The University of Tampa Department of Music is pleased to present the 2026 Quad County Honor Band Festival on Friday, December 11, 2026. This one-day event brings together outstanding high school musicians in grades 10-12 from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk Counties for a day of rehearsals and musical growth, culminating in a featured performance at UTampa’s David Falk Theater as part of the inaugural Collage Concert alongside the University of Tampa Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Spartan Band.
2026 Quad County Honor Band
Students are selected through a director nomination process. Nominations are due Nov. 6, 2026, and selected students will be notified on Nov. 11. We encourage families to watch for important registration, audition, and participation details following acceptance.
- Sample Itinerary (subject to change)
- Director Nomination Form
- Student Interest Form (selection is through director nomination)
- Student Registration Form and Information: Will be posted after ensemble selection on Nov. 11
Cost
The participation fee is $75 and includes rehearsals, performances, a campus tour, lunch, dinner and a festival T-shirt. Florida All-State students receive a $40 discount.
About the Conductor:
Philip A. Obado is the newly appointed assistant professor and director of bands and music education at the University of Tampa. A 25-year veteran educator, he is excited to return to Florida, where he previously taught in the state’s public schools for twelve years. Obado’s career includes collegiate leadership roles at Baylor University and Illinois State University. Most recently, he served as director of bands at Allen High School (TX), leading his ensembles to performances at the 2022 Midwest Clinic and the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade. He holds a DMA from Michigan State University, an MME from Florida State University, and a B.M. from Ithaca College.
About the University of Tampa
The University of Tampa Department of Music is a comprehensive, undergraduate-focused music program that blends the best of innovation, conservatory rigor and liberal arts inquiry. Students majoring in music at the University of Tampa have the opportunity to become highly skilled music educators, versatile performers, innovative music technologists and composers, scholars of music history and theory and much more. Our professionally diverse music faculty are passionate about guiding students toward success, while nurturing each student's musical and intellectual growth through individualized instruction.
