Core Requirements (complete both)

1. Concert Band MPA Participation: Bands are required to participate in their District Concert Band MPA event with at least one ensemble and receive a rating of Superior (I) or Excellent (II). 

2. Summative Performances: A concert or event intended to showcase the culmination of learning from a rehearsal cycle. These performances are designed to be the final presentations of prepared musical pieces. A total of three (3) Summative Performances for middle school or four (4) Summative Performances for high school are required annually (including performance at Concert Band MPA). Examples of eligible Summative Performances include, but are not limited to, seasonal concerts (Fall, Winter, Spring), Marching Band performances or parades, NCBA/NCMEA regional events, and performances at university or local community events.

 

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Additional Participation Requirements (complete 3)

Active Opportunities Requirement: A concerted, program-wide effort to provide specific musical opportunities during the academic year. Bands are required to demonstrate active opportunities in at least THREE (3) of the following performance areas. Each area listed below includes examples of active opportunities, though these are not exhaustive. Opportunities may align with district/state offerings, university/local events, or school-based initiatives.

• Honor Bands. Examples:

  • Participate in All-County, All-District, or All-State events.

  • Engage in University Honor Bands or similar community musical events.

  • Undertake structured preparation for All-District/All-State auditions, emphasizing rigorous musical training at the school level.

• Jazz Band. Examples:

  • Participate in NCMEA Regional Jazz events or equivalent.

  • Engage in University Jazz events or similar local musical activities.

  • Maintain active school-level rehearsals and performances, fostering continuous musical development through the jazz music medium.

• Solo/Small Ensembles and/or Chamber Music. Examples:

  • Participate in District Solo/Ensemble MPA or similar events.

  • Engage in University Chamber Music events or comparable community performances.

  • Maintain active rehearsals and performances of solo or small/chamber ensembles at the school level, such as percussion ensembles, brass quartets, and woodwind trios. It can also include groups like musical pit orchestra, ethnic music ensembles, and electronic music ensembles.

• Pageantry Arts/Athletic Bands. Examples:

  • Participate in state NCBA-sanctioned Marching Band competitions or similar competitive events.

  • Engage in University Marching Band events or equivalent community gatherings.

  • Participate in Indoor Pageantry Arts circuits.

  • Maintain active participation in rehearsals and performances at school or community sporting events or parades.

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Additional Community Outreach/Advocacy Requirements (complete 2)

Documentation of Program Outreach and Advocacy: Each program must provide at least TWO (2) documented examples of how it extends music/music education opportunities into its community. This documentation helps illustrate the program's commitment to community engagement and educational outreach. The following are examples of community outreach and advocacy initiatives. These are intended to inspire, but not limit, the types of activities that can fulfill this requirement:

• Community Parade Participation: Involvement in local parades to showcase student talents and engage with the community.

• Joint School Concerts: Collaborative concerts with other schools or educational institutions.

• Student-Led Music Lesson Programs: Initiatives where students lead music lessons, demonstrating leadership and spreading musical education.

• Music Therapy Sessions: Conducting music therapy at local community centers or healthcare facilities to support wellbeing through music.

• Community Performances: Participation in significant community or sporting events to perform (ex. national anthem, etc.).

• Public Music Workshops: Hosting or participating in music workshops at local music stores or community centers to educate and engage the public.

• Instrument Donation Drives: Organizing drives to collect and donate musical instruments to underserved schools or communities affected by natural disasters.

• Educational Outreach/Recruitment Workshops: Conducting workshops and performances that aim to recruit new students and educate the community about the benefits of music education.

• Holiday Music Events: Organizing music events centered around holidays, offering festive performances to enhance community spirit.