Carolinas Community Band Festival
WHO? You, FOUR local symphonic community bands and TWO small ensembles!
WHAT? Carolinas Community Band Festival
WHERE? Kannapolis Performing Arts Center, 415 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Kannapolis, NC 28083
WHEN? 11am on April 25, 2026
WHY? To get to know your local community bands while spending a day celebrating via music and camaraderie!
We are VERY excited to announce our second annual Carolinas Community Band Festival on April 25, 2026! A celebration of FOUR local symphonic community bands and talent from right here in the Carolinas. Each band will give a concert of approximately 40 minutes, allowing everyone to enjoy their music and experience their style. We will also have local music related vendors showcasing their services and products. Lastly, like any proper get together, we will host local food trucks for lunch and snacks! Help us put the ‘community’ in Community Band and support your local music programs with us this coming spring. Who knows – maybe it will be you dusting off an instrument and joining us in years to come!
Interested in sponsoring our festival? Click HERE!
Have questions or are interested in participating as a guest, or vendor? Email festival@piedmontcommunityband.org
Stay current on the latest Festival updates by following our Facebook Event Page! View our program HERE!
Sponsors
This project is supported by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a stage agency, and the Cabarrus Arts Council. Visit www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org for more information.
Perform at your peak with Partners in Performance, LLC. Jan Idzikowski, PA, joins us this year as a wellness and performance healthcare consultant for the performing artist. Available for individuals or groups on subjects ranging from performance-induced injuries; treatment and prevention, noise-induced hearing loss and mental health issues of the performing artist, including performance anxiety and the challenges of touring. Mr. Idzikowski, PA uses his 45 years of experience as a Physician Assistant in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, hand surgery and performing arts medicine to help our community. He has worked with amateurs and professionals alike, including members of the Philadelphia Symphony and New York Philharmonic! https://partnersinperformancellc.com/
Carolinas Community Band Festival is thankful to welcome Humana to our sponsor list this year. Humana MarketPoint, NC & SC will be setting up a booth at our festival to help you with all of your health insurance needs, stop by and say hello! Contact Denny Fernandez at 919.763.5270 for more information. https://www.humana.com/
Charlotte Band Instrument Service! Charlotte Band Instrument Service (CBIS) believes that playing a musical instrument should be enjoyable, built on a solid technical foundation, inspire creativity, and match each individual’s goals. They offer sales and service on all types of band instruments as well as student rentals for the beginning musician. They specialize in fast and affordable repairs. Check them out today at https://charlottebandservice.com/
We would like to thank our Sponsors for their very generous donations that made this festival possible
First Chair Sponsors
– Cabarrus Art Council
– Dr Richard and Mary Ellen Williams
Second Chair Sponsors
– Partners in Performance, LLC – Humana – Charlotte Band Instrument Service
– Nancy Sloop, PCB Co-Founder
Confirmed Invitees
Charlotte Pride Band
Hailing from Charlotte, Charlotte Pride Band believes that through music, any community can be brought together. They provide high quality performances for the enjoyment and support of our community at large so that one day, we all will live in a diverse, supportive community that is welcoming to everyone. Our festival audience is in for a treat with Charlotte Pride Band, led by artistic director Dr. John Stanley Ross. https://www.charlotteprideband.org/
Gaston Symphonic Band
The Gaston Symphonic Band (GSB) is a volunteer community concert band based in Gaston County, North Carolina. The band is under the direction of Mark Ewing, Jr. Founded in 1993, the band was created to provide local musicians—both amateur and professional—with an opportunity to continue performing beyond school or military band experiences. Its mission has centered on promoting concert band music, supporting arts education, and enriching cultural life in the community. The ensemble is composed of musicians from a wide range of backgrounds, including educators, retirees, students, and professionals. It operates as a nonprofit organization and relies on community support, sponsorships, and donations. Today, the Gaston Symphonic Band remains an important part of the cultural landscape of Gaston County, continuing its tradition of community engagement and accessible live concert band performances. https://gastonsymphonicband.org
Catawba Valley New Horizons Band
The first New Horizons Band was started by Professor Roy Ernst at the Eastman School of Music in 1991 with the philosophy that “anyone can learn to play music at a level that will bring a sense of accomplishment and the ability to perform in a group”. Word spread quickly through articles in publications such as the New York Times and a feature spot on the NBC Today show. There are currently over 200 active New Horizons programs across the US, Canada, Ireland and Australia. NAMM (International Music Products Association) and NABIM (International Band and Orchestral Products Association) have provided support for New Horizons from the very start and continue that support today. New Horizons International Music Association, NHIMA, is the parent organization. https://catawbavalleynewhorizons.org/
Piedmont Community Band (Host)
The Piedmont Community Band, formerly called The Piedmont Prime Time Community Band, began in August 2002 under the guidance of co-founders Jon Hutchinson and Nancy Sloop. While a community band had previously existed in Cabarrus County under the sponsorship of Cannon Mills, there had not been an organization in operation since the 1940’s. It was determined that the region needed an ensemble to provide area musicians with a continuous performance opportunity as part of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. From an initial rehearsal turnout of 17 individuals, the PCB has grown to include a consistent membership of 60-80 players with full band instrumentation. The current roster includes residents from Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties. Starting January 2025, Colin Whiteley became the new director for the band. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Mr. Whiteley is currently the band director at Mt. Holly Middle School. https://piedmontcommunityband.org/
The Horn Society of the Carolinas
Founded in 2009, the Horn Society of the Carolinas (HSoC) brings together amateur and professional horn players from across the Charlotte region to celebrate the rich, powerful sound of the horn choir. Meeting twice monthly, this dedicated ensemble performs a wide range of music that showcases the horn’s four-octave range and remarkable tonal color. The Horn Society of the Carolinas (HSoC) has appeared as guest performers at regional festivals and horn workshops, demonstrating its commitment to both artistic excellence and community engagement. Blending artistry, camaraderie, and education, the Horn Society of the Carolinas continues to cultivate a vibrant and supportive horn community throughout the region.
Lake Norman Brass
Founded by trumpet player Jim Toole in March 2023, Lake Norman Brass was formed out of a love for brass ensemble music. The group rehearses at Centre Presbyterian Church in Mooresville under the direction of John Johnston, music minister. Quintet members range in age and occupation from college student, business owner, music educator, physician, and engineer. Can you match the player with the occupation? Enjoy!
Food Truck
