v-USBands Update Aug. 14

Preparations continue for v-USBands Virtual Performance to be the exclusive platform for the upcoming fall marching band season. We’ve received inquiries from over 200 schools as of August 14 with more arriving each day. 

Participation Guide

We are currently finalizing the v-USBands Participation Guide outlining the basics of the program and to serve as a handbook for schools. A reminder, that the Guide will be a living document and will be revised in real time throughout the season with each new iteration posted on the USBands website and emailed to you. Watch for the release of the initial Participation Guide in the next several days.

Registration for v-USBands will begin on or about August 24 and will remain open throughout the fall. Weekly registration will close one week in advance of the Video Submission Deadline which will be each Tuesday at 12:00 Noon ET.

FAQs

We have been receiving numerous inquiries each day and one question that has been asked more than any other is whether bands are able to submit more than one video per week. The answer is a resounding YES!

We are excited by the level of creativity being shown by the directors and staff and do not want to limit the ways they are engaging their students. Here are just a few examples that have been shared with us:

• Segmenting a 120+ member band into five different groups based on rehearsal time and space limitations: (3) Winds groups, Mixed Percussion Ensemble and Color Guard.

• Separate video submissions of the same program. One video as a single camera shot for marching band assessment and a second video with editing, close-ups and special effects to be submitted for Creative Class

• Distance learning schools that are submitting individual videos for their students and a separate edited video creating a Zoom ensemble for the Creative Class.

We’ve created a brief sheet of talking points for band directors to advocate for their music programs and specifically participation in v-USBands with principals, administrations and parents. You can download the document here: Virtual Band Advocacy document 

Watch for the v-USBands 2020 Participation Guide to be posted in the next few days and for Registration to open up shortly thereafter.

In the meantime, please contact us with any questions or feedback you may have at marching@usbands.org.