Alexandria, Minnesota

Always the last Sunday
in June

FOR DIRECTORS
For more than 20 years, the Vikingland Band Festival has inspired students to reach new heights of performance excellence. The late June date (always held the last Sunday of June) ensures that bands are at the peak of their summer season. And Alexandria's extra-wide main street provides an outstanding venue for bands to perform for the panel of six expert judges. These are just some of the reasons the event has earned the reputation as the "unofficial state championship" for parade marching bands.

Although many of the performing bands are experienced competitors with long-standing traditions of excellence, we invite and encourage new and less experienced bands to be part of the event as well. The education, intensity and sportsmanship provide a valuable experience for any band.

ENTRY PROCEDURE

If you're a band director and would like information about having your band perform in a future Vikingland Band Festival, contact the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce to request an application form.

Applications to participate in the Vikingland Band Festival are generally due by March 1 of each year.

COMPETING HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
Formal invitation packets for competing bands are mailed in early February. The application deadline each year is March 1. Band selections are announced by early April. Early acceptance may be possible for bands traveling a great distance.

NON-COMPETING EXHIBITION UNITS
In addition to the full slate of competing high school bands, one unique exhibition group is selected each year to perform as the Honor Unit. The Honor Unit is usually selected and confirmed six to nine months prior to the Festival.

TOUR POSSIBILITIES

Many groups have chosen to create a "tour" by scheduling activities and additional performances in the days preceding their Vikingland Band Festival appearance.

The festival committee is available to assist with information on nearby performance and recreation opportunities. Plus, the committee can provide a list of hotels or assist in securing gymnasium housing.

A popular weekend tour includes:

Friday evening: performing in a nearby parade
Saturday morning: performing in a nearby parade or rehearsing in Alexandria
Sunday morning: attending a pancake breakfast
Sunday afternoon: performing in the Vikingland Band Festival parade

June 29, 2008
June 28, 2009