Grand Nationals Showcases Best and Brightest
Lucas Oil Stadium is still echoing after three days of incredible performances by some of the best and brightest student performers in the nation. Bands of America Grand Nationals last month was the largest event in BOA history.
“We are thrilled to have hosted the largest Grand National Championships to date,” said Laura Blake, Senior Director of Events. “We thank all of the participating bands for sharing their time and talents and look forward to our 50th anniversary in 2025!”
The city of Indianapolis and surrounding communities were flooded with buses, equipment trucks and support vehicles. With 113 bands in prelims, the daily schedule began way before sunrise and lasted until the late evening hours of each day. Football fields, parking lots and the halls of the ICC were filled with flags, dancers and beautiful music. Music Travel Consultants was proud to have 36 travel partners in prelims. Of those bands, 16 advanced to Semi-Finals and five made the cut to Grand National Finals, including the Grand National Champion, the Avon HS (IN) Marching Black and Gold.
James Stephens, Director of Advocacy and Educational Resources at Music For All, said competing in the championships enriches a student’s life. “So many of my peers who are not in music or teaching still point to band as an activity that helped create the same tenacity and skill sets that have brought so much success to their careers,” Stephens said.
As a sponsor of Music for All, MTC plays a large role in the set-up and operation of Grand Nationals, including taping rehearsal halls, staffing the Information Desk and Grand Park, organizing and staffing dinners and parties and playing host to every student, staff member, director, parent and supporter attending the event. For all purposes, the MTC offices shift downtown for the four days of the event. The MTC staff is committed to providing solutions, no matter the circumstances.
Mark Harting, MTC President and CEO, summed it up best in a letter to MTC staff. “I would like to take a moment to thank each one of you for your support, participation and the loving kindness you provided to each other, our travelers, Tour Directors, suite visitors, booth visitors, BOA staff and anyone else that needed or asked for help. It was our best BOA Grand Nationals in all my years working the event.”
The 2025 BOA Regional schedule will be released soon. The 2025 Grand Nationals event is scheduled for November 13-15 in Indianapolis. This winter, MFA will host Regional Affiliate Music Festivals and the National Festival March 13-15, 2025. Next summer, students and educators can attend Summer Camp at Ball State University, June 21-28, 2025.
Thinking about attending a BOA Regional or Grand Nationals for the first time? Check out our helpful hints for attending an event. Contact us today to begin planning for your next trip to a BOA Regional or Grand Nationals.
Music Travel Consultants is proud to partner with Music for All/Bands of America to create positively life-changing experiences through music for all.
