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RURAL ALL-STAR BAND

2026 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade

The following programs have been accepted to the

Rural All-State Band:

Barrow Whaler Band - Barrow High School - Utqiaġvik, Alaska
The Rebel Regiment - Berrien High School - Nashville, Georgia
The Pride of Floyd County - Floyd County High School - Floyd, Virginia
The Blue Regiment - Jemison High School - Jemison, Alabama
The SoundTribe - Vidalia High School - Vidalia, Georgia​

The Rural Band Director Alliance in partnership with Group Travel Network are excited to announce the Rural All-Star Band for the 2026 Thanksgiving Day parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! The mass band will consist of multiple rural bands from around the country. We hope that you will consider joining us for this amazing opportunity!

What You Need to Know:

Who is eligible to apply?

Any rural high school band in the United States with a minimum of 10 students participating. Bands must apply as a unit. Bands with less than 10 students and/or individual band members are not eligible to apply. The RBDA Executive Committee will select the participating bands.

How will travel arrangements work?

A base package for the trip will be offered through Group Travel Network (GTN). All participating groups must purchase the base package from GTN and may choose to make their own travel arrangements to and from Philadelphia either on their own or through GTN. Please see package details below.

What is the application process?

Directors will complete and submit the Google Form and signed agreement by the application deadline. The application includes school and band program information as well as a space to include links to past performances. Please see application for more details.

When are applications due?

June 1, 2025

When will the participating bands be announced?

Summer 2025

Other Information:

  • If accepted, you agree to follow and abide by all Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade rules and regulations.

  • By submitting an application, you consent to receive electronic communication from the Rural Band Director Alliance and Group Travel Network. We never sell or share your personal information.

  • By submitting an application, it is understood that if accepted, the initial deposit for the trip is due September 1, 2025.

  • All participating bands must be accompanied by a director.

  • All students participating in the trip must be in 8th - 12th grade in the 2026-2027 school year.

  • Parade music will be distributed to participating bands in summer 2026. Performers are required to have music memorized upon arrival. The use of flip folders will not be permitted.

  • Auxiliary routines will be sent to participating bands in summer 2026. Performers should have the routine memorized and precise upon arrival.

  • Drumline will be limited to the following instruments: snare, tenor/quad drums, bass drums, and crash cymbals. Any students who typically play mallet or auxiliary percussion will need to march one of the aforementioned instruments. Each participating band is limited to 5 bass drums.

Questions

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