MARCH 8, 2026
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
About the Festival
Music Celebrations International is pleased to present the Sousa Band Festival, an exclusive music event that will take place on March 8, 2026, in the Concert Hall of Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Four select concert bands will be featured in performance at this historic concert venue. All participating bands are selected by application process through Music Celebrations.
Col. Dennis M. Layendecker | 2026 Clinician
Dr. Dennis M. Layendecker holds George Mason University’s Heritage Chair in Music and is the Director of Orchestral Studies for the School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He is a United States Air Force full colonel (retired) who honorably served 26 years on active duty. Prior to joining the faculty of the School of Music Colonel Layendecker was the senior commissioned officer/musician in the Department of Defense. During his final assignment on active duty – July 2002 through June 2009 – he served as the Commander, Music Director and Principal Conductor of The United States Air Force Band, Washington, D.C.