CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at the 2026 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southern Division Conference in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, Feb. 19.
The prestigious invitation follows a blind screening of auditions from 27 applicant ensembles. Austin Peay was one of six college ensembles chosen, and the smallest institution represented. This marks APSU’s second appearance at the conference, with the previous selection occurring 16 years ago.
“We are honored by this invitation and proud to share the artistry, discipline, and scholarship of our students and faculty on this stage,” said Buzz Hoon, dean of APSU’s College of Arts & Letters. “We are grateful to CBDNA, the conference organizers, and our host, the University of South Florida, for creating a forum that celebrates music-making, teaching, and research at the highest level.”
The APSU Wind Ensemble, led by Director of Bands John Schnettler, is open by audition and draws from 45 select student musicians in the Department of Music. Recognized as one of the leading wind ensembles in the Southeast, the group regularly performs classic band and chamber literature alongside new works by today’s leading composers.