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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Dobyns-Bennett High School Band's Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at the prestigious 67th Annual Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) Conference on April 10, 2026 located in Nashville.
Each year, TMEA selects Conference Performing Ensembles to showcase the highest standards of music education. These performances serve as a core convention tradition, designed to inspire educators and provide musical benchmarks across all levels, from elementary to university.
"It is our honor to once again be chosen to present the "keynote" performance at the Tennessee Music Education Association Conference," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Director of Bands Lafe Cook. "The Hall of Fame Concert is a celebration of legacy teachers, Tennessee music education traditions and student musical excellence. We are excited to show Tennessee how great our hard working band members are and to celebrate music education in our state!"
Under the direction of Lafe Cook, Jacob Carpenter, and Hudson Scott, these students represent a century-long legacy of musical excellence. As the program celebrates its 100th Anniversary (1926–2026), this performance marks a historic milestone: this is the seventh time the Dobyns-Bennett Band has been selected to perform at the TMEA Conference.
You can hear the band play their TMEA program on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 7 p.m. located at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center when the Wind Symphony shares a concert with the University of Tennessee Knoxville Wind Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public.
In addition, for the fourth consecutive year, a Dobyns-Bennett chamber ensemble has been selected to represent the East Tennessee division at the Tennessee Bandmasters Association (TBA) Honors Recital on April 9, 2026 in conjunction with the TMEA Conference.
This year’s ensemble, Anemoi, is a reed quartet - a combination of clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, and bass clarinet. Members include Chris Egan, Hopelyn Elmore, EA Williamson, and Zoe Young.
This year’s ensemble, Anemoi, is a reed quartet - a combination of clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, and bass clarinet. Members include Chris Egan, Hopelyn Elmore, EA Williamson, and Zoe Young.
For information on performances and events celebrating the band's 100th Anniversary, visit dbband.org.
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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