The Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA) Wind Ensemble has been selected by Music for All as a featured ensemble at the 2026 National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana this coming March.
“This selection is a tremendous honor and a testament to the dedication, discipline, and musical growth of our students,” said Dustin King, director of high school bands at Charleston County School of the Arts. “Being invited to perform at the Music for All National Festival places our program among the very best in the country, and I could not be prouder of the work these students have put into reaching this level.”
The SOA Wind Ensemble will perform on March 25 in Clowes Memorial Hall on the campus of Butler University. The ensemble last appeared at the National Festival in 2003 and is the only band program from South Carolina at this year’s event out of the 23 groups selected. Students will also view concerts by other featured ensembles, and take part in musical development clinics and sessions.
In addition to this historic performance, three SOA Wind Ensemble members auditioned and were selected for the Music for All Honor Band of America - Julia Bates (12th grade) on french horn, Ava Wolf (11th grade) on oboe, & Sheridan King (10th grade) on bassoon. Earning a seat is a difficult task as students from across the nation submit audition material to be adjudicated. They will perform with the Honor Band of America at the closing concert of the National Festival on March 28.
“These achievements highlight the strength of arts education within Charleston County and the incredible opportunities available to students at the School of the Arts,” King added. “Our students are not only developing as musicians, but also as leaders, collaborators, and ambassadors for our community.”
Charleston County School of the Arts is a public 6-12 grade school in the Charleston County School District that specializes in a fully integrated arts education for students. Visit www.charlestoncountysoabands.com for more information about the band program at School of the Arts.