Thank you for your interest in being a member of the 2026 SWAG Team at the Bands of America Summer Camp!

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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 BAND OF AMERICA: PERCUSSION AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Percussion applicants must submit a representative solo on snare drum, marimba (2 mallet and 4 mallet), and timpani. Please verbally list the titles of these solos at the beginning of EACH of your recordings.
• 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 cymbals 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.
• Be sure to position your video recorder so that your hands are clearly visible relative to the instrument.  Videos shot from a long distance inhibit the evaluation and appreciation of your playing.
• Review your final product at the end to make certain that it demonstrates your realistic and best performance.

Scholarships for the Bands of America Summer Camp

Music for All offers several scholarships to help students attend the Bands of America Summer Camp. We aim to support deserving students in fostering leadership and enhancing their music education experience.

There is a single application; please select all the scholarships you wish to be considered for when applying.  

Scholarship Opportunities

1. Tang Family Scholarship

The Tang Family Scholarship Fund was created by Anthony M. and Megan M. Tang.

Eligibility: Open to all students who demonstrate leadership potential in their music programs

Award: Full scholarship to the full week camp

Requirements:

1. Complete two essay prompts:

• How will the Bands of America Summer Camp experience help you grow as a leader?
• Describe the impact of music and music education on your life.

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

2. Music for All Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility: Students who value leadership development and demonstrate financial need*

Award: Sliding scale scholarships based on financial need, and special circumstances

Requirements:

1. Complete two essay prompts

• How will the Bands of America Summer Camp experience help you grow as a leader?
• Describe the impact of music and music education on your life.

2. Provide household financial information, including income, size, and special circumstances, with the help of a  parent or guardian  

3. LJ Hancock Scholarship

Eligibility: Students who value leadership development and demonstrate financial need*

Award: Sliding scale scholarships based on financial need and special circumstances

Requirements:

1. Complete essay prompts 

• How will the Bands of America Summer Camp experience help you grow as a leader?
• Describe the impact of music and music education on your life.

2. Provide household financial information, including income, size, and special circumstances, with the help of a  parent or guardian

4. Marion County Scholarship

Eligibility: Students residing or attending school in Marion County, Indiana, with demonstrated financial need*

Award: Sliding scale scholarships based on financial need and special circumstances

Requirements:

1. Complete essay prompts 

• How will the Bands of America Summer Camp experience help you grow as a leader?
• Describe the impact of music and music education on your life.

2. Provide household financial information, including income, size, and special circumstances, with the help of a  parent or guardian

All Applications are due April 1, 2026

*Financial need is assessed based on household income compared to National School Lunch Program guidelines and described special circumstances.

Scholarships for the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp

Music for All offers two scholarships to help music educators attend the Sweetwater Directors Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp. We aim to support deserving music educators who are interested in attending but would benefit from receiving financial support to attend camp.

There is a single application; please select all the scholarships you wish to be considered for when applying.  

Scholarship Opportunities

1. Mark Williams Memorial Scholarship for Educators

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.

Eligibility: Directors who teach at a Title 1 school

Award: Full scholarship to the full week camp

Requirements:

1. Complete an essay prompt:

• Describe how the Bands of America Summer Camp 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.  

2. Music for All Foundation Scholarship for Directors

Eligibility: Any music educator seeking financial assistance

Award: Full scholarship to the full week camp

Requirements:

1. Complete an essay prompt:

• Describe how the Bands of America Summer Camp 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.  

All Applications are due April 1, 2026

Scholarships for the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp

Music for All offers a scholarship to help future music educators attend the Sweetwater Directors Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp.  

Mark Williams Memorial Scholarship for College Students

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.

Eligibility: College student planning to pursue a career in music education

Award: Full scholarship to the full week camp

Requirements:

1. Complete an essay prompt:

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

2. Professor or advisor recommendation  

All Applications are due April 1, 2026

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, August 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. If you have any questions about the Parent/Booster Award, please contact: Emily Timmons, Senior 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 28, 2026 and invited to participate in an awards ceremony at the Grand National Championships in Indianapolis on Friday evening, November 13, 2026. 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!

Applications and all supporting materials are due to Music for All office no later than May 20, 2026. 

Below are the application requirements for the 2027 National Festival - April 1-3, 2027.

1. ELIGIBLE ENSEMBLES:

1.1 – BANDS AND ORCHESTRAS: Please submit an unedited audio recording of 12-20 minutes of music, made during the 2025-2026 school year. 

1.2 – PERCUSSION AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLES: Please submit an unedited audio recording of two or three selections/movements not to exceed 15 minutes of applicant, made during the 2025-2026 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. 

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 and orchestras; 15 minutes for percussion 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 applications are evaluated anonymously. 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 independently. 

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 other stages 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 – If accepted, ensembles are required to be present from the Opening Session starting at 1:00 p.m. Thursday 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 – If You Are Accepted, you will be notified via email of your acceptance to the Music for All National Festival along with access to the Director Area of the website, and an invoice for your non-refundable $5,000 deposit for bands and orchestras, or a $2,500 deposit for percussion and chamber ensembles paid by August 1, 2026. YOU ARE NOT OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED UNTIL WE RECEIVE YOUR DEPOSIT.  You may pay your deposit via credit card or by mailing a check to our office.

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 – If accepted, ensemble directors and booster representatives from each ensemble are required to participate in five 1-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, February, and March.

7. APPLICATION DEADLINE:

7.1 – The completed application (online application, audition recordings, application fee and administrator signatures) must be submitted by the May 20, 2026 deadline..

7.2 - Three (3) original copies of each score must be mailed to the Music for All Office, mailing address below, postmarked on/before May 20, 2026. 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, 2027.

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 Saturday night while the ensemble is in Indianapolis.

8.4 – Bands, orchestras, and percussion ensembles accepted for the 2027 Music for All National Festival will be notified no later than July 25, 2026.