Reclassifications for 2026 Underway

Following an exhaustive review of the 2025 competitive results for all participating bands, USBands is in the process of providing recommendations to several schools to reclassify their competitive group to better serve in the development of the programs and students for the 2026 season.

Ginny Kraft, Director of Programming said in announcing the new classification recommendations, “Equity and the fair distribution of bands into the group and class that is best for their programs has always been at the forefront of all we do to support the directors and students throughout USBands.” Kraft continued, “By no means will all schools be reclassified, and USBands is only providing recommendations. The final decision remains the discretion of the band directors, staff, administration and parents as to the goals for competitive participation.”

USBands offers competition at three different levels: Regional A, A Class and Open Class. With the rapidly growing Regional A classification, there are many options for directors to align their program with other ensembles of like size and skill level and benefit from a more welcoming environment as USBands works towards its goal of meeting all schools “where they’re at” competitively, creatively and geographically.

For the first time in 2026, Regional A groups will also have all the benefits of competing in their class throughout all regular season and Championship events, including State Championship and the Regional A Championships in November.

Affected programs will be notified in advance of the registration opening in March and will have the opportunity to meet with USBands adjudicators, submit videos and share other insights regarding the change in classification.