Join us February 4-7, 2026
This three-day performance-focused instrumental festival is open to all high-school-aged students.
Questions?
For questions regarding registration, contact Karla Whitmore (visit@uau.edu).
For further information regarding auditions and the festival in general, contact Fernando Martins (fernando.martins@uau.edu).
Registration
Students from Adventist academies affiliated with conferences may register directly through Union's Enrollment Office.
Students from self-supporting academies, public schools and who are homeschooled may register using this form before Dec. 1, 2025, and will need to audition (see details below). For questions regarding registration, contact Karla Whitmore (visit@uau.edu).
Requirements
- Participants must be at least in the ninth grade.
- All participants must be accompanied by a sponsor of the same gender. One sponsor may supervise multiple students.
- Sheet music will be provided at no additional cost.
- The festival fee for out-of-town students covers lodging Wednesday through Sabbath and all meals from Wednesday supper through Sabbath lunch. Local students pay a reduced fee that includes noon meals only.
Symphonic Band Clinician
Andres Mendoza, music director at Shenandoah Valley Academy, will direct the Symphonic Band. Mr. Mendoza holds a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Western Michigan, and Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Andrews University. Mr. Mendoza has collaborated with musicians such as Gustavo Dudamel and has performed in concert halls around the globe.
String Orchestra Clinician
Fernando Martins, Associate Professor of Music at Union Adventist University, will direct the String Orchestra. Mr. Martins holds a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance degree from DePaul University in Chicago. Mr. Martins is currently a candidate Music Education doctoral student at Liberty University. Mr Martins’ orchestras have received numerous national awards and recognitions in the past.
Audition materials
- All prospective festival band members who are not currently attending an Adventist academy must submit an audition by December 1st, 2025. Whenever possible, enlist an instructor to help you prepare and record your audition so that you can present your best-possible performance! Auditions may be submitted via YouTube or Google Drive.
- Preference will be given to percussionists who audition on more than one instrument (mallets, snare drum, timpani).
- Students not from Adventist academies must complete and submit an application form along with the recorded audition.