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

Upcoming Festivals

Learn More
2027 National Orchestra Festival

2026 National Orchestra Festival Grand Champions

Thank you to our sponsors!

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

The NOF Grand Champions receive support for their programs directly from Connolly/Thomastik.

Past National Orchestra Festivals

ASTA Event Safety & Policies
ASTA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all event participants (conferences, summits, meetings, NOF, etc.). All participants (attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, students, etc.).