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.

About the Tang Family Scholarship
The Tang Family Scholarship Fund was created by Anthony M. and Megan M. Tang. The Tang Family Scholarship Fund benefits individual students interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium as they see value in the leadership-driven environment. Students will be selected by their essay and a director's recommendation to attend the weeklong portion of camp on a full scholarship.
Application Submission Requirements:

1. Students must be prepared to respond to the essay prompts below:

• Describe how the summer Symposium experience will help you become a stronger and more effective leader in your school music program and community.
• Describe the positive influence of music and your music education experiences on your life.

      2. Student's school ensemble director must complete a recommendation.

• The student must apply their director's contact information while filling out this application; the Submittable system will send the recommendation form directly to the student's director to complete. 

Applications are due by April 30, 2023.

About the Music for All Foundation Scholarships for Students

These scholarships benefit students interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium as they see value in the leadership-driven environment. Students will be selected by their essay and a director's recommendation to attend the weeklong portion of camp on a full scholarship.

Application Submission Requirements:

1. Students must be prepared to respond to the essay prompts below:

• Describe how the summer Symposium experience will help you become a stronger and more effective leader in your school music program and community.
• Describe the positive influence of music and your music education experiences on your life.

 2. Student's school ensemble director must complete a recommendation.

• The student must apply their director's contact information while filling out this application; the Submittable system will send the recommendation form directly to the student's director to complete. 

Applications are due by April 30, 2023.

About the L.J. Hancock Scholarship
The scholarship fund benefits individual students who are interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium but, due to financial hardship, cannot afford to pay the tuition and fees needed to attend this annual summer music camp.

Scholarships are awarded based on financial need.* 

To hold a spot for applicants until scholarship applications can be evaluated, camp registration should be submitted to Music for All as soon as possible.
* Music for All determines financial need by comparing net household income to the National School Lunch program’s eligibility guidelines for reduced lunch assistance, adjusted for the Council for Community and Economic Research reported cost of living by state.
Application Submission Requirements:

1. Students must be prepared to respond to the essay prompts below:

• Describe how the Summer Symposium experience will help you become a better leader in your school music program.
• Describe the positive influence of music and your music education experiences on your life.

2. Parent or Guardian must submit a copy of their most recent federal tax return.

• Only the first two pages are required; please redact any social security numbers on the tax return before uploading.
• Special circumstances, including natural disasters, unemployment, bankruptcy, and family illness, will be considered. Please outline special circumstances in the space provided on the application form below. 

3. Student's school ensemble DIRECTOR must provide application approval.

• The student must supply their director's contact information while filling out this application; the Submittable system will send the approval form directly to the student's director to complete. 

4. Completed camp registration submitted at https://camp.musicforall.org/register/.


Applications are due by April 30, 2023. 

About the Marion County Summer Symposium Scholarships
The scholarship fund benefits individual students who reside or attend school in Marion County in Indiana who are interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium but, due to financial hardship, cannot afford to pay the tuition and fees needed to attend this annual summer music camp.
This scholarship is awarded based on financial need*
Music for All intends to provide both partial and full scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded will be based on the funding received and the number of eligible applicants.

Application Submission Requirements:

1. Completed application form.

2. Parent or Guardian must submit a copy of their most recent federal tax return.

• Only the first two pages are required; please redact any social security numbers on the tax return before uploading.
• Special circumstances, including natural disasters, unemployment, bankruptcy, and family illness, will be considered. Please outline special circumstances in the space provided on the application form below. 

3. Student's school ensemble DIRECTOR must provide application approval.

• The student must supply their director's contact information while filling out this application; the Submittable system will send the approval form directly to the student's director to complete. 

Applications are due by April 30, 2023. 

About the Mark Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Mark Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund for Educators was created in honor of Mark Williams (1955-2008) to celebrate his life and work as a great educator, composer and beloved friend. The scholarship fund benefits music educators who are interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium but, due to financial hardship, cannot afford to pay the tuition and fees needed to attend this annual summer music camp.

Application Submission Requirements:

1. The applicant must submit an essay addressing the following prompt:

• Describe how the Summer Symposium experience will help you become a better music educator and how you will utilize what you learn during the camp.

2.  Provide information about your school music program budget, explicitly drawing attention to your school's policy on funding for professional development. Only directors from Title 1 schools will be considered for this scholarship opportunity.


Applications are due by April 30, 2023. 

About the Music for All Foundation Scholarship Fund for Directors
This scholarship fund benefits music educators interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium but seeking financial support to allow their participation. While the Mark Williams Memorial Fund requires Educators to teach at a Title I school, this opportunity does NOT have that requirement. It is open to any music educator seeking financial assistance to attend the symposium.

Application Submission Requirements:

1. The applicant must submit an essay addressing the following prompt:

• Describe how the Summer Symposium experience will help you become a better music educator and how you will utilize what you learn during the camp.

2.  Provide information about your school music program budget, explicitly drawing attention to your school's policy on funding for professional development.


Applications are due by April 30, 2023. 

About the Mark Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Mark Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund for Educators was created in honor of Mark Williams (1955-2008) to celebrate his life and work as a great educator, composer, and beloved friend. The scholarship fund benefits music educators who are interested in attending the Music for All Summer Symposium but, due to financial hardship, cannot afford to pay the tuition and fees needed to attend this annual summer music camp.
One scholarship will be made available to a future music educator.

Application Submission Requirements:

1. The applicant must submit an essay addressing the following prompt:

• Describe how the Summer Symposium experience will help you become a better music educator and how you will utilize what you learn during the camp.

2.  Professor or Advisor must recommend why you deserve the scholarship.

3. Completed camp registration submitted at https://camp.musicforall.org/register/.

Applications are due by April 30, 2023. 

Advocacy in Action is a signature program of Music for All designed to collect, recognize, and share effective practices and initiatives that support music education in our schools. We hope that by celebrating music programs, we can inspire others to lead by example and take action in their own programs and communities.

The Advocacy in Action Awards recognize and celebrate the commitment of school administrators, community leaders, teachers, and parents who believe in music education and are advocating to ensure that it is part of a comprehensive education for all children.

The Awards highlight the benefits of a strong music program and show what your school or community is doing to provide access and opportunity for active music-making. The Awards also allow educators to showcase their own music programs that are sometimes overlooked or not fully understood by members of the public beyond the school community. Advocacy initiatives can be submitted in one of six categories.

Please select the category that best fits your initiative. Music programs are welcome to submit more than one application per category.

Community Involvement

...recognizing non-fundraising-based community involvement.

Music programs are an integral part of their school and local communities. Visibility and engagement within a community are mutually beneficial, developing and strengthening critical relationships while showcasing student achievement. Community involvement leads to an increased understanding of the benefits of music education and encourages support for continued growth and excellence.

Decision-Maker Engagement

...recognizing productive engagement and collaboration with decision-makers.

Understanding how decisions impacting music programs are made and engaging with those involved is essential. Whether in a school building, the local community, or beyond, engagement with school and community leaders, influential stakeholders, and elected officials builds understanding and support for the needs of music programs.

Elementary Excellence

...recognizing exceptional and inspirational strategies and programming in elementary school music programs.

Elementary school music programs provide students with early musical experiences that can inspire a life-long appreciation of the arts. The most successful Elementary music programs inspire the entire school population through a robust curriculum, creative concert programming, and community engagement. Supportive administrators, involved parents, and innovative educators empower the success of Elementary school music programs.

Innovative Fundraising

...recognizing productive engagement and collaboration with decision-makers.

Fundraising is vital for music programs to provide an outstanding music education and enable the participation of all students. Strategic fundraising initiatives, including individual donations and business sponsorships, provide needed resources beyond what schools and districts fund. Through fundraising, stakeholders recognize the financial needs of music programs and have immediate and meaningful opportunities to lend support. 

Marketing & Promotion

...recognizing outstanding strategies for marketing and promotional efforts.

High-quality music programs demonstrate a commitment to increasing the visibility of their program. Advocating through marketing or promotion can happen online, through print materials, and even spirit wear items. The goal in marketing and promoting your program is to establish a presence and positive brand among students, families, and the community.

Parent/Booster Support

...recognizing exceptional volunteer efforts from parents/boosters.

Efficient, organized support from parents/boosters is crucial to the success of music programs and their students. Parents/boosters fill an essential role in day-to-day operations, supporting priorities identified by teachers and helping students. Cultivating a vast parent/booster network demonstrates a commitment to furthering the capabilities of the entire music program.

Student Recruitment, Engagement, & Retention

...recognizing exceptional strategies for student recruitment, engagement, and retention. 

Regardless of the age students join a music program at school, recruitment initiatives ensure all students have the opportunity to participate. Many students consider the time spent in music class as the best part of their school day. Retention and engagement efforts aim to support and encourage students while instilling a lifelong appreciation of music.

ELIGIBILITY

• Any United States scholastic music program (curricular or extracurricular), scholastic music booster organization​, or external PK-12 arts organization is eligible to enter.
• All curricular and extracurricular scholastic music programs are eligible to submit entries. This includes band, choir, color guard, orchestra, general music, and any other type of scholastic music program.
• Programs serving any age level (elementary, middle, or high school) are eligible.
• Public, private, parochial, and charter schools are eligible.
• Any individual may submit an application (teacher, student, parent, etc.). All applications will require the signature of the program educator/instructor.
• Eligible entries must have been produced or implemented during the 2022-23 academic school year(s). ​
• Each entry must be completed in its entirety in order to be eligible for review.
• Each entry must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on August 14, 2023 in order to be eligible for review.

FEE

There is no entry fee. Our intention is to ensure this program is accessible to anyone who may be interested in applying.

ENTRIES

• Each advocacy initiative will be considered one entry. One program can submit multiple entries in multiple categories; however, each entry requires a separate application.
• Supporting materials may be included with each entry. Applicants may submit up to 10 photos, documents, videos, and/or objects supporting their entry. Video materials must follow our video submission guidelines.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Entries will be reviewed by a highly qualified panel of teachers, school administrators, business and community leaders, and members of Music for All's Advocacy in Action advisory committee.
• Up to 5 award recipients may be selected for each category.

​

AWARD RECIPIENTS

• All award recipients will be notified by email on or before December 1, 202​3. Notification will be sent to the contact listed on the entry form.
• Honorees may be asked to submit additional information or be interviewed for Advocacy in Action promotional materials.
• 2024 Advocacy in Action award recipients will be publicly announced and showcased beginning in January 2024.
• Award recipients will be promoted as featured advocacy content throughout the 2024 Music for All National Festival, Summer Symposium, and Bands of America Championships.​
• Award recipients will also be promoted at state and national music education events where Music for All has a presence.

RELEASE & USAGE

By submitting your entry to the Advocacy in Action Awards, you grant Music for All the right to use any submitted materials, including but not limited to photos and video, for editorial, analytical, promotional, or any other purposes without additional compensation or permission. In addition, you acknowledge that your entry and any corresponding materials are not returnable. The complete submission of an entry indicates acknowledgment and agreement to these terms.

VIDEO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Video submissions and supporting video materials may be submitted in one of two ways. You may upload a link to a video hosted via an online platform, such as YouTube or Vimeo, or videos may also be submitted as digital attachments. Videos submissions should be limited to a 20-minute maximum length.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information about creating your Submittable account, Music for All, and other Music for All programs you can apply for can be found here: https://musicforallinc.submittable.com/submit

The Patrick John Hughes Parent/Booster Award acknowledges the support, involvement and contributions to the advancement and success of a scholastic music education program. Presented annually by Music for All, the award is named in honor of Mr. Patrick John Hughes, a music parent who has inspired millions. Learn more about the award and the inspiring story of Patrick John Hughes at education.musicforall.org/hughes.

Nominations must be completed by Friday, September 1 , 2023 at 11:59 PM EST. If you have any questions about the Parent/Booster Award, please contact: Emily Timmons, Education and Advocacy Coordinator, at 317-218-4922 or Emily.t@musicforall.org.

Qualifications
All current, active parents, boosters, or supporters of any scholastic music education program are eligible for nomination. The program does not have to be affiliated with Music for All or Bands of America. Former or inactive parents, boosters, and supporters of Music for All and/or Bands of America participating programs may also be nominated.

Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

1. Value of Service
2. Level of involvement with the music program
3. Strength of the letters of support
4. Results achieved by nominee
5. Power of story to motivate others
6. Creativity of the nomination entry
7. Audio/video supporting materials

The winner will be notified by September 25, 2023 and invited to participate in an awards ceremony at the Grand National Championships in Indianapolis on Friday evening, November 10, 2023. Music for All will provide hotel accommodations (one room, double occupancy) for three nights and VIP tickets to all Grand Nationals events for up to four family members. Round trip airfare will be provided for up to two people.  

If you have any questions about the Parent/Booster Award, please contact: Emily Timmons, Education and Advocacy Coordinator, at 317-218-4922 or emily.t@musicforall.org.

Thank you for honoring the outstanding Parent/Booster in your life!