Inaugural UWYO Honor Band to Perform Concert May 2

The inaugural UWYO Honor Band, presented by the University of Wyoming Department of Music, will perform the 2026 UWYO Honor Band Concert Saturday, May 2, at 5 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.

This performance, free and open to the public, serves as the grand finale of the first UWYO Band Summit, a three-day event that brings together select musicians in ninth-12th grades from across the region. Under the leadership of UW Director of Bands Matthew Schlomer, the festival uses an innovative approach, focusing on student connections and artistic inspiration drawn from nature and personal growth.

The concert will highlight the students' work from intensive masterclasses and sectionals held with world-class artists and UW faculty throughout the weekend, showcasing a diverse selection of contemporary and classic wind band literature. Selections may include "Fanfare for the Third Planet" by Richard Saucedo; "Halcyon Hearts" by Katahj Copley; "BRAWL" by Kimberly Osberg; "With Love and Grace" by Nicole Piunno; "Fortress" by Frank Ticheli; and James Swearingen's "Exaltation."

The UWYO Honor Band is led by esteemed guest conductor Scott Teeple, who also serves as its clinician. A professor of music and director of bands at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Teeple conducts the wind ensemble, teaches graduate conducting and oversees all aspects of the UW-Madison band program. Teeple is in demand as a clinician and guest conductor and is regularly invited to serve in both capacities throughout the United States and abroad.

The UWYO Band Summit, an innovative musical event hosted by UW's Department of Music, is designed to inspire high school musicians and educators. During the summit, participants benefit from outstanding instruction, faculty-led sectionals and the unique opportunity to perform at the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. The event features three distinct tracks: the UWYO Honor Band; Instrument Intensives; and the Band Director Institute.

The UWYO Honor Band is a selective, three-day immersive experience at UW. Students engage in intensive sectionals and masterclasses alongside peers from throughout the nation and region. This holistic program blends musical excellence with "Explore UW" activities, a residential experience on the UW campus and a final performance.

The Instrument Intensives are an inclusive, focused one-day program offering masterclasses for participants with expert teaching faculty, including Brittany Bonner, oboe; Susie Fritts, horn; Alan Harvey, tuba; Blake McGee, clarinet; Nicole Riner, flute; Jennifer Turpen, saxophone; Daniel Watt, trombone and euphonium; David Wharton, trumpet; and Andrew Wheelock, percussion.

Finally, the Band Director Institute, led by Schlomer, Associate Director of Bands Joseph Carver and Robert Belser, the former director of bands, provides a professional development track for teachers focusing on conducting and teaching techniques.