On February 25, the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music will host the Volunteer Concert Clinic, an educational event designed to spotlight middle and high school ensembles from across the region in a collegiate performance setting.
Held in the Student Union Auditorium, the clinic provides participating students with the opportunity to perform in a non-rated, non-competitive format, allowing ensembles to focus on musical growth, feedback, and achievement rather than scores or rankings.
Each ensemble will have a 15–20-minute performance slot, followed by a hands-on rehearsal with featured guest clinician Kerry Taylor and the UT bands faculty.
Taylor is the retired Director of Bands for Westlake High School and Fine Arts Director of Eanes ISD in Austin, Texas, as well as Department Chair of Fine Arts at Westlake High School. With 37 years of experience as a band director in the Texas public schools, Taylor led the Westlake High School Band to multiple “Best in Class” and runner-up honors at national festivals, including the Buccaneer Music Festival, South Coast Music Festival, MusicFest (Orlando), and the DC Festival in San Antonio. Under his direction, the ensemble also toured the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and the British Isles.
Engaging with the local music community and creating intentional learning opportunities for middle and high school students is a priority for the UT Bands faculty.
“We see this clinic as an investment in our regional music programs,” said John Zastoupil, Director of UT Bands and Associate Professor of Music. “Bringing middle and high school students onto campus, connecting them with experienced educators, and creating space for collaboration strengthens the entire music community.”
Participating ensembles include Carter High School, Powell Middle School (7th and 8th Grade Bands), Chuckey-Doak High School, Page Middle School, the Hardin Valley Academy Wind Ensemble, Clinton High School, and the Bearden High School Freshman Band.
By bringing middle and high school ensembles to campus for performance and mentorship, the Volunteer Band Clinic offers students a glimpse into collegiate music-making while reinforcing UT’s role as a resource for music education in East Tennessee and beyond.
The event will take place on February 25 with the first group performing at 8:15 a.m., with performances every 15-20 minutes until the last performance starting at 4:05 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.
Clinic Schedule
8:15am – Carter HS Band
9:20am – Powell Middle School 7th Grade
10:25am – Chuckey-Doak HS Band
11:30am – Page Middle School
12:20-12:50pm – Lunch Break
12:50pm – Hardin Valley Academy Wind Ensemble
1:55pm – Powell Middle School 8th Grade
3:00pm – Clinton HS Band
4:05pm – Bearden HS Freshman Band