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 about 2025 NOF

2025 NOF Committee Vice Chair Nomination

ASTA is seeking nominations for individuals qualified to serve in a number of national leadership positions, including on the National Orchestra Festival Committees. For more information and to submit a nomination today, visit the page below.

  • 2025 Call for Nominations

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

asta@astastrings.org

4155 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030


© 2024 American String Teachers Association