COVID-19 Update for October

Given the current circumstances regarding COVID-19, USBands is making two important announcements to provide a healthy and safe environment for all student-performers, educators, adjudicators, staff, volunteers, and guests to participate in USBands events during the upcoming 2021 fall marching band season.

As of October 1, 2021 there have not been any significant changes to the COVID-19 plan and policy as released on August 3, 2021. USBands will continue to monitor the situation in each and every location where n event is being hosted and will report timely information via the USBands.org website, email and social media channels.

Vaccine Policy

USBands has instituted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for the 2021 fall marching band season for all adjudicators, event staff, and employees. 

After significant consideration for all stakeholders, USBands determined to provide a clear policy that underscores the organization’s commitment to health and safety, while acknowledging the policies and guidelines of hundreds of school administrations and venues where USBands events are held as well as the local, county, state and federal guidelines which are in place.

While the vaccine policy addresses those individuals working on behalf of USBands, the participating schools, event hosts, independent venues, and volunteers all have policies and guidelines as adopted by school administrations, school boards, local or state regulations. USBands will adhere to these policies as outlined below.

Virtual USBands Alternative for 2021

USBands announces the addition of a v-USBands virtual season on FloMarching from September through November in conjunction with the schedule of in-person events being held in 10 states during the same time period. 

Most communities will proceed with a near-normal return to in-person events, however, in those areas where activities or travel might be curtailed, v-USBands will offer the premiere virtual opportunity for students to perform and receive feedback from qualified adjudicators from across the country on a weekly basis. 

While the main focus of our planning remains on the facilitation of high quality and safe events this fall, v-USBands provides a virtual alternative to band directors through a platform on FloMarching that served nearly 250 programs during both the 2020 fall marching band season and the 2021 winter indoor season. This proven track record provides the confidence and support programs demand to assist in their development even in the most uncertain and challenging situations.

Registration for v-USBands opens on September 7.

COVID-19 Policies for Bands, Events, Venues, and Volunteers

Participating Schools

With regards to participating high school and collegiate bands, USBands will be respectful to the guidelines of the school district and college or university in regards to masking guidelines and other health and safety policies which have been authorized by superintendents, principals, administrations, and school boards in each of the schools and communities.

Events

As for hosted events, USBands will be following the guidelines and policies of the campus on which the event is being held. USBands will be working closely with all hosts to provide the latest information and sharing that guidance with the visiting bands and spectators in a timely manner to ensure everyone in attendance can participate in accordance with the current conditions in the event site.

Venues

USBands events which are held in independent municipal, collegiate, or professional stadiums will adhere to the rules and policies of these facilities and USBands will share links to these policies in a timely manner.

Volunteers

Individual volunteers for USBands events will be required to comply with the BDPA policy regarding vaccination for COVID-19. Those volunteers who are part of a school-based or booster organization will follow the guidelines adopted by their school administration or local, county, or state authorities.

USBands will continue to monitor the data and information provided along with recommendations set forth by the CDC as well as local and state health officials to keep participants informed of any amendments to our plan. More information will be shared in the weeks to come, but please reach out to marching@usbands.org if you have any questions.