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The 2026 Nebraska Wesleyan University Honors Bands will bring together students from across the region to form two bands (Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble) that will rehearse and perform with guest conductor Derek Stoughton and SM论坛鈥檚 Director of Bands Zach NewCheever. Students in both groups will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with both conductors.

Selected students must register and submit a $50 participation fee. Students are expected to prepare the music in advance of the festival.

Audition and nomination submissions will be accepted until the end of Friday, December 5, 2025.

Audition / Nomination Process

The Wesleyan Honor Bands will host two ensembles.

Our Symphonic Band is a nomination-based ensemble. Directors may nominate a student from their program. This process does not require an audition.

Symphonic Band nomination instructions

Please submit nominations by the end of Friday, December 5, 2025.

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3. Complete the 鈥淪chool Information鈥� tab.
4. Complete the 鈥淪tudent Information鈥� tab for all your students.
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Our Wind Ensemble is an audition-based ensemble which requires an audio or video submission.

Wind Ensemble audition instructions

Wind Ensemble auditions should include two contrasting excerpts of your choosing, which demonstrate your abilities as a musician in a wide range of categories. 

Guest Conductor

Derek Stoughton

Derek Stoughton is Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Central Arkansas. He directs the Bear Marching Band and Purple Rage Basketball Band, conducts the Symphonic Band, and teaches courses in Music Education. Prior to his appointment at UCA, Stoughton served as Interim Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he conducted the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, led the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band, and observed student teachers in the field.

Earlier in his career, he taught in several public schools in Texas, where his ensembles consistently earned sweepstakes honors at UIL contests.

An active composer and arranger, Dr. Stoughton has published works for concert band, athletic bands, marching percussion, and percussion ensemble with Murphy Music Press, DevMusic, and DCS Productions.

He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado鈥揃oulder, a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The University of Texas at Austin.

Schedule

Thursday February 12

• 1 p.m. SM论坛 Music Scholarship auditions (optional for seniors considering SM论坛)
• 2:30 p.m. Check-in begins
• 3:30 p.m. Ensemble seating
• 4 p.m. Rehearsal
• 6:15/6:45 p.m. Dinner provided for students
• 9:15 p.m. Dismissal

Friday February 13

• 9 a.m. Rehearsal (lunch included)
• 5:30 p.m. Dismissal

Saturday February 14

• 9:15 a.m. Rehearsal (brunch included)
• 2:30 p.m. Performance

Repertoire

To be announced after nomination and audition selection.