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PROGRAMS

Festival Series

The Austin Soundwaves Festival Series provides an opportunity for students and school programs to engage with their musical community through an All-Region band and orchestra showcase, solo/ensemble festival, and large ensemble festival. This program was launched as the Austin Music Education Coalition in 2016 as a way for teachers at smaller schools to share with and learn from each other.

The Festival Series events for 2025-26 include the Invitational Festival and Showcase, Large Ensemble Festival, and Solo and Ensemble Festival.

This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

 
 

AUSTIN SOUNDWAVES FESTIVAL SERIES
Upcoming Events

INVITATIONAL FESTIVAL
Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8

Northeast Early College High School
7104 Berkman Dr. Austin, TX

Students selected from our school and community programs have the opportunity to play in an ensemble with students from varied music learning experiences. Through our selection of repertoire and guest clinicians, our focus is to highlight music from BIPOC composers and introduce styles of music often excluded from school band and orchestra competitions.

KEY INFORMATION

Invitational Festival: Policies and Guidelines


REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER

LARGE ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 8

King-Seabrook Chapel, Huston-Tillotson University
900 Chicon Rd, Austin, TX
Times scheduled between 9am-3pm

The Austin Soundwaves Large Ensemble Festival is a performance opportunity for music ensembles to perform and compete with schools from across the region. Three distinguished judges will provide ensembles with ratings and/or feedback for their performances depending on which track directors choose to sign up for: Contest or Festival.

“Contest” is for established ensembles looking for a more competitive experience, while “Festival” is for developing or younger ensembles. All ability ranges and grade levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Thanks to all who participated, we look forward to seeing you again in 2026!

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 26

Austin Achieve High School
7424 E Hwy 290
Performances scheduled between 9am and 2pm

The Austin Soundwaves Solo & Ensemble Festival is a performance opportunity for students of all ability levels. Students perform a prepared piece alone or with a small ensemble for a guest adjudicator for feedback and a rating.

Students who receive Division I or II ratings will receive a medal; additionally, judges will select Outstanding Performers from each room for an additional trophy. This is a great opportunity for our students to get feedback from professionals and learn how to present themselves in a strong, confident manner.

SOLO & ENSEMBLE INFORMATION

For questions, please reach out to programs@austinsoundwaves.org.

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2026

Questions about the Festival Series?

Please email us at programs@austinsoundwaves.org.