Northeast 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 and Fees

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

The Participation Fee for 2026 is $385 per ensemble. This fee covers professional recording (with expanded capability from 2025!), venue expenses, staff, and clinicians. 

• The initial interest form for festival registration should be submitted as soon as possible. Acceptances are rolling, and we typically fill capacity by late summer or early fall and are able to close registration. Please feel free to fill out this interest form while securing your school's permission so we know you are interested. Schools are welcome to bring multiple ensembles.
• Official registration (this form is sent to you following completion of the interest form) should be completed by a deadline of January 23.
• Acceptances are rolling. Final registration with payment is accepted on a first-come, first-served until we are at capacity.
• Payment deadline for the entry fee is March 23. For reference, last year we were already full by mid-fall, so please contact soon if you are interested so we can accommodate!

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.

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 interested.

After completing the online registration form and receiving confirmation, please either complete the form for online payment or send a check payable to Ithaca College to the address below. Invoices can be provided upon request. 

Ithaca College
School of Music, Theather, and Dance
c/o Daniel Cook, DMA
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

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/