MARCHING.COM: Applications released for 2011 Music For All National Festival

INDIANAPOLIS, April 14, 2010 — Music for All has released applications and audition packets for the 2011 Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha, to be held March 17-19, 2011, in Indianapolis, Indiana. High school and middle school concert bands, percussion ensembles and orchestras may apply, as well as youth orchestras. Individual high school-aged musicians also may apply for the 2011 Honor Band of America, Honor Orchestra of America or Jazz Band of America.

The Music for All National Festival is a national showcase of the finest instrumental scholastic music. Col. Arnald Gabriel, retired conductor and Commander of the United States Air Force Band, has called the Festival "the epitome of music festivals in America." The festival comprises the National Concert Band Festival, the Orchestra America National Festival, the Sandy Feldstein National Percussion Festival and the Middle School National Music Festival, as well as three national honor ensembles. Richard Clary will conduct the 2011 Honor Band of America and Larry J. Livingston will conduct the 2011 Honor Orchestra of America. The conductor of the Jazz Band of America will be announced later this spring.

In 2011, the Music for All National Festival will celebrate its 20th year, but its spirit has never strayed from the intent of several icons of music education who planned that first festival, including Dr. William D. Revelli. John P. Paynter, revered Director of Bands at Northwestern University, hosted the first two National Concert Band Festivals and was also instrumental in designing the event.

The non-competitive Music for All National Festival offers invited ensembles and honor ensemble musicians the opportunity to perform in concert in professional concert halls and receive evaluation from a panel of esteemed music educators, a post-concert clinic, student master classes, a motivational opening session, social events, a closing banquet, and audience time for students to enjoy outstanding music-making by ensembles from across the nation.

For more information or to download the application and audition packet, visit musicforall.org/programs/mfanf/. The deadline for school ensembles to submit their application and audition is June 14, 2010. Individual student musicians auditioning for a spot in an honor ensemble have until June 30, 2010 to submit their application and audition for an early bird discount or until Sept. 1, 2010 for the final application deadline. Honor ensemble audition recordings are due by Sept. 15.

Music for All (MFA) is one of the nation's largest and most influential organizations in support of active music-making. Headquartered in Indianapolis, MFA uniquely combines regional and national music-event programming with awareness campaigns and advocacy aimed at expanding access to music in schools and communities, including significant support of the IPS music education programs. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization, MFA's programs include 25-plus annual events, including the Music for All National Festival, the Music for All Summer Symposium, the Bands of America Grand National marching band championships and Regional marching band championships across the country. Learn more at www.musicforall.org.

Text and image courtesy of Music For All.

Copyright 2010 Marching.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published or redistributed without permission.

Recent Headlines: All-age corps prepare for 2010 DCA World Championships | Be a Fan on Facebook | Music For All Summer Symposium relocating to Ball State University

News Briefs

Applications released for 2011 Music For All National Festival