July 16, 2026 – Double Tree Hotel Airport, Wichita, KS
The KBA Middle-Level Honor Band is an opportunity for students to participate in a top-level ensemble under the direction of a prominent conductor/clinician.
This unique summertime event allows band directors an opportunity to reward student progress and achievement, as well as provide students a wonderful honor band experience with a nationally recognized conductor/clinician!
The participation fee for each student selected is $40. This fee includes lunch. Registration payments will be due by May 9th.
Directors who have students participating in the honor band must be current KBA members, register for the KBA Summer Convention, and remain on site and available throughout the duration of your student’s visit.
Directors – Your help is crucial to the success of the ML Honor Band. Please ensure that nominated students and their parents are aware of the date, time, and financial commitment before you nominate them.
The band size is limited to approximately 100 students, so please understand that not every student nominated may be selected. The selection of students/instrumentation will be posted on the KBA website the first part of May.
Schedule of Events (Tentative)
- 7:30am Check In
- 8:00am Rehearsals Begin
- 3:00pm Concert
Nomination Form (March 2 – 27, 2026)
Instructions:
- Please fill out your Director Information first (below student section).
- Under “Qty,” please select the total number of students you are nominating.
- Please fill out the form for each individual student in raking order. For example, nominate your strongest student first.
2026 KBA MLB ROSTER
WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD
2026 Conductor/Clinician
Laura Estes
Laura Estes Long Bio
After 36 years as a middle and high school band director, Laura Estes (b. 1959) retired in 2018 from the Cobb County School System (GA) and began composing. Her first piece, Kvetchers (Surprises in Controversial Time), was published in Excelcia Music Publishing’s 2020 catalog, and with her composition Walking on Air, Estes was named the winner of the 2021 Women Band Director’s International (WBDI) Composition Competition. Along with original music performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Estes’ concert works are frequently featured at state music conventions, All-State events, and regional honor bands throughout the United States. In addition to appearing on state festival and contest lists, several of Estes’ band and orchestra compositions have also been designated as J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice.
A recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence, Estes’ bands consistently earned Superior ratings at performance evaluations throughout her career, and middle and high school bands under her direction were selected as guest performers at clinics and conventions in the Southeast. Estes has also presented at state conventions, on college campuses, and at the Midwest Clinic.
A South Florida native, Estes earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from The Florida State University, and her master’s degree in music education from Georgia State University. In addition to composing, she continues to serve as an adjudicator, guest conductor, clinician, and mentor. Estes and her husband Gil reside in Marietta, GA, and have 5 amazing children, along with a host of equally amazing grandchildren.
Map
Double Tree by Hilton Wichita Airport • 2098 S Airport Rd, Wichita, KS 67209
