Music
CWU Wind Festival
About WindFest
Thursday, March 5 - Friday , March 6, 2026
“WindFest” concert band invitational was first established in 1940. Over the past 83 years, the event has been recognized as one of the premiere concert band festivals in the Pacific Northwest. This two-day event features middle and high school concert bands from throughout the state of Washington and the region. The non-competitive atmosphere of WindFest provides an opportunity for creativity and musicianship while embracing and celebrating band programs of diverse backgrounds.
Internationally and nationally renowned conductors, artist, and teachers serve as adjudicators, providing constructive feedback and positive encouragement for musical growth. In addition, each ensemble participates in a live clinic with an adjudicator, offering real-time instruction. Participating bands receive audio commentary from our guest panel and a professional recording of the on-stage performance.
During WindFest bands will have the opportunity to interact with music faculty and students of the department of music, attend performances by the CWU Wind Ensemble, the preeminent wind band at CWU, and the CWU Jazz Band I. In addition, all performances take place in Hertz Concert Hall, a premiere 600-seat performance space known throughout the region for its visual and acoustical qualities.
Application/Deadlines
Ensembles must apply for an invitation using the online application form. Selection of bands will be based on many factors to include but not limited to time of registration, school size, region/location, space in festival, and previous invitations. With a goal of equity in mind, we encourage all school programs to consider the educational and musical benefits that Windfest has to offer.
- September 1, 2025 – Application Opens for WindFest 2026
- November 1, 2025 – Notification of Selection (via email)
- December 1, 2025 – Festival Fee Deadline
Repertoire
There is no required repertoire for Windfest. Directors are encouraged to program works appropriate to their specific ensemble. Each band will be allotted 20 minutes of on-stage performance. The number of works on the program is at the discretion of the conductor. However, programming must remain within the time limit. No exceptions. Our festival supports a culture of promoting diversity in programmed repertoire and hopes that the event will be a celebration of works from the standard wind band repertoire through contemporary works for band from composers of underrepresented backgrounds.
Invitation of Ensembles
The selection of participants for WindFest is based on the following criteria: date of submitted electronic application and previous festival participation. Supporting the mission of the university, WindFest aims to nurturing culturally sustaining practices that expand access and success to all students. As a result, we have implemented strategies designed to serve the community including but not limited to reserving participation slots for those who are placed on a waiting list during previous festivals (or cancelled due to weather) as well as for programs from underrepresented communities in Washington.
Festival Fee 2026
$400.00 (subject to change)
The WindFest Experience
Each performing ensemble will receive recorded audio feedback of your performance from our guest clinicians/adjudicators, a 20-minute clinic from a nationally recognized music educator immediately following the stage performance, and a clean (no comments) professional audio recording of your stage performance. In addition, the conductor of each ensemble receives a video recording featuring a frontal view of the conductor.
Questions?
For more information, contact Dr. T. André Feagin
Apply Now!2026 Clinicians
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Dr. Carolyn A. Barber
Director of Bands, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Dr. Carolyn A. Barber is the Ron and Carol Cope Professor of Music and Director of Bands in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Glenn Korff School of Music. Known for her dynamic artistry on the podium and innovative rehearsal strategies, she has led ensembles to performances marked by precision, energy, and expressive depth. A passionate educator, Dr. Barber fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in musicians. Her research explores conducting pedagogy, group dynamics, and improvisation as tools for building ensemble leadership. She has shared her work at the Midwest Clinic, conferences of the College Band Directors National Association, American String Teachers Association, and the National Association for Music Education, as well as at conventions, workshops, and masterclasses nationwide. She remains in demand as a guest conductor and clinician across the United States and Canada.
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Dr. Charles Maguire
Director of the Conservatory at Pinecrest Academy (NV)
Charles A. Maguire is the founding Artistic Director of The Desert Winds in Las Vegas and the Director of the Conservatory at Pinecrest Academy (NV). He holds degrees from Troy University, the University of Alabama, and the DMA in wind conducting from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. A respected music educator and conductor, Maguire is known for building successful programs in diverse and economically challenged communities. His ensembles have earned top honors across the southern U.S., including the award-winning “Pride of Pleasure Island” band. Maguire’s professional affiliations include the National Band Association, CBDNA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
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Dr. Sue Samuels
Director of Bands, Furman University
Dr. Sue Samuels is Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music Education Studies at Furman University. She previously served as Director of Visual and Performing Arts at Randolph School (AL) and spent 14 years as Director of Bands at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she grew the Marching Blazers and founded the UAB All-Star Band Festival. Her ensembles have performed at major regional and national festivals, including CBDNA and the Grainger Festival. Dr. Samuels also taught at Lassiter High School (GA), the University of Georgia, and WT Woodson High School (VA), where her bands consistently earned top honors. She remains an active conductor, clinician, and educator across the United States.
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