National Orchestra Festival

Who Should Attend?


Middle and high school orchestras who are looking to gain performance experience and recognition on a national level, learn from prominent clinicians in the strings community, and have fun making music!


DIVISIONS: High School Competition; Middle School Competition

CATEGORIES: Full Orchestra; String Orchestra; Youth Orchestra

TRACKS: Competition and Ratings; Ratings and Comments; Comments Only


Why Invest?

  • National recognition to elevate your program
  • An opportunity to engage, motivate, and recruit students
  • Build relationships with orchestras from across the country
  • Receive valuable written and recorded comments from expert adjudicators
  • Personalized post-performance clinic for your orchestra with a leading clinician
  • Access to a national string education conference and exhibit hall with 100+ string vendors
  • The chance to be NOF Grand Champion
"Overall the festival was a huge success and a tremendous experience for my students and I would highly recommend this festival experience to any group. My orchestra and I have attended a few national festivals and this has been our favorite, by far." 
–  Director, Satellite High School, Satellite Beach, Florida

Learn More and Apply to the 2026 NOF

Learn More about 2025 NOF

2024 NOF Performing Ensembles

Congrats to our 2024 NOF Performing Ensembles!

Thank you to our sponsors.


William Harris Lee & Company is our NOF instrument sponsor. WHLee will provide cellos and basses (free of charge) to our NOF groups.


The NOF Winner receives a check for $1,000 directly from Connolly/Thomastik.

Past National Orchestra Festivals

(703) 279-2113

asta@astastrings.org

P.O. Box 551, Annapolis Junction, MD, 20701


© 2024 American String Teachers Association