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# The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference
- URL: https://www.backstagecircle.com/the-midwest-clinic-international-band-and-orchestra-conference/
- Published: 2026-11-11T15:05:10.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-11T15:05:10.000Z
- Author: Maureen Jack
- Tags: Music Retail, Music, Events

The world’s largest instrumental music education conference celebrates a milestone this December. The 80th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference runs Wednesday to Friday, December 16–18, 2026, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.

It started in 1946, when 120 music educators met in a YMCA gym to share their knowledge and find new ways to teach. Today the clinic draws more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. They come for over 400 exhibitors, about 50 performances and more than 100 clinics.

Concerts by band, orchestra, jazz and chamber ensembles run all three days, from middle school groups up to university and professional ensembles. Clinic sessions cover conducting, repertoire, pedagogy and new music reading. In the exhibit hall, attendees will find instrument and uniform makers, sheet music publishers, composers, music tech companies, and university and military programs. College Night lets students meet representatives from more than 60 schools and military ensembles.

Pre-registration is US$255 for professionals through December 14\. On-site registration is $290 from December 15\. Discounted rates apply for college students, K–12 students and chaperones. Registration opens Tuesday, December 15, at McCormick Place West and in the lobbies of the main conference hotels. The full schedule is in The Midwest Clinic app.

Website -[**www.midwestclinic.org**](https://www.midwestclinic.org/?ref=backstagecircle.com)