About USBands

Contacts

Sean King
Executive Director
[email protected] | (610) 314-7464

Eric James
Director of Event Operations
[email protected] | (610) 320-2730

Ginny Kraft
Director of Programming | Ensemble Relations
[email protected] | (610) 379-2848

Eric Kitchenman
Adjudication Coordinator | Ensemble Relations
[email protected] | (610) 232-7562

David Marshall
Ensemble Relations
[email protected] | (401) 210-1501

Jaden Berry
Event Operations Manager
[email protected] | (240) 746-2469

Will Hulcher
Event Operations Manager
[email protected] | (610) 596-1092

Jason Howard
Texas Ensemble Relations
[email protected] | (325) 203-4163

Errick Prince
Traditional Showstyle Band Coordinator
[email protected]

Gary M. Bryant
Traditional Showstyle Band Advisor
[email protected] | (919) 364-4886

Mike Stone
Judge Coordinator
[email protected] | (925) 215-0566

Carl Nelson
HR Associate and Ensemble Relations
[email protected]

Shirley Dorritie
Director of Adjudication Philosophy
[email protected]

Frank Troyka
Senior Advisor for Educational Services
[email protected]

2026 Classification

Ensembles are assigned to classes based on the number of performers in the group:

2024 Fall

USBands National

I Regional A
I A Class 1-35 performers
I Open Class 1-35 performers
I Performance Class 1-35 performers
II Regional A
II A Class 36-49 performers
II Open Class 36-49 performers
II Performance Class 36-49 performers
III Regional A
III A Class 50-64 performers
III Open Class 50-64 performers
III Performance Class 50-64 performers
IV A Class 65-89 performers
IV Open Class 65-89 performers
IV Performance Class 65-89 performers
V A Class 90+ performers
V Open Class 90+ performers
V Performance Class 90+ performers

2024 Fall

USBands Texas & Southern Regions

Group I 1-59 performers
Group II 60-99 performers
Group III 100-139 performers
Group IV 140-170 performers
Group V 171+ performers
World Class World Class World Class

2024 Fall

STATS

Group 1
Group 2
Group 3

2025

2025 Season

Test Class Group 2025 Divison

USBands

Since its first event in 1988, USBands has supported the development of scholastic performing ensembles through exceptional service, high quality adjudication and world class venues. Over the past 35 years, USBands has expanded to include thousands of bands in 150+ marching band, indoor and concert band events nationwide.

Our guiding principle is to provide ensembles, regardless of style, size and experience, an opportunity to be successful while allowing students to benefit from their involvement with scholastic music. The rules that govern USBands events are minimal by design. USBands prides itself on a user-friendly approach to support and service, in which directors and performers can fully enjoy the performance process without the concern of overly punitive rules and penalties.

Fall Marching

In October of 1988, The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps hosted a marching band competition at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Reactions to that event were overwhelmingly positive and numerous requests were received to expand upon the offerings. In response to those requests and with the cooperation, input, and support of NY-NJ-CT tri-state area band directors and instructors, the Cadets Marching Band Cooperative (CMBC) was formed.

As the organization's footprint grew beyond the tri-state region, the US Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) debuted in 1997 to provide all students more opportunities to perform while representing their high schools and local communities coast-to-coast.

In recent years, the moniker USBands was introduced to encompass the wide variety of National, State, Regional and local events featuring performances by ensembles in over 25 different states throughout the country.

In addition to being the largest competitive service in the nation, USBands continues to pride itself on three pillars of excellence. It is our goal to provide all participating members with excellent and educational adjudication, outstanding customer service, and access to the best venues.

Winter Indoor

USBands Indoor began in the winter of 2010, with several events strategically placed around the Northeast.

Disciplines include marching, standstill and concert percussion ensembles, as well as color guard programs. In addition to the many high school programs who participate in the winter season, ensembles from middle and elementary schools are more than welcome. Primarily focused on growing scholastic units, in 2012 USBands expanded to allow independent units to perform and compete in the circuit.

Celebrating its thrithteenth season in 2023, USBands Indoor continues to pride itself on serving our participating schools year round, including color guard and percussion ensembles of all levels.

USBands Indoor programs strive to provide the same excellent experiences as we do in the fall. It is our goal to provide all participating members with access to quality venues, educational evaluation and the highest level of customer service.