Student Music Festivals

BOA's competitive fall marching events offer positively life-changing experiences for the students, teachers and communities of participants.

When: Fall, Annually

Where: Various Locations

WGI Sport of the Arts is the world’s premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion and winds competitions.

When: April, Annually

Where: Dayton, Ohio

The Heart of America Choir Championships are committed to providing fair, educational and affordable events with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Locations

Hosted in the happiest places on earth, students enjoy performances and workshops that align with the National Standards for Music Education.

When: Year-Round

Where: Walt Disney World (FL) and Disneyland (CA)

Each spring, thousands of student performers participate in Festival Disney, receiving professional feedback and offering competitive and non-competitive tracks. Endorsed by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

When: March - April, Annually

Where: Walt Disney World (FL)

Held at the most popular theme parks in the country, Music in the Parks has become a rite of passage. Young performers receive professional feedback and celebrate their achievements in the park.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Locations

Give your ensemble the prestigious opportunity to perform with Manhattan Concert Productions, where students take the stage at legendary venues like Carnegie Hall and grow through collaboration with acclaimed conductors and musicians.

When: Various Dates

Where: New York City, New York

Music for All has teamed with instrumental and vocal festivals across the country to continue to provide life-changing experiences for students and their directors. The Affiliate Regional Music Festivals advance the mission of Music for All and provide a solid core for every ensemble in a non-competitive atmosphere.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Cities

Give your high school music group the opportunity to shine at Orlandofest, where exciting performances, professional adjudication and the magic of Orlando’s top attractions come together for an unforgettable musical adventure.

When: March - June, Annually

Where: Orlando, Florida

Bring your show choir to a performance they won't soon forget in the home of country music - the Grand Ole Opry. Held on this world-famous stage annually, choirs receive world-class feedback at one of the nation's premier show choir competitions.

When: March, Annually

Where: Nashville, Tennessee

The Smoky Mountain Music Festival continues its dedication to excellence by offering school musicians an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before prestigious adjudicators in a beautiful setting.

When: March - April, Annually

Where: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Student choirs enjoy an inspiring opportunity to participate in one of the nation’s premier non-competitive choral festivals while celebrating the joy of music and community service.

When: April, Annuall

Where: Washington, D.C.

Non-competitive concerts in prestigious venues, international choir encounters, and a rich cultural experiences throughout Europe.

When: Various Dates

Where: Various Locations

These events highlight excellence in choral performance, promote high artistic standards, and celebrate the shared discipline of vocal music.

When: Various Dates

Where: Various Locations

Discover the history and warmth of the Portuguese people as you explore this coastal nation and perform for crowds in stunning venues. Expertly produced and supported across the country, these performances deliver lifelong memories for every performer.

When: Various Dates

Where: Various Locations Across Portugal

Join over 500,000 visitors to celebrate the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. The event's climax is a nationally-televised parade through downtown Indianapolis in which your group performs alongside the 33 drivers participating in the race.

When: May, Annually

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana

Held in the days surrounding the St. Patrick's Day holiday, this colorful festival attracts marching bands from around the world in Ireland's only International Band Championship. March through the streets of Limerick as you're cheered on by locals and visitors, alike!

When: March, Annually

Where: Limerick, Ireland

Showcase your drumline's talent in a head-to-head competition at a regional or national Drum Corps International (DCI) event. These exciting performances are a crowd favorite!

When: Summer, Annually

Where: Various Locations

Your group will take center stage and dazzle audiences at a regional or national Drum Corps International (DCI) event. This flexible performance opportunity can showcase performance groups with movement/choreography in a variety of instrumentations, ages, sizes and skill levels.

When: Summer, Annually

Where: Various Locations

With the vision to inspire young hearts and minds to choose musical activities as they move into high school, college, and beyond, the INpact Indiana’s Future Band has helped impact the lives of countless middle school music students across Indiana.

When: XXXXX

Where: XXXXX

Inspire your choir to reach new heights as you perform for a panel of experienced educators and receive valuable feedback. Showcase the importance of music education in your school by pursuing this visible festival opportunity.

When: October, Annually

Where: Valencia, California

Join groups from across the region as you perform for a panel of master educators for valuable feedback before celebrating in the parks. Open to ensembles of all kinds from the United States and Canada, this exciting festival event provides a wonderful "end-of-year" performance assessment!

When: April - May, Annually

Where: Various Locations

This popular event attracts ensembles from around the region to perform in a thrilling, adjudicated festival before enjoying time in one of America's most beloved theme parks.

When: April, Annually

Where: Branson, Missouri

High school, college and community ensembles descend on the nation's capitol every two years in a celebration of artistry at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This adjudicated festival is hosted by world-class faculty.

When: April, Biennially (In Even Years)

Where: Washington, District of Columbia

Bands, choirs, and orchestras (as well as extended ensembles) converge in Spain to participate in an education-forward festival featuring world-class adjudicators in a stunning medieval walled city.

When: Late June, Annually

Where: Lloret de Mar, Spain

World of Choirs brings together choirs from all over the world on one stage within the framework of a competition, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, so that they can demonstrate not only their skills but also the culture and uniqueness of choral singing.

When: March-April, Annually

Where: Rimini, Italy

Participate in one of the biggest international choir competitive festivals in the world for professional and amateur nonprofit choirs. Each year, the festival attracts a large number of choirs and transforms the Spanish coast of Costa Brava into the hub of the singing world.

When: March-April, Annually

Where: Costa Brava, Spain

Spring Symphonies is a one-of-a-kind event that offers orchestras a platform to showcase their skills and passion for music. This orchestra contest attracts talented participants from all around the world, making it a truly global event.

When: March-April, Annually

Where: Barcelona, Spain

Voices of Costa Brava holds special significance in the competitive lives of vocalists from around the world. This festival is popular for vocal studios and features unique opportunities for soloists, duets, trios, and ensembles who perform popular and original works.

When: March-April, Annually

Where: Costa Brava, Spain

Not only will they participate in a one-of-a-kind international festival-contest, but they will also get the chance to perform in friendly concerts and a gala concert in the main square city. The winning choir will be given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform in the heart of Barcelona, either in the iconic Crypt of Sagrada Familia by Gaudí, or the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi in the Gothic old city blocks, or La Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia.

When: July, Annually

Where: Barcelona, Spain

This program is thoughtfully designed to combine competition, travel, and cultural experience. The competitive performance takes place in Lloret de Mar, followed by a two-night trip to the French Riviera, with accommodation in Cannes or Nice. After returning to Lloret de Mar, participants take part in the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony.

When: July-August, Every Four Years

Where: Lloret de Mar, Spain

Created by music educators, for music educators, this exciting festival draws thousands of students from across the region to perform in stunning venues and celebrate their accomplishments at Six Flags Over Georgia.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Atlanta, Georgia

Founded on the Olympic ideals, the World Choir Games aims to peacefully unify people from choirs across the world, connected in song by fair competition. Held every two years on different continents, few festivals hold such prestige for choral ensembles.

When: Summer, Biennially (In Even Years)

Where: Various Locations

Inspire your high school string ensemble by performing at the American String Teachers Association event, where students refine their craft through expert feedback, connect with renowned educators and celebrate the art of string performance on a national stage.

When: February or March, Annually

Where: Various Locations

Attending a Bowl Game event is an experience of a lifetime but performing at a Bowl Game or Bowl Game Festival adds another layer of excitement few ever get to experience.

When: Various Locations

Where: Winter, Annually

Give your high school ensemble the chance to shine with Coda Concerts, where students perform in world-class venues, receive expert feedback and create lasting memories through music and travel.

When: Various Dates

Where: Various Locations

Disneyland's Candlelight Processional offers exclusive group opportunities for student choirs with unforgettable memories and unique performance experience that is sure to captivate hearts. The musical retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator happens in early December.

When: Early December

Where: Anaheim, California

Disney World's Candlelight Processional occurs during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays from late November to late December. This unique experience features celebrity narrators, a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir performing the Christmas story.

When: Various Dates

Where: Orlando, Florida

Elevate your high school ensemble with a prestigious opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center through DCINY, where student groups receive expert adjudication, global exposure and an unforgettable New York music experience.

When: Various Dates

Where: New York City, New York

Inspire your high school jazz band to excel by performing at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, where students dive into the legacy of Duke Ellington, receive expert mentorship and perform on one of jazz’s most prestigious stages.

When: April - May, Annually

Where: New York City, New York

Instill your show choir’s passion and performance power by taking the stage at a FAME Show Choir event, where high school groups compete in electrifying venues and shine in front of enthusiastic crowds and industry professionals.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Locations

Inspire excellence in your high school ensemble by performing at Festival of Gold, where elite student musicians showcase their talents in prestigious venues and receive valuable feedback from renowned music educators.

When: Various Dates

Where: Various Locations

Take your high school ensemble to the next level by performing at Festivals of Music, where high-quality adjudication, local venues and the energy of some of America's top tourist cities combine for a truly inspiring musical experience.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Locations

The Florence International Music Festival strives to foster growth in young musicians by providing unique performance opportunities. Additional concerts may be arranged throughout Rome, Venice, Pisa, Siena and Europe.

When: Various Dates

Where: Florence, Italy

Give your high school music group the chance to shine at Forum Music Festivals, where students perform for expert adjudicators, enjoy fun-filled destinations and grow through memorable musical experiences.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Locations Across California

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Great Plains Jazz Festival is one of the premier educational jazz festivals in the nation.

When: February, Annually

Where: Omaha, Nebraska

Inspire your high school ensemble with the unforgettable opportunity to perform at the Harrogate International Youth Festival, where students share their music with global audiences in a celebration of youth, culture and artistic excellence.

When: Easter Weekend, Annually

Where: Harrogate, England

Young performers will enjoy an unparalleled musical experience at every Heritage Festival, performing for and learning from the tailored feedback of nationally acclaimed adjudicators.

When: Various Dates

Where: Various Locations

Treat your high school choir to a sweet musical adventure at the Hersheypark Choral Festival, where students perform for expert adjudicators and enjoy a fun-filled day at one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic theme parks.

When: May, Annually

Where: Hershey, Pennsylvania

Honolulu Festival concludes with the Grand Parade. And grand, it is. The parade starts at Saratoga Road and continues along Kalakaua Avenue, filling the streets with spectacular cultural performances and floats.

When: March, Annually

Where: Honolulu, Hawaii

Invite your high school ensemble to celebrate Irish culture by performing at the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Festival, where students share their music in a lively, historic setting filled with tradition, community spirit and international charm.

When: March, Annually

Where: Kilkenny, Ireland

Give your high school jazz ensemble the rare opportunity to perform in Italy at the prestigious La Spezia International Jazz Festival, where students share the stage with global artists, participate in masterclasses and experience one of Europe’s longest-running jazz events.

When: Summer, Annually

Where: La Spezia, Italy

Inspire your high school jazz ensemble with the chance to perform at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, where students take part in enriching clinics, showcase their talent and celebrate jazz alongside leading musicians and educators.

When: April, Annually

Where: Moscow, Idaho

Give your high school band the unforgettable opportunity to perform at London Band Week, where student musicians march and play in world-famous venues while experiencing the rich culture and historic charm of the U.K.’s capital city.

When: June, Annually

Where: London, England

Inspire your high school wind ensemble to reach new heights by performing at the Mid Europe International Marching, Wind Band and Orchestra Festival, where students showcase their talent, engage with global peers and experience the rich musical traditions of Austria.

When: July, Annually

Where: Schladming, Austria

Participate in the Octavo Series collaborating with nationally-recognized guest conductors and joining voices with other ensembles from around the country.

When: March to June, Annually

Where: New York City, NY

Elevate your high school ensemble’s performance experience by participating in The Midwest Clinic, where students perform on an international stage, learn from world-class educators and immerse themselves in the latest innovations in music education.

When: December, Annually

Where: Chicago, Illinois

Inspire your high school band to perform at the Minority Band Directors National Association Concert and Band Invitational, where students celebrate musical excellence, diversity and educational growth alongside talented peers from across the country.

When: April, Annually

Where: Atlanta, Georgia

These events offer ensembles a chance to experience the thrill of competition while receiving constructive feedback from expert adjudicators utilizing the BOA adjudication system. Bands will build confidence, improve performance skills and connect with a supportive community of music educators and students who share their passion.

When: Fall, Annually

Where: Various Cities

The non-competitive atmosphere provides a place for growth, cooperative encouragement and learning for music programs, students, parents, boosters and administrators. The MFA National Festival advances the mission of Music for All as one of its flagship events.

When: March, Annually

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana

Inspire your high school ensemble to perform at Musica Orbis Festivals, where students showcase their talents in stunning European venues while engaging with international peers in a celebration of musical excellence and cultural exchange.

When: July, Annually

Where: Prague, Czechia

The National Jazz Festival’s mission is to bring together college, high school and middle school jazz musicians and educators from across the nation to strengthen music education and performance while cultivating an inclusive, joyful jazz community based on a mutual love of jazz.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bring your instrumental ensemble to Carnegie Hall for the National Band & Orchestra Fest—an inspiring performance experience that celebrates musical growth and achievement. Each ensemble performs in a professionally produced daytime concert and receives thoughtful feedback from a panel of nationally recognized clinicians, along with an extended private clinic to support artistic development.

When: March/April, Annually

Where: New York City, NY

Honor service and sacrifice by having your high school choir perform at the National Memorial Day Choral Festival, where students unite their voices in a powerful tribute at the Kennedy Center and experience a meaningful musical journey in the nation’s capital.

When: May, Annually

Where: Washington, D.C.

Offer your student ensembles an exceptional opportunity to perform in one of the world’s most iconic cultural destinations while refining their musical skills in a professionally produced setting

When: March-April, Annually

Where: New York City, New York

Notre Dame’s Collegiate Jazz Festival began in 1959 and is the oldest and most prestigious college jazz festival in the nation with a rich history of great collegiate bands and a long line of incredible clinicians.

When: February, Annually

Where: Notre Dame, Indiana

Inspire your high school steel band or percussion group by performing at Panfest, where students celebrate the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean while gaining performance experience and cultural enrichment in an energetic festival atmosphere.

When: May, Annually

Where: Norfolk, Virginia

Elevate your high school percussion ensemble by performing at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, where students will showcase their skills, connect with world-class artists and experience the forefront of percussion education.

When: November, Annually

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana

Invite your high school ensemble to be part of the Portland Rose Festival, where students will perform in a vibrant celebration filled with parades, community pride and unforgettable musical moments.

When: May - June, Annually

Where: Portland, Oregon

Give your high school jazz group the chance to shine at the Reno Jazz Festival, where students perform for enthusiastic audiences, receive expert feedback and immerse themselves in one of the nation’s most celebrated jazz education events.

When: April, Annually

Where: Reno, Nevada

Rhythms International is devoted to the highest quality of music education, presenting a non-competitive, adjudicated festival experience where groups are rated against themselves and not compared to other groups within the festival.

When: Spring, Annually

Where: Various Locations

Give your high school music group an exciting blend of performance and fun by participating in a Six Flags Music Festival, where students showcase their talents and celebrate with thrilling rides and entertainment.

When: April - May , Annually

Where: Various Locations

At South Coast Music Festivals, school groups from around Texas arrive for a one of a kind experience. Kids perform for a panel of highly qualified music educators for a wonderful musical experience and then head to the beach to make life-long memories with their friends.

When: April, Annually

Where: Corpus Christi, Texas

Inspire your high school ensemble with the unforgettable opportunity to perform at the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, where young musicians from around the world come together in one of Europe’s most prestigious concert settings.

When: July, Annually

Where: Vienna, Austria

The Midwest's finest high school marching bands gather in Alexandria for the Vikingland Band Festival parade marching championship.

When: June, Annually

Where: Alexandria, Minnesota

The Virginia Arts Festival is one of the largest arts & cultural events on the Eastern Seaboard. Featuring a Parade of Nations and world-famous performances at the Virginia International Tattoo, this event is not to be missed!on.

When: April, Annually

Where: Norfolk, Virginia

Step onto one of the most recognizable stages in the world at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall as your group is featured alongside ensembles from across the country. World-class faculty provide feedback in this non-adjudicated festival.

When: June, Annually

Where: Los Angeles, California

The World Music Contest in Kerkrade has been the most prestigious international festival for wind music since 1951. Known as the “Olympic Games of Wind Music,” WMC brings together more than 20,000 musicians and over 300,000 visitors from all continents.

When: July-August, Every Four Years

Where: Kerkrade, Netherlands