Regional marching band competition coming to Midland

High school marching bands from across the region are preparing to take the field this weekend at the 2025 Bands of America (BOA) West Texas Regional Championship, presented by Yamaha.

The competition will take place Saturday, Oct. 11, at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, featuring 19 high school marching bands from Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The event is part of the nationally acclaimed Bands of America Championship series, considered the premier showcase for high school marching excellence in the U.S. BOA events, produced by the nonprofit Music for All, celebrate musical achievement, artistry, and pageantry in a competitive setting.

Gates will open to spectators at 9:45 a.m., with preliminary performances beginning at 10:15 a.m. A panel of nationally recognized music educators and marching experts will evaluate the ensembles on musicality, visual performance and overall effect.

Following the preliminary round, the top 12 scoring bands will advance to the evening finals, where the regional champion will be crowned. Finals gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the first finalist band performing at 7:30 p.m. All times are subject to change, and attendees are encouraged to check marching.musicforall.org for the latest schedule updates.

The Midland regional is one of 29 Bands of America Championships held across the country this fall. The season will culminate at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, taking place Nov. 13–15 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This year also marks a milestone witih Music for All celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“Since 1975, Bands of America has given hundreds of thousands of young performers a stage to grow and express themselves,” said Rachel Puckett, promotions senior coordinator for Music for All. “This anniversary year honors every student, educator, and supporter who has helped shape the marching arts.”

All tickets for the event are digital only, and the stadium will operate cashless throughout the day. Fans can purchase tickets in advance at marching.musicforall.org, where full-day passes, finals-only tickets, and group rates for students are available. Children 10 and under receive free general admission.

Attendees can also review stadium policies and parking details on the event website.

Music for All, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aims to create and expand positively life-changing experiences through music. Its programs — including the Bands of America Championships, the Music for All National Festival, and the Summer Symposium — reach more than 600,000 people annually, with more than 1.7 million participants since its founding.

Music for All’s presenting sponsor is Yamaha Corporation of America, joined by partners including Sweetwater, Fred J. Miller, Inc., Music Travel Consultants, PepWear, Ball State University, and others.

For more information, visit musicforall.org or follow @musicforallnetwork and @bandsofamerica on Facebook, @officialmusicforall on Instagram and TikTok.