2011 – 2012 YEARBOOK

What is MSBOA
The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association is a non-profit corporation entering its 78th year, dedicated to
improving instrumental music in Michigan.
The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) is a professional association of over 1600 instrumental
music teachers in Michigan Schools. Founded on a single-district basis in 1934, it has grown to a 16 regional-district
association in both peninsulas, serving over 1900 public, parochial and private schools.
Through numerous student-oriented activities such as festivals, workshops, and teacher in-service functions (district and
state meetings and clinics,) MSBOA strives to provide continual growth for instrumental music. For instance, each year
over 100,000 students in Michigan participate in MSBOA festivals, either individually or as a part of larger groups.
The growth of this association and higher musical standards of individuals and groups are evidence of progress -- progress
which is noted by others, both in and out of Michigan. Instrumental music is an integral part of the school curriculum in
most schools in Michigan. The programs are popular, extremely visible and relatively economical.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide each student intellectual and creative instrumental music experiences expressed through
emotional and artistic communication.
Our Philosophy
The fine arts should be a vital part of the educational process. In a civilization stressing scientific achievement, material
wealth and specialization, the fine arts contribute greatly toward the maintenance of a proper cultural balance. As one of
the areas of the fine arts, instrumental music also has as its primary purpose the improvement of the quality of life of the
individual. This is accomplished by helping students acquire the skills of musical communication, thereby providing yet
another means of sharing ideas with others. For many students, music is the most feasible and enjoyable means of
communication available to them. As an expressive art, instrumental music requires growth in physical, intellectual,
emotional and aesthetic areas.
Ethics Statement
MSBOA’s primary purpose is to advance quality music education through the study and performance of instrumental
music. The many types of festivals we sponsor are a means to that end.
The rules and policies governing these festivals are devised to ensure that the same standards are applied to each group or
individual participating. Adherence to these rules and policies is the sole responsibility of the director.
MSBOA considers it unethical for a director to attempt to circumvent the letter or the intent of these rules in any way.
MSBOA’s reputation and effectiveness depend on its member’s willingness to exemplify the spirit of these rules and a
sense of fair play. Each director’s willingness to take responsibility for his or her own actions gives all students the role
model they deserve.
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