Virginia International Music Festival

In one whirlwind weekend your students can do it all – perform in a spectacular parade through one of Virginia’s most beautiful cities, join a festival adjudication with other student ensembles from across the United States, and then cap off the weekend with an amazing performance of the Virginia International Tattoo and a gala awards ceremony honoring their work! Throughout the weekend, you’ll find opportunities to explore the area’s historic and recreational sites.

Brochure

PERFORM!
FESTIVAL ADJUDICATION
Friday, April 25, 2025
Sign up for an incredible opportunity for your choir, orchestra, band, or other student musical ensemble to perform alongside their peers from across the United States. This is chance to be assessed by nationally-known adjudicators and to see and hear what other student groups are doing.



MARCH!
NORFOLK NATO FESTIVAL’S 72ND ANNUAL PARADE OF NATIONS
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Join us at the Norfolk NATO Festival’s Parade of Nations, where your marching groups and drill teams will experience an unforgettable opportunity to perform in an inspiring setting. Celebrating it’s 72nd year and representing all of the Member Nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, it is the longest-running continually-presented parade in the region and the only U.S. parade that salutes NATO. Your marching band can perform alongside units from around the world, NJROTC teams, and U.S. military groups. March through the heart of downtown Norfolk! (90 minutes)

PARADE TROPHIES AND AWARDS
Ensembles that march in the parade will receive a trophy along with a medal corresponding to their adjudicated rating:
Superior: 90-100 points - Gold MedalExcellent: 80-89 points - Silver MedalGood: 70-79 points - Bronze Medal

Participation: 0-69 points - no medal

Overall recognition: Overall Grand Champion; Best Overall Music; Best Overall Percussion; Best Overall Marching; Best Overall Color Guard; Best Overall Drum Major

 

CELEBRATE!
AWARDS CEREMONY (5pm) AND VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO (7:30pm)
Saturday, April 26, 2025

Celebrate your award-winning students and ensembles as they are recognized at the Awards Ceremony held at Chrysler Hall prior to the Virginia International Tattoo performance in Scope Arena. You and your students will be inspired by the artistry of hundreds of performers from around the world at the Tattoo; you’ll see international military bands, drill teams, pipers, and dancers, plus many favorite groups from the United States military. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle of music and might, and a great way for your students to discover and discuss the customs and cultures of other nations. Your tickets for the Virginia International Tattoo are included in the Festival weekend.

 

EXPLORE!
TAKE IN ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES AND EDUCATION EVENTS
Norfolk NATO Festival and Virginia Arts Festival, coupled with Performing Arts Consultants, offer unparalleled opportunities to showcase your student groups and inspire teachers to enhance and expand their approach to teaching. Opportunities include:

  • pre-parade entertainment in front of the VIP viewing stand at Norfolk NATO Festival’s Parade of Nations;
  • pre-performance entertainment at the Virginia International Tattoo;
  • pre- or post-performance discussion with Virginia International Tattoo cast members;
  • Immersive learning opportunities about the Member Nations of NATO at the Norfolk NATO Festival’s International Village, immediately following the Parade;
  • Virginia International Drumming Showcase at the Tattoo Hullabaloo.

 

FOR RATES OR TO REGISTER, CALL
1-800-USA-FEST
OR VISIT
USAFEST.ORG