Overhead view of bands lined up on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, a spectacle to watch a BOA Regional or Grand Nationals event.

Watch a BOA Regional: In Person, on Screen or from the Suite

There are many ways to watch a Bands of America event this fall; attend in person, host a BOX5 watch party or join MTC at Grand Nationals. About BOA Regional Championships Bands of America, a program of Music for All, runs the premier championship series in competitive marching band. Regionals are one-day championships held at college and high school stadiums across the country. Meanwhile, Super Regionals span two days with more groups and the season culminates at the Grand National...
The Gateway Arch glowing at night in St. Louis, a high-value stop for student band trips

Low Cost, High Value: Band Trip Destinations That Deliver Big

Every director wants the biggest educational payoff for every travel dollar. Fortunately, the secret is simpler than it looks. The best affordable band trip destinations are often the ones closest to home. There, free attractions, walkable districts and strong performance opportunities stretch a budget further. For that reason, we organized our favorite high-value cities by region. That way, you can find the right fit for your program no matter where you call home. What Makes Affordable Band Trip Destinations High Value? Not...

Practice with the Pros: Capital Wind Workshops for Student Bands

Capital Wind Workshops bring student bands face-to-face with professional musicians in Washington, D.C., for a 90-minute side-by-side performance experience that builds confidence, sound and musicianship in real time. About Capital Wind Workshops Since 2000, the Capital Wind Symphony has offered a unique educational opportunity to middle and high school wind bands visiting the Washington, D.C., region. These 90-minute workshops pair student musicians with members of one of the region's premier community-based wind ensembles, led by a highly acclaimed conductor. Rather than observing...
Students in NYC from The Edge

Changed for Good: A New York Story

The Tippecanoe Valley HS (IN) Choir traveled to New York City for several days of adventure. Trip Journalist Kaitlyn Eastgate recounts the tour and how The Big Apple provided more than just great shows and cool sights. From historic landmarks and Broadway performances to spontaneous moments of music and unexpected adventures, our New York City trip was an experience all of us will cherish forever. We are incredibly grateful to the families, supporters and community members who helped make this life-changing...

Meet Music Travel Consultants Tour Director Tracee Lentz

A Michigan native, Tracee Lentz blends her passion for education, music and student travel in her role as a tour director with Music Travel Consultants (MTC). Lentz joined MTC following an exceptional 30-year career teaching vocal music and other subjects at Tawas Area Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in vocal music and a minor in English literature from Central Michigan University. As both a student and through postgraduate experiences, Lentz had the opportunity...
choir students singing with an ornate background

Celebrate Choral Excellence at We Are Singing Music Festivals and Competitions

We Are Singing (WAS) events bring choral music to life through unforgettable festivals and competitions held at stunning international venues. Whether you're seeking the joy of celebrating your choir's artistry or aiming for excellence on a competitive stage, WAS offers an incredible experience for all who love music. About WAS Events These events are designed to unite choirs from across the globe, fostering connections through the language of music. With two unique formats: music festivals and music competitions, participants can choose a...

Bands March in Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Festival Parade

Two high school bands recently experienced Ireland through performance, education and cultural exchange, highlighting the value of international travel for student musicians. In March, the South Jones Band of Braves from Mississippi and the Pendleton Heights Marching Arabians from Indiana, joined by students from Frankton-Lapel HS, traveled to Ireland with Music Travel Consultants. Their itinerary culminated in participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, one of the country’s most visible cultural celebrations. Walking Through...
interior of Carnegie Hall

The Carnegie Hall Experience: 2027 Student Music Festivals

For generations of musicians, performing at Carnegie Hall has symbolized the highest level of artistic achievement. The iconic New York venue has welcomed legendary performers since opening its doors in 1891. For student ensembles, stepping onto that stage is both an educational milestone and an unforgettable moment. Music educators often look for experiences that combine musical growth with inspiration: Carnegie Hall performance festivals offer both. Students rehearse with respected conductors, collaborate with peers from across the country and...
Music in Our Schools Month graphic that reads "United Through Music"

March Is Music In Our Schools Month

March 2026 Marks the 41st Observance of Music In Our Schools Month® This Year’s MIOSM® Theme Continues as “United Through Music” HERNDON, VA (February 23, 2026)— For more than 40 years, March has been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). Ensuring equitable access to music education for the youngest members of our society—students—is paramount. This March, music educators and music students once again are celebrating music education in their school communities demonstrating how the...
Wide shot image of entire stage performance of Disney's Candlelight processional featuring a mass choir and orchestra

EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional with Your High School Choir

Every December, one of the most meaningful holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort comes to life at EPCOT's Candlelight Processional. Staged at the America Gardens Theatre during EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight is more than a seasonal concert. It is a full-scale presentation of the Christmas story, combining live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narration in a setting that feels both intimate and grand. For student groups, it represents a rare opportunity to...