US Marine Band 2027 Concerto Competition: $2,500 Scholarship for American High-School Winds and Percussion
A clear citizenship restriction and instrument rotation
The President's Own United States Marine Band and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation are accepting applications for the 2027 Concerto Competition for High School Musicians until 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Time. Eligible entrants must be in US grades 9–12 during the 2026–27 academic year and be US citizens or lawful permanent residents. Only woodwind, brass and percussion performers are eligible in this cycle: string, harp and piano applicants must wait for the alternating 2028 competition.
One required solo and an unedited recording
Entrants select one approved work from the official instrument-by-instrument repertoire list. For example, the programme includes Chaminade's Concertino for flute, Mozart's clarinet or bassoon concertos and specified marimba repertoire. Each applicant submits an unedited YouTube performance with piano, band or orchestral accompaniment. The video may be unlisted. The organisers state that memorisation is not required, and recordings outside the prescribed repertoire list will not be accepted.
Three scholarships and live events in Washington
The first-place award is a $2,500 scholarship plus a performance with the Marine Band in Washington, DC on 11 April 2027. Second and third prizes are $1,000 and $500. Selected finalists are expected to rehearse on 19 February and perform at Marine Barracks Washington on 20 February 2027. The winner's travel and accommodation for the April engagement, plus those of one guardian, are provided; this does not mean all applicants' preliminary travel is reimbursed.
Authenticity and application route
The President's Own is the US Marine Band, a professional military musical organisation with a long history and a public education programme. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation co-sponsors these scholarships and hosts a dedicated competition description. Students and their families should confirm the approved solo score, immigration status, video integrity and final travel rules on official pages before submitting personal information.
Official call, rules and application
Information reviewed on 23 October 2026. Always confirm current eligibility, deadline and time zone, costs, recording requirements and licence/contract conditions on the organiser's site before submitting or paying.