Performances + Events
Summer Band Institute
August 2–8, 2026
New England Conservatory is proud to launch its inaugural Summer Band Institute, a week-long intensive designed to immerse wind, brass, and percussion students in the art of ensemble performance.
Priority Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026
Following the deadline, we will continue to accept and review registrations on a rolling basis as space allows.
Age Eligibility: 13–18
About the Program
What to Expect
Participants will engage in a rigorous and rewarding daily schedule focused on wind band repertoire, rehearsal, and performance. The curriculum also expands into specialized workshops covering conducting, audition preparation, student leadership, and more.
Students will develop communication skills through their musical collaborations, learning the joy of music-making while developing lasting friendships. Social activities are scheduled throughout the weeklong session. The institute provides a supportive environment where musicians can learn to take risks and achieve memorable performances while building the foundations for a lifetime of music-making.
Who Should Attend
The Summer Band Institute is open to intermediate to advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians between the ages of 13 and 18. This program is ideal for dedicated musicians who are eager to take part in a collaborative and challenging environment where they can push their technical and artistic boundaries alongside like-minded peers.
Program Leadership
Jared Cassedy and Allison Lacasse
NEC faculty members Jared Cassedy and Allison Lacasse serve as Artistic Co-Directors and Conductors for the 2026 Summer Band Institute. Additional woodwind, brass, and percussion coaches will be announced soon.
Daily Schedule
Learn what to expect from each day at the Summer Band Institute. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
| 1–3 p.m. | Student Check-in and Housing Move-in |
| 3–6 p.m. | Seating Auditions |
| 6–7:30 p.m. | Welcome Dinner |
| 7:30–9:00 p.m. | Introductory Rehearsal and Reading Session |
| 8–9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9–11 a.m. | Full Band Rehearsal |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Class Block |
| 12–1 p.m. | Individual Practice |
| 1–2 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2–4 p.m. | Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Sectionals |
| 4–6 p.m. | Full Band Rehearsal |
| 6–7 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7–9:30 p.m. | Classes, Activities, and Excursions in Boston |
| 8–9:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Residence Hall Move-out |
| 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Dress Rehearsal and Soundcheck |
| 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Break to Change into Concert Attire |
| 12–1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1–2:30 p.m. | Final Concert |
| 2:30–4 p.m. | Post-concert Reception |
How to Register
Eligibility
The Summer Band Institute is open to intermediate to advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians between the ages of 13 and 18. Whether you are looking to refine your instrumental ensemble collaboration skills, prepare for college auditions, or engage in high-level collaborative music-making, we want to make music with you!
- Flute/Piccolo
- Oboe/English Horn
- Bassoon
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Alto Sax
- Tenor Sax
- Bari Sax
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium/Baritone
- Tuba
- Percussion
Registration Process
To register for the Summer Band Institute, please visit the ASAP registration portal. Registration for this program does not require a preliminary application or audition.
Once registered, participants will be granted access to a shared digital folder containing the institute’s repertoire. To ensure appropriate placement within the ensemble, participants will be asked to prepare the following for a seating audition on the first day of the program:
- Excerpts: Prepare 16-bar bracketed excerpts from one or two of the selected pieces provided in the shared folder.
- Parts: Participants may choose to prepare Part 1, 2, or 3 based on their comfort level and experience.
Specific information regarding the seating audition window and folder access will be communicated to registered students via email.
Register NowTuition and Fees
What’s Included
Participants in the program have the option to either stay on NEC’s Boston campus during the duration of the program or commute to campus each day. Meals will be included in the experience.
Residential Student Cost | Tuition, Housing, Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner): $2,744
Day Student Cost | Tuition, Meals (Lunch and Dinner): $1,844
Financial Aid
NEC believes that access to transformative music education should be within reach for every student. Our financial aid program is designed to make participation in our summer programs more affordable for families by considering each applicant’s financial circumstances and available funding. Please log into the Parent Portal and submit a Summer Financial Aid Application here.
