorus in Spanish (grades 6 – 8): Updated materials coming soon!

Audition Music and Materials for Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6 – 8):  Updated materials coming soon!

If you have questions or would like some help with this, speak to the chorus teacher at your school, who will be happy to assist

  1. Vocally Perform How Can I Keep from Singing (mp3 files are housed on Google Drive) Download the part that you need:  How Can I Keep from Singing pdf file 
    1. Soprano
    2. Alto
    3. Tenor
    4. Bass
  2. Sing an Ascending and Descending Major Scale – the mp3 files below, are housed on Soundcloud
    1. Singers are encouraged to sing their scale on Solfege syllables
    2. Scale Keys
      1. Soprano – F Major
      2. Alto – D Major
      3. Tenor – G Major
      4. Bass – D Major

Performances

2026 Honors Concert – January 24, 2026

  • All information about future broadcasts will be listed on the AETV website
  • If you would like to order a professionally-recorded CD, please contact RonArt Associates:  703-362-5373 or [email protected]

Inclement Weather:

  • If APS cancels evening activities, Honors rehearsals will not take place. School closings are posted at the top of the APS website.

Questions? Please email Honors Music Program Coordinator:  Christopher Monroy