A Minnesota Band Summit

Join band directors from across Minnesota for a day of connection, engagement, and community-building. Together we’ll explore challenges and opportunities of our profession, celebrate the strength of our statewide band community, and imagine what’s next for Bands in Minnesota.

The Summit is open to Minnesota Band educators and conductors of all levels and to Minnesota-based Community Band members. The dedication of all band educators and conductors is deeply appreciated, though this one-day event will focus specifically on four key areas. 

The Summit is free to attend and registration is required. In-person participation is preferred, but a streaming option will also be available.

➡️ Register now to reserve your spot.
➡️➡️ Can't attend in person? Watch the Livestream here.

The Summit: Connection, Engagement, and Community

• CONNECT with and learn from colleagues across varied teaching and performing demographics,
• Explore more ways to ENGAGE with one another and with events and organizations across the state,
• Reflect on our current 'band culture' and imagine how to build even greater COMMUNITY.

Schedule Overview

8:30 AM · Doors Open — Coffee, pastries, & donuts in the Atrium

9:00 AM · Welcome & Keynote

9:30 – 10:30 AM · High School Band Director Panel
Panelists: Leon Sieve (Rosemount HS), Amanda Kaus (Century HS), Kevin Huseth (Cloquet HS), Jennifer Greupner (Harding HS), Mike Helgeson (Murray County Central HS), Heidi Polzin (Minnewaska Area HS)

10:45 – 11:45 AM · College & University Band Director Panel
Panelists: Matthew George (Univ. of St. Thomas), Amy Roisum Foley (Minnesota State Univ., Mankato), Betsy McCann (Univ. of Minnesota – TC), Henry Dorn (St. Olaf College), Kenneth Green (Augsburg Univ.), John Clemons (Gustavus College)

12:00 PM · Lunch Break — Sandwiches, chips, and soda provided (sponsored by UMN Bands)

1:15 – 2:15 PM · Community Band Director Panel
Panelists: Tim Mahr (MN Symphonic Winds), Jerry Luckhardt (Medalist Concert Band), Donald Krubsack (Lake Wobegon Brass Band), Tim Smith (Star of the North Concert Band), Tony Boldt (Rochester Community Band)

2:30 – 3:30 PM · MN Band Culture & Professional Organizations
Panelists: Pam Redlinger (MBDA), Meagan Bachmayer (Minnesota Winds), Paul Kile (NBA – MN Chapter), Melanie Brooks-Dinh (CBDNA – MN Chapter), Andy DeLuca (MMEA)

3:45 – 4:45 PM · Social Time, Tours, & Reflection

5:00 PM · Dinner Break

7:00 – 9:00 PM · The Pride of Minnesota Marching Band Indoor Concert
Northrop Auditorium — Each summit attendee may receive one complimentary ticket, permitting availability

Special Thanks

This event is made possible through the support of:
National Band Association · Minnesota Music Educators Association · Minnesota Band Directors Association · Minnesota Winds · Minnesota Symphonic Winds · Medalist Concert Band · Lake Wobegon Brass Band · Star of the North Concert Band · Rochester Community Band

And to our panelists and partner institutions across the state — thank you for sharing your time and expertise!