 Logo (1983–present) | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | BOA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1975 |
| Founder | Larry McCormick[1] |
| Merger of |
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| Type | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Purpose | To 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 |
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Formerly called |
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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.[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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "BOA History Timeline". www.bands.org. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ^ "Our History". www.musicforall.org. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
- ^ 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.