Capital University Band Festival

Event Overview

November 14 - 16, 2025
November 14 - 15: High School Honor Band

Entering its 24th 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 Conductors for this year’s Band Festival

Mr. Brian Balmages, Composer in Residence, Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred Music
Dr. Richard Good, Director of Bands, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Dr. LaToya Webb, Visiting Professor in Music (Bands) Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Mr. Jeff Donahue, Director of Bands, Southeastern High School, Chillicothe, OH

Performances by

Capital University Symphonic Winds
Capital University Wind Symphony
Capital University Chamber Ensembles
The Capital University Youth Bands (Junior Winds and Cadet Band)
The Southeastern High School Symphonic Band

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
Join a conversation with Composer in Residence Brian Balmages

Band director highlights include:

Sit in on open rehearsals and watch guest artists in action
Join a conversation with Brian Balmages, Composer in Residence
Opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Student Nomination for the Band Festival

Directors may nominate up to eight students to participate in the Honors Wind Ensemble, Honors Symphonic Band, and Honors Concert Band. So that we can complete the selection process in a timely manner, nominations must be submitted no later than September 26, and no nominations will be accepted after this date. When nominating students, we ask that you list them according to ability, regardless of instrument, and that they are available and express an enthusiastic desire to participate in the event. Directors will be notified by email regarding which students have been selected to participate in the Band Festival on or around Friday, October 3 and your selected students will be contacted soon thereafter.

Nominations will open soon. Please check back.

Participation Fee

Each student selected to participate in the band festival must pay a $150 non-refundable participation 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.