February 26–28, 2026
The UNCG School of Music and University Bands are pleased to announce the 36th Annual Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference. Each year, the Festival welcomes nearly 200 high school musicians and 50 music educators to join our nationally and internationally renowned guest clinicians and UNCG music faculty in an enriching and rewarding schedule of rehearsals, master classes, clinics, and concerts.
Concert Band
Dr. William L. Lake, Jr.
Director of Concert Bands
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Symphonic Band
Dr. Sarah McKoin
Director of Bands
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Carolina Conductors Conference
Dr. John R. Locke
Director of Bands Emeritus
UNC Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
HONOR BANDS
High school students from every state are eligible to apply, making membership in both Honor Bands very competitive, equal to fine All-State bands. In 2025, participating students were drawn from a five state area including NC, SC, TN, VA, MD, and GA. Out-of-town students must be accompanied by their band director or by a designated parent chaperone. Students, directors, and parent chaperones will need to arrange for their own housing in Greensboro area hotels. Local residents may opt to commute. The fee for each student selected is $75, which includes the clinic fee, lunch and dinner on Friday in the UNCG Dining Hall. The deadline for the receipt of your application & recording is Thursday, January 15, 2026.
CONDUCTORS CONFERENCE
The Carolina Conductors Conference is a great opportunity to grow and develop as a conductor and musician under the guidance and inspiration of our outstanding clinicians. Sessions focusing on topics including conducting, rehearsal technique, score study, and pedagogy provide for a fulfilling and energizing environment for music educators of all experience levels. The fee for all conducting conference participants is $75 for non-conducting participants and $100 for conducting participants, including lunch on Friday. Participants may earn one unit of North Carolina Certificate Renewal Credit.
Join us for a great weekend of music!