Important Update

Below is a statement from Executive Secretary Jim Jones regarding this years retreat and contests:

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​Dear Fellow Military Marching Band Director,
 
I hope this email finds you excited to start one of the most unique years in the history of education. Social distancing, face mask required, wash your hands frequently and Covid 19, are several phrases that we never used in 2019. Welcome to 2020 and a new way to do marching band.
 
After a great deal of consideration by the Executive Committee, we are canceling the annual NAMMB retreat. We had reserved the pavilion at Lake Murvaul and they have agreed to move the reservation to next year’s date, Aug 21, 2021. Please help us spread the word of the cancellation.
 
The UIL State Military Marching contest is set (at this time) for December 9, 2020 (UPDATED 9/29).  The Star venue that was discussed was abandoned when the final contract stated the cost of $63,000.00. NAMMB would put down $35,000.00 at the signing of the contract and pay the balance at the completion of the competition. With a beginning balance of $43,000.00, a down payment of $35,000.00, questionable ticket sales due to the Covid 19 virus, and a $35,000.00 down payment for the next year at the Star, it was not financially feasible at this time. The Executive Committee chose to go with another venue for this year and possibly next year. I am currently in the process of securing a site. Stephen F. Austin will not be able to commit to hosting an event on that date, or any date in the fall semester at this time. I have checked with a couple of large high schools, but have not secured a venue at this time. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch with me.
 
The Pre UIL contest is tentatively scheduled for November 7, 2020 at Carthage High School with an additional options. You may choose performance with a clinician working your band after your performance, clinician and judging (top three places in each classification) or no clinician and no judging, exhibition only. Additional information will follow as time gets closer.
 
The $1,000.00 NAMMB scholarship winners for this year are: Hope Ratley – Carthage, Molly Rudd – New Diana, and Brayden Todd Loosier – Henderson. Congratulations to these fine musicians.
 
Be sure you go to the NAMMB web site to get your membership and read additional information as it materializes. It is imperative that we secure your membership and your staff memberships, so that we might built up our funds for a stellar venue in the future.
 
 
Jim Jones
Exec. Sec.
NAMMB