Northeast Concert Band & Orchestra Festival at IC

Launched in 1992 as Bands of America’s National Concert Band Festival, Bands of America rekindled the concert band tradition in America as exemplified by the National Band Contest in the 1930s, which drew national recognition for a young director named William D. Revelli. Shortly following, demand for events of its kind prompted Music for All to expand its offerings to support orchestra, percussion ensemble, and chamber music. In an ongoing partnership, Music for All and Ithaca College collaborate to present the Northeast Band & Orchestra Festival for scholastic ensembles. This Festival is an integral part of their ongoing work to advance student excellence and to support the advocacy of music and arts education.

Learn more about the National Festival by clicking here.

Being invited is the achievement! The Festival’s non-competitive atmosphere provides a place for growth, cooperative encouragement and mutual respect among music programs, students, parents, boosters, and administrators. Directors select their own programs; there is no required repertoire. There are no ratings or rankings so directors and their ensembles are free to stretch themselves, reach for new heights, and strive for innovation, growth and excellence, instead of focusing on a rating or placing.

Participating students experience an atmosphere of mutual respect while enjoying concerts from other outstanding ensembles. Participation is a “credential” worth having, with the preparation and process itself having a positive effect on your music program.

Festival Registration Timeline

Registration is OPEN - CLICK HERE to open the registration window.

• As Soon As Possible (and before mid-fall) - Submit initial registration form. The initial registration form for festival enrollment should be submitted as soon as possible. We typically fill capacity by late summer or early fall and close registration. Please feel free to fill out this form while securing your school's permission, so we know you are interested. Schools are welcome to bring multiple ensembles.
• November 16 - Follow-up confirmation due. This form is sent to you following completion of the registration form, and requests detail about your intended travel needs, section numbers (for masterclasses) and other specifics.
• Acceptances are rolling. Registration with payment is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until we are at capacity. 
• February 15 - Final deadline for payment of entry fee. For reference, last year we were already full by mid-fall, so please contact soon if you are interested so we can accommodate.
• March 15 - Information due regarding stage diagram, program, dining needs, risk management documents, etc.  The information you'll need to provide will be requested in late fall.
• Mid-April - Directors' meeting via Zoom to review logistics of the event.

Bands do not need to attend both days (Friday/Saturday). We personalize and tailor each schedule and can create a complete one-day or two-day experience. 

Multiple ensembles from the same school are encouraged to attend.

Festival Registration Entry Fee

The Participation Fee for 2027 is $395 per ensemble. This fee covers professional recording, venue expenses, clinicians, and staff.

Tompkins County Educators are eligible for a Clynes Grant for your program to help cover application and travel costs for your ensemble! Click here for details and let Dr. Cook know if you are interested.

After completing the online registration form and receiving confirmation, please either complete the online payment form or send a check payable to Ithaca College to the address below.

• Link for submission of entry fee via credit card: https://ithacaedu.formstack.com/forms/necbof_payment
• Link for sample invoice to tailor for your PO generating needs: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1g9_znzec9oZZJDndBtEVAdpH_fJZ2aF2/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109770206555067336505&rtpof=true&sd=true

Ithaca is “gorges” in any season, summer is an especially great time to experience our many rushing waterfalls. Some of our favorites include Taughannock Falls, Lick Brook Falls, and Triphammer Falls. Find your flow and explore something new. From educational to experiential, these events are as engaging as they are celebratory.

Out-of-state bands are encouraged to join us! Music for All partners with Bob Rogers Travel to arrange your entire experience! Consider a New York tour that includes both Ithaca and attractions in New York City!

See Ithaca's amenities and attractions here: https://www.visitithaca.com/things-to-do/