Concert Band Festival: A Music for All Affiliate Regional Music Festival presented by Yamaha

A concert band ensemble actively performing on Ted Mann Concert Hall stage with a conductor standing in front of the ensemble with his hands raised.
The Mounds View High School Concert Band perform at the 2024 UMN-TC Concert Band Festival under the direction of Bill Sucha.

Join us in Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for the 2026 Concert Band Festival: A Music for All Affiliate Regional Music Festival, Presented by Yamaha. This non-competitive festival offers an enriching experience for high school concert band students and their conductors, designed to foster musical growth, artistic collaboration, and professional development.

March 6, 2026 Performance Schedule

All performances are free, open to the public, and take place in Ted Mann Concert Hall. We invite you to join us and support these incredible student and professional musicians!

Afternoon Block

  • 3:00 PM – Eagan High School Wind Symphony
  • 3:30 PM – Chaska High School Wind Symphony
  • 4:00 PM – Rosemount High School Wind Symphony
  • 4:30 PM – Rosemount High School Wind Ensemble
  • 5:15 PM – Featured Festival Performances (featuring Rampart Winds)

Evening Block

  • 6:30 PM – Mounds View High School Concert Band
  • 7:00 PM – Hopkins High School Wind Ensemble
  • 7:30 PM – Edina High School Varsity Band
  • 8:00 PM – St. Michael-Albertville High School Wind Ensemble
  • 8:30 PM – Mounds View High School Symphonic Winds
  • 9:00 PM – Post-Concert Dessert Reception in the Lobby (All are welcome!)

About the Festival

Each year, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Concert Band Festival brings together ten to twelve high school concert bands for two days of outstanding music-making, feedback, and inspiration. Ensembles perform in a supportive environment that emphasizes musical excellence and mutual respect. Participants also enjoy the opportunity to attend performances by other ensembles, including featured performances by University of Minnesota musicians.

Leadership & Clinicians

Featured Performers

We are excited to announce that Rampart Winds will be one of our featured performers during the Festival! Rampart Winds is a premier woodwind ensemble of the United States Air Force Academy Band, performing a diverse repertoire from traditional and contemporary works to patriotic favorites. Each member brings extensive international performance experience, having appeared in orchestras and festivals across North America, Central America, Asia, and Europe. Rampart Winds supports the Air Force’s missions of community outreach, education, and recruiting, and is in demand for diplomatic and military events nationwide. Known for engaging clinics and workshops, the ensemble inspires students of all ages and has been featured at major conventions and on NPR, PBS, and global television broadcasts.

Registration

Pre-registration for the 2026 Concert Band Festival is now closed.

  • 2026 fees are $500 per ensemble.
  • For questions or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Participation Includes

  • 20-minute performance on the Ted Mann Concert Hall stage
  • 45-minute clinic with a guest clinician or University of Minnesota faculty
  • Written feedback from clinicians
  • Professional audio recording of each performance, provided post-event
  • Opportunity to observe other ensembles from around the region
  • Access to large percussion equipment and a grand piano

Repertoire is selected by the conductor. Please bring three additional sets of scores for use by the clinicians. Professional concert attire is encouraged.

Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. Email us at [email protected].