Sign up for American Wind Band scholarship auditions by Feb. 20

American Wind Band continues to inspire talented young band musicians with the 26th annual scholarship auditions.

The scholarships are provided to encourage private music study or participation in a band camp. Only top performers in eighth grade and high school are eligible. One high school finalist will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship, and another high school finalist will receive $1,500. One eighth-grade finalist will receive a $1,780 scholarship and another finalist will receive $1,500.

In the two-step audition process, applicants will provide an unaccompanied audio only recording of their solo for the first round. They must receive applications and recordings on or before Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Mail the application to: American Wind Band, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 605, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or email applications to americanwindbandil@gmail.com.

They prefer that applicants upload their recording to YouTube (directions are in the information letter). An information letter, audition information and application form can be found at americanwindband.org.

Based upon the first-round recordings, the scholarship committee will select contestants to compete in the second round. The second round will be an in-person performance on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.

Questions can be sent via e-mail to americanwindbandil@gmail.com. Winners will perform at the American Wind Band Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst.