More than 150 musicians from 55 schools across northeastern Pennsylvania and Central Pennsylvania will gather for the 2026 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region IV Band Festival. Scheduled for March 11-13, the event will take place at MMI Preparatory School and Hazleton Area High School, offering young musicians a platform to showcase their talents and engage in valuable rehearsals.
The festival will feature renowned guest conductor Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft, an esteemed figure in music education. His extensive experience includes guest conducting prestigious ensembles throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Boonshaft is the first recipient of the George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education and currently serves as the Director of Education for Jupiter Band Instruments. His contributions to music education are further highlighted by his position as Professor Emeritus of Music at Hofstra University and his authorship of several acclaimed books on the subject.
Theresa Long, Head of School at MMI Prep, emphasized the importance of such events in fostering a sense of community. “Music brings connection and meaning to a school community, and festivals like this give students the opportunity to discover confidence, belonging, and artistic growth,” she stated. Long noted that the collaboration with Hazleton Area School District underscores a mutual commitment to enhancing music education experiences.
The festival will kick off with auditions on March 11 from 17:00 to 21:00, where 156 students will compete for a spot in the PMEA All-State Band Festival, set to take place at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center from April 23-25. The following day, rehearsal sessions will commence at MMI Prep, preparing students for their final performances.
On March 13, the event will transition to Hazleton Area High School, beginning with daytime rehearsals at 09:00. The festival will culminate in a public concert at 18:30 in the High School Auditorium, where attendees can enjoy a showcase of the students’ hard work. Admission to this evening concert is set at $6.
The event is being hosted by Jennifer Gerhard, Music Director at MMI and PMEA Advocacy Chair for District 9, alongside Helen Rettger, Band Director at Hazleton Area High School. Superintendent of Hazleton Area School District, Dr. Brian Uplinger, expressed his support for the festival, stating, “Music education is a vital part of a well-rounded education, fostering creativity, discipline, and collaboration. We are honored to partner with MMI Preparatory School to host the PMEA Region IV Band Festival and to celebrate the dedication and talent of young musicians from across our region.”
The PMEA, a nonprofit organization, is committed to promoting musical development throughout Pennsylvania. Its annual festivals for band, chorus, and orchestra at district, regional, and all-state levels aim to enhance music education and support the growth of music programs in schools. The upcoming festival is poised to be a significant event for young musicians, providing them with essential experiences that extend beyond the stage.