USA Scholarships
Marine Band Concerto Competition 2027 - $2,500
The Marine Band Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is run by "The President''s Own" United States Marine Band with scholarship support from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. High school woodwind, brass, and percussion players in grades 9-12 submit a YouTube performance of one piece from the official repertoire list and complete an online application. The winner performs with the Marine Band during the concert season and receives a $2,500 scholarship; second and third place receive $1,000 and $500. Finalists travel to Washington, D.C. for a live final round. For the 2027 competition cycle, expect application materials around mid-November 2026 on the same schedule the band has used in recent years.
What is the Marine Band Concerto Competition?
The Marine Band Concerto Competition is one of the highest-profile stages a U.S. high school instrumentalist can reach without already holding a professional chair. "The President''s Own" United States Marine Band runs the contest with scholarship support from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, so the prize money comes with a real performance, not just a certificate in the mail.
Your first hurdle is the recording. You pick one piece from the official repertoire list, post a YouTube video, and attach that link to the online application. No link, no submission. The band uses the video to choose finalists who then travel to Washington, D.C., play the same selection live, and work with Marine Band musicians in rehearsal. Memorization is optional; musical preparation is not.
Prizes stack in a clear order. First place earns a $2,500 scholarship and a return trip to solo with the full Marine Band, with travel covered for you and a guardian. Second and third places take $1,000 and $500 scholarships. Even finalists who do not win still get the experience of performing in the Sousa Band Hall and streaming on the band''s YouTube channel.
Instrument eligibility rotates. Woodwind, brass, and percussion players target the cycle that leads into the 2027 competition, while piano, harp, and string years follow a separate calendar the band announces online. Citizenship rules are strict: U.S. citizens or permanent residents only, and past winners or Marine Band family members cannot re-enter. Check marineband.marines.mil each fall for the exact November deadline before you commit to a repertoire list that might change year to year.
Eligibility
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✓High school grades 9-12The competition is open to high school musicians enrolled in grades 9-12 during the academic year of the competition cycle. You must meet the grade and enrollment rules published on the official Marine Band page for your year.
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✓Woodwind, brass, or percussionFor the 2027 cycle, woodwind, brass, and percussion players are eligible. The Marine Band rotates instrument families in some years; piano, harp, and string cycles follow a separate schedule announced on the official site.
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✓U.S. citizen or permanent residentAll applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. International students without permanent resident status are not eligible under the published rules.
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✓Not a prior winner or band family memberPrevious competition winners and immediate family members of current or former U.S. Marine Band members are not eligible. Read the exclusion list on the live page before you record your audition.
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✓One repertoire selection on videoYou must perform one work from the official repertoire list for your instrument category. Recordings must be submitted as a YouTube link; the online form cannot be completed without a valid video URL.
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✓Complete online applicationIn addition to the recording, you must submit all required fields on the Marine Band online application form by the published deadline for your cycle.
Benefits
- First place scholarship $2,500 from Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
- Guest soloist performance Concert with the U.S. Marine Band
- Second place scholarship $1,000
- Third place scholarship $500
- Finalist travel Travel and lodging for D.C. final round
- Winner travel for concert Travel and lodging for winner and one guardian
- Coaching and rehearsal Finalists coached by Marine Band members
- College tuition beyond scholarships Not covered
Document checklist
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✓YouTube performance recordingRecord one selection from the official repertoire list. Video may show only your hands or instrument if you prefer. Post to YouTube and paste the link into the application; the form will not submit without it.
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✓Online application formComplete every required field on the Marine Band Concerto Competition application on marineband.marines.mil. Confirm instrument category and repertoire choice match the current list.
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✓Repertoire list confirmationDownload or print the live repertoire list for your instrument and cycle. Performing an unlisted piece can disqualify your entry even if the playing quality is strong.
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✓Parent or guardian contact informationFinalists and the winner travel to Washington, D.C. Travel and lodging for finalists and for the winner plus one guardian are provided per program rules. Accurate guardian contact data matters for scheduling.
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✓School enrollment verificationBe ready to confirm grade level and high school enrollment for the competition academic year if the application requests it.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Marine Band Concerto Competition for High School Musicians?
It is a nationwide competition hosted by the United States Marine Band with scholarship prizes from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. High school musicians submit a recorded performance and application; finalists compete in Washington, D.C., and the winner performs as guest soloist with the Marine Band plus receives a $2,500 scholarship.
Who can enter the Marine Band Concerto Competition?
Eligible entrants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in high school grades 9-12 during the competition academic year, playing an instrument category listed for that cycle. Previous winners and immediate family of current or former Marine Band members cannot apply.
How much can you win in the Marine Band Concerto Competition?
The first-place winner receives a $2,500 scholarship and a guest soloist appearance with the Marine Band. Second place receives $1,000 and third place receives $500 according to the published prize structure. Finalists also receive travel and lodging support for the Washington, D.C. final round.
When is the Marine Band Concerto Competition application due?
Recent cycles required all materials by mid-November, with finalist notice by early January and finals in February. For the 2027 wind, brass, and percussion competition, expect a mid-November 2026 deadline unless the Marine Band posts a different date. Always confirm on the official Concerto Competition page.
What instruments are eligible for the 2027 Marine Band Concerto Competition?
The Marine Band alternates emphasis among instrument families. Woodwind, brass, and percussion players apply on the schedule leading to the 2027 competition, while piano, harp, and string cycles follow separate years announced on the official site. Read the current eligibility blurb before you choose repertoire.
How do you submit a Marine Band Concerto Competition audition?
You must post a performance video to YouTube and complete the online application form with the video link. The form cannot be submitted without a valid YouTube URL. Perform exactly one work from the official repertoire list for your instrument.
Do finalists perform live with the Marine Band?
Yes. Finalists travel to Washington, D.C., perform the same selection submitted on video, and may receive coaching from Marine Band members. The winner is invited back to perform with the full ensemble, with travel and lodging provided for the winner and one guardian.
Is memorization required for the Marine Band Concerto Competition?
Published rules state that memorization is not required. Focus on musical quality, accuracy, and meeting the repertoire and recording requirements instead of memorizing for its own sake.
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