UMASS HONOR BAND

FEBRUARY 21, 2026

We will be holding the 2026 honor band as planned and look forward to seeing your students!

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Honor Band schedule for students will feature masterclasses with UMass faculty, a concert with the UMass Wind Ensemble, and a forum to interact with UMass music students. Lunch and dinner will be provided! Registration for accepted students on Honor Band Day will begin at 8:00am, and rehearsals will begin at 8:30am. Concert performance will be at 7:00pm. The cost is $45 per student, which covers everything, including lunch and dinner.

Information about participation, ensemble assignments, repertoire, and schedule will be distributed in January.

***HONOR BAND SNOW DATE - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026***

In the event that we would have to postpone Honor Band due to weather, the top of this website page would have information about the changes.

2026 GUEST COMPOSER: Michele Fernández

Michele Fernández is a published composer, active guest clinician, adjudicator and performer. Her Jazz and Symphonic compositions have been premiered at Midwest, CBDNA, IAJE, MEA's and All-State /Regional venues as well as professional venues. Her works are currently (and/or scheduled to be) published through Hal Leonard, Excelcia/Kendor, Doug Beach, JW Pepper, Murphy Music Press, EJazz Lines/Walrus,  Jazz Zone (as well here: *Michele Fernández Music*). She is a member of Phi Beta Mu (Omega Chapter) and an active member of FBA, JEN, ISJAC, MBDNA. She frequently serves as a guest clinician/conductor for All-State groups and Regional Honors Jazz/Symphonic groups. She has appeared as a Midwest Clinic lecturer (’07 / ’16), JEN '22, various State MEA's. She is a Conn-Selmer and Hal-Leonard sponsored clinician, as well as a freelance guest clinician/conductor for universities and districts across the country. 

Michele recently retired from teaching in Miami after 30 years, where (among other teaching positions) her Miami Senior HS ensembles earned top honors/gained international acclaim. Her groups have been selected for Midwest Clinic (Chicago ’93 & ’98), IAJE (Boston ’94 & NYC ’97), Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland ’96), FMEA (Tampa ’94 & ’97) and various national publications. She and her students were the subject of a documentary on “CBS Sunday Morning”, cover story in Band Director’s Guide and featured as an outstanding educator in Downbeat Magazine. Before focusing on writing/clinics, she served as an active oboist in the Miami area, as well as a rhythm section player in a busy Afro-Latin /Jazz group.