New Regional A Classification for Developing Bands

In a commitment to fostering a more inclusive participatory environment for marching bands of all levels of achievement, USBands introduces a new Regional A Classification beginning with the 2024 season. Regional A Class supports developing and emerging bands in their journey to reaching their educational and participatory goals.

The Regional A Class designation is one component of a new USBands Next Generation strategy that will serve as the foundation for measured growth and engagement for USBands over the next several years. The introduction of the Regional A Class will not affect the vast majority of current participating bands or the current competitive environment, but affords the opportunity for new ensembles to USBands to participate at local events in a meaningful and productive way.

Sean King, Executive Director said in announcing the new Regional A format, “We have heard too many times from bands across the country, ‘Someday we'll be good enough to participate in USBands.’ It's time for us to meet these bands where they are today, and provide opportunities for their students to have an elevated experience that provides them a pathway to success.” 

King continued, “We’ve identified dozens of bands who wish to participate in USBands, but due to misperceptions or other limitations have been unable to do so. With the creation of the Regional A class, we open the doors to all programs to be a part of the USBands community and for students, parents and music education to benefit at every school.”

The new Regional A Class is designed to be Budget Friendly to bands with fee-free participation and Schedule Friendly with invitations to perform at convenient locations. Meanwhile, the overall approach is Program Friendly with competition between units of like size and skill levels.

The long-established Open and A Classes have served programs with intermediate and advanced skills since USBands inception. With the creation of the Regional A class, USBands provides a third level of participation and assessment for developing programs. The Regional A Class will be focused primarily on bands by measuring their achievement and offering support in each ensemble’s emerging fundamental skill sets.

“We understand there is another strata of bands that perform at a different level than USBands’ current A Class,” said Ginny Kraft, Director of Programming for USBands. “By creating the Regional A Class, we allow these bands to succeed and achieve at levels where time, financial or educational resources are limited, but educators want to provide the same measurable platform as higher-achieving ensembles are currently afforded.”

Current USBand A Class bands who believe the Regional A Class is a better fit for where their program is at this time can select Regional A when they are registering for their 2024 schedule. If directors are uncertain if they qualify as an A Class or Regional A Class program, they can contact their Ensemble Relations representative who will be able to guide them through the designation.

The Performance and Exhibition groups will continue to provide ensembles with commentary and general ratings, but without rankings for those programs that wish to perform only in those non-competitive circumstances.

The introduction of the Regional A level is part of a three year program which will eventually include the incorporation into Regional and State events competitions, however for the near future the plans call for participation solely at local contests throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions.

USBands local hosts will also benefit from this new level of competition as many new groups will be encouraged to attend events leading to higher participation levels and potential fundraising profitability. 

For more information on the Regional A Class, directors are encouraged to contact their Ensemble Relations Representative to discuss opportunities for the 2024 season.

Registration for the 2024 season will begin on March 1 for Member Schools, with open registration beginning on March 4.