SEPT. 20 | BANDS OF AMERICA, MUSIC FOR ALL | MERGER
BOA, MFA Form
Advocacy Giant

On Sept. 14, Bands of America and the Music For All Foundation became one and the same, Music for All Inc. The large size of the new organization gives it more influence in the national music education arena, helping it better promote active music making in schools and beyond.

Bands of America (BOA) and its Orchestra America division have a 31-year heritage in providing educational experiences for instrumental music programs and their students, including the Grand National Championship of marching bands. The Music for All Foundation serves as a leading music and arts education research, public policy and advocacy organization.

The two organizations have merged their boards of directors to serve as the governing body of Music for All., with members of both organizations remaining active. Scott McCormick, formerly of Bands of America, will serve as president and CEO. Robert Morrison, formerly of Music for All Foundation, has become chairman emeritus and will serve as executive vice president of public affairs. Eric Martin will serve as executive vice president and chief operations officer.

“The mission and vision of both Bands of America and the Music for All Foundation were very much in sync, and the programs of both organizations will only serve to complement each other,” McCormick said. “Music for All’s ground-breaking advocacy efforts fit naturally with BOA’s position as the leading provider of musical events and educational activities.”

“The recognized strengths of both BOA and MFA are combined to position the new organization in achieving greater success as a leader in ensuring that music truly becomes available to all,” Morrison added. “Bands of America has a track record of producing best-of-class events that are passionately supported by students, parents, teachers and communities.”

All current Bands of America and Music for All activities will continue as planned. The new organization will also move toward expanding to activities that reach beyond the classroom. For example, the new organization has joined with NAMM to sponsor the New York premiere of the upcoming HBO documentary “The Music in Me” at Carnegie Hall on Oct. 6. (The movie debuts Oct. 7.)

musicforall.org, bands.org