New Hampshire Band Directors Association

New England Band Directors Institute 2025

NEBDI 2025
July 7, 8, & 9
Featuring – Andrew Boysen Jr.

Welcome to the New England Band Directors Institute at Keene State College

Since 1992, NEBDI has become one of the leading clinics for bands and band directors. NEBDI is a 3-day conference dedicated to music education at all levels. NEBDI continues to thrive thanks to our new hosts, Keene State College and Dr. John Hart, NEBDI Coordinator.

This three-day Institute is dedicated to band and music education at all levels and welcomes band directors and composers from around the country. Highlights include sessions on all aspects of music education, a rehearsal lab, score reading and rehearsal sessions, reading sessions for new band and jazz ensemble music, and a composer-led session on the composer’s own music.

Why attend NEBDI? 

The Clinicians. NEBDI features clinicians who are outstanding music educators and who have a clear understanding of what makes bands work and what helps students learn. This Institute is an opportunity to develop your ideas and teaching methodologies in a relaxed atmosphere as you listen to others and join in the discussions. We try to address topics that will help us to grow, not only as teachers, but as musicians. At a glance: 

MEET THE CLINICIANS – read their bios here! (COMING SOON) 

The Vendors & Exhibitors. New England Band Directors Institute couldn’t happen without the support of the many vendors & exhibitors who support the Institute. With a long and growing list of vendors and exhibitors, you can expect to connect with industry leaders in instruments sales/rentals, repairs, music publishers, college & university admissions, and military bands. There’s something for everyone, so please support the people who support us!

Graduate Credit. Looking to move closer to that pay-bump, or simply want recognition for your professional development? As fellow educators, we understand, which is why we’re able to offer graduate credit. Those who wish to receive 1 graduate credit for their participation in NEBDI will write a brief follow-up paper based on their "aha!" moments and takeaways from the Institute. The paper is designed to be of direct benefit for your teaching next fall! Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for 18.5 hours of professional development are also issued for all participants. 

Hands-on Sessions & Playing. It’s highly recommended that you bring your instrument to play with the Directors’ Band for the reading sessions. This year we have four reading sessions you won’t want to miss.

On-Campus Housing. We’ve got a room for you! Our air-conditioned rooms come with linens, towels, pillows, and are less expensive than the area hotels… just bring your own shampoo! People staying on campus may opt to bring additional blankets, etc., to enhance their comfort. 

Off-Campus Accommodations. Don’t want to stay on-campus? We get that, too. If you’d prefer a hotel room, there are several great options in and around Keene. You’re advised to make your reservations as soon as possible, though! If you’re a KSC alumnus, you might be eligible for a discount at several Keene hotels. Click here for a list of hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds in Keene.

Great Food. Not only will we provide coffee and tea during the day’s energy lulls, but food options on- and off-campus are excellent. Check out Yelp’s current list of top restaurants near Downtown Keene. Downtown Keene offers some great dining options.

The Recognition. Who doesn’t like a little recognition for their hard work? During the NEBDI Banquet, NHBDA will pay tribute to the latest recipients of the “Outstanding Band Director” and the “Outstanding Young Band Director” awards. We want this to be an important event of our Institute and a fitting tribute to these music educators.

The Location. Keene State College is located in the middle of New England, easy to locate, and easy to get to. All of our sessions will take place in the spacious Young Student Center, a gorgeous building with a towering Atrium, and glass walls facing the very green campus. Plus, nearby hiking trails offer stunning views of Mount Monadnock. Here are some maps to help you get here and to get around KSC, and Monadnock NH’s guide to the greater Keene area.

The FUN. Most importantly, NEBDI is some of the most fun you will have while learning and developing as a professional. Participants enjoy learning alongside a group of peers with similar interests, concerns, challenges, and celebrations. We have a good time networking, building friendships, and gaining lifelong colleagues. Listen to what your peers have to say: 

How to Register for NEBDI 2025

Click the link above to register for: 

The New England Band Directors Institute 

NHBDA Membership Business Luncheon (Monday afternoon)

NEBDI Banquet & Awards Ceremony (Tuesday evening)


CLICK HERE to reserve your on-campus housing!


Reserve optional on-campus housing. Stay in an air-conditioned room on the Keene State College campus. Rooms are available starting Sunday, July 6th. Checkout is on Wednesday, July 9th. Linens and pillows are included, but you may want to bring additional blankets, pillows, comfort items, etc. Toiletries are not included, so plan to bring your own. 

Step 3 (opt.): Graduate Credit

LINK COMING SOON! 


Receive an optional 1.0 graduate credit through Keene State College. Looking to move horizontally on your district’s pay scale? Let us help you get a bit closer to that next column. When you register for the optional graduate credit—the course is called KSC-690: New England Band Directors Institute, repeatable every year—you’ll attend the Institute and enjoy three days of professional learning. After NEBDI you’ll write a reflective essay on your experiences and imagine some ways you can start putting your learning into action in the coming school year. Not only will you receive graduate credit, but your students will benefit from your reflective efforts.

* Housing and graduate credit are processed through Keene State College directly. 

The deadline for housing and graduate credit requests is June 28th

We look forward to seeing you at Keene State College on July 7–9 for three days of learning, playing, and networking!

NEBDI is proudly co-sponsored by the Keene State College Music Department and the New Hampshire Band Directors Association.

For all questions related to NEBDI, please email the NEBDI Coordinator Dr. John Hart at nebdi@nhbda.org.