Ohio Band Directors Conference

The University of Akron has been host for the annual Ohio Band Directors Conference since 1974. Each year the focus of the conference is secondary music education and the UA Bands and School of Music sponsor a guest composer residency as well as a guest conductor for the Ohio Band Directors Conference Honor Band.

OBDC (Ohio Band Directors Conference) is generally held on the first Saturday in December and all concert performances are presented in the Student Union Ballroom (3rd Floor) on the campus of The University of Akron.  Parking is available in Lot 37 – off of Carroll Street (See on campus map).

NOTE: Due to the decision by UA Administration to move all activities and instruction online, effective 4:30 p.m. on November 25, 2020, the 2020 Ohio Band Directors Conference will be presented in an online "virtual" format this year.  More information coming soon...!

The OBDC Conference features performances by The University of Akron Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Concert Band as well as a clinic session with our 2020 OBDC Guest Composer, Brant Karrick.  The UA Bands are delighted to announce that we will continue to feature performances by outstanding Ohio middle and high school bands.

The conference culminates with the OBDC High School Honor Band Concert, and the presentation of the Ohio Band Directors Conference Hall of Fame Award.  The award is given to an outstanding retired public school band director who has promoted excellence in music education throughout his or her career. This award is presented during the OBDC Honor Band concert. The OBDC Honor Band is comprised of musicians representing high schools from throughout the state of Ohio. Directors and students are encouraged to attend rehearsals of this outstanding ensemble throughout the day.

Join us for an exciting and rewarding day. Please encourage your colleagues and students to attend the annual Ohio Band Directors Conference.

NOTE: Due to the decision by UA Administration to move all activities and instruction online, effective 4:30 p.m. on November 25, 2020, the 2020 Ohio Band Directors Conference will be presented in an online "virtual" format this year.  More information coming soon...!

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