Music educator selected as guest conductor for Alabama Honor Band Festival
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An Upper St. Clair music educator has been selected to serve as a guest conductor for the 38th annual Alabama High School Honor Band Festival, scheduled for Feb. 5–7, 2026, at the University of Alabama.
Dr. John Seybert, the district’s performing arts curriculum leader and Fort Couch Middle School band teacher, will help lead the multi-day festival, which includes rehearsals, clinics and culminating performances featuring some of Alabama’s top high school musicians.
“It is a meaningful opportunity to represent our district and highlight the strength of our music program on a broader stage,” Dr. Seybert said.
Dr. Seybert is one of four guest clinicians/conductors invited to the festival. The other clinicians are Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, retired associate director of bands at the University of Illinois School of Music; Michael Pote, retired director of bands at Carmel High School in Indiana; and Dr. Myra Rhoden, a member of the music faculty at the University of West Georgia.
Students are selected to the Alabama Honor Band Festival by a committee of the University of Alabama School of Music faculty members based on a student application and a recommendation from their band director. The annual festival recognizes the achievements of exceptional high school musicians from across Alabama.
- Fort Couch