HRHS Wind Symphony Performs at Prestigious National Concert Band Festival
The Hickory Ridge High School Wind Symphony proudly represented their school, Harrisburg community, and Cabarrus County Schools with a distinguished performance at the 2026 Music for All National Concert Band Festival. The ensemble performed on Saturday, March 28, at the Schrott Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the only band from North Carolina to participate in the National Festival.
The Music for All National Concert Band Festival is one of the most respected and non-competitive concert band events in the United States. Unlike traditional competitions, this festival emphasizes artistry, education, and growth. Ensembles are selected through a rigorous application and audition process, requiring the submission of high-quality recordings that demonstrate musical excellence, technical precision, and expressive depth. Only a limited number of bands from across the nation are invited to perform each year, making acceptance into the festival a significant and prestigious honor.
Participation in the festival places Hickory Ridge High School among an elite group of exemplary music programs nationwide. In addition to their formal concert performance, the Wind Symphony engaged in educational clinics with renowned conductors and educators, receiving valuable feedback designed to further elevate their musicianship.
The festival experience also included an opportunity for Hickory Ridge band students to observe performances by other outstanding ensembles from South Carolina, Texas, California, and Florida, fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment focused on musical achievement at the highest level. Performances are evaluated by a panel of esteemed clinicians, offering participants insight and guidance from some of the most respected figures in the field of music education.
As a part of the process and in an effort to take a little piece of North Carolina to the national stage, Hickory Ridge students and directors interacted with composer Christina Huss and performed her new composition, Unimaginable, which was written about the impacts of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina.
The Hickory Ridge Wind Symphony’s invitation to perform at this national event reflects the dedication, discipline, and artistry of its student musicians, as well as the continued commitment to excellence within the school’s band program. Their performance at the Schrott Center showcased not only their musical skill, but also their ability to represent their school and community with pride and professionalism on a national stage. The Hickory Ridge High School band program is led by directors Chris White and David Rivero.
Hickory Ridge High School Students Selected for Prestigious Music for All National Honor Ensembles
Representing Hickory Ridge High School in the Honor Band of America are senior Shannan Costanza (tenor saxophone), junior Gabriel Luza (trumpet), and sophomore Neela Venigalla (trombone). In addition, Jameson Young (trumpet) was selected to perform with the Jazz Band of America.
The Music for All National Festival Honor Ensembles are among the most prestigious opportunities available to high school musicians. These ensembles bring together top student performers from across the country to rehearse and perform under the direction of world-renowned conductors and jazz educators. Students are selected through a highly competitive audition process that includes recorded submissions demonstrating technical proficiency, tone quality, musicality, and stylistic understanding.
Participants in the Honor Band of America and Jazz Band of America represent a diverse cross-section of the nation’s finest young musicians, traveling from across the United States to collaborate in an intensive rehearsal setting. Over several days, students work closely with distinguished clinicians—many of whom are leading figures in music education, university conducting, and professional performance—gaining valuable insight and inspiration.
Selection to these ensembles is a significant honor and reflects the dedication, discipline, and musical excellence of these Hickory Ridge High School students. Their achievement also underscores the strength of the school’s band program and its commitment to fostering high-level musical opportunities.