ALL 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 (such as full scales and excerpts), 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: 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 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.

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: WINDS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Prepared Etude and Improvisation: All wind and brass players should record themselves playing the Music for All Jazz Band of America Etude #1 Melody accompanied by the backing track provided, playing the rest of the track as an improvised solo.  
• No editing or splicing of multiple takes will be permitted.  
• You must submit your audition using the Music for All play along accompaniment. Please make sure that your audition is heard clearly over the backing track.  
• TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track is as desired. 
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance. 
• Note that a Demo recording of the excerpt has been provided for your reference. 
• Lead/Section Trumpet, Section/Bass Trombone, or Baritone Saxophone ONLY: All students wishing to be considered for a lead part must play the Top Octave when located in the etude.  
• OPTIONAL for LEAD audition: You may also send a separate recording of your choosing that demonstrates your lead playing abilities – no more than 3 minutes in length. This SHOULD be a separate recording upload. 

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: PIANO / GUITAR / VIBES AUDITION REQUIREMENTS 

• Prepared Selection: All Piano, Guitar, and Vibraphone players should record themselves playing the Music for All Jazz Band of America Etude #1 melody as well as the comping line and improvised solo for remainder of the etude. 
• You must use the backing track that has been provided by MFA - that has the piano / guitar part removed - for your recording. Please make sure that your audition is heard clearly over the backing track. 
• TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track is as desired. 
• No editing or splicing of multiple takes will be permitted. 
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance. 
• Note that a Demo recording of the excerpt has been provided for your reference.  

 JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: BASS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS 

• Prepared Selection: All Bass players should record themselves playing the Music for All Jazz Band of America Etude #1 melody, as well as the Walking Bass Line and improvised solo for the remaining measures of the etude. Please perform the etude in one take.  
• You must use the backing track that has been provided by MFA - that has the bass part removed - for your recording. Please make sure that your audition is heard clearly over the backing track. 
• TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track is as desired. 
• No editing or splicing of multiple takes will be permitted. 
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance. 
• Also note that a Demo recording of the excerpt has been provided for your reference.  

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: DRUM SET AUDITION REQUIREMENTS 

1. Demonstrate Time: Latin, Ballad (brushes), Hip Hop/Funk and Up-Tempo Swing. Play these song forms for at least 1 minute in each style and include 1 chorus of improvisation for each style. 

2. A 2 to 5-minute video segment playing time with a big band (not soloing). Live preferred but if not available, play-alongs are accepted. Include materials authored by Steve Houghton and/or Gordon Goodwin. 

• Make each submission of style a separate upload. Do not splice or edit recordings within individual uploads. 
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance. 
• TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track/ensemble is as desired. 

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!

Please be sure to review the Advocacy in Action Application Guide for information regarding eligibility, selection and award process, guidelines, how to prepare your application, and more. 

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.        

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.       

 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