Episode Details

The Three Rivers Community Band Festival returns for their 20th year! East Winds Symphonic Band Conductor Susan Sands and co-founder of the festival and EWSB Roger Schneider spoke to Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show about the festival.

Hosted by WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham, the festival is a celebration of the best of community band music from around the region, including performances by the 2026 Festival Band, Scottdale Concert Band, Community Band South, and the East Winds Symphonic Band. Roger explains the history and growth of the festival. Susan talks about East Winds' program, this year's festival band conductor, Dr. Christopher Marra, and the festival's finale performance of The Stars and Stripes Forever. Roger and Susan are also both FM Angels, and they tell Jim how important WQED is to them and the community, and why they give to the station.

Jim, Susan, and Roger also listen to a recording of the East Winds Symphonic Band playing Shostakovich's Festive Overture.

The Three Rivers Community Band Festival will be held at Franklin Regional High School this Saturday, April 11th, starting at 2:00pm. Auditorium doors will open at 1:00pm. The festival is free to attend. More information can be found on the East Winds Symphonic Band website.

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