The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and 24 student musicians

The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and 24 student musicians from across the nation perform a concert at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in Bowie, Maryland, on Feb. 8. This concert was the culminating event of The U.S. Air Force Band's first-ever Collegiate Symposium which offered a unique opportunity for talented college instrumentalists to immerse themselves with one of the world's finest professional wind ensembles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Matthew Shipes/released)

Collegiate Symposium returns for a second year

Published Sept. 1, 2015
By Master Sgt. Jake McCray

Washing, D.C. -- After the resounding success of its initial debut, The Air Force Band's Collegiate Symposium will return for a second year, February 26 through 28, 2016. Open to wind, percussion, and double bass players who are studying music in college, last year's event consisted of clinics, masterclasses, rehearsals and a round-table discussion. Attracting 24 students from around the country, the event culminated in a joint public performance which was also streamed live over the Internet.

Throughout the weekend, students worked with Band members in large and small settings, and got a chance to learn first-hand what it is like to be an Airman musician. Attendee Nick Kraemer said, "Every part of the weekend was eye-opening regarding the life of an Air Force musician, and I really enjoyed getting to experience and learn as much as I did." Most, if not all, students echoed Kraemer's sentiment, and their feedback was taken into consideration when planning of the next Symposium began.

Led by Technical Sgt. Ricky Parrell, the Collegiate Symposium planning team reviewed every aspect of the event, from the activities and performance venue, to marketing, logistics and even food and t-shirt design. They were able to glean a lot of information from student feedback, and were able to keep the Symposium much of the same as before.

This year's event will be very similar to last year's, but with one significant change: in addition to the event being tuition-free, lodging will now be provided at no cost to the attendees. With this change, students will only have to pay for transportation and food. Between the addition of funded lodging and the positive accolades of last year's success, the Band hopes to attract even more bachelor's or master's degree program candidates. Unfortunately, doctoral candidates will not be considered for participation in the symposium.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for this year's Collegiate Symposium, please click on either of the links below to take you to more information about applying for this year's event.

Click on this link for the Collegiate Symposium page: Collegiate Symposium/

Click on this link for the Collegiate Symposium flyer in .pdf format: http://www.usafband.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-150821-052.pdf