HSU Musicians Shine on National Stage at Intercollegiate Honor Band

For the first time in university history, two students from the Hardin-Simmons University School of Music earned coveted placements in the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Intercollegiate Honor Band—a prestigious ensemble that brings together the most talented collegiate musicians from across the country.

Brayden Arft, a music major from Aledo, Texas, placed third chair out of 10 trombonists selected nationwide, while Adam Patterson, a freshman music education major from Grand Prairie, Texas, ranked 10th chair out of 14 trumpeters—one of only a few first-year students chosen for the national honor band.

Held in conjunction with the biennial CBDNA national conference, the honor band is a competitive, high-level experience open exclusively to music majors. Students must first be nominated by their director, followed by a rigorous application and video audition process for chair placement.

Excellence in Preparation and Performance

Jay Lester, HSU’s director of bands and assistant professor of trumpet and music education, chose both Adam and Brayden for nomination based on their exceptional musicality, leadership and work ethic throughout the year.

“Directors typically nominate several students in hopes that one or two will be selected,” Lester said. “Brayden and Adam have consistently proven themselves at a high level of performance. Their selection is a testament to their dedication and the strength of our music program.”

Once accepted, students received a packet of musical excerpts to prepare for video audition submission. With the support of their private instructors and feedback from faculty, both students submitted standout performances that placed them among the nation’s top young musicians.

A Historic Milestone for HSU

“This marks a significant milestone for the School of Music,” said Lester. “Last year was our first time sending a student to the regional honor band. This year, for the national honor band, we not only had students selected, but they placed well. It’s a proud moment for the School of Music.”

The honor band experience is both demanding and rewarding. With limited rehearsal time, students are expected to arrive prepared, adaptable, and ready to collaborate at the highest level.

“Only the most mature music students possess the discipline necessary to prepare their music, count measures of rests, and take critique from the conductor in order to pull off a successful concert in the short time given for rehearsal,” Lester said. “It’s a remarkable opportunity for growth.”

From Classroom to Concert Hall

For Adam Patterson, the experience was a meaningful step in his musical journey.

“One day, Professor Lester told me I was selected to play in this group,” Patterson said. “It was a scheduled event that I didn’t know was on my calendar at that point, and I then had to get myself into gear—as one often does—as a musician.”

He approached the chair audition with a sense of familiarity, drawing from years of All-Region band experience in junior high and high school.

“It felt similar in structure,” he said. “It came down to thoughtful, intentional practice sessions and strategies for performing the diverse and individual sections of the music performed on that concert.”

Though he didn’t realize he was one of the only freshmen selected until after the event, the honor of representing HSU early in his college career left a lasting impact.

“It’s exciting to be around other like-minded musicians. The mindset of a performing artist is really different than other aspects of life,” he said. “This has given me a gauge of what competition and level of playing there is in other areas of the country. It’s good to know that I was able to keep up with and hold my own against other peers in the college community.”

This achievement reflects not only the talent of individual students in HSU’s School of Music but also the dedication of faculty and staff committed to preparing artists to thrive on any stage.