Who is eligible for High School All-American Marching Band consideration?
American students who exhibit exceptional musicianship, marching achievement, character, and leadership prior to their high school senior year are eligible. Students must be active members of their high school band from the time of the nomination through the final performance at the All-American Bowl.

What does a student receive if selected as High School All-American?

• National acclaim
• An all-expense paid trip to San Antonio to perform as a member of the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band including airfare, hotel, food, rehearsal gear, performance gear, instrument, and more
• A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside the finest high school marching musicians in the nation for 4 days
• The chance to work with an all-star marching band staff made up of directors from the most respected marching bands in America
• A Fall All-American Selection Tour stop to announce their elite accomplishment to media, school, and fellow community members
• An opportunity to perform at half time of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX

Who pays for all of these expenses?
The U.S. Army, DeMoulin, Jupiter Instruments, and All American Games, as well as many other generous sponsors of this event will cover all expenses and provide equipment for the student to participate.

Are there any fees involved?
No. There are no entry or participation fees. Once selected, the student will have all expenses paid to participate, perform, and to be recognized for their exceptional music accomplishments.

How is a student selected as a High School All-American for marching band?
Music teachers nominate current high school juniors before January 15. In early February, invitations are sent to nominees to submit their All-American application and audition materials by the April 15 deadline. Audition videos and applications submitted by student musicians are reviewed by an MENC committee and final All-American selection is determined in July.

How can a student be nominated?
Music teachers submit the names of their exceptional high school junior marching musicians using the High School All-American Nominee form found on the All-American page in the Band section of the MENC Web site. All-American nominations can be submitted through the online nomination form in the fall.

What instruments can I be nominated for or apply for?
Eligible instruments include piccolo, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, mellophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, sousaphone, snare drum, multi-tenor drum, bass drum, mallets, and drum major.

Can I be nominated or apply for multiple instruments, or for both an instrument and drum major?
Yes. A student can be nominated or apply for multiple positions, but when application and audition materials are submitted, the student must submit a separate application and audition videos for each position they are applying for.

When is the High School All-American Nomination deadline?
January 15.

When is the High School All-American Application and Audition deadline?
April 15.

When will High School All-American notification go out?
In late July or early August.

Does a student have to be nominated to audition?
No, but those students who are nominated will be given special consideration.

Does a music teacher have to be an MENC member to nominate a student?
No, but those students who are nominated by an MENC member will be given special consideration.

Do All-American Nominees receive anything special?
Yes! Those students nominated by an MENC member will receive a special All-American Nominee certificate and mention in MENC media.

Does a student nominated by a non-MENC member receive a certificate?
No, only those students nominated by MENC members will receive an All-American Nominee certificate and mention in MENC media.

Is nomination enough to be selected as an All-American?
No. In the spring, students must submit an application outlining accomplishments as well as submit specific audition videos for All-American Selection Committee review.

Do the High School All-American musicians get to perform as a group?
Yes! The musicians chosen as High School All-Americans will perform in January of their senior year at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio as the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.

Where can I find All-American Nomination and Application materials?
The All-American nomination form, application, and audition music can be found on the MENC Web site in the Band section. If you have difficulty viewing or downloading any of the information, call Special Projects staff at 800-336-3768.

When making my audition videos, can I edit to correct flaws?
No. It is only acceptable to stop the tape between audition segments. It is not acceptable to touch-up, overdub, edit, correct, or alter the video or audio elements in any way to cover flaws. It is acceptable to splice together video segments for the solo audition video.

What is expected of me if I am selected?
Selected High School All-Americans will be expected to perform at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX in January. This will include rehearsals the week prior to the Bowl in San Antonio and arriving with all music memorized for the event.

What if I am unable or unwilling to perform?
MENC will go back to the audition pool and select another student musician to take your place. Reasons for not performing might be due to injury, excused absence, or disqualification.

Can I select someone else to perform in my place?
No, only MENC may place All-American participants.

What marching style does the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band use?
The marching style used for the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band is drum corps style (roll step, no high leg lift).

I don’t march drum corps style!
It is understood that there are many effective marching styles, but for consistency of appearance, the drum corps style has been selected.

My question isn't answered here. Who should I contact?
If you need additional assistance, contact Rebecca Poorbaugh or call 800-336-3768.