Marching.com News Briefs

Is your high school marching band rockin' enough for MTV? The television network is casting a new show which will chronicle the inner workings and outside lives of a high school marching band. Interested groups should inquire to begin the application process. Full story >>

A new book offers a rare opportunity for band directors to learn techniques that were used in one of America's most successful marching band programs. In The Dynamic Marching Band, Wayne Markworth draws on 35 years as director of bands at Centerville H.S. in Ohio to create a how-to manual covering a broad range of topics related to preparing a marching band. Full story >>

Music For All has created the Patrick John Hughes Parent/Booster Award to annually recognize extraordinary support, involvement and contributions of music parents and boosters. Patrick John Hughes is the father of Patrick Henry Hughes, a remarkable young man who participates in marching band even though he was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs. Full story >>

Author Courtney Brandt has published The Line, the first book in her series of young-adult novels. Brandt hopes the books will shed more light on the marching band experience. Full story >>

The Portland Rose Festival's 2007 Centennial Celebration won the coveted Grand Pinnacle Award at the annual International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) conference industry awards ceremony. Full story >>

High school band and auxiliary members can apply to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade as part of the Bands of America Honor Band. The 300-piece national parade and field show band will be directed by George N. Parks, Director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band, and an all-star staff. The student application deadline is February 1, 2008. Full story >>

Musical instrument manufacturers have joined together to create the 2008 New Gear Charity Auction benefiting Music for All. The auction on eBay will run January 17-27, 2008, and will feature more than 40 items valued at $75,000. Full story >>

Next year the BOA Grand National Championships will move from Indianapolis' RCA Dome to the new Lucas Oil Stadium. On November 17 marching band alumni are invited to take a "last trip" through the RCA Dome's famous airlock. Full story >>

Before you head to a marching contest in Southern California on October 27, check with organizers to determine whether the event has been affected by the fires in the region. Full story >>

The Band Shoppe has announced a search for models to appear in the 2008 Band Shoppe catalog. Full story >>