About USBands
Supporting scholastic performing ensembles through exceptional service, high quality adjudication, and world class venues since 1988.
2026 Classification
Ensembles are assigned to classes based on the number of performers in the group
Regional A
- Designed to provide a platform geared toward the Introductory to Fundamental level of performance.
- Bands with limited time, financial resources and experience benefit from structured events and interaction with similar type programs.
- For the band that wants a low stress and high impact, educationally-sound environment and to receive positive commentary to build skills and spirit among the students.
- Ideal for bands that want to perform only a few times each year, yet benefit from goal setting and achievement with a sense of pride and community.
- The discovery of entry-level achievement principles and skills that serve as a foundation for future growth.
- Fundamental to basic achievement as individual skills dominate, with beginning awareness of the basic roles with the ensemble.
- Entry-level skills and qualities that allow the performers to discover a positive introductory competitive experience.
- Fundamental - basic skills & qualities with variety limited to this scope.
A Class
- Providing commentary and evaluation for performers and performances ranging from Fundamental through Intermediate levels.
- A Class currently represents the largest segment of competitive ensembles participating in USBands.
- The A Class features ensembles which are on an upwards trajectory in the competitive continuum, along with those groups who have represented consistent levels of performance over a period of time.
Open Class
- Open Class bands are among the most accomplished ensemble in USBands, performing at the highest levels, with skills and achievement ranging from Intermediate through Advanced.
- Open Class ensembles benefit from a legacy of high achievement with support and resources that provide them the opportunity to compete against the top performing groups in their region.
USBands National
- College/University 1-450 performers
- I Regional A 1-34 performers
- I A 1-34 performers
- I Open 1-44 performers
- II Regional A 35-44 performers
- II A 35-44 performers
- II Open 45-64 performers
- III Regional A 45-59 performers
- III A 45-59 performers
- III Open 65-84 performers
- IV Regional A 60-89 performers
- IV A 60-89 performers
- IV Open 85-100 performers
- V Regional A 90-350 performers
- V A 90-350 performers
- V Open 101-350 performers
USBands Texas & Southern Regions
- Group I 1-69 performers
- Group II 70-99 performers
- Group III 100-129 performers
- Group IV 130-169 performers
- Group V 170-350 performers
C.G. Conn Invitational
- Open A 1-250 performers
- Open B 1-250 performers
- Open C 1-250 performers
- Open D 1-250 performers
- Scholastic A 1-250 performers
- Scholastic B 1-250 performers
- Scholastic C 1-250 performers
- Scholastic D 1-250 performers
Our Team
Connect with our dedicated team of professionals
Our History
From a single event to the nation's largest competitive service
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 fifteenth season in 2025, 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.
Get In Touch
For general information about USBands, please contact:
[email protected] |
(925) 689-2918