Bands of America is a program of Music for All. Music for All is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to providing positively life-changing experiences through music.
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Whether this is your first Bands of America event or your fifteenth, get to know us better here! Hover or touch each block to learn more. Bands of America is a program of Music for All.
Spectator Guides by Event
Schedules, bands, and more for each show.
Bands of America is a program of Music for All
Where Do Your Dollars Go?
Bands of America is a program of Music for All. For every dollar Music for All receives, 91 cents directly supports the educational programs, events, and experiences we provide for students and educators. Your ticket and merchandise purchases go directly to creating positively life-changing experiences, as do donations and registration fees.
The Value of Competition
Competition is a meaningful part of the Bands of America experience, but its greatest value lies in the growth it inspires.
Long before students enter the stadium, they have spent months rehearsing, solving problems, supporting teammates, and learning to persevere. Along the way, they develop discipline, confidence, resilience, and friendships that extend far beyond the field.
Scores and rankings reflect a performance on a particular day. They cannot capture every breakthrough, every challenge overcome, or everything a student has gained through participation. Awards are worth celebrating, but a placement should never define the value of a student, a band, or an experience.
As parents and spectators, we help shape that perspective. Cheer enthusiastically for your band and offer that same encouragement to every band. Each performance represents students giving their best, educators dedicated to their growth, and communities supporting music education.
Applaud a beautiful musical moment, an expressive solo, or an exciting visual effect. Respect the directors and adjudicators and model the sportsmanship we want students to carry into their lives.
When the results are announced, celebrate achievement and acknowledge disappointment with kindness. Ask students what they learned, what improved, and what made them proud.
The most lasting rewards are the friendships, shared accomplishments, and satisfaction of reaching beyond what once seemed possible.
When we support every performer and value the journey, competition becomes an opportunity for everyone to grow, and an experience worth remembering.
remember
- These performers are high school students
- Every student has worked hard to be here
- Band directors dedicate themselves to teaching
- Judges are people, too
- Music brings joy
- Competition is only part of the experience
- Cheer, applaud, and enjoy the show!
What else does Music for All do?
Music for All works year-round to support students, music educators, and school music programs. In addition to the Bands of America Championships, our programs include the Music for All Summer Camp, the Music for All National Festival, student leadership workshops, professional development for music educators, affiliate festivals and events, the Advocacy in Action Awards, and the Music for All Podcast Network.
As a leading organization and influencer in music education, Music for All also advocates for music in our schools by providing resources, training, and support that help educators strengthen their programs, expand access to music education, and inspire and develop the next generation of music educators.
What Can I Expect to Happen Today?
- All bands performing in prelims receive recorded feedback from the full adjudication panel.
- Top three placings and highest acheivement awards in each of four classes will be awarded at the end of prelims.
- The top 12 scoring bands regardless of class will advance to the evening’s Finals at a Regional; the top 14 bands will advance to Finals at Super Regionals.
- Bands perform shows that are 6-11 minutes in 15 minute blocks. Bands each have four minutes to setup and two minutes to clear the field (endzones).
- Guests should have a prelims ticket for each day of prelims, a finals ticket for finals, or a Day Pass that includes prelims and finals entry.
- Please plan to arrive early enough to enter the stadium and take your seats so that you don’t miss your favorite band(s)’s performance!
- Visit your Championship’s Spectator Guide and event page for schedules, band info, and other information for your specific event.