Investment in 2020 sets the foundation for year-round participation in the pageantry arts
During these uncertain times, the continuation and relevance of scholastic music is more important than ever. BD Performing Arts (BDPA) and USBands have announced a significant investment in the future of the marching arts, through the end of 2020 and beyond, to provide rewarding and fulfilling experiences for talented young people in the activity.
The creation of this new nationwide music network is the first step toward serving educators and students year-round while preserving the educational community’s standards, traditions and culture in each region. Through this ground-breaking arrangement, BDPA now adds the management and operation of USBands to its existing roster of scholastic marching arts groups, national educational events, and the Western Band Association.
“We’re investing in the pageantry arts today by providing world class services for 2020 and looking ahead to an exciting future of growth and expansion for the activity,” said Shaun Gallant, CEO of BDPA. “We understand the importance of music education in the development of young people, and now more than ever are committed to providing top quality experiences and education for student performers across the country.”
USBands will remain under the leadership of Executive Director, Sean King, with Eric Kitchenman and Virginia Kraft serving in the areas of adjudicator and ensemble relations. Members of the BDPA team will provide vital administrative assistance with events and innovative technology solutions, and USBands operations will rely upon an active Advisory Board led by volunteers with decades of experience including Matt Chamberlin, Jon Swengler and Kevin White. Additional members of the USBands Advisory Board will be announced shortly, and will represent educators, academia, adjudicators, parents, and students. Separate Task Forces and Steering Committees for each of the USBands stakeholder groups will be established this fall.
"Our vision has been to develop a network for the pageantry arts that creates an environment of excellence and inclusiveness,” said Sean King, Executive Director of USBands. “Building upon three decades of commitment to our participating schools and students, this investment is the realization of that vision having found a like-minded partner in BDPA that also shares in that goal.”
USBands will continue to be sponsored by their trusted and loyal partners including the Yamaha Corporation of America, DeMoulin Bros. & Co., Zildjian & Vic Firth, Remo Inc., the BAND Mobile App, FloMarching and PepWear.
For more information on USBands and the new nationwide pageantry arts network, please visit usbands.org or follow USBands on social media at facebook.com/usbands.