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{{Short description|Marching band competition organization}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2019}}
⚫
{{Infobox organization

| name = Bands of America
{{Merge|BOA Grand National Championships
| image = Music for All.svg
| date = February 2023
⚫
| image_size = 220px
⚫
}}{{Infobox organization
| name = Bands of America
| logo = Bands of America.svg
| image = Music for All.svg
| logo_size = 220px
| image_size = 220px
| logo_caption = Logo (1983–present)
| logo = Bands of America.svg
| abbreviation = BOA
| logo_size = 220px
| formation = {{Start date and age|1975}}
⚫
| founder = Larry McCormick<ref name=":1" />
| logo_caption = Logo (1983–present)
| abbreviation = BOA
| type = [[501(c)(3) organization]]
| formation = {{Start date and age|1975}}
| merger = {{Ubl
⚫
| founder = Larry McCormick<ref name=":1" />
⚫
| merger = {{Ubl
|Bands of America, Inc.
|Bands of America, Inc.
|Music for All Foundation
|Music for All Foundation
}}
}}
| purpose = To create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stephens|first=James|date=2019-05-31|title=Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook|url=https://marching.musicforall.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/05/2019-BOA-Rulebook.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201082444/https://marching.musicforall.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/05/2019-BOA-Rulebook.pdf|archive-date=February 1, 2020|access-date=2019-10-20|website=BOA Marching Championships|page=1}}</ref>
| purpose = To create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stephens|first=James|date=2019-05-31|title=Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook|url=https://marching.musicforall.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/05/2019-BOA-Rulebook.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201082444/https://marching.musicforall.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/05/2019-BOA-Rulebook.pdf|archive-date=February 1, 2020|access-date=2019-10-20|website=BOA Marching Championships|page=1}}</ref>
| location = [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]
| location = [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]
| region = [[United States]]
| region = [[United States]]
| leader_title = Chief Judge
| leader_title = Chief Judge
| leader_name = (vacant)
| leader_name = Richard Saucedo, Nola Jones, John Phillips
| leader_title2 = Advisory Committee Chairman
| leader_title2 = Advisory Committee Chairman
| leader_name2 = Ken Snoeck
| leader_name2 = Ken Snoeck
| parent_organization = Music For All (MFA)
| parent_organization = Music For All (MFA)
| website = {{Ubl
| website = {{Ubl
|{{URL|marching.musicforall.org}}
|{{URL|marching.musicforall.org}}
|bands.org (former)
|bands.org (former)
}}
}}
| formerly = {{Ubl
| formerly = {{Ubl
|Marching Bands of America (1975–1984)
|Marching Bands of America (1975–1984)
|Bands of America, Inc. (1984–2006)
|Bands of America, Inc. (1984–2006)
}}
}}
}}
}}
'''Bands of America''' ('''BOA''') is a music education advocacy organization and promoter of high school [[marching band]] competitions in the United States, such as the annual Grand National Championships. Established in 1975 as '''Marching Bands of America''' ('''MBA'''), founder Larry McCormick's goal was to provide educational opportunities for music students nationwide. McCormick organized the first annual Summer Workshop and Festival in 1976.<ref name=":2">{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLBHygYPt-w|title=The Challenge|date=2017-02-11|last=McCormick|first=Larry|type=film|language=en|publisher=Marching Bands of America, Inc.|others=excerpts|access-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/YLBHygYPt-w|archive-date=2021-12-12|url-status=live|orig-year=1976|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2013-01-28|title=Why BOA? The philosophy and history of Bands of America Championships|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlcfloR89zI|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/hlcfloR89zI|archive-date=2021-12-12|access-date=2019-10-21|publisher=Music for All|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Renamed Bands of America in 1984, the organization became an independent, tax-exempt entity in 1988. In 2006, Bands of America merged with the Music for All Foundation, a music education advocacy organization, becoming the flagship program of the combined organization.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=BOA History Timeline|url=http://www.bands.org/public/businessmedia/boa_info/history.asp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016065139/http://www.bands.org/public/businessmedia/boa_info/history.asp|archive-date=2007-10-16|access-date=2019-10-20|website=www.bands.org}}</ref> Bands of America has received numerous awards from [[International Festivals and Events Association|IFEA]].
'''Bands of America''' ('''BOA''') is a music education advocacy organization and promoter of high school [[marching band]] competitions in the United States. Established in 1975 as '''Marching Bands of America''' ('''MBA'''), founder Larry McCormick's goal was to provide educational opportunities for music students nationwide. McCormick organized the first annual Summer Workshop and Festival in 1976.<ref name=":2">{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLBHygYPt-w|title=The Challenge|date=2017-02-11|last=McCormick|first=Larry|type=film|language=en|publisher=Marching Bands of America, Inc.|others=excerpts|access-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/YLBHygYPt-w|archive-date=2021-12-12|url-status=live|orig-year=1976|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2013-01-28|title=Why BOA? The philosophy and history of Bands of America Championships|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlcfloR89zI|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/hlcfloR89zI|archive-date=2021-12-12|access-date=2019-10-21|publisher=Music for All|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Renamed Bands of America in 1984, the organization became an independent, tax-exempt entity in 1988. In 2006, Bands of America merged with the Music for All Foundation, a music education advocacy organization, becoming the flagship program of the combined organization.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=BOA History Timeline|url=http://www.bands.org/public/businessmedia/boa_info/history.asp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016065139/http://www.bands.org/public/businessmedia/boa_info/history.asp|archive-date=2007-10-16|access-date=2019-10-20|website=www.bands.org}}</ref> Bands of America has received numerous awards from [[International Festivals and Events Association|IFEA]].


Since 1975, Bands of America's various programs, services and events have served approximately 1.75 million music students. Approximately 450,000 spectators attend Bands of America championships every year.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/our-history|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901145356/http://www.musicforall.org:80/who-we-are/our-history|archive-date=September 1, 2010|access-date=2019-10-21|website=www.musicforall.org}}</ref> From 1980 to 1989, Bands of America hosted an annual Summer National Championship.
Since 1975, Bands of America's various programs, services and events have served approximately 1.75 million music students. Approximately 450,000 spectators attend Bands of America championships every year.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/our-history|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901145356/http://www.musicforall.org:80/who-we-are/our-history|archive-date=September 1, 2010|access-date=2019-10-21|website=www.musicforall.org}}</ref> From 1980 to 1989, Bands of America hosted an annual Summer National Championship.
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The 2020 Grand National Championship was previously scheduled for {{Daterangedash|2020-11-12|2020-11-14|mdy}} at [[Lucas Oil Stadium]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. On July 21, 2020, Music for All's board of directors announced the cancellation of the 2020 competitive season in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|coronavirus pandemic]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Hackworth|first=Franchesca|date=2020-07-21|title=2020 Bands of America championships canceled|url=https://www.whio.com/news/local/2020-bands-america-championships-canceled/PLOAFZFHNJBTLDFUPXKNFQC2VA/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722002946/https://www.whio.com/news/local/2020-bands-america-championships-canceled/PLOAFZFHNJBTLDFUPXKNFQC2VA/|archive-date=July 22, 2020|access-date=2020-07-22|website=[[WHIO-TV]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Bands of America's schedule of championships, including Grand Nationals, continued in 2021.
The 2020 Grand National Championship was previously scheduled for {{Daterangedash|2020-11-12|2020-11-14|mdy}} at [[Lucas Oil Stadium]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. On July 21, 2020, Music for All's board of directors announced the cancellation of the 2020 competitive season in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|coronavirus pandemic]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Hackworth|first=Franchesca|date=2020-07-21|title=2020 Bands of America championships canceled|url=https://www.whio.com/news/local/2020-bands-america-championships-canceled/PLOAFZFHNJBTLDFUPXKNFQC2VA/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722002946/https://www.whio.com/news/local/2020-bands-america-championships-canceled/PLOAFZFHNJBTLDFUPXKNFQC2VA/|archive-date=July 22, 2020|access-date=2020-07-22|website=[[WHIO-TV]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Bands of America's schedule of championships, including Grand Nationals, continued in 2021.

The Bands of America Honor Band will participate in the 2026 [[Rose Parade]] on [[New Year's Day]] in [[Pasadena, California]].


== History ==
== History ==
Larry McCormick established Marching Bands of America in 1975 as a subsidiary of McCormick's Enterprises, a music education supplies company.<ref name=":2" /> The goal was to provide a unique education and performance opportunity for music students nationwide. In 1976, Marching Bands of America hosted the first annual Summer Workshop and Festival on the campus of [[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater]]. Included in the program was the first Grand National Championship, whose inaugural champions were [[Kosciusko High School|Kosciusko]] (Mississippi) and [[Live Oak High School (Morgan Hill, California)|Live Oak]] (California) high schools.<ref name=":0" /> From 1980 onward, Grand National Championships were hosted in November. The Summer Workshop and Festival was relaunched as the Summer National Championships, which continued until 1989.
Larry McCormick established Marching Bands of America in 1975 as a subsidiary of McCormick's Enterprises, a music education supplies company.<ref name=":2" /> The goal was to provide a unique education and performance opportunity for music students nationwide. In 1976, Marching Bands of America hosted the first annual Summer Workshop and Festival on the campus of [[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater]]. Included in the program was the first Grand National Championship, whose inaugural champions were [[Kosciusko High School|Kosciusko]] (Mississippi) and [[Live Oak High School (Morgan Hill, California)|Live Oak]] (California) high schools.<ref name=":0" /> From 1980 onward, Grand National Championships were hosted in November. The Summer Workshop and Festival was relaunched as the Summer National Championships, which continued until 1989.


In 1983, Marching Bands of America was spun-off by McCormick's as Bands of America, Inc. L. Scott McCormick, son of founder Larry McCormick, was named CEO of the new Bands of America in 1985. In 1988, Bands of America was awarded tax-exempt status, retroactive to 1984.<ref name=":0" /> The Student Leadership Workshop began as part of the Summer Workshop and Festival in 1988, which was relaunched as the annual Summer Symposium in 1990. In 1992, the Summer Band Symposium became a resident program at [[Illinois State University]].<ref name=":0" /> The symposium has since been hosted by [[Indiana University]] and [[Ball State University]].
In 1983, Marching Bands of America was spun-off by McCormick's as Bands of America, Inc. L. Scott McCormick, son of founder Larry McCormick, was named CEO of the new Bands of America in 1985. In 1988, Bands of America was awarded tax-exempt status, retroactive to 1984.<ref name=":0" /> The Student Leadership Workshop began as part of the Summer Workshop and Festival in 1988, which was relaunched as the annual Summer Symposium in 1990. In 1992, the Summer Band Symposium became a resident program at [[Illinois State University]].<ref name=":0" /> The symposium has since been hosted at [[Ball State University]].


Bands of America began a recurring program of honor ensembles in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honor Ensembles|url=https://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/honor-ensembles|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901145310/http://www.musicforall.org:80/what-we-do/honor-ensembles|archive-date=September 1, 2010|access-date=2019-10-27|website=www.musicforall.org}}</ref> The Honor Band of America's first performance was at the 1992 National Concert Band Festival established by Bands of America to rekindle the "concert band tradition in America as exemplified by the National Band Contest in the 1930s."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Music for All National Festival|url=https://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/mfa-national-festival|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113184206/http://www.musicforall.org:80/what-we-do/mfa-national-festival|archive-date=January 13, 2012|access-date=2019-10-27|website=www.musicforall.org}}</ref> The Honor Orchestra of America premiered at the National Concert Band Festival in 2005, launching the Orchestra of America program.
Bands of America began a recurring program of honor ensembles in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honor Ensembles|url=https://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/honor-ensembles|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901145310/http://www.musicforall.org:80/what-we-do/honor-ensembles|archive-date=September 1, 2010|access-date=2019-10-27|website=www.musicforall.org}}</ref> The Honor Band of America's first performance was at the 1992 National Concert Band Festival established by Bands of America to rekindle the "concert band tradition in America as exemplified by the National Band Contest in the 1930s."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Music for All National Festival|url=https://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/mfa-national-festival|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113184206/http://www.musicforall.org:80/what-we-do/mfa-national-festival|archive-date=January 13, 2012|access-date=2019-10-27|website=www.musicforall.org}}</ref> The Honor Orchestra of America premiered at the National Concert Band Festival in 2005, launching the Orchestra of America program.
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* 2021 - Tom Shrump, Norwin High School, North Huntingdon, PA
* 2021 - Tom Shrump, Norwin High School, North Huntingdon, PA
-->
-->

== Championship system ==
== Championship system ==
All Bands of America championship events are open to all high school bands based in the United States on a first come first serve basis. There are no qualifications or prerequisites for participation. However, the Bands of America system is highly competitive. Bands receive a score which determines class rank and placement. Announcements place more emphasis on rankings between bands, such as advancing to the final round, versus a score. Promotional materials and programs often include essays on education philosophy and pedagogy from prominent music educators which highlight the festival atmosphere of each championship event, as well as exploring concepts such as the pursuit of excellence, and individual growth and achievement through competition. Spectators are encouraged to give each band participating in the final round a standing ovation.
All Bands of America championship events are open to all high school bands based in the United States on a first come first serve basis. There are no qualifications or prerequisites for participation. However, the Bands of America system is highly competitive. Bands receive a score which determines class rank and placement. Announcements place more emphasis on rankings between bands, such as advancing to the final round, versus a score. Promotional materials and programs often include essays on education philosophy and pedagogy from prominent music educators which highlight the festival atmosphere of each championship event, as well as exploring concepts such as the pursuit of excellence, and individual growth and achievement through competition. Spectators are encouraged to give each band participating in the final round a standing ovation.
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=== Regional championships ===
=== Regional championships ===
The regional championship program began in 1978 with events in [[Harrisonburg, Virginia]] and [[Jackson, Mississippi]]. Regionals are single-day events limited to a maximum of 32 bands in preliminary competition, with the ten highest scoring bands advancing to a final round. Regionals attract bands from the surrounding area, with many bands competing in more than one regional every year.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Coachman|first=Frank|url=https://archive.org/details/marchingband0000coac/page/47|title=Marching Band|date=July 2006|publisher=Rosen Publishiing Group|isbn=9781435837683|location=New York|pages=[https://archive.org/details/marchingband0000coac/page/47 47]|chapter=Performances and Competitions}}</ref>
The regional championship program began in 1978 with events in [[Harrisonburg, Virginia]] and [[Jackson, Mississippi]]. Regionals are single-day events limited to a maximum of 32 bands in preliminary competition, with the ten highest scoring bands advancing to a final round. Regionals attract bands from the surrounding area, with many bands competing in more than one regional every year.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Coachman|first=Frank|url=https://archive.org/details/marchingband0000coac/page/47|title=Marching Band|date=July 2006|publisher=Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=9781435837683|location=New York|pages=[https://archive.org/details/marchingband0000coac/page/47 47]|chapter=Performances and Competitions}}</ref>


All 2020 Regional Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.<ref name=":5" />
All 2020 Regional Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.<ref name=":5" />


=== Super Regional championships ===
=== Super Regional championships ===
In 2003, the San Antonio Regional was relaunched as a Super Regional Championship, a two-day event which included a national caliber adjudication panel, a maximum of 84 bands, with the fourteen highest scoring bands advancing to a final round. According to FloMarching, the caliber of bands at the San Antonio Super Regional is second only to Grand Nationals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andy|first=Schamma|date=2018-09-04|title=Must-Watch Guide To Full Bands of America 2018 Season|url=https://www.flomarching.com/articles/6246781-must-watch-guide-to-full-bands-of-america-2018-season|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905181526/https://www.flomarching.com/articles/6246781-must-watch-guide-to-full-bands-of-america-2018-season|archive-date=September 5, 2018|access-date=2019-11-13|website=www.flomarching.com|language=en}}</ref>
In 2003, the San Antonio Regional was relaunched as a Super Regional Championship, a two-day event which included a national caliber adjudication panel, a maximum of 84 bands, with the fourteen highest scoring bands advancing to a final round. According to FloMarching, the caliber of bands at the San Antonio Super Regional is second only to Grand Nationals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andy|first=Schamma|date=2018-09-04|title=Must-Watch Guide To Full Bands of America 2018 Season|url=https://www.flomarching.com/articles/6246781-must-watch-guide-to-full-bands-of-america-2018-season|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905181526/https://www.flomarching.com/articles/6246781-must-watch-guide-to-full-bands-of-america-2018-season|archive-date=September 5, 2018|access-date=2019-11-13|website=www.flomarching.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>Further citation needed</ref>


All 2020 Super Regional Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.<ref name=":5" />
All 2020 Super Regional Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.<ref name=":5" />
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The Grand National championships are open to all high school bands. There are no qualifications or prerequisites for participation; a standard established by Larry McCormick at the first Summer Workshop and Festival in 1976. The format and terms for advancing to the semifinal and final competitions have changed since its inception.
The Grand National championships are open to all high school bands. There are no qualifications or prerequisites for participation; a standard established by Larry McCormick at the first Summer Workshop and Festival in 1976. The format and terms for advancing to the semifinal and final competitions have changed since its inception.


{{As of|2019}}, Grand Nationals are open to as many as 112 bands, with performances taking place over three days. All bands participate in a preliminary competition, split between two rounds. The highest scoring bands from each preliminary advance to a semifinal competition, and the twelve highest scoring bands advance to the final round. Class champions (A, AA, AAA, and AAAA) are announced following the semifinal, and the Grand National Champion is announced after the final.
{{As of|2024}}, Grand Nationals are open to as many as 112 bands, with performances taking place over three days. All bands participate in a preliminary competition, split between two rounds. The highest scoring bands from each preliminary advance to a semifinal competition, and the twelve highest scoring bands advance to the final round. Class champions (A, AA, AAA, and AAAA) are announced following the semifinal, and the Grand National Champion is announced after the final.


The 2020 Grand National Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.<ref name=":5" />
The 2020 Grand National Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Championships returned to a normal schedule in 2021.<ref name=":5" />


==== Championship trophy ====
==== Championship trophy ====
The Grand National Champion receives the championship trophy for one year. The trophy's base includes plaques for all previous champions, excluding the Summer National Champions. The trophy is capped by a white enameled eagle which was installed in 1995. A common phrase heard during the championship weekend is "who will take home the eagle?"<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45l33KLgdqk|title=Grand National Champion Trophy|date=2015-11-28|language=en|publisher=Music For All|access-date=2019-10-31|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/45l33KLgdqk|archive-date=2021-12-12|url-status=live|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Band's that have received the trophy have given the eagle a nickname{{Efn|Based on threads from the former Bands of America student forums.}}
The Grand National Champion receives the traveling championship trophy for one year. The trophy's base includes plaques for all previous champions, excluding the Summer National Champions. The trophy is capped by a white enameled eagle which was installed in 1995. A common phrase heard during the championship weekend is "who will take home the eagle?"<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45l33KLgdqk|title=Grand National Champion Trophy|date=2015-11-28|language=en|publisher=Music For All|access-date=2019-10-31|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/45l33KLgdqk|archive-date=2021-12-12|url-status=live|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Bands that have received the trophy have nicknamed the eagle 'Kevin.' {{Efn|Based on threads from the former Bands of America student forums.}}


==== Past National venues ====
==== Past National venues ====
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!Year
!Year
!Grand Nationals
!Grand National Championships
!Year
!Year
!Summer Nationals
!Summer National Championships
|-
|-
|1976–1979
|1976–1979
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|}
|}


==== Future dates ====
==== Future Grand National dates ====
Dates for Grand Nationals have been announced up to 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Nationals|url=https://marching.musicforall.org/grandnationals/|access-date=2019-10-30|website=BOA Marching Championships|language=en-US}}</ref>
Dates for Grand Nationals have been announced up to 2028, with all events scheduled to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the second weekend of November each year."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Nationals|url=https://marching.musicforall.org/grandnationals/|access-date=2024-09-17|website=BOA Marching Championships|language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
! style="width: 10em;" |Date
! style="width: 10em;" |Date
!Venue
!Venue
|-
|-
|{{Daterangedash|2023-11-09|2023-11-11|mdy}}
|{{Daterangedash|2025-11-13|2025-11-15|mdy}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Lucas Oil Stadium]]{{Break}}{{Small|Indianapolis, Indiana}}
| rowspan="4" |[[Lucas Oil Stadium]]{{Break}}{{Small|Indianapolis, Indiana}}
|-
|-
|{{Daterangedash|2024-11-14|2024-11-16|mdy}}
|{{Daterangedash|2026-11-12|2026-11-14|mdy}}
|-
|-
|{{Daterangedash|2025-11-13|2025-11-15|mdy}}
|{{Daterangedash|2027-11-11|2027-11-13|mdy}}
⚫
|-
|{{Daterangedash|2028-11-10|2028-11-12|mdy}}
|}
|}


== Classification and adjudication ==
== Classification and adjudication ==
=== Available classes ===
=== Available classes ===
Participating bands are assigned to a competitive classes based on their school's enrollment (grades 10 through 12).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Stephens |first=James |date=2019-05-31 |title=Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook |url=https://marching.musicforall.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/2022-BOA.Rulebook.pdf/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626231054/https://marching.musicforall.org/adjudication-handbook/ |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=2019-10-27 |website=BOA Marching Championships |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Rp|2}} Classes are used to determine preliminary placements and awards and are not announced to the judges or audience with the intention to not influence scoring.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://marching.musicforall.org/audience-faq/ |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=BOA Marching Championships |language=en-US}}</ref> The top twelve highest-scoring bands regardless of class advance to the finals performance. Class champions who do not advance to finals are invited to perform in exhibition. Bands of America attempts to keep the number of competing bands in each class, across the entire championship system, evenly distributed. Classes AA, AAA, and AAAA are realigned every three years based on data provided by participating bands. Class A's requirement of 600 or fewer enrolled students remains unchanged. The next realignment will take place in 2021. The following classes are available {{As of|2018|lc=y}}:
Participating bands are assigned to a competitive classes based on their school's enrollment (grades 10 through 12).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Stephens |first=James |date=2019-05-31 |title=Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook |url=https://marching.musicforall.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/2022-BOA.Rulebook.pdf/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626231054/https://marching.musicforall.org/adjudication-handbook/ |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=2019-10-27 |website=BOA Marching Championships |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Rp|2}} Classes are used to determine preliminary placements and awards and are not announced to the judges or audience with the intention to not influence scoring.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://marching.musicforall.org/audience-faq/ |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=BOA Marching Championships |language=en-US}}</ref> The top twelve highest-scoring bands regardless of class advance to the finals performance. Class champions who do not advance to finals are invited to perform in exhibition. Bands of America attempts to keep the number of competing bands in each class, across the entire championship system, evenly distributed. Classes AA, AAA, and AAAA are realigned every three years based on data provided by participating bands. Class A's requirement of 600 or fewer enrolled students remains unchanged. The next realignment period is scheduled for 2024. The following classes are available {{As of|2023|lc=y}}:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Class
!Class
Line 213: Line 217:
|-
|-
|'''AA'''
|'''AA'''
|601{{Snd}}1250
|601{{Snd}}1325
|-
|-
|'''AAA'''
|'''AAA'''
|1251{{Snd}}1750
|1326{{Snd}}1850
|-
|-
|'''AAAA'''
|'''AAAA'''
|1751 and above
|1851 and above
|}
|}


Line 230: Line 234:
!1986–2009
!1986–2009
!2009–present
!2009–present
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
⚫
|-
| colspan="4" style="background-color: #bfc;" |
⚫
|-
| colspan="4" |A
| colspan="4" |A
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
⚫
|-
⚫
| rowspan="3" |Open
| colspan="4" style="background-color: #9fe;" |
|-
| rowspan="5" |Open
| colspan="3" |AA
| colspan="3" |AA
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
⚫
| rowspan="2" |Open
| colspan="3" style="background-color: #ffc;" |
⚫
| rowspan="2" |AAA
|-
⚫
| rowspan="3" |Open
⚫
| rowspan="3" |AAA
|AAA
|AAA
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| style="background-color: #fcc;" |
|-
|AAAA
|AAAA
|}
|}
Line 255: Line 251:
!1980–1985
!1980–1985
!1986–1989
!1986–1989
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| colspan="2" style="background-color: #bfc;" |
|-
| colspan="2" border-right: 2px;" |A
| colspan="2" border-right: 2px;" |A
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| colspan="2" style="background-color: #9fe;" |
|-
| colspan="2" style="border-right: 2px;" |AA
| colspan="2" style="border-right: 2px;" |AA
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| colspan="2" style="background-color: #ffc;" |
|-
|Open{{Efn|Open Class for high school bands.|name=openhsb}}
|Open{{Efn|Open Class for high school bands.|name=openhsb}}
|AAA
|AAA
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
|{{Unknown|}}
| rowspan="2" style="background: white; border-left: 1px solid white; border-bottom: 1px solid white;" |
| style="background-color: #fcc;" |
|-
|Open{{Efn|Open Class for community bands and drum & bugle corps who met age restrictions.|name=opendbc}}
|Open{{Efn|Open Class for community bands and drum & bugle corps who met age restrictions.|name=opendbc}}
|}
|}
Line 284: Line 272:
!=
!=
!Points
!Points
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| colspan="6" style="background-color: #fb9;" |
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Music'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Music'''
|{{Right|Ensemble Performance (20)}}
|{{Right|Ensemble Performance (20)}}
Line 295: Line 281:
|-
|-
|{{Right|Individual Performance (20)}}
|{{Right|Individual Performance (20)}}
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| colspan="6" style="background-color: #fb9;" |
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Visual'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Visual'''
|{{Right|Ensemble Performance (20)}}
|{{Right|Ensemble Performance (20)}}
Line 306: Line 290:
|-
|-
|{{Right|Individual Performance (20)}}
|{{Right|Individual Performance (20)}}
|- style="border-top:2px solid; height:0px;"
|-
| colspan="6" style="background-color: #fb9;" |
|-
| colspan="3" rowspan="3" style="background: white; border-left: 1px solid white; border-bottom: 1px solid white;" |
| colspan="3" rowspan="3" style="background: white; border-left: 1px solid white; border-bottom: 1px solid white;" |
|{{Right|Subtotal}}
|{{Right|Subtotal}}
Line 400: Line 382:
|Western {{Sup|(2)}}
|Western {{Sup|(2)}}
|[[Marian Catholic High School (Illinois)|Marian Catholic]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Illinois)}}
|[[Marian Catholic High School (Illinois)|Marian Catholic]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Illinois)}}
|[[Westfield High School (Harris County, Texas)|Westfield]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[West Genesee High School|West Genesee]]{{Break}}{{Small|(New York)}}
|Marian Catholic{{Break}}{{Small|(Illinois)}}
|Marian Catholic{{Break}}{{Small|(Illinois)}}
|-
|-
Line 437: Line 419:
|1990{{Break}}{{Small|(15th)}}
|1990{{Break}}{{Small|(15th)}}
|Western {{Sup|(4)}}
|Western {{Sup|(4)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(6)}}
⚫
|[[West Genesee High School|West Genesee]]{{Break}}{{Small|(New York)}}
|[[Plymouth-Canton Marching Band|Plymouth-Canton]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Michigan)}}
|[[Plymouth-Canton Marching Band|Plymouth-Canton]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Michigan)}}
|Plymouth-Canton{{Break}}{{Small|(Michigan)}}
|Plymouth-Canton{{Break}}{{Small|(Michigan)}}
Line 449: Line 431:
|1992{{Break}}{{Small|(17th)}}
|1992{{Break}}{{Small|(17th)}}
|[[Owen Valley Community High School|Owen Valley]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|[[Owen Valley Community High School|Owen Valley]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(6)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(7)}}
|Plymouth-Canton {{Sup|(3)}}
|Plymouth-Canton {{Sup|(3)}}
|[[Centerville High School (Centerville, Ohio)|Centerville]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Ohio)}}
|[[Centerville High School (Centerville, Ohio)|Centerville]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Ohio)}}
Line 455: Line 437:
|1993{{Break}}{{Small|(18th)}}
|1993{{Break}}{{Small|(18th)}}
|[[Jackson Academy (Mississippi)|Jackson Academy]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Mississippi)}}
|[[Jackson Academy (Mississippi)|Jackson Academy]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Mississippi)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(7)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(8)}}
|[[Spring High School|Spring]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[Spring High School|Spring]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|Spring{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|Spring{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
Line 467: Line 449:
|1995{{Break}}{{Small|(20th)}}
|1995{{Break}}{{Small|(20th)}}
|Bellbrook {{Sup|(2)}}
|Bellbrook {{Sup|(2)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(8)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(9)}}
|[[Westfield High School (Harris County, Texas)|Westfield]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[Westfield High School (Harris County, Texas)|Westfield]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[Center Grove High School|Center Grove]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|[[Center Grove High School|Center Grove]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
Line 473: Line 455:
|1996{{Break}}{{Small|(21st)}}
|1996{{Break}}{{Small|(21st)}}
|[[Northwestern Lehigh School District|Northwestern Lehigh]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Pennsylvania)}}
|[[Northwestern Lehigh School District|Northwestern Lehigh]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Pennsylvania)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(9)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(10)}}
|Center Grove{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Center Grove{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Lake Park{{Break}}{{Small|(Illinois)}}
|Lake Park{{Break}}{{Small|(Illinois)}}
Line 479: Line 461:
|1997{{Break}}{{Small|(22nd)}}
|1997{{Break}}{{Small|(22nd)}}
|[[Elizabethtown High School|Elizabethtown]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Kentucky)}}
|[[Elizabethtown High School|Elizabethtown]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Kentucky)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(10)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(11)}}
|Center Grove {{Sup|(2)}}
|Center Grove {{Sup|(2)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(6)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(6)}}
Line 485: Line 467:
|1998{{Break}}{{Small|(23rd)}}
|1998{{Break}}{{Small|(23rd)}}
|Bellbrook {{Sup|(3)}}
|Bellbrook {{Sup|(3)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(11)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(12)}}
|[[Lassiter High School|Lassiter]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Georgia)}}
|[[Lassiter High School|Lassiter]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Georgia)}}
|Lassiter{{Break}}{{Small|(Georgia)}}
|Lassiter{{Break}}{{Small|(Georgia)}}
Line 516: Line 498:
|Norwell {{Sup|(2)}}
|Norwell {{Sup|(2)}}
|Tarpon Springs {{Sup|(3)}}
|Tarpon Springs {{Sup|(3)}}
|Westfield {{Sup|(3)}}
|Westfield {{Sup|(2)}}
|Westfield{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|Westfield{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|-
|-
Line 539: Line 521:
|2007{{Break}}{{Small|(32nd)}}
|2007{{Break}}{{Small|(32nd)}}
|Adair County {{Sup|(2)}}
|Adair County {{Sup|(2)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(12)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(13)}}
|[[L. D. Bell High School|L. D. Bell]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[L. D. Bell High School|L. D. Bell]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|L. D. Bell{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|L. D. Bell{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
Line 545: Line 527:
|2008{{Break}}{{Small|(33rd)}}
|2008{{Break}}{{Small|(33rd)}}
|[[Bourbon County High School|Bourbon County]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Kentucky)}}
|[[Bourbon County High School|Bourbon County]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Kentucky)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(13)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(14)}}
|[[Avon High School (Indiana)|Avon]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|[[Avon High School (Indiana)|Avon]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Avon{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Avon{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
Line 558: Line 540:
|2009{{Break}}{{Small|(34th)}}
|2009{{Break}}{{Small|(34th)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(2)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(2)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(14)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(15)}}
|Center Grove {{Sup|(3)}}
|Center Grove {{Sup|(3)}}
|Avon{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Avon{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
Line 565: Line 547:
|2010{{Break}}{{Small|(35th)}}
|2010{{Break}}{{Small|(35th)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(3)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(3)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(15)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(16)}}
|[[Tarpon Springs High School|Tarpon Springs]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Florida)}}
|[[Tarpon Springs High School|Tarpon Springs]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Florida)}}
|Avon {{Sup|(2)}}
|Avon {{Sup|(2)}}
Line 572: Line 554:
|2011{{Break}}{{Small|(36th)}}
|2011{{Break}}{{Small|(36th)}}
|Beechwood {{Sup|(2)}}
|Beechwood {{Sup|(2)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(16)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(17)}}
|[[Lafayette High School (Louisiana)|Lafayette]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Louisiana)}}
|[[Lafayette High School (Louisiana)|Lafayette]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Louisiana)}}
|Broken Arrow{{Break}}{{Small|(Oklahoma)}}
|Broken Arrow{{Break}}{{Small|(Oklahoma)}}
Line 586: Line 568:
|2013{{Break}}{{Small|(38th)}}
|2013{{Break}}{{Small|(38th)}}
|Bellbrook {{Sup|(7)}}
|Bellbrook {{Sup|(7)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(17)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(18)}}
|[[Harrison High School (Georgia)|Harrison]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Georgia)}}
|[[Harrison High School (Georgia)|Harrison]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Georgia)}}
|[[The Woodlands High School|The Woodlands]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[The Woodlands High School|The Woodlands]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
Line 600: Line 582:
|2015{{Break}}{{Small|(40th)}}
|2015{{Break}}{{Small|(40th)}}
|Adair County {{Sup|(4)}}
|Adair County {{Sup|(4)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(18)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(19)}}
|Harrison {{Sup|(2)}}
|Harrison {{Sup|(2)}}
|[[Hebron High School (Texas)|Hebron]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[Hebron High School (Texas)|Hebron]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
Line 614: Line 596:
|2017{{Break}}{{Small|(42nd)}}
|2017{{Break}}{{Small|(42nd)}}
|Adair County {{Sup|(6)}}
|Adair County {{Sup|(6)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(19)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(20)}}
|[[John H. Castle High School|John H. Castle]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|[[John H. Castle High School|John H. Castle]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Indiana)}}
|Carmel {{Sup|(2)}}
|Carmel {{Sup|(2)}}
Line 628: Line 610:
|2019{{Break}}{{Small|(44th)}}
|2019{{Break}}{{Small|(44th)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(5)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(5)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(20)}}
|Marian Catholic {{Sup|(21)}}
|Leander {{Sup|(2)}}
|Leander {{Sup|(2)}}
|[[Vandegrift High School|Vandegrift]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|[[Vandegrift High School|Vandegrift]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
Line 649: Line 631:
|Carmel {{Sup|(4)}}
|Carmel {{Sup|(4)}}
|Carmel {{Sup|(6)}}
|Carmel {{Sup|(6)}}
⚫
|-
|2023{{Break}}{{Small|(47th)}}
|Bourbon County {{Sup|(6)}}
|Kiski Area {{Sup|(3)}}
⚫
|[[Blue Springs High School|Blue Springs]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Missouri)}}
|Carmel {{Sup|(5)}}
|Avon {{Sup|(4)}}
⚫
|-
|2024{{Break}}{{Small|(48th)}}
|Murray {{Sup|(3)}}
|Tarpon Springs {{Sup|(11)}}
|[[Cedar Park High School|Cedar Park]]{{Break}}{{Small|(Texas)}}
|Avon {{Sup|(4)}}
|Avon {{Sup|(5)}}
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
Line 739: Line 735:
* [[Tournament of Bands]] (TOB)
* [[Tournament of Bands]] (TOB)
* [[Western Band Association]] (WBA, formerly WSMBC)
* [[Western Band Association]] (WBA, formerly WSMBC)
* [[USBands]]
* [[University Interscholastic League]] (UIL)
* [[Cavalcade of Bands]]


== Notes ==
== Notes ==

Latest revision as of 02:08, 21 November 2024

Bands of America
AbbreviationBOA
Formation1975; 49 years ago (1975)
FounderLarry McCormick[1]
Merger of
  • Bands of America, Inc.
  • Music for All Foundation
Type501(c)(3) organization
PurposeTo create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all.[2]
Location
Region
United States
Chief Judge
Richard Saucedo, Nola Jones, John Phillips
Advisory Committee Chairman
Ken Snoeck
Parent organization
Music For All (MFA)
Website
Formerly called
  • Marching Bands of America (1975–1984)
  • Bands of America, Inc. (1984–2006)

Bands of America (BOA) is a music education advocacy organization and promoter of high school marching band competitions in the United States. Established in 1975 as Marching Bands of America (MBA), founder Larry McCormick's goal was to provide educational opportunities for music students nationwide. McCormick organized the first annual Summer Workshop and Festival in 1976.[3][1] Renamed Bands of America in 1984, the organization became an independent, tax-exempt entity in 1988. In 2006, Bands of America merged with the Music for All Foundation, a music education advocacy organization, becoming the flagship program of the combined organization.[4] Bands of America has received numerous awards from IFEA.

Since 1975, Bands of America's various programs, services and events have served approximately 1.75 million music students. Approximately 450,000 spectators attend Bands of America championships every year.[5] From 1980 to 1989, Bands of America hosted an annual Summer National Championship.

The adjudication manual and contest procedures utilized by Bands of America have been licensed to or adopted by other organizations. As a result, Bands of America sets standards for adjudication and competitive attributes of marching band competitions throughout the United States.

The 2020 Grand National Championship was previously scheduled for November 12 – November 14, 2020 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. On July 21, 2020, Music for All's board of directors announced the cancellation of the 2020 competitive season in response to the coronavirus pandemic.[6] Bands of America's schedule of championships, including Grand Nationals, continued in 2021.

The Bands of America Honor Band will participate in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California.

History

[edit]

Larry McCormick established Marching Bands of America in 1975 as a subsidiary of McCormick's Enterprises, a music education supplies company.[3] The goal was to provide a unique education and performance opportunity for music students nationwide. In 1976, Marching Bands of America hosted the first annual Summer Workshop and Festival on the campus of University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Included in the program was the first Grand National Championship, whose inaugural champions were Kosciusko (Mississippi) and Live Oak (California) high schools.[4] From 1980 onward, Grand National Championships were hosted in November. The Summer Workshop and Festival was relaunched as the Summer National Championships, which continued until 1989.

In 1983, Marching Bands of America was spun-off by McCormick's as Bands of America, Inc. L. Scott McCormick, son of founder Larry McCormick, was named CEO of the new Bands of America in 1985. In 1988, Bands of America was awarded tax-exempt status, retroactive to 1984.[4] The Student Leadership Workshop began as part of the Summer Workshop and Festival in 1988, which was relaunched as the annual Summer Symposium in 1990. In 1992, the Summer Band Symposium became a resident program at Illinois State University.[4] The symposium has since been hosted at Ball State University.

Bands of America began a recurring program of honor ensembles in 1992.[7] The Honor Band of America's first performance was at the 1992 National Concert Band Festival established by Bands of America to rekindle the "concert band tradition in America as exemplified by the National Band Contest in the 1930s."[8] The Honor Orchestra of America premiered at the National Concert Band Festival in 2005, launching the Orchestra of America program.

In 2006, Bands of America merged with the Music for All Foundation, a music education advocacy organization. Bands of America became a subsidiary of Music For All, and its flagship program, with L. Scott McCormick becoming the combined organization's CEO. Other programs operated by Bands of America, such as Orchestra and Honor Band of America, have been operated directly by Music for All since 2007.[5]

Yamaha Corporation has been a corporate sponsor and presenting partner of Bands of America since 2003.[9][10]

IFEA recognition

[edit]

From 1989 to 2006, Bands of America was recognized by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) for excellence in promotional materials design and television production:[4]

  • 1989 – Special recognition for the design of promotional materials.
  • 1990 – Two Gold Medals for print materials and promotional artwork.
  • 1993 – Three Gold Medals for newsletter and program book design.
  • 1994 – Four awards for newsletter and program book design.
  • 1995 – Gold Medal for newsletter design.
  • 1996 – Bronze Medal for website design, the former bands.org.
  • 1997 – Silver Medal for newsletter design.
  • 1998 – Gold Medal for Best Television Program for Grand National Championship production.
  • 1999 – Best Fundraising Program award for Grand National pin program.
  • 2000 – Four medals:
    • Silver Medal for Best Newsletter.
    • Bronze Medal for Best Website.
    • Bronze Medal for Best Sponsor Solicitation Video Production.
    • Bronze Medal for Best Television Production for Grand National Championship production.
  • 2001 – Silver Medal for Best Newsletter and Gold Medal for Best Sponsorship Video.
  • 2002 – Recognition with three Pinnacle Awards for promotional materials design and event promotion.[11]
  • 2006 – Recognition with seven Pinnacle Awards for promotional materials design, television production, and event promotion.[12]

Championship system

[edit]

All Bands of America championship events are open to all high school bands based in the United States on a first come first serve basis. There are no qualifications or prerequisites for participation. However, the Bands of America system is highly competitive. Bands receive a score which determines class rank and placement. Announcements place more emphasis on rankings between bands, such as advancing to the final round, versus a score. Promotional materials and programs often include essays on education philosophy and pedagogy from prominent music educators which highlight the festival atmosphere of each championship event, as well as exploring concepts such as the pursuit of excellence, and individual growth and achievement through competition. Spectators are encouraged to give each band participating in the final round a standing ovation.

Many bands have competed at championship events every year since 1978, such as Marian Catholic High School.[13] Approximately 450,000 music students and their families, music educators, and spectators attend Bands of America championships every year.[5]

Regional championships

[edit]

The regional championship program began in 1978 with events in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Jackson, Mississippi. Regionals are single-day events limited to a maximum of 32 bands in preliminary competition, with the ten highest scoring bands advancing to a final round. Regionals attract bands from the surrounding area, with many bands competing in more than one regional every year.[14]

All 2020 Regional Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.[6]

Super Regional championships

[edit]

In 2003, the San Antonio Regional was relaunched as a Super Regional Championship, a two-day event which included a national caliber adjudication panel, a maximum of 84 bands, with the fourteen highest scoring bands advancing to a final round. According to FloMarching, the caliber of bands at the San Antonio Super Regional is second only to Grand Nationals.[15][16]

All 2020 Super Regional Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020.[6]

Past Super Regional venues

[edit]

The St. Louis and Atlanta Regional Championships were relaunched as Super Regionals in 2004. The Indiana Regional was relaunched as a Super Regional in 2011. The Alamodome is also site of the annual Texas state marching championship hosted by the University Interscholastic League,[17] and Lucas Oil Stadium is also the site of the annual Indiana State School Music Association marching band championships.[18] The Atlanta Super Regional Championship ended in 2017.

2003 2004–2010 2011–2017 2018–present[a]
Alamodome
San Antonio, Texas
The Dome at America's Center
(Edward Jones Dome, 2004–2016)
St. Louis, Missouri
Georgia Dome
(Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 2017)
Atlanta, Georgia
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

Grand National championships

[edit]

The Grand National championships are open to all high school bands. There are no qualifications or prerequisites for participation; a standard established by Larry McCormick at the first Summer Workshop and Festival in 1976. The format and terms for advancing to the semifinal and final competitions have changed since its inception.

As of 2024, Grand Nationals are open to as many as 112 bands, with performances taking place over three days. All bands participate in a preliminary competition, split between two rounds. The highest scoring bands from each preliminary advance to a semifinal competition, and the twelve highest scoring bands advance to the final round. Class champions (A, AA, AAA, and AAAA) are announced following the semifinal, and the Grand National Champion is announced after the final.

The 2020 Grand National Championships were cancelled on July 21, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Championships returned to a normal schedule in 2021.[6]

Championship trophy

[edit]

The Grand National Champion receives the traveling championship trophy for one year. The trophy's base includes plaques for all previous champions, excluding the Summer National Champions. The trophy is capped by a white enameled eagle which was installed in 1995. A common phrase heard during the championship weekend is "who will take home the eagle?"[19] Bands that have received the trophy have nicknamed the eagle 'Kevin.' [b]

Past National venues

[edit]

From 1976 to 1979, Grand National Championships occurred in June. From 1980 onward, championships occurred in November. The June event was relaunched as the Summer National Championship which continued until 1989.

Year Grand National Championships Year Summer National Championships
1976–1979 Warhawk Stadium
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
1980 Gator Bowl Stadium
Jacksonville, Florida 		1980–1989 Warhawk Stadium
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
1981–1983 Memorial Center
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
1984–1986 Hoosier Dome
Indianapolis, Indiana
1987–1988 Pontiac Silverdome
Pontiac, Michigan
1989–2007 RCA Dome
(Hoosier Dome, 1989–1994)
Indianapolis, Indiana
2008–present Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

Future Grand National dates

[edit]

Dates for Grand Nationals have been announced up to 2028, with all events scheduled to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the second weekend of November each year."[20]

Date Venue
November 13 – November 15, 2025 Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana
November 12 – November 14, 2026
November 11 – November 13, 2027
November 10 – November 12, 2028

Classification and adjudication

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Available classes

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Participating bands are assigned to a competitive classes based on their school's enrollment (grades 10 through 12).[21]: 2  Classes are used to determine preliminary placements and awards and are not announced to the judges or audience with the intention to not influence scoring.[22] The top twelve highest-scoring bands regardless of class advance to the finals performance. Class champions who do not advance to finals are invited to perform in exhibition. Bands of America attempts to keep the number of competing bands in each class, across the entire championship system, evenly distributed. Classes AA, AAA, and AAAA are realigned every three years based on data provided by participating bands. Class A's requirement of 600 or fewer enrolled students remains unchanged. The next realignment period is scheduled for 2024. The following classes are available as of 2023:

Class Enrolled students
A 600 or fewer
AA 601 – 1325
AAA 1326 – 1850
AAAA 1851 and above

Historic classes

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Competitive classes available from 1976 to the present. Classes were realigned in 1980, 1986, and in 2009.

Grand Nationals
1976–1979 1980–1985 1986–2009 2009–present
A
Open AA
Open AAA AAA
AAAA
Summer Nationals
1980–1985 1986–1989
A
AA
Open[c] AAA
Open[d]

Adjudication

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The adjudication system used by Bands of America is a single-tier "criteria reference system, in which a band showing proficiency in particular criteria, or meeting certain criteria at a certain level."[21]: 25  Each adjudicator is assigned a specific category, or caption. Judges are assigned a specific area in which he or she focuses - in the press box or on the field. Bands will receive a recorded evaluation and scoresheet from each judge.[22] The system has a strong emphasis on the Music General Effect, which accounts for 40% of the total score, as scores for Individual and Ensemble performance are averaged for both Music and Visual categories. According to the Adjudication Handbook a band's achievement (total score) is based on the content of the performance, as well as the quality of the performance. The Ensemble and Individual Performance scores in each category are averaged.

Category Performance * + Effect = Points
Music
Ensemble Performance (20)
 +
Music Effect (40)
 =
60.00
Individual Performance (20)
Visual
Ensemble Performance (20)
 +
Visual Effect (20)
 =
40.00
Individual Performance (20)
Subtotal
 =
100.00
Field & Timing
 =
- 0.00
Total
 		=
100.00

The manual and contest procedures utilized by Bands of America have been licensed to or adopted whole, or in part, by other organizations hosting marching band competitions. As a result, Bands of America functions as a de facto governing body who determines the adjudication and competitive attributes of marching band competitions throughout the United States. However, Bands of America is not organized as a governing body. It instead operates almost exclusively as an event promoter, producer, host, and music education advocacy organization. Changes to the attributes of Bands of America championships are made by the Music for All board of directors, who regularly appoint an advisory committee composed of directors from participating bands to provide input on all aspects of Bands of America's programs and events.[23]

Past champions

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Grand National Championships (1976–present)

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From 1976 to 1979, Grand National Championships were hosted at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in June of each year.[24][25] In 1980, the Grand National Championships weekend transitioned to November where it has remained since. The class system was realigned in 1980, 1986, and in 2009.

Year A Class — — Open Class Champion
1976
(1st) 		Kosciusko
(Mississippi) 		Live Oak
(California) 		Live Oak
(California)
1977
(2nd) 		Murray
(Kentucky) 		Live Oak (2) Murray
(Kentucky)
1978
(3rd) 		Monticello
(Illinois) 		Live Oak (3) Live Oak (2)
1979
(4th) 		Sylva-Webster
(North Carolina) 		Flushing
(Michigan) 		Sylva-Webster
(North Carolina)
Year A Class AA Class — Open Class Champion
1980
(5th) 		Hanover
(Pennsylvania) 		South Cobb
(Georgia) 		J. M. Tate
(Florida) 		J. M. Tate
(Florida)
1981
(6th) 		Danville
(Kentucky) 		Chesterton
(Indiana) 		Norwin
(Pennsylvania) 		Chesterton
(Indiana)
1982
(7th) 		Danville (2) Chesterton (2) Norwin (2) Norwin
(Pennsylvania)
1983
(8th) 		Carroll
(Ohio) 		Rocky Mount
(North Carolina) 		Ben Davis
(Indiana) 		Rocky Mount
(North Carolina)
1984
(9th) 		Western
(Indiana) 		Rocky Mount (2) Norwin (3) Rocky Mount (2)
1985
(10th) 		Western (2) Marian Catholic
(Illinois) 		West Genesee
(New York) 		Marian Catholic
(Illinois)
Year A Class AA Class AAA Class — Champion
1986
(11th) 		Marlington
(Ohio) 		Marian Catholic (2) Rocky Mount
(North Carolina) 		Rocky Mount (3)
1987
(12th) 		New Philadelphia
(Ohio) 		Marian Catholic (3) Cicero–North Syracuse
(New York) 		Marian Catholic (2)
1988
(13th) 		Western (3) Marian Catholic (4) Lake Park
(Illinois) 		Marian Catholic (3)
1989
(14th) 		New Philadelphia (2) Marian Catholic (5) Lake Park (2) Marian Catholic (4)
1990
(15th) 		Western (4) Marian Catholic (6) Plymouth-Canton
(Michigan) 		Plymouth-Canton
(Michigan)
1991
(16th) 		Academy
(Pennsylvania) 		Kiski Area
(Pennsylvania) 		Plymouth-Canton (2) Plymouth-Canton (2)
1992
(17th) 		Owen Valley
(Indiana) 		Marian Catholic (7) Plymouth-Canton (3) Centerville
(Ohio)
1993
(18th) 		Jackson Academy
(Mississippi) 		Marian Catholic (8) Spring
(Texas) 		Spring
(Texas)
1994
(19th) 		Bellbrook
(Ohio) 		Kiski Area (2) Westerville South
(Ohio) 		Marian Catholic (5)
1995
(20th) 		Bellbrook (2) Marian Catholic (9) Westfield
(Texas) 		Center Grove
(Indiana)
1996
(21st) 		Northwestern Lehigh
(Pennsylvania) 		Marian Catholic (10) Center Grove
(Indiana) 		Lake Park
(Illinois)
1997
(22nd) 		Elizabethtown
(Kentucky) 		Marian Catholic (11) Center Grove (2) Marian Catholic (6)
1998
(23rd) 		Bellbrook (3) Marian Catholic (12) Lassiter
(Georgia) 		Lassiter
(Georgia)
1999
(24th) 		Bellbrook (4) Reeths-Puffer
(Michigan) 		Plymouth-Canton (4) Plymouth-Canton (3)
2000
(25th) 		Bellbrook (5) Tarpon Springs
(Florida) 		Marian Catholic
(Illinois) 		Marian Catholic (7)
2001
(26th) 		Bellbrook (6) Tarpon Springs (2) Carmel
(Indiana) 		Lawrence Central
(Indiana)
2002
(27th) 		Norwell
(Indiana) 		Avon
(Indiana) 		Lassiter (2) Lassiter (2)
2003
(28th) 		Norwell (2) Tarpon Springs (3) Westfield (2) Westfield
(Texas)
2004
(29th) 		Jackson Academy (2) Bellbrook
(Ohio) 		Kennesaw Mountain
(Georgia) 		Lawrence Central (2)
2005
(30th) 		Adair County
(Kentucky) 		Tarpon Springs (4) Ronald Reagan
(Texas) 		Carmel
(Indiana)
2006
(31st) 		Beechwood
(Kentucky) 		Tarpon Springs (5) The Woodlands
(Texas) 		Broken Arrow
(Oklahoma)
2007
(32nd) 		Adair County (2) Marian Catholic (13) L. D. Bell
(Texas) 		L. D. Bell
(Texas)
2008
(33rd) 		Bourbon County
(Kentucky) 		Marian Catholic (14) Avon
(Indiana) 		Avon
(Indiana)
Year A Class AA Class AAA Class AAAA Class Champion
2009
(34th) 		Bourbon County (2) Marian Catholic (15) Center Grove (3) Avon
(Indiana) 		Avon (2)
2010
(35th) 		Bourbon County (3) Marian Catholic (16) Tarpon Springs
(Florida) 		Avon (2) Avon (3)
2011
(36th) 		Beechwood (2) Marian Catholic (17) Lafayette
(Louisiana) 		Broken Arrow
(Oklahoma) 		Broken Arrow (2)
2012
(37th) 		Western (5) Tarpon Springs (6) Kennesaw Mountain (2) Carmel
(Indiana) 		Carmel (2)
2013
(38th) 		Bellbrook (7) Marian Catholic (18) Harrison
(Georgia) 		The Woodlands
(Texas) 		The Woodlands
(Texas)
2014
(39th) 		Adair County (3) Tarpon Springs (7) Kennesaw Mountain (3) Broken Arrow (2) Tarpon Springs
(Florida)
2015
(40th) 		Adair County (4) Marian Catholic (19) Harrison (2) Hebron
(Texas) 		Broken Arrow (3)
2016
(41st) 		Adair County (5) Tarpon Springs (8) Leander
(Texas) 		Avon (3) Carmel (3)
2017
(42nd) 		Adair County (6) Marian Catholic (20) John H. Castle
(Indiana) 		Carmel (2) Carmel (4)
2018
(43rd) 		Bourbon County (4) Tarpon Springs (9) Dobyns-Bennett
(Tennessee) 		Carmel (3) Carmel (5)
2019
(44th) 		Bourbon County (5) Marian Catholic (21) Leander (2) Vandegrift
(Texas) 		Vandegrift
(Texas)
2020
(—) 		Championships cancelled due to COVID-19[a]
2021
(45th) 		Murray (2) Norwin Dobyns-Bennett (2) Broken Arrow (3) Broken Arrow (4)
2022
(46th) 		Archbishop Alter
(Ohio) 		Tarpon Springs (10) Dobyns-Bennett (3) Carmel (4) Carmel (6)
2023
(47th) 		Bourbon County (6) Kiski Area (3) Blue Springs
(Missouri) 		Carmel (5) Avon (4)
2024
(48th) 		Murray (3) Tarpon Springs (11) Cedar Park
(Texas) 		Avon (4) Avon (5)

Summer National Championships (1980–1989)

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In 1980, the Summer Workshop and Festival was relaunched as the Summer National Championship. The 1989 Summer National Champion, Christian Brothers, was a combined band representing four schools from the Chicago metro-area: Brother Rice, Mother McAuley, St. Laurence, and Queen of Peace high schools. Below is an incomplete list of champions:

Year A Class AA Class Open Class[c] — Champion
1980
(1st) 		Herscher
(Illinois) 		Chesterton
(Indiana) 		James B. Conant
(Illinois) 		James B. Conant
(Illinois)
1981
(2nd) 		Herscher (2) Chesterton (2) Independence
(California) 		Independence
(California)
1982
(3rd) 		Herscher (3) Chesterton (3) Norwin
(Pennsylvania) 		Herscher
(Illinois)
1983
(4th) 		Herscher (4) University
(Washington) 		Clovis
(California) 		University
(Washington)
1984
(5th) 		Oskaloosa
(Iowa) 		Marian Catholic
(Illinois) 		St. Laurence
(Illinois) 		Marian Catholic
(Illinois)
1985
(6th) 		Western
(Indiana) 		Marian Catholic (2) Mountain Crest
(Utah) 		Marian Catholic (2)
Year A Class AA Class AAA Class Open Class[d] Champion
1986
(7th) 		Kosciusko
(Mississippi) 		Marian Catholic (3) St. Laurence
(Illinois) 		Imperial Scots[e]
(Illinois) 		Marian Catholic (3)
1987
(8th) 		Oskaloosa (2) Marian Catholic (4) Fred C. Beyer
(California) 		Sun Prairie[e]
(Wisconsin) 		Marian Catholic (4)
1988
(9th) 		Oskaloosa (3) Marian Catholic (5) Armijo
(California) 		Sun Prairie (2) Marian Catholic (5)
1989
(10th) 		No results data Christian Brothers[f]
(Illinois)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b 2020 Grand National, Super Regional, and Regional Championships were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic
  2. ^ Based on threads from the former Bands of America student forums.
  3. ^ a b Open Class for high school bands.
  4. ^ a b Open Class for community bands and drum & bugle corps who met age restrictions.
  5. ^ a b Member band of Mid-America Competing Band Directors Association (MACBDA).
  6. ^ "Christian Brothers" was a combined band representing four high schools from the Chicago-area: Brother Rice, Mother McAuley, St. Laurence, Queen of Peace.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Why BOA? The philosophy and history of Bands of America Championships". Music for All. January 28, 2013. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2019 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ Stephens, James (May 31, 2019). "Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook" (PDF). BOA Marching Championships. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  3. ^ a b McCormick, Larry (February 11, 2017) [1976]. The Challenge (film). excerpts. Marching Bands of America, Inc. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2019 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ a b c d e "BOA History Timeline". www.bands.org. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c "Our History". www.musicforall.org. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d Hackworth, Franchesca (July 21, 2020). "2020 Bands of America championships canceled". WHIO-TV. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  7. ^ "Honor Ensembles". www.musicforall.org. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  8. ^ "Music for All National Festival". www.musicforall.org. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  9. ^ "Yamaha and Bands of America Present Grand National Championships" (Press release). Indianapolis, Indiana: Yamaha Corporation of America. November 1, 2003. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  10. ^ "Bands of America Regional Championships". www.marching.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  11. ^ "IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners – Organization Order (2002)" (PDF). International Festivals and Events Association. April 3, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  12. ^ "2006 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners – Organization Order" (PDF). International Festivals and Events Association. September 25, 2008. p. 1. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  13. ^ Katula, Paul (May 4, 2010). "Bias detected in Bands of America trait scoring". www.schoolsnapshots.org. Archived from the original on January 31, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  14. ^ Coachman, Frank (July 2006). "Performances and Competitions". Marching Band. New York: Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 47. ISBN 9781435837683.
  15. ^ Andy, Schamma (September 4, 2018). "Must-Watch Guide To Full Bands of America 2018 Season". www.flomarching.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  16. ^ Further citation needed
  17. ^ "State Marching Band Championships — Music". University Interscholastic League. November 4, 2019. Archived from the original on October 7, 2010. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  18. ^ "Marching Band Event Information". Indiana State School Music Association. November 3, 2019. Archived from the original on September 24, 2005. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  19. ^ Grand National Champion Trophy. Music For All. November 28, 2015. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2019 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ "Grand Nationals". BOA Marching Championships. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Stephens, James (May 31, 2019). "Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook". BOA Marching Championships. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  22. ^ a b "Frequently Asked Questions". BOA Marching Championships. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  23. ^ "About BOA". BOA Marching Championships. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  24. ^ "BOA History 2.0 Continued - RESULTS". hornrank.proboards.com. March 23, 2019. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  25. ^ "BOA Results". BOA Marching Championships. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
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