NFHS Announces Corporate Partnership with USBands

The NFHS has announced a three-year corporate partnership with USBands as a founding member of the NFHS Performing Arts Corporate Partner Program. USBands is the largest scholastic music service organization in the nation, committed to the service of educators in the areas of development and growth of music programs, excellence of adjudication, elevation of live events, and enhancement of students’ experiences.

Through the new partnership, USBands will be working closely with the NFHS on several initiatives including marching band standards and adjudicator training, performer safety, health and wellness guidelines and future growth strategies for scholastic music participation.

Since 1988, USBands has been committed to providing opportunities for ensembles of all styles, sizes, and experience levels to ensure every ensemble benefits from participation and is acknowledged for accomplishments commensurate with their level of achievement.

“The NFHS welcomes USBands to its Performing Arts Corporate Partner Program and looks forward to a long partnership growing school music programs and opportunities for music students nationwide,” NFHS CEO Dr. Karissa Niehoff said. “With a focus on risk minimization, health and wellness within marching bands, the two organizations share a philosophy that will mutually benefit both.”

Collaboration included USBands Executive Director Sean King appearing on a recent episode of the NFHS performing arts podcast, The Stage.

“The goal for USBands is to meet music programs where they are developmentally, creatively and geographically,” King said. “The new alliance with the NFHS will provide USBands with a platform to engage in the development of music programs across the country in support of both organizations’ missions. The USBands approach of consistent and actionable assessment at user- friendly events is in alignment with the goals of the NFHS and creates a strong foundation for our future collaboration. We view our role, alongside the NFHS, to serve the music education community with qualified adjudicators providing the commentary they seek as they take their program to the next level for their school and their community. This new partnership allows us to work hand-in-hand with the leaders in the scholastic performing arts activity as we create innovative opportunities for music education nationwide.”