The full three-day line-up of clinics, performances, and special events at the 80th annual Midwest Clinic is now available at https://www.midwestclinic.org/midwest-clinic-events-schedule.
The 2026 conference will officially kick off on Wednesday, December 16 at 8:15AM with a performance by The United States Air Force Band’s Chamber Ensemble, followed by a full suite of clinics and performances ending at 8:45PM. Wednesday highlights include performances by the University of Kentucky, GRAMMY Award-winning ensemble Third Coast Percussion, Athena Brass Band, and concerts by the full United States Air Force Band and Youth Performing Arts School Jazz Ensemble to end the day.
Thursday’s programming begins at 8:30AM with performances by Iowa City West High Symphony Strings, Risa Quartet, and The Woodlands High School Percussion Ensemble. It also marks the return of the High School Leadership Institute, designed for students interested in a career in music education, as well as the 34th Annual College Night at 5:30PM, free to attend and open to the general public. The Reynolds Conducting Institute also begins on Thursday, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Sedatole and Dr. Rodney Dorsey, with open sessions in both the morning and afternoon. Thursday programming concludes with a 6:15PM concert by the Singapore Armed Forces Central Band. Other featured performances on Thursday include Spanish Brass, the University of Kansas, and the University of Georgia, RYSS Jazz Ensemble, and North Side High School Mariachi Espuelas de Plata.
Friday performances also start at 8:30AM, with the Bumpus Middle School Symphonic Band, the Smith Middle School Chamber Orchestra, College Park Wind Ensemble, and L.D. Bell High School Percussion Ensemble. The Reynolds Institute continues throughout the day, with an afternoon finale concert featuring the repertoire workshopped during the Institute. Performance highlights for Friday include Boston Brass, Tokai University Osaka Gyosei High School Wind Orchestra from Japan, Loyola University New Orleans, and a closing performance by Flower Mound High School Wind Symphony at 5:30PM.
Throughout all three days, the Exhibit Hall will be open for browsing and testing instruments, exploring new music, and picking up the latest accessories. Directors can meet with representatives from travel and booster companies and advocacy organizations, while students can chat with performing arts institutions, professional ensembles, military groups, and many more. Over 400 exhibits and vendors are confirmed for this year’s Clinic. For the full list, visit midwestclinic.org.
Registration for the 80th Annual Midwest Clinic will open August 1: mark your calendars!
