Marine Band’s 2026 Concerto Competition for High School Musicians, US

Washington, D.C, US

Deadline: November 15th, 2025

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, is pleased to announce its Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is now open. 

Competition is open to high school musicians (grades 9-12) enrolled during the 2025-2026 academic year.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents

Instruments:

String, piano and harp players

*Att!!!/ 2027 Instruments: Woodwind, brass and percussion players

Schedule:

January 1st, 2026: Finalists are notified on or before this date.

February 13th, 2026: Selected finalists rehearse with accompanist and have a coaching session with a member of “The President’s Own.”

February 14th, 2026: The final round/ John Philip Sousa Band Hall at Marine Barracks Annex in Washington, D.C. and live streamed at http://www.youtube.com/usmarineband. The competition winner is announced and scholarships are presented.

April 19th, 2026: The competition winner returns to Washington, D.C., to perform his or her solo selection in concert with the Marine Band. The winner will have ample rehearsal time with the ensemble as well as a sound check in the performance space. Travel and lodging for this performance will be provided for the winner and one guardian.

Prizes:

The winner will appear as a guest soloist with the Marine Band during the 2026 concert season and receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

2nd and 3rd Place Winners will receive $1,000 and $500 scholarships respectively.