Highlands Band Festival

About Highlands Band Festival

Wednesday, May 12, 2027

The “Highlands Band Festival” was first established in 2005. This event features middle and high school concert bands from throughout the state of Texas. The non-competitive atmosphere of the Highlands Festival provides an opportunity for creativity and musicianship while embracing and celebrating band programs of diverse backgrounds. Nationally renowned conductors, artists, and teachers serve as adjudicators, providing constructive feedback and positive encouragement for musical growth. In addition, each ensemble participates in a live clinic with an adjudicator, offering real-time instruction. Participating bands receive audio commentary from our guest panel and a professional recording of the on-stage performance.

Application/Deadlines

Ensembles must apply using the online application form. Selection of bands will be based on many factors, including but not limited to time of registration, school size, region/location, and space in the festival. With a goal of equity in mind, we encourage all school programs to consider the educational and musical benefits that the Highlands Band Festival has to offer.
  • October 1 – Application Opens for the Highlands Band Festival
  • December 1 – Notification of Selection (via email) begins, continuing until the fee deadline 
  • April 1 – Festival Fee Priority Deadline

Repertoire

There is no required repertoire for the Highlands Band Festival. Directors are encouraged to program works appropriate to their specific ensemble. Each band will be allotted 20 minutes of on-stage performance. The number of works on the program is at the discretion of the conductor. However, programming must remain within the time limit. Our festival supports a culture of promoting diversity in programmed repertoire and hopes that the event will be a celebration of works from the standard wind band repertoire through contemporary works for band.

Invitation of Ensembles

The selection of participants for the Highlands Band Festival is based on the date of the submitted electronic application. Supporting the mission of the college, the Highlands Band Festival aims to nurture culturally sustaining practices that expand access and success to all students. As a result, we have implemented strategies designed to serve the community, including but not limited to reserving participation slots for those who are placed on a waiting list during previous festivals (or cancelled due to weather) as well as for programs from underrepresented communities in Texas.

Festival Fees

$250 for the first ensemble
$200 for any additional ensemble
A $50 Late Fee will be applied after April 1

The Highlands Festival Experience

Each performing ensemble will receive recorded audio feedback of your performance from our guest clinicians/adjudicators, a 20-minute clinic from a nationally recognized music educator immediately following the stage performance, and a clean (no comments) professional audio recording of your stage performance. In addition, each ensemble will receive an award commemorating the performance.

Things to do for schools visiting Waco:

  • Cameron Park Zoo
  • Main Event
  • Top Golf
  • Hawaiian Falls
  • Dr. Pepper Museum
  • Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument

2027 Clinicians

  • TBA
  • TBA
  • TBA

Questions?

For more information, contact Dr. Jon Conrad. 

 

Poster promoting the McLennan Community College Highlands Festival on May 13, 2026 at the Wilbur A. Ball Performing Arts Center in Waco, Texas, with details about non-competitive ensembles, performance feedback, awards, a $250 registration fee, and registration opening October 1.

Office: BPAC 108 •  Phone: 254-299-8220 • Email: band@mclennan.edu

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