Congratulations to the 2025 Performing Ensembles and Clinicians selected for the 79th Midwest Clinic this December! This year, the Clinic is pleased to present 52 groups
performing across three days in all instrumental music areas: band, orchestra, percussion, jazz, and chamber ensemble. These groups represent some of the best instrumental ensembles from around the world, hailing from 17 states, Washington, D.C., as well as Canada and Japan.
This year, 110 Clinics were selected for presentations, offering insight and learning from music industry professionals, educators working at all levels, and composers from all genres.
The full list of performing groups is available now on the Midwest Clinic website, and Clinicians will be listed alongside the complete schedule soon. Registration for the 79th annual conference opens in August.
Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest with Cash Prize of $10,000
The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) and John Philip Sousa Foundation announce the 65th Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Contest. Since 1956, this composition contest has stimulated the creation of many important new compositions for concert band and is responsible for more original band music than any other competition of its kind. Submissions of band literature in Grade 1-4 may be submitted now.
The winning composition will be performed at the 2026 American Bandmasters Association Convention, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois, March 3-8, 2026.
Choral Connect 2025: FREE Professional Development for Choral Educators
Alfred Music announces the return of Choral Connect, a premier online professional development event tailored for elementary through high school choral directors and general music teachers. This two-day event, held entirely online, offers participants a unique opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by a diverse lineup of renowned clinicians—at no cost.
Scheduled for August 1–2, 2025.
Participants will have access to a broad spectrum of topics, including working with TB voices, show choir basics, non-singing activities for elementary classrooms, and the psychology of choirs. Highlights include choral reading sessions showcasing new and best-selling repertoire across all voicings, specialized interest sessions offering practical teaching strategies and creative resources, and a session focused on the connection between musicians and athletes.
Choral Connect is a unique opportunity to connect with peers, gain fresh insights, and prepare for your best year of teaching yet!
JP Musical Instruments Receives King’s Award
John Packer Musical Instruments, the UK-based musical instrument manufacturer, distributor and retailer, has won the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, recognising the outstanding international growth of the flourishing business.
It is the second time JP Musical Instruments has won the award, having received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2018.
In January 2024, the company won a prestigious Best in Show award at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show in Anaheim, California.
Yamaha Music Innovations Fund to Invest in Startup Companies in Silicon Valley
Aiming to Invest in and Create Next-Generation Music and Media Businesses
Yamaha Corporation announces that Yamaha Music Innovations Fund will begin to invest in a dedicated US$50 million fund in May 2025.
To strengthen its leadership position as an innovator in the fields of sound and music, Yamaha established a business development base named Yamaha Music Innovations (YMI) in Silicon Valley in April 2024.
NEA Grant Cancellation: The Impact
The recent cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts grants has affected nonprofits nationwide, including those focused on music education. NEA grants support creative expression, mental health services for veterans, student achievement, and job creation in all 50 states and every Congressional district. Arts and culture contribute $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy and support 5.4 million American jobs. Without these grants, programs and organizations will close—and millions of music students across the country will lose access to vital programs.
