Pictures from the 2025 ABA Convention, February 26 – March 2, Chattanooga, TN
The American Bandmasters Association, founded in 1929, with John Philip Sousa as Honorary Life President, recognizes outstanding achievement on the part of Concert Band conductors and composers. The current membership (invitational) comprises approximately 300 band conductors and composers in the USA and Canada, and 80 Associate Members (music businesses and corporations that provide significant services to bands and to the publication of band music.)
February 23 Greetings from ABA President Roy Holder
Dear ABA Members and SOs:
The ABA “Chicago –– My Kind of Town” 2026 Convention will be here in a few days. Both members and Significant Others should have received multiple messages that include information on everything from itinerary to less expensive parking, restaurants, and entertainment. June and I, along with Megan and Brian Covey, look forward to greeting you at Swissôtel, Chicago for another wonderful week of business, concerts, frivolity and spending time with our friends. There is a complete schedule posted on the website and announcements throughout the week will clarify many things, but since some events happen before our first meeting, here are a few reminders.
- We suggest you come to the convention with the mindset of a city dweller. Park your car and walk or take a cab. From the hotel to the concert venue is an easy walk. (For attendees needing help getting to the concert hall please contact Brian Covey (bcovey@lths.org).
- If you are going downtown for dinner, have your cab drop you at the Harris Theater for the evening concerts well before the 7:30 pm start time and enjoy time with other convention attendees. We need to start the concerts on time, and our performing ensembles deserve our support from the first note.
- The convention opening social time begins at 6:00 pm on Wednesday in the Harris Theater lobby. The post-concert gatherings on Wednesday and Thursday evenings will be at the theater as well.
- The Friday night gathering after the United States Marine Band Concert will be in the Fabulous 42nd floor Eleve’ Room in the Swissôtel. The rest of the business meetings, Significant Other gatherings, excursions, etc. are on the posted schedule.
As my time as President of ABA will end with the Convention I would like to take a minute to once again express my thanks to the members of the association for allowing me to serve in this capacity. It has been a challenging, unique, and highly rewarding experience. The support I have received from the Officers, the Board of Directors, many Past Presidentz and members has been exceptional. No one can do this job on their own and to say I will always be in debt to all who have helped would be a huge understatement. All of your encouragement has made this once-in-a-lifetime experience not only possible, but a joyful journey.
June and I look forward to a wonderful week of business and fellowship in Chicago. See you soon!
Roy C. Holder, President
The American Bandmasters Association
Email: royholder1@gmail.comClick on the links below for:
ABA Associate Members
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