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.

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:

• Sit in on open rehearsals and watch guest artists in action

• Join a conversation with Viet Cuong, 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 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.

The nomination form will be available at a later date.

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.