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

Dr. Alfred Watkins

Guest Conductor

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

Dr. Julia Baumanis

Guest Conductor

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

Professor Viet Cuong

Composer in Residence

Assistant Professor, Composition, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Returning Faculty Guests

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.

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.

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 midnight on September 18, 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.

Nominate a Student

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)

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 fee helps to cover the cost of the program, including student meals. This is not due until after the nomination process is complete, and students, directors, and parents are notified of the results.