The King Philip Regional High School Concert Band has been selected as one of just three high school ensembles invited to perform at the 2026 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Eastern Division Conference, a distinguished gathering of collegiate band directors from across the East Coast.

The invitation marks a historic milestone for the King Philip music program — it will be the first time the high school’s concert band takes the stage at this prestigious event. The performance is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Band Director Michael Keough. “We have the opportunity to remind this distinguished group of collegiate educators about the passion of high school musicians and all that they are capable of. Our students never fail to impress me, and this is another great opportunity to share their musical gifts with the world.”

The 55-member concert band, directed by Keough and Joshua O. Wolloff, the district’s Director of Fine and Performing Arts, will present a 45- to 50-minute program. The invitation follows a competitive selection process that included submission of recordings from the band’s 2024 and 2025 performances.

“We’d like to thank the alumni from the last two years for the role they played in earning this honor,” Keough added.

The CBDNA conference, which brings together collegiate band directors from Maryland to Maine, will also give King Philip’s student musicians the chance to hear and learn from top university ensembles — providing a glimpse of the possibilities awaiting them in higher education.

Principal Nicole Bottomley praised the band’s selection as a reflection of the quality of King Philip’s music program and the dedication of its students and educators.

“This is an amazing honor and also a chance for our students to showcase the skills they’ve developed and the incredible concert program they’ve been working hard on throughout the school year,” Bottomley said. “The conference will also serve as a great opportunity for them to see what’s possible in college music programs and in music education after high school.”

Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet echoed that sentiment. “We are very proud of our music education program, our student musicians, and the many accomplishments of our Concert Band,” he said. “Congratulations to Mr. Keough, his team, and all of our students for this recognition and the opportunity to showcase their talents on such a respected stage.”