BOCH Festival

UNO BOCH Festival - Bands, String Orchestra

UNO's School of Music created the BOCH Festival in 2007. While most institutions hold separate honors events for each ensemble, the BOCH Festival combines these groups to host an event that brings more than 300 high school students from across Nebraska and the Midwest to work with nationally renowned clinicians. This unique experience will culminate in a performance at the newly-renovated Strauss Performing Arts Center on the campus of UNO.

Though a rigorous audition process, high school musicians from across Nebraska and surrounding states are selected to come together and perform with other musicians at one of Omaha’s premiere performance venues. Students have the opportunity to work with UNO Music faculty and students as well as guest clinicians in both masterclass and rehearsal settings. It is a fun-filled weekend of music making and learning with other talented musicians.

2024 BOCH Festival Important Documents

1. 2024 BOCH Festival Letter
2. Click here to apply for the 2024 BOCH Festival! (deadline passed)
3. 2024 BOCH Festival Schedule

Results & Participation Information: posted below after Dec. 11, 2023

1. 2024 BOCH Festival Results: Wind Ensemble | Band | String Orchestra
2. 2024 BOCH Festival Participant & Director Packet
3. 2024 BOCH Festival Payment Portal and Attendance Confirmation
4. 2024 BOCH Festival Concert Day Instructions
5. Chair placement information and/or PDFs of repertoire (when possible)
   
   1. String Orchestra
   2. Wind Ensemble - Chair Placement Audition Excerpts
   3. Honor Band - Piccolo Audition Excerpts

Finale Concerts Information

• There is no cost to attend any of the BOCH finale concerts on Saturday. No ticket required.
• The event will be livestreamed.

Parking Information

• Information forthcoming

Friday, 1/26

• Information forthcoming

Saturday, 1/27

• Information forthcoming

Bands

Students who audition for the BOCH Festival Bands will be placed in one of our two ensembles, the Wind Ensemble or Band. Students will get to work with UNO faculty, attend rehearsals, masterclasses, and concerts during the festival.

The Wind Ensemble conductor for 2024 will be Dr. Joshua Kearney, UNO Director of Bands.

The Honor Band conductor for 2024 will be Prof. Peter Wilger, Director of the UNO University Band.

String Orchestra

String students throughout the Midwest participate yearly in the UNO BOCH String Orchestra. These students have the opportunity to work with UNO faculty and guest clinicians to perform great repertoire, as well as attend concerts and masterclasses throughout the weekend.

The String Orchestra conductor for 2024 will be Dr. Matthew Brooks, Director of Orchestral Activities in Music & Medicine.