The 2026 Heartland Marimba International Festival is scheduled across Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, from November 4 to 8, followed by an optional Heartland Marimba International Festival Orchestra appearance during PASIC 2026 in Indianapolis. The festival is hosted by the Lancaster Marimba Ensemble and the Percussive Arts Society. Its co-directors are Jenni Brandon, Matthew Coley, David Harvey, and Stephanie Smith.

The Lancaster County schedule announced by the organizer includes:

  • November 4: David Harvey presents a concert and lecture on Clair Omar Musser and Pennsylvania marimba history at the Manheim Historical Society; time to be announced.
  • November 5: a concert and lecture; details to be announced.
  • November 6: orchestra load-in and check-in at 3:30 p.m. and rehearsal at 6:00 p.m. at the Winter Center, Millersville University.
  • November 7: orchestra rehearsals, daytime presentations, and an evening Heartland Marimba and Friends concert and lecture at the Ware Center.
  • November 8: morning dress rehearsal and an afternoon orchestra concert at the Winter Center.

The orchestra is open to amateur, high-school, college, and professional marimba players who are at least 16 years old and have at least four years of experience. All orchestra participants must be available November 6-8. Players who also join the Indianapolis portion are scheduled for an evening rehearsal on November 12 and three 60-minute performances on November 13; the exact times are still to be announced. PASIC itself runs November 11-14. Participation at PASIC is optional, but PASIC players must first take part in the Pennsylvania rehearsals and concert.

The organizer lists a $105 participation fee for Pennsylvania only and a $205 fee for Pennsylvania and PASIC. The latter includes a four-day PASIC attendee badge, and participants must be Percussive Arts Society members. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodation. The fee also supports the event and includes a commemorative T-shirt and a meal on the November 8 concert day.

The official page states that registration ran through August 1, 2026, a deadline that has now passed. Check the organizer’s page for any updated availability before applying.

Official festival and orchestra information
PASIC 2026 official site