Welcome! Below you will see all of our current applications.
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission.
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Technical Questions?
Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
About Music for All
Music for All’s mission is to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music for all. Our vision is to be a catalyst to ensure every child in America has access and opportunity to active music-making in his or her scholastic environment.
Music for All combines programming at a national level with arts education advocacy. Bands of America (BOA) and Orchestra America are programs of Music for All, founded in 1975, recognized as the pinnacle of educational programming for high school instrumental music programs nationwide. Music for All reaches a vast number of people; each year, more than 300,000 people attend our events, more than 85,000 teens participate, and 100,000 people subscribe to online services.
Music for All is committed to expanding the role of music and the arts in education, to heightening the public’s appreciation of the value of music and arts education, and to creating a positive environment for the arts through societal change. Working with leading national authorities and other non-profit organizations, Music for All invests resources and personnel in projects that expand access to public school music and arts programs through advocacy and public awareness efforts to support music and arts education.
Music for All is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization.
Audition Video Recommendations:
- Since this is the only chance for the student to be heard, the quality of the recording should be of utmost consideration. The quality of your recording will affect the evaluators’ ability to review and comment. A high quality audio and video recording is expected.
- Your audition should be prepared like any professional audition.
- Dress for performance. An evening gown and tux are not necessary, but ripped jeans, ball caps and tank-tops are not professional.
- Consider lighting, framing, and camera placement. Film in a well-lit space, and be sure that there is more lighting in front of you (rather than from behind).
- Stay away from clutter, use a simple back ground. No food, laundry, music, instrument cases, or other distractions should be in the shot.
- We recommend using a tripod, stand, or place camera on a flat surface while shooting.
- Place the camera so that you, your instrument, and your full range of motion are in the frame at all times. When using music, be sure the music stand does not block your face, hands, or instrument.
- Choose a medium distance that shows as much detail as possible, while still allowing the image to be framed as described above. Do not use the zoom function as this makes the image grainy or fuzzy.
- Try to avoid using “selfie” mode on your devices as it does not allow for a wide enough camera angle.
- Be aware of the acoustic environment in which you record. Background noise (television noise, other people practicing, dancing, cooking, etc.) and poor sound quality make your recording difficult to evaluate. If you are recording from your phone or tablet, it should be set horizontally. Be sure to set it in Airplane mode or Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruptions.
- Review your recording(s) before you submit and check the sound level to ensure the best audio quality.
- Only unedited recordings can be accepted, and should be in high fidelity stereo. Other than stopping and starting the camera between segments, no editing of the audio or video is permitted. Applicants whose videos show evidence of any cuts, splicing, manipulation of pitch, or other alteration within a performance segment will be subject to disqualification.
- It is encouraged to state your name, age, high school and state at the beginning of your audition recording.
HONOR ORCHESTRA OF AMERICA STRINGS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Two (2) two-octave major scales of your choice
- Two contrasting (in style and tempo) excerpts of your own choosing, each approximately two minutes in length.
- Students are encouraged to perform an excerpt that showcases technique and range, as well as an excerpt that showcases expressive and lyrical qualities.
HONOR BAND AND ORCHESTRA: WINDS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Two (2) two-octave major scales of your choice
- One two-octave chromatic scale – starting pitch of your choice
- Two contrasting (in style and tempo) excerpts of your own choosing, each approximately two minutes in length.
- Students are encouraged to perform an excerpt that showcases technique and range, as well as an excerpt that showcases expressive and lyrical qualities.
HONOR BAND AND ORCHESTRA: PERCUSSION AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Percussion applicants must submit a representative solo on snare drum, marimba, and timpani. Please verbally list the titles of these solos at the beginning of your recording.
- All applicants must submit the following excerpts IN ADDITION to their solo work above:
- Tambourine excerpt from Dvorak’s Carnival Overture – begin at rehearsal letter Q and play through rehearsal letter S
- Crash cymbal excerpt from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet – Begin at rehearsal letter E and play until 6 measures before F
- Link to the required audition music for tambourine and crash cymbal.
- Total time of audition recording not to exceed 15 minutes. More than one solo example is permitted, if within the time limit.
- When recording snare drum, please record in a “dry” non-resonant location. This will allow the details of your playing to be clearly heard. However, a resonant location is very good for recording marimba.
- The recording should NOT use “Automatic Volume Control”. This will normalize the dynamic range of the recording and significantly impact the accuracy of the performer's dynamic range. Please check the levels/balance before you record and review the video submission before sending it.
JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: WINDS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
1) Prepared Selection: Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce”- medium tempo with standard or alternate chord changes. Accompaniment may be live (preferred) or recorded. We also encourage the use of an interactive computer accompaniment program if live accompaniment is not available. (3 choruses of improvisation optional)
2) Swing Selection (Jazz Standard): Play a jazz classic or standard song in any jazz style, including the melody. If you are auditioning for a Jazz Chair – include improvisation on this selection, minimum two choruses/ maximum of three on this particular piece.
3) Lead/Section Trumpet, Section/Bass Trombone, or Baritone Saxophone ONLY: Choose an ensemble excerpt or jazz etude designed for your instrument in addition to the swing selection melody excerpt above that demonstrates your proficiency (style, technique, range — high for trumpet; low for bass trombone and baritone saxophone).
JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: DRUM SET AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
1) Prepared Selection: Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce” blues choruses: 4 choruses of time, 2 choruses of trading 4s, 2 choruses of solo, repeat 2 choruses of time. Accompaniment may be live (strongly preferred) or recorded.
2) Demonstrate Time: Latin, Ballad (brushes), Hip Hop/Funk and Up-Tempo Swing. Play on song forms 1 minute each style. Include 1 chorus of improvisation for each style.
3) A 2 to 5-minute video segment playing time with a big band (not soloing). Live preferred but if not available, play-alongs accepted. Include materials authored by Steve Houghton and/or Gordon Goodwin.
JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: BASS, GUITAR, PIANO AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
1) Prepared Selection: Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce.” Accompaniment may be live (preferred) or recorded, medium tempo with standard or alternate chord changes.
- Piano/Guitar/Vibes: Melody, 3 choruses of comping, 3 choruses of improvisation.
- Bass: Melody, 3 choruses of walking, 3 choruses of improvisation.
2) Swing Selection: Play a jazz classic or standard song in any jazz style.
- Piano/Guitar/Vibes: Melody, 2 choruses of comping as appropriate to style, minimum 2 choruses/maximum of three of improvisation.
- Bass: Melody, walk for 2 choruses, minimum 2 choruses/maximum of three of improvisation.
3) Straight Eighth Selection (Brazilian/Afro-Cuban/Funk) Selection of your choice.
- Piano/Guitar/Vibes: Melody, two choruses of comping as appropriate to style, minimum 2 choruses/maximum of three of improvisation.
- Bass: Melody, two choruses of an appropriate bass line in the chosen style, minimum 2 choruses/maximum of three of improvisation.
4) Ballad Selection:
- Piano/Guitar/Vibes: Melody, comping as appropriate to style for two choruses, minimum 2 choruses/maximum of three of improvisation.
- Bass: Bass line as appropriate to style for two choruses instead of comping, optional improvisation-minimum 2 choruses/ maximum of three.
Applications and all supporting materials are due to Music for All office no later than June 5, 2023. The final deadline for Chamber ensembles is September 15, 2023.
Below are the application requirements for the 2024 National Festival - Thursday, March 21 - Saturday, March 23, 2024.
1. ELIGIBLE ENSEMBLES:
1.1 – BANDS AND ORCHESTRAS: Please submit an unedited audio recording of 12-20 minutes of music, made during the 2022-2023 school year.
1.2 – PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLES: Please submit an unedited audio recording of two or three selections/movements not to exceed 15 minutes of music, made during the 2022-2023 school year.
2. AUDITION RECORDINGS AND REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS:
2.1– Audio recordings should not only display the ensemble’s technical proficiency but also demonstrate their musical expression and artistry. You are strongly encouraged to submit a high-quality, high-fidelity recording. Remember, your ensemble’s audition performance is only as good as the quality of the recording.
2.2 – There is no required music list, but it is recommended that the music be selected from Grade IV or higher for high school ensembles and Grade III or higher for middle school ensembles. Below are previous Music for All National Festival program books available for download to use as a reference when selecting repertoire for your ensemble.education.musicforall.org/repertoire
2.3 – Recordings can be of festival performances, live concerts, or recorded performance for purpose of audition.
2.4 – Submissions that exceed the time requirements may not be evaluated beyond the maximum length (20 minutes for bands andorchestras; 15 minutes for percussion ensembles and chamber ensembles).
3. RECORDING FORMAT:
3.1 – All recordings should be in stereo. Any deviation from this standard may result in a loss of sound quality.
3.2 – Do not use any type of enhancement technique or audio editing to change the quality of the live performance.
3.3 – Prepare a digital audio file as 128k mp3. Access the online application and instructions to upload your digital audio recording at festival.musicforall.org/apply.
3.4 – Suggested recording criteria for audition recording: 1) Directional microphone, not omni microphone; 2) Dynamic microphone, not condenser; 3) Set meters to peak at max +3; 4) Microphones should be 9’ to 10’ behind conductor/ensemble, and at least 10’ above the ensemble.
3.5 – All announcements and verbal identification of the ensemble on the submission must be omitted.
4. APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE PROTOCOLS:
4.1 – Multiple ensembles of varying types from a school may apply. Each ensemble will be evaluated on its own merit.
4.2 – Music for All will continue to present a stage at the Music for All National Festival specifically for ensembles from schools with enrollment of 1,400 or less in grades 9-12. Applying ensembles may select consideration for this Small School Stage or select to be considered for the Featured Ensemble stage with schools of all sizes.
4.3 – Invitations may be issued to more than one ensemble from a given school based on the merit of the audition recording(s). Music for All reserves the right to schedule all Festival performances.
4.4 – Ensembles are required to be present from the Opening Session starting at 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon. Ensembles assigned Friday performances are advised to arrive on Thursday.
5. FEES:
5.1 – The application fee is $250 for each applicant ensemble.
5.2 – The first 25% deposit (see payment schedule on “Festival Packages” webpage) is due by October 15, 2023.
6. ELIGIBILITY AND AUTHORIZATION:
6.1 – All participating students must be registered at the same school or percussion studio, or a feeder school. All performers who contribute to the performance MUST be students. Special guest soloists who are not students are allowed but may not perform on pieces for which they are not the guest soloist(s).
6.2 – The ensemble director and a school official must authorize with their signatures approval of this application, in accordance with Music for All policies. Unless the “Input Only” option is selected, by signing the application, the director and school official acknowledge that if invited to the event, the applying ensemble will participate and perform a concert as specified in the application FAQs. The signatures of the ensemble director and school official acknowledge acceptance of one of the event packages for the estimated number of students.
6.3 – Directors and booster representatives from invited ensembles are required to participate in four one-hour virtual familiarization sessions during which Music for All staff and Festival coordinators will convey critical Festival participation information and answer questions. These required sessions will be scheduled to occur in August, October, December and February.
7. APPLICATION DEADLINE:
7.1 – The completed application (online application, audition recordings, application fee and administrator signatures) must be submitted by the June 5, 2023 deadline for concert bands, orchestras, choirs, and percussion ensembles; September 15, 2023 for chamber ensembles.
7.2 - Three (3) original copies of each score must be mailed to the Music for All Office, mailing address below, postmarked on/before June 5, 2023. Photocopies will not be accepted unless the proper documentation from the copyright holder or publisher is submitted with the score. It is best to send via certified mail and track your package.
Music for All, Inc: 39 W. Jackson Place, Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46225
7.3 - Once all components of your application have been received (online application with recordings and fee, administrator form, and scores), you will receive a Complete Application notification email.
8. OTHER CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE:
8.1 – If accepted, the ensemble’s signed application grants Music for All the right to use in any media the ensemble’s name, likeness, photographs, and reproduction of the performance, and the ensemble’s members for any purpose including promotion, advertising, or otherwise. For purposes of use of these rights, the signed application (on behalf of the ensemble and its members) releases and indemnifies Music for All and its agents from all claims, liabilities, and damages which may arise from such use.
8.2 – Music for All secures the permissions to perform all published works and arrangements of copyrighted music that is performed. However, if a custom arrangement is created, or a new work or arrangement is commissioned, the participating ensemble must supply to Music for All written permission from the copyright owner to arrange and perform such works at our Festival. Copyright information and program selection form(s), (if applicable), must be provided to Music for All by January 15, 2024.
8.3 – If an ensemble, after acceptance, plans to utilize a travel agent, that agent must work through Music for All on specifics regarding the ensemble’s itinerary. The invited ensemble agrees to utilize the Music for All Festival Package hotel and meal accommodations from Thursday night through Sunday night while the ensemble is in Indianapolis.
8.4 – Bands, orchestras, and percussion ensembles accepted for the 2024 Music for All National Festival will be notified no later than September 1, 2023. Chamber ensembles will be notified by October 15, 2023.
The Music for All Foundation is dedicated to creating, providing, and expanding positively life-changing experiences through music for all. The Foundation, formerly known as The Revelli Foundation and established in honor of Dr. William D. Revelli, has had a longstanding history of awarding scholarships. Dr. Revelli’s legacy continues to live through the many students who benefit from the scholarships. These one-time awards honor students nominated by the directors of bands performing at Grand National Championships.
The awards are made possible through generous gifts from Yamaha Corporation of America ($1,000 Yamaha Scholarship) and the Fred J. Miller Family ($1,000 Fred J. Miller Family Scholarship).
The scholarships will be announced and presented Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Grand National Finals Awards Ceremony.
Each school’s band director may nominate two students from their band. Directors should complete the nomination form and return it with the required attachments to Music for All by October 21, 2023.
Nominee Criteria
Nominees must be graduating seniors who:
• Plan to pursue a degree in music education.
• Demonstrate outstanding musicianship, leadership skills, and work ethic.
• Plan to enroll in college within one year of graduating high school.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on other scales).
• Will perform with a band at the 2023 Bands of America Marching Championships.
Nomination Submission Requirements:
Each STUDENT must submit the following:
- A résumé of musical and leadership achievements focused on all aspects of academic, musical, extracurricular, and community service accomplishments. This resume should demonstrate the overall quality of the candidate.
- Band Director contact information must be provided with the application; the director recommendation form will be sent to the band director via email.
- An essay of at least 500 but no more than 750 words addressing the following prompts:
- Please describe the experiences and/or people that have inspired you to become a music educator.
- What traits do you feel are essential in a successful music educator, and how do you exemplify those traits?
Fred J. Miller, Inc. is a leader in pageantry uniform design and manufacturing, outfitting many of the world’s best marching bands. As the Official Uniform Sponsor of Music for All, their support helps make Music for All’s educational programs possible.
The Fred J. Miller Memorial Music Education Fund was set up to support future music educators in honor of Fred’s life’s work, talent, and passion for the marching arts. Mr. Miller’s legacy will continue to live on through the many students who will benefit from this scholarship.
This annual scholarship will be awarded to a student nominated by their director of bands. The student must have also performed at one of the Bands of America Regional, Super Regional, or Grand National Championships.
This year’s award of $2,000 is made possible through the generosity of the Fred J. Miller Memorial Music Education Fund and the Miller family. The scholarship will be announced and presented Saturday, November 11, 2023 during the Grand National Finals Awards Ceremony.
Each school’s band director may nominate two students from his/her band. Directors should complete the nomination form and return it with the required attachments to Music for All by October 14, 2023.
Nominee Criteria
Nominees must be graduating seniors who:
• Plan to pursue a degree in music education.
• Demonstrate outstanding musicianship, leadership skills, and work ethic.
• Plan to enroll in college within one year of graduating high school.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on other scales).
• Will perform with a band at one of the Bands of America Regional, Super Regional, or Grand National Championships.
Nomination Submission Requirements:
Each STUDENT must submit the following:
- A résumé of musical and leadership achievements focused on all aspects of academic, musical, extracurricular, and community service accomplishments. This resume should demonstrate the overall quality of the candidate.
- Band Director contact information must be provided with the application; the director recommendation form will be sent to the band director via email.
- An essay of at least 500 but no more than 750 words addressing the following prompts:
- Please describe the experiences and/or people that have inspired you to become a music educator.
- What traits do you feel are essential in a successful music educator, and how do you exemplify those traits?
About the Rookie SWAG Summer Symposium Scholarship
The Rookie SWAG Summer Symposium Scholarships Fund was created by SWAG alumnus, Anmol Mehra to celebrate leadership and a passion for music and arts education for those SWAGs participating for the first year.
The $1,000 Rookie SWAG Scholarship is a one-time award. The scholarship honors a current college student (undergraduate or graduate) who attended the Music for All Summer Symposium as a member of the SWAG team. The applicant will be reviewed upon answering and submitting the application by the deadline as well as SWAG leadership observations and recommendations made throughout the week of the Symposium.
The scholarship will be awarded based on merit and leadership skills demonstrated during the Summer Symposium and everyday life. At Music for All, one of our core values is leadership. The scholarship review team will be looking for a contributing member of the SWAG team who displays attributes including selflessness, a positive attitude, helpfulness, and enthusiasm, and who serves as a role model for all student participants.
Application Submission Requirements:
1. The applicant must submit a short essay (no more than 500 words) addressing the following prompts:
- Describe what degree you are pursuing and what you plan to do with that degree after graduation.
- What prompted you to be a member of the SWAG Team?
- How has your time on the SWAG Team helped you grow as an individual?
- How has music education shaped your life, and how will you continue your passion for music?
- Tell us why you believe in music education, music in our schools, and Music for All.
2. Provide a resume of musical and leadership achievements. The resume should focus on all aspects of the applicant’s academic; musical, extracurricular, and community service accomplishments and demonstrate the overall quality of the applicant.
Applications are due by July 31, 2023.
About the Veteran SWAG Summer Symposium Scholarship
The Veteran SWAG Summer Symposium Scholarships Fund was created by SWAG alumnus, Anmol Mehra to celebrate leadership and a passion for music and arts education for those SWAGs who have participated for more than one year. The $1,000 Veteran SWAG Scholarship is a one-time award.
The scholarship honors a current college student (undergraduate or graduate) who attended the Music for All Summer Symposium as a member of the SWAG team. The applicant will be reviewed upon answering and submitting the application by the deadline as well as SWAG leadership observations and recommendations made throughout the week of the Symposium.
The scholarship will be awarded based on merit and leadership skills demonstrated during the Summer Symposium and everyday life. At Music for All, one of our core values is leadership. The scholarship review team will be looking for a contributing member of the SWAG team who displays attributes including selflessness, a positive attitude, helpfulness, and enthusiasm and serves as a role model for all student participants.
Application Submission Requirements:
1. The applicant must submit a short essay (no more than 500 words) addressing the following prompts:
- Describe what degree you are pursuing and what you plan to do with that degree after graduation.
- What prompted you to be a member of the SWAG Team?
- How has your time on the SWAG Team helped you grow as an individual?
- How has music education shaped your life, and how will you continue your passion for music?
- Tell us why you believe in music education, music in our schools, and Music for All.
2. Provide a resume of musical and leadership achievements. The resume should focus on all aspects of the applicant’s academic; musical, extracurricular, and community service accomplishments and demonstrate the overall quality of the applicant.
Applications are due by July 31, 2023.