The McNeese Regional Honor Band
December 2-4, 2025
Honor Band Conductor
Dr. Wilker Augusto, Assistant Director of Bands University of Memphis
Dr. Wilker Augusto, originally from João Pessoa, Brazil, brings a wealth of international experience to his role. He completed his bachelor of music in horn performance at the UFPB (Federal University of Paraíba), graduating with the prestigious Laurel of Academic Excellence Award. In Brazil, Dr. Augusto worked as band director for several middle and high schools for 14 years, winning first place during many state and regional championships and himself winning first place in conducting. He attended national and international music festivals for horn and conducting and received the "Young Orchestral Conductor" award during the 2012 International Music Festival Eleazar de Carvalho. Augusto also worked with social projects in Brazil, such as “Orquestra Criança Cidadã” (The Child Citizen Orchestra) as a horn teacher and “PRIMA” - Program of Inclusion through the Music and Arts as a horn teacher, assistant orchestra conductor, and artistic director.
In 2016, Augusto moved to the United States to continue his musical career. In California, at Azusa Pacific University, he completed his artist certificate in horn performance with the renowned professor James Thatcher and the master of music in instrumental conducting (Winds) under the tutelage of Dr. John Burdett. During this time, he worked as assistant band director with Glendora High School and Los Osos High School, as music director of the World Music Symphony Orchestra from the Azusa Conservatory, as horn teacher and brass instructor for many schools and organizations, and as a freelancer musician for many orchestras in Southern California. He also worked as a brass staff member for the Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and as tour assistant director for The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and 2019.
Augusto graduated in 2024 with a doctor of musical arts in wind conducting from the University of Memphis under the mentorship of Dr. Albert Nguyen. He has been participating in conducting symposiums around the country and recently received the Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellowship during the Midwest Clinic. Besides his academic life, Augusto is an active horn musician and private teacher who serves as a clinician and guest conductor for honor bands and schools around the Mid-South.
Dr. Augusto's influence in the global music community is further demonstrated by his recent appointment as the director of international relations of L.B.F. (Brazilian League of Bands). His leadership and influence, which he extends through his memberships with the International Horn Society, College Band Directors National Association, and College Music Society. He is also an honorary member of the national band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi.
2026-27 Honor Band Schedule
PLEASE READ THE DOCUMENT IN THE GOOGLE DRIVE FOLDER FOR LIST OF CUTS FOR AUDITIONS
Participation in these honor bands comes through a nomination process. High school directors submit nominations of their outstanding students in December. McNeese staff select students from those nominations with consideration of the instrumentation for the honor band and the ranking provided by the high school directors. Students interested in the McNeese Regional Honor Band should mention that to their high school director in October/early November. Students are also treated to a meet and greet with the McNeese State music faculty members, and a McNeese Wind Symphony concert on Wednesday. The Honor Band concludes Friday evening with the honor band concert.
Recent guest conductors include: Dr. Michael Hancock (University of Miami’s Frost School of Music), Dr. Lia Snead (Warburg College), Dr. Cliff Croomes (University of Texas), Dr. Daniel Galyen, (University of Northern Iowa), Dr. David Kehler (Kennesaw State University), Dr. David Waybright (University of Florida), Dr. Kenneth Ozzello (University of Alabama), Jay Watkins (University of Florida) & Dr. Daniel Belong (Arkansas Tech University). The McNeese Wind Symphony presents a special concert on Wednesday evening.
Accepted Students Must Register & Pay the $50 fee
Refunds are not possible after payment has been made
CLICK HERE (LINK WILL BE ACTIVE NOVEMBER 9th) to Register and Pay By Credit Card OR register if your fee will be paid through one of the 2 options below for check payment.
There are only 2 options for payment by check:
1. A band director, booster organization or school district may submit one check covering the fees for all student participants
2. A parent will visit the McNeese band office IN PERSON to pay with a check. DO NOT MAIL CHECKS.