August 3, 2026 | University of Akron
One-Day Middle School
Honor Band at Innovations in Brass
August 3, 2026 | University of Akron
Full day of instruction, a t-shirt, gear, and a ticket to Innovations in Brass are included. Event ends with a performance alongside Rhythm IN BLUE at Innovations in Brass!
Check-in: August 3, 9:30 am - 9:55 am
Check-out: August 3, 6:30 pm
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You’ll perform for thousands of cheering fans at Innovations in Brass, one of the final events of the DCI National Tour, while growing your musical skills in sectionals and full ensemble rehearsals led by local music teachers. Along the way, you’ll build leadership skills, make new friends, and enjoy fun social activities with other middle school musicians. Plus, you’ll receive tickets to watch some of the best drum corps in the world perform—and take home a Middle School Honor Band t-shirt and exclusive Bluecoats gear to remember the experience!
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Rehearsals and sectionals with professional artists, engaging educational clinicians, and local music teachers.
Performance for a crowd of thousands of spectators at Innovations in Brass, one of the final events of the DCI National Tour!
A The Blue Way Middle School Honor Band t-shirt & other Bluecoats gear
A ticket to Innovations in Brass
Lunch & light dinner during the event
We recommend eating breakfast before you check in
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Participation is open to students entering 6-9th grades in the 2026/2027 academic year.
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Early Bird Pricing: $99 (ends May 15, 2026)
Standard Pricing: $125 (deadline July 20, 2026)
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Each student in the program will receive one ticket to sit with the rest of the band at Innovations in Brass. Parents, family, and friends are invited to the Friends & Family section where tickets are available for $30/person + fees.
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Check out our FAQs here.
New Name, Same Great Honor Band!
The Blue Way Middle School Honor Band is a refreshed version of BANDtastic!, and it features the same program elements that local middle school students and their teachers have come to love. The program still includes rehearsal with local teachers and a guest conductor, meals with other students at Bluecoats, and a performance alongside Rhythm IN BLUE in front of a great hometown crowd at Innovations in Brass!
Calling All Band Directors & Music Educators!
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One of the best parts of The Blue Way Middle School Honor Band are the amazing local teachers that help us make this program shine. We’re seeking volunteer teachers to join us for the day to lead students through rehearsals and the performance. Upon request, we can provide a letter to participating teachers with the number of hours volunteered and an explanation of the program. Many teachers have sought professional development credits/points using this letter.
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Beginning this year, students and their parents can now directly register for the program here. We know that band directors loved the ability to nominate their students, so we’re keeping that nomination process open as well! When band directors nominate their students, they will receive a notification that they’ve been nominated, and they’ll be invited to register themselves on the Bluecoats website.
The Bluecoats Summer Music Series is made possible in part by
Premiere Sponsor
Season Sponsor
