Mid-Atlantic Honor Band
Featuring Guest Composer John Mackey
Teacher nominations will open in Fall 2026.
Mid-Atlantic Honor Band
January 22 – January 24, 2027
The Mid-Atlantic Honor Band at Shenandoah Conservatory brings together talented musicians from the entire Mid-Atlantic region to participate in intensive ensemble playing and masterclass sessions. Students and teachers interact with a featured guest composer, special guest clinicians and Shenandoah Conservatory faculty.
Guest Composer
John Mackey
John Mackey has written for orchestras (Brooklyn Philharmonic, New York Youth Symphony), theater (Dallas Theater Center) and extensively for dance (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Parsons Dance Company, New York City Ballet), but the majority of his work for the past decade has been for wind ensembles (the fancy name for concert bands), and his band catalog now receives annual performances numbering in the thousands.
For Students
Students must be nominated for inclusion in the Mid-Atlantic Honor Band by their high school directors. Shenandoah faculty will review the nominations after the deadline and all nominated students will be notified of the outcome of the nomination and selection process by Tuesday, December 1, 2026. There is a $125 registration fee for invited students, which covers lunch and dinner as well as activities for the weekend. Students will receive information on how to process payment once they have registered.
For Teachers
Teachers are welcome and invited to all aspects of the honor band weekend! Saturday in particular is designed with you in mind. Please join us for rehearsals, faculty masterclasses, a session with the guest composer and lunch with the composer and conductors. We can offer certificates of participation for use with your school district toward reaccreditation.
Director of Bands
Timothy J. Robblee | Conductor
Dr. Robblee is the director of bands and associate professor of conducting at Shenandoah Conservatory where he guides all aspects of the wind band program, teaches conducting and conducts the Wind Ensemble and EDGE Ensemble.
Director of Athletic Bands
Shaun C. Evans | Conductor
Shaun Evans is Shenandoah University’s first director of athletic bands. As such, he leads the university’s marching band, which launched in the fall of 2022. Evans comes to Shenandoah with varied experience at the university and secondary levels, not only instructing bands, but also crafting marching band arrangements and drills and conducting clinics and workshops.
Guest Ensemble
The U.S. Army Concert Band
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., The U.S. Army Concert Band has performed in concert venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Hollywood Bowl. The ensemble participates in ongoing, educational outreach and often appears at national and international music events.
Where to Stay
Shenandoah University is located in Winchester, Virginia. The city is rich in history and offers a number of entertainment opportunities, community attractions, restaurants and more.
We’ve partnered with many local hotels that offer discounts to Shenandoah visitors, parents, students and alumni. Be sure to mention you are visiting Shenandoah University to get a discounted rate.
Contact Us
Questions?
Contact Director of Bands Tim Robblee at trobblee@su.edu for more information.
