2027 U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition
Offered by United States Marine Band and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
About this scholarship
The 2027 U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition is a national scholarship and performance opportunity for high school woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians. The first-place musician receives $2,500 and performs as a guest soloist with “The President's Own” United States Marine Band on April 11, 2027; second and third place receive $1,000 and $500. Applicants must select one piece from the official repertoire list and submit an unedited performance accompanied by piano, band, or orchestra. The recording must be uploaded to YouTube, where it may be unlisted, and its link must be included in the online application form. Finalists are notified by January 1 and compete at Marine Barracks Washington on February 20. Final-round participants pay their own travel and lodging, although the Marine Band supplies a pianist if needed. For the winner's April performance, travel and lodging are provided for the student and one guardian. The 2027 cycle is limited to grades 9–12 woodwind, brass, and percussion players; strings, piano, and harp are not eligible this year. All materials are due November 15, 2026.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 during the 2026–2027 academic year
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
- Perform an eligible woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument
- Not be a previous winner of the U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition
- Not be an immediate family member of a current or former U.S. Marine Band member
- Choose one work from the official 2027 repertoire list
- Submit one unedited, accompanied performance as a YouTube link with the online form
- Submit every application component by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time