Sunday, June 7 – Thursday, June 11, 2026
Mirroring the rewarding experiences from the High School Wind Band Institute, the Middle School version is a day camp (9am – 5pm) for middle school students. Each day will include full ensemble rehearsals, master classes, theory instruction and an hour break for lunch. The camp will focus on performance instruction, comprehensive musicianship, playing techniques and theory skills. On check-in day, each student will complete a brief placement audition (from the music sent by mail before camp begins) and a brief theory exam to determine the appropriate placement within the ensemble and the most appropriate theory section. This year’s Middle School Wind Band Institute will run from the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, through the evening of Thursday, June 11, 2026. We are delighted to have with us guest conductors Mr. Phil Thomas (Highland Hills Middle School, Retired Band Director), and Dr. Jason Freeman (UofL Assistant Director of Athletic Bands), as well as UofL faculty and students. There will be a “grand finale” concert on the evening of June 6 for parents, teachers, and the community to attend, free of charge. The middle school groups will perform first followed by the high school Honor Band. For more information regarding the Wind Band Institute, please reach out to Adam Thomas at adam.thomas@louisville.edu.
Only students who have been nominated by their high school band director, private teacher, or one of our own University of Louisville faculty members are eligible. This year, we will be offering a special ensemble experience for advanced middle school students who can successfully perform Grade 2.5 – Grade 3 music.
Directors, Private Teachers, and UofL Faculty, please find full details in the letter from Dr. Acklin below, along with the nomination form.
2026 MS WBI Letter to Directors
2026 MS WBI Nomination Form
Do not save nomination form as a PDF, please return it to Adam via email as an Excel file. Nominations are due by noon on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.