4 Great Festivals for MARCHing Bands

Between marching season and spring concerts, the school year has flown by. March is the perfect time to think about upcoming performance and learning opportunities. Music festivals are an outstanding way to fine-tune skills and inspire students. Check out these 4 great festivals for MARCHing bands!

OrlandoFest
March – May 2022

OrlandoFest is a premier, education-based music experience in Orlando, FL. Performers of all ages (elementary through high school) can participate in either Music Festivals or Workshops.  Each reinforces concepts taught in the classroom or studio.

In addition to state-of-the-art facilities, each program includes admission to Universal Orlando Resort™.  It’s a great way to reward the efforts of your hardworking students. The OrlandoFest Awards Ceremony takes place at Universal Orlando Resort™ as well and includes a custom gift for each participant.

Vikingland Band Festival
June 26, 2022

The Vikingland Band Festival recently celebrated its 35th  year and will bring its unique brand of spirit and competition to Alexandria, Minnesota in June of 2020. The Vikingland Festival is considered the largest and most prestigious marching band competition in the Midwest.  It has hosted more than 90 bands from the U.S and abroad and encourages friendly competition and camaraderie.

Virginia International Music Festival
April 28 – May 1, 2022

Each spring, Norfolk, Virginia welcomes military bands, massed pipes, and drums, drill teams, Celtic dancers and choirs from around the world to participate in the Virginia International Tattoo.

Tattoo is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival. It is a powerful presentation of sight and sound, with one person comparing it to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games! The performance is unmatched for its energy and patriotism and culminates in an international collaboration of showmanship that will leave you speechless.

High school marching bands are encouraged to join the excitement as part of the Norfolk NATO Festival Parade of Nations that kicks off Tattoo. Featuring more than 100 units representing each of the 29 NATO member nations, it’s the only parade in the U.S. that honors NATO. There is also a series of fun and fantastic events throughout the weekend.  These include a Drum Line Battle, American Pipe Band Championship and Hullabaloo. It truly makes you proud to be part of our international community and is something in which every band student should take part!

Read more about planning a trip to Tattoo and Virginia Beach

Six Flags Music Festivals
Locations and festival dates vary for 2022

The Six Flags Music Festival is a super way to end the performance year on a high note. Experienced educators provide constructive feedback to your students, reinforcing program goals and helping you set new ones.

However, performing at a Six Flags park is just part of the experience. Students will also enjoy the thrilling rides and incredible attractions for which Six Flags parks are renowned. It’s a fabulous way to motivate students and wrap up the year!

Check the Festival Finder for a participating location that works for you.

March is here and it’s time to plan. Music festivals offer incentives uniquely different from other performance opportunities. They’re instructional, fun and, well, festive! Whether you’re ending 2021 with pizzazz or planning for 2022, these are 4 great festivals for marching bands.

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