WAMSB International News

West Chester University to Host International Marching Band Championships as Part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2026

West Chester University to Host International Marching Band Championships as Part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

West Chester, PA — As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, West Chester University (WCU) will host an extraordinary international celebration of music, pageantry, and competition when the World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) brings its 250th USA Championships to WCU’s John A. Farrell Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The event will feature marching bands from around the world, including representatives from Italy, Germany, Sweden, England, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Wisconsin, in a rare international competition that organizers describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a historic first for the region. Farrell Stadium is located at 855 S New Street, West Chester, PA 19383. For event schedule and ticket information visit  https://vivaceproductions.com/wamsb2026/. Tickets are expected to sell out.

Full Details: WC-Phil WAMSB 2026 Reelease May 11
CONTACT:
Christine Kozsuch
Associate Director, Communications
University Communications & Marketing
267-257-5866 (cell)

2028 WAMSB World Championships Announced!

<For immediate release>

Today at the Annual General Meeting of the World Association of Marching Showbands, the 2028 WAMSB World Championships were awarded to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the host organization of Malaysia Association of Marching Arts.

“We congratulate Malaysia on their successful hosting bid – and thank all the other applicants from many nations and cities for their excellent applications.   We are excited to return to Kuala Lumpur in 2028, which will mark 12 years since the Championships were last held here.  We know the good people in the Malaysia Association of Marching Arts will ensure a very successful event for all the participants and audience members.” said WAMSB International President & CEO, Mr. Chris Herard.

Applications for 2029 and 2030 are now open.  

WAMSB holds dozens of events, workshops and performances each year in over 30 nations.  ”The World Championships are the culmination of all WAMSB events, giving bands from around the world the chance to travel, meet, learn and compete at a world class celebration of the marching arts.  It is truly special” added Mr. Jimmy Wong from MAMA.

More information for bands to participate in the 2026 (Mexico), 2027 (Ireland), and 2028 (Malaysia) can be found on the WAMSB website. https://wamsb.org

WAMSB USA 2026 – 250th Celebration

WAMSB is excited for the WAMSB USA National Championships being held in West Chester University. Bands from across America and the world are welcome to participate in this National event which also coincides with the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA. 

“International Bands participating the in the 2026 WAMSB World Championships may want to consider adding this to their plans,  as it happens the week before the World Championships in Mexico.  It would certainly give bands the unique opportunity to perform and compete at a world class level in two Nations in the same year.” said Chris Herard, President of WAMSB International.  

For more information, please use the contact us link on the WAMSB website.

 

Welcome to 2 new Affiliates! Ecuador and Guatemala!

WAMSB International is pleased to welcome our 29th and 30th Affiliate Nations!  Welcome to WAMSB Ecuador and WAMSB Guatemala!  We are thrilled to be growing and serving more nations around the world.  We look forward to the events, workshops and clinics that will be happening in these nations.

 

German National Championships

Congratulations to the over 250 bands and 25,000 participants in the German National Championships.  It was a fabulous event, with bands achieving top results with very high quality performances.  Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers and judges who attended and helped make this such a successful event!

RESULTS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Herzlichen Glückwunsch an die über 250 Bands und 25.000 Teilnehmer der Deutschen Meisterschaft. Es war eine großartige Veranstaltung, bei der die Bands mit ihren herausragenden Darbietungen Spitzenergebnisse erzielt haben. Vielen Dank an alle Organisatoren, Freiwilligen und Juroren, die dabei waren und dazu beigetragen haben, dass diese Veranstaltung so erfolgreich war!