This upcoming summer, 9th-grade band students throughout Florida will have the opportunity to perform as members of the 2026 9-Star Honor Band. The ensemble will be conducted by FBA Retired/Life Member Jose Lopez.
Dates:
Wednesday, July 8 - Thursday, July 9, 2026
Location
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort
10100 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
Nomination Forms and Participant contracts are generated through MPA Online. Log in and click "9-Star Honor Band Nominations." No payment is needed up front.
Once students are accepted into the ensemble, the director will be responsible for registering students/chaperones as part of their FBA Summer Conference registration (available on the FBA website). The cost will be $20.00 per accepted student and $15.00 per chaperone. At least one registered chaperone is needed per school in addition to the school's Band Director.
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS:
- The Director must be a current member of the FBA and attend the FBA Summer Conference (July 8-9, 2026) if students are selected.
- Students must be currently in the 9th grade in your band program during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Nominations open on March 15, 2026
- Directors may nominate up to five students, ranked in order of ability. Please include color instruments in your selection.
- Directors must submit a brief description for each student nominated stating the student's musical aptitude, achievements, etc. in the space provided on the nomination form. Student solo/ensemble evaluation, band MPA evaluation will be considered, as will individual music awards, honors, and achievements.
- Nomination forms must be sent to the email address listed in the nomination form generated in MPA Online.
- Nominations close on April 15, 2025. Incomplete, incorrect, or late nomination forms will not be considered.
- Results will be posted in MPA Online on May 1, 2025.
- All accepted participants must complete and return a 9-Star Participant Contract to the email address listed in the nomination form generated in MPA Online..
- Students, chaperones, and directors must register by June 30, 2026.
Any questions should be directed to 9-Star Band Coordinator Armand Navarro at 9star@fba.flmusiced.org
