American Prize Recognizes ACB Members in 2026

From The American Prize Blog:

"The American Prize is a series of new, non-profit national competitions in the performing arts providing cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States at the professional, college/university, church, community and secondary school levels. Administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Danbury, Connecticut, The American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually. The competitions of The American Prize are open to all U.S. citizens, whether living in this country or abroad, and to others currently living, working and/or studying in the United States of America, its protectorates and territories." 

Those listed below have been named Finalists in their category. Once winners are known, their placement will be added after their name.  Links to announcements will be at the bottom of this page.  

Composition

Pops/light music - Professional Division

    • Brenda J. Hascall (Nipomo, CA) -  The Quack Quack March
    • Randall Standridge (Jonesboro, AR) - Stonewall 1969 / Animation (Episode 1:WABBIT!)

 Links

Note: There may be other finalists who have had past membership in the Association of Concert Bands who are not active members in 2026 so are/will not be listed above.  If you believe this to be an error, or were listed as a finalist and are not noted above, please email [email protected].  With the number of finalists, and the number of members, as well as the varying timeline differences between announcement and join date, mistakes may happen.