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Bandfest 26 Hero
25th Annual High School Honors Band Festival

November 20-21, 2026

Capital University Band Festival

Event Overview

November 20-21, 2026

Entering its 25th year, the Capital University Band Festival is designed to provide students the opportunity to work with the Conservatory’s internationally recognized faculty and renowned guest conductors. The festival is held annually on the beautiful Capital University campus and past guest artists have included Frank Ticheli, Steven Bryant, John Mackey, Michael Markowski, Craig Kirchhoff, Paula Crider, and Ray Cramer.

The Capital University Band Festival Band Director Workshop is open to all high school musicians from 9th-12th grade.

Featured Guest Artists

Alfred Watkins

Dr. Alfred Watkins

Guest Conductor

Co-founder, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Cobb Wind Symphony

Julia Baumanis

Dr. Julia Baumanis

Guest Conductor

Associate Director of University Bands, Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts

Viet Cuong

Professor Viet Cuong

Composer in Residence

Assistant Professor, Composition, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Returning Faculty Guests

Barry Kopetz

Dr. Barry Kopetz

Former Director of Wind Ensembles

Barry E. Kopetz is a conductor, composer, and educator who served as Director of Bands at Capital University and later as Head of the Department of Music at Mississippi State University. He has more than 130 published works, guest conducts All-State and Honor Bands, and is a member of the American Bandmasters Association. He holds degrees from Ohio State University and Indiana University and lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Jeffrey Gershman

Dr. Jeff Gershman

Former Director of Wind Ensembles

Jeffrey D. Gershman is Director of Bands and Professor of Music and Music Education at The College of Wooster and previously served as Director of Wind Ensembles at Capital University. He guest conducts ensembles throughout the country, including an annual series with the Dallas Winds, and his transcriptions have been performed at Carnegie Hall. He holds degrees from Indiana University and The University of Texas at Austin.

Register Now to Participate in the Band Festival!

Each student selected to participate in the band festival must pay a $150 non-refundable participation fee (+ $8.69 processing fee) to complete the registration process. This is not due until after the nomination process is complete, and students, directors, and parents are notified of the results. The participation fee for this year's event includes a Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch, and instruction for the weekend.

Register Today!

Get Your Festival T-Shirt!

Thank you for your support of Capital University bands! We are offering a shirt-only purchase for those that would like a band t-shirt. T-shirts are $20, plus a $2.13 processing fee.

Buy a T-Shirt

Performances by 

  • Capital University Symphonic Winds

  • Capital University Wind Symphony

  • Capital University Chamber Ensembles

Student highlights include: 

  • Participate in one of three outstanding honor bands

  • Participate in masterclasses led by Capital Conservatory faculty and alumni

  • Attend performances by Conservatory performing groups

  • Take a tour of our Music Technology facilities

Band director highlights include:

  • Open rehearsals where you can watch guest artists at work

  • Conversation with Viet Cuong, Composer in Residence

  • Opportunities to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)