ENID, OK - The Tri-State Board of Directors has commissioned a new piece of music for full concert band, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the festival. This new work will be entitled “Music for a Celebration” and written by well-known Texas composer William Owens to be premiered by the Tri-State Music Festival Honor Band during the festival’s Grand Concert, scheduled for Friday evening, 7:00 pm, May 5th, in the Enid High School auditorium.
Russell Wiley, Phillips University Band Director, founded Phillips Band Day in 1932 drawing bands from Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. In 1933 the festival was renamed Tri-State Band Festival and later Tri-State Music Festival as it expanded to include choral, orchestral and piano competition along with bands. This year’s festival is a two-day event to be held May 4th and 5th at several locations throughout Enid. See the newly updated website for more information at tristatemusicfestival.com.
Much has changed since the 1930’s. They now conduct their events in coordination with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) calendar of “seasons” and their District and State competitions. They also follow OSSAA residence, enrollment and scholastic eligibility rules. “Marching Band Season” roughly corresponds with football season so they now schedule our marching contest and parade in the Fall on the first Saturday in October to assist bands in preparing for their OSSAA District and State Marching Contests. OSSAA “Concert Band Season” roughly corresponds with basketball season so they are now scheduling their concert band contest in mid-February to assist with preparation for OSSAA District and State concert contests. The upcoming spring festival consists of solo and small ensemble competition for voice, wind and string instruments as well as piano.
Join them for the 90th Anniversary Grand Concert and the premier of “Music for a Celebration”. It will take place at 7:00 pm, May 5, 2023 in the EHS auditorium. Admission is $3 adults, $2 children, family max $10.
