Preparations are in place for SEUS 2026

Troy University is set to hold its 53rd annual High School Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands (SEUS) on Feb. 5-7. The event is focused  on individual performers who apply and audition to participate in the event. 

In previous years, anywhere from 60-90 schools were represented from Alabama and neighboring states. Occasionally, these students even come from other parts of the country.  

“This event, like many other events across the country, is designed to recognize outstanding high school musicians in our region and challenge them in ways they may not be able to experience in their home programs with new music, new lessons, new approaches, new stories, new instructors and new colleagues in the seats next to them,” said SEUS’ Executive Director Kenneth Beck. “I am always intrigued by the synergy that is generated by these events, and how students from across the region are able to come together and perform a quality concert in less than two days.  

“Playing music is not just about playing the notes on the page; it’s about creating an environment that is over just as soon as it began but leaves an impression and creates an impact on those in the room.” 

SEUS will include performances by Troy University's symphony band, jazz ensemble, POPulus and two additional ensembles selected by blind audition. The event also features clinics and masterclasses by a panel of world-class educators from across the country.  

Everyone who is part of John M. Long School of Music will help and support the event. 

“Many of our current students came and participated in SEUS at some point in their high school careers, so each year, we get to witness them experience the event from this side of the table with a slightly different vantage point and level of understanding,” Beck said. “It is quite a sight to see when they realize that only a few years ago, they were attending as high school students.  

“It is even more of a sight when they realize that in just as much time looking into the future, they will likely be bringing their own band students to this event and continue the legacy established over 50 years ago.” 

Some of the names who will be joining the event this year include Dr. David Gregory (retired) from Reinhardt University, Dr. Shelby Chipman from Florida A&M University, Dr. Rebecca Phillips from Colorado State University, and Mr. Chris Cooper from Homewood High School as guest conductors/clinicians. Mr. Larry Clark, president of Excelcia Music Publishing, will also be on campus serving as the distinguished composer in residence 

The days will come to a close at Claudia Crosby Theater with a performance featuring four honor concert bands on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 7.  

“One of the things that sets SEUS apart from many other honor bands is the quality and notoriety of the clinicians who come to work with our students,” Beck said. “We have held some of the largest names in the band world from every corner of the world with historic careers and experiences spanning generations of talent.  

“I hope that one day, these students will be in a position to look back and tell their students or children about the time they came to Troy for SEUS and that quirky story, lesson or memory from that brief weekend in Troy. Maybe one day, they will be invited to come back not as a student or teacher, but as a clinician or composer to lead one of the honor bands and be that person who creates a lasting impact on an impressionable young musician and inspires them to pursue their dreams.  

“It can happen anywhere to anyone at any time. So, why not Troy?” 

For more information or any further questions, email troyband@troy.edu.