American Band College

American Band College The American Band College of Central Washington University ABC is a summer master’s degree program for band directors. June 18-July 5 each summer.

Over 180 currently enrolled from 35+ states and 3 foreign countries. Central Washington University (distance learning) in Ashland, Oregon. Scott McKee, CEO (541) 778-4880 [email protected]
Paul Kassulke, Director of Operations (541) 778-3161 [email protected]
M. Max McKee, Executive Director (541) 840-4888 [email protected]

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Congratulations to ABC Class of 2015 graduate Peter Briggs on an incredible achievement! 🎉🥁The Lincoln Varsity Drumline ...
06/09/2026

Congratulations to ABC Class of 2015 graduate Peter Briggs on an incredible achievement! 🎉🥁

The Lincoln Varsity Drumline were recently selected as a Featured Performance Ensemble for the 2027 Music Education Conference in Yakima- one of the highest honors awarded by the state Music Education Association. This prestigious recognition is only given to a select few ensembles across Washington, and it’s an amazing celebration of the talent, creativity, and impact of Lincoln’s students and music program.

As if that wasn’t enough, Lincoln’s Varsity and JV Drumlines also delivered an unforgettable performance at the Decatur High School Drumline Competition, sweeping every award of the day:

🏆 1st Place Overall
🥁 Best Snare Section
🥁 Best Bass Section
🥁 Best Tenor Section
🥁 Best Cymbal Section

Beyond the awards, the ensembles represented themselves with joy, leadership, sportsmanship, and community spirit throughout the event. We are so proud to see Peter continuing to inspire students and lead with such passion and excellence!

We are thrilled to present TWO incredible concerts at ABC 2026! 🎶📅 June 26 | 7:30 PM📍 Ashland High School TheatreJoin us...
05/03/2026

We are thrilled to present TWO incredible concerts at ABC 2026! 🎶

📅 June 26 | 7:30 PM
📍 Ashland High School Theatre
Join us for the ABC Directors Band featuring the phenomenal Otis Murphy on alto saxophone- an evening of artistry you won’t want to miss!

🇺🇸 July 4 | Celebration Concert
📍 Ashland High School Stadium
Celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States with a spectacular performance featuring the world-renowned Boston Brass and vocalist Yolanda Peltzer!

🎟️ Tickets are available now on our website.

Make plans to join us in Ashland this summer for two unforgettable nights of music!

ABC is a 3-summer master’s degree program designed for band directors who want to elevate their craft. Already have your...
04/28/2026

ABC is a 3-summer master’s degree program designed for band directors who want to elevate their craft. Already have your master’s degree? You can still earn continuing graduate credit for re-licensure while studying with world-class educators and performers.

FEATURED 2026 ARTISTS & CLINICIANS
-The Boston Brass - Guest Artist Group
-Paula Crider (UT Austin, retired) – Conducting Assessment & pedagogy
-Robert Sheldon – Composer, clinician & guest conductor
-Dr. Otis Murphy (Indiana University) – Saxophone soloist & guest artist
-Dr. Lowell Graham (USAF retired) – Guest conductor & military band leadership
-Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner (Wilfrid Laurier University) – Conducting Assessment
-Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser – Leadership clinician (Attitude Concepts / Conn-Selmer)
-Dr. Rebecca Phillips (Colorado State University) – Guest conductor
-Col. Jason Fettig (University of Michigan, USMC retired) – Guest conductor
-Yolanda Pelzer (U.S. Navy retired) – Vocal soloist
-Patrick Sheridan – Tuba artist, jazz clinician (Jupiter Band Instruments)
-Dr. Dennis Llinás (University of Oregon) – Conducting Assessment
-Rick DeJonge – Composer, conductor & artist relations (Conn-Selmer)
-Dr. Jean Martin-Williams (University of Georgia) – Horn clinician
-Jeff Conner (Boston Brass) – Trumpet clinician
-Stacy Swartout McKee (retired) – Vocal technique clinician
-Robert Ponto (University of Oregon, retired) – Soloist conductor & conducting assessment
-Dr. Elizabeth Peterson (University of Illinois, retired) – Conducting Assessment
-Dr. John Neurohr (Central Washington University) – Trombone clinician
-Sally Bohls (Bocal Majority) – Oboe clinician
-Dr. Jennifer Auerbach (Bocal Majority) – Bassoon clinician
-Scott McKee (ABC CEO) – Overtone Series clinician & leadership
-Dr. Lisa Garner Santa (Texas Tech University) – Flute clinician
-Mark Goodenberger (Central Washington University) – Percussion clinician
-William Leather, Sam Ormson, and Dan Taylor, Jazz Education Faculty

Whether you want to strengthen conducting skills, grow as an educator, or recharge your passion for music education, ABC 2026 is built for you.

STUDENT APPLICATION & REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 1, 2026

04/28/2026

We’re excited to announce that Scott McKee and Stacy McKee will be presenting clinics at ABC 2026! 🎶

Scott will lead an engaging session on the overtone series, offering practical strategies to deepen your students’ understanding of sound and tone production. Stacy will present on vocal technique in the band room, sharing essential tools to help directors encourage vocal health while promoting students singing throughout the school year.

We are incredibly fortunate to have both Scott and Stacy working with our master’s candidates this summer. Their expertise, insight, and real-world applications will leave you inspired and ready to bring fresh ideas back to your classroom this fall.

Don’t wait! The deadline to apply for ABC 2026 is Friday, May 1. Join us June 19–July 5, 2026, in beautiful Ashland, Oregon.

Visit our website for more information, and feel free to reach out with any questions- we’d love to have you with us this summer!

We are beyond proud to celebrate Laura Grabigel, an American Band College student whose impact is felt deeply by her stu...
04/27/2026

We are beyond proud to celebrate Laura Grabigel, an American Band College student whose impact is felt deeply by her students, colleagues, and community.

This week, Laura was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Mu – International Bandmaster’s Fraternity, an honor that recognizes the highest level of achievement and dedication in the band profession. Just days later, she was also awarded the PA MEA Citation of Excellence in Music Education for District 3, a testament to the profound difference she makes every single day.

Laura’s dedication, humility, and love for her students make her so deserving of these recognitions.

Her students are incredibly lucky to learn from someone who pours so much into their lives, and her community is stronger because of her passion and commitment to music education.

Congratulations, Laura, on these well-deserved honors!

Congratulations to ABCer Makala Milner on being named Distinguished Young Alumni by Texas A&M Central Texas!
04/15/2026

Congratulations to ABCer Makala Milner on being named Distinguished Young Alumni by Texas A&M Central Texas!

04/15/2026

We are thrilled to spotlight our outstanding Jazz and Percussion faculty for Summer 2026 in beautiful Ashland, Oregon (June 19–July 5)!

Mark Goodenberger (Central Washington University) will lead our percussion clinics, focusing on practical pedagogy and proven strategies for reinforcing excellent habits in your students. His sessions will equip directors with tools they can immediately apply in the rehearsal room.

Our dynamic Jazz Intersession team: William Leather, Sam Ormson, Dan Taylor, and Patrick Sheridan will guide participants through an immersive, hands-on experience in teaching the jazz idiom.

Directors will:
✨ Build foundational jazz teaching skills
✨ Collaborate in small groups
✨ Create ready-to-use teaching resources
✨ Develop confidence in helping students learn jazz

This is more than professional development; it’s a chance to grow, collaborate, and bring fresh energy back to your program.

We can’t wait to welcome these incredible artist-educators and all of you for an inspiring summer! 🎺🎵

Congratulations to the Oswego East Wind Symphony on being selected to perform at the 80th Annual Midwest Band & Orchestr...
04/11/2026

Congratulations to the Oswego East Wind Symphony on being selected to perform at the 80th Annual Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic this December! 🎉

This is an extraordinary honor, and a true testament to the dedication, musicianship, and excellence of these outstanding students and their director.

A special congratulations to their director, Stevan Rexroat (American Band College Class of 2020), whose leadership continues to inspire and elevate this remarkable ensemble.

We celebrate Stevan, his students, and colleagues on this incredible achievement, and we cannot wait to be in the audience at the prestigious Midwest Clinic this December!

Congratulations to Katy Wilson-Fields, American Band College Class of 2015, on this incredible honor!Katy will be presen...
04/10/2026

Congratulations to Katy Wilson-Fields, American Band College Class of 2015, on this incredible honor!

Katy will be presenting at the 2026 Midwest Clinic this December alongside her colleagues with a timely and important session: “Teaching on Empty: The Myth of Work-Life Balance.”

We are so proud of Katy and the meaningful work she continues to do in the field of music education. Her passion, insight, and dedication to supporting fellow educators make this recognition especially well deserved.

We can’t wait to cheer Katy and her team on at their session this December. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

Huge congratulations to the Flower Mound High School Wind Symphony on being selected as an invited ensemble for the 2026...
04/09/2026

Huge congratulations to the Flower Mound High School Wind Symphony on being selected as an invited ensemble for the 2026 Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

This is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the dedication, artistry, and hard work of these outstanding student musicians.

A special shoutout as to Brent Biskup, whose leadership continues to inspire excellence. As a 2004 American Band College graduate, Brent represents what passionate teaching and musicianship can achieve.

We are so proud of this remarkable accomplishment and can’t wait to be in the audience cheering them on in Chicago. Bravo to all!

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6736 Jacob Lane
Springfield, OR
97478

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+15417784880

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