Award-winning performances, upcoming spring concerts, and exciting summer music opportunities continue to showcase the strength of the Ashland Public Schools music program and the dedication of its student musicians, directors, and community supporters.

MICCA Festival Results

APS music ensembles delivered outstanding performances at the annual Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert and Choral Festival, a three-day event held March 27–29 at six locations across the state. The festival gives ensembles the opportunity to perform for expert adjudicators from across the country, who evaluate each group against rigorous standard of musical excellence. 

Once again, APS ensembles earned impressive results across all levels. The Ashland High School Concert Choir received a Bronze Medal, while AHS Concert Band White earned a Silver Medal and AHS Concert Band Blue achieved a Gold Medal. The Ashland Middle School Wind Ensemble also performed exceptionally well, earning a Gold Medal for the second consecutive year.

These achievements reflect the strength and consistency of Ashland’s music program, as well as the hard work and commitment of its student musicians and directors.

The Ashland Music Association would like to extend our gratitude to the Ashland Select Board for providing a grant that supported student participation in the MICCA Festival, along with other festivals and concerts during the 2025–2026 season.

APS Spring Concert

Schedule

The APS Spring 2026 Band and Vocal Music concert season is winding down, with several upcoming performances still to come. All concerts will be held at the AHS Barry Ruthford Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

-  June 4 – 4th & 5th Grade Concert Bands & AMS Jazz Ensemble

-  June 9 – 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Concert Bands

-  June 11 – AMS Spring Choral Concert

Summer Band Program

Would you like a chance to play fun and challenging concert band music this summer with your friends? Join Ashland band director Brian Koning and Northborough band director Lucas LaVoie for the Ashland Summer Band Program.

This community band program is open to musicians of all ages and levels from any town. It’s a great opportunity to play music with family and friends, meet musicians from other communities, and enjoy a rewarding summer playing experience.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening beginning June 16 in the AHS band room. All bands will perform a final concert on August 4 at 7 p.m., held at the AHS Barry Ruthford Auditorium.

Ashland Summer Band members will have the option to perform the national anthem at a Boston Red Sox game on Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m.

There is still time to sign up! Registration is a two-step process: first, register and submit payment through the Ashland Rec website, and then complete the required Google form. 

For additional information, including program details and registration links, visit the Ashland Summer Band information page.

Community Support for Music Education

The AMA is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that provides financial and volunteer assistance to music performance groups in Ashland Public Schools. Visit AshlandMusic.org to learn more and sign up for Clocker Beats, our newsletter that keeps the community connected to Ashland’s school music programs—featuring student achievements, concert information, updates on important issues impacting music education, and more!