Concert Band Experience for High School Students
June 1 2026 – July 9, 2026
Application link: (PDF format)
East Winds Symphonic Band, an award-winning community band based in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, announces the Annual Summer Side-by-Side program for band students in grades 9-12. This is an opportunity for talented and successful band students to rehearse and perform “side by side” with the members of the East Winds Symphonic Band. The program begins with the first rehearsal on Monday, June 1st and concludes with the concert on Thursday, July 9th at Crafton Park in Crafton.
Students will have the opportunity to perform with the band in three concerts:
Thursday, July 2 at Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival (11am– 12:30pm)
Meet the bus in Greensburg at 9:15am.
Friday, July 3 at Monroeville Tall Trees Amphitheater (6-8pm)
Thursday, July 9 at Crafton Park (7:30-9:00pm)
REHEARSAL dates are Mondays: June 1, 8, 22, and 29
(No rehearsals on June 15)
The completed application must be submitted by May 18, 2026 for consideration. Please include a recommendation from your private instructor or your current band director. Notification of acceptance to the program will be sent via email. Note that only a limited number of students will be admitted to the program each year.
Participation costs are covered by a grant from the PA Council on the Arts so there is no cost to students. For the concert, a band shirt will be provided that is worn along with khaki pants or khaki skirt.
If accepted to the program, the expectations include:
- Preparing the music.
- Regular attendance at Monday rehearsals (8-9:45pm) at St. John’s Cathedral Center (210 Greentree Road, Munhall, PA 15120)
- No more than two missed rehearsals.
- If there is a need to miss a rehearsal or concert, notification must be given in advance to the section leader via email or telephone.
- Inappropriate behavior or inadequate music preparation will result in dismissal from the program.
For questions or to email the application, please contact Susan Sands at: conductor@ewsb.org