The NMAA Concert Band Contest, in partnership with the New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA), was initiated to provide an opportunity for high school bands as well as middle school and junior high bands, to participate in a statewide band festival with the intent of bringing together New Mexico’s best bands in competition. State Concert Band Contest participants represent a variety of populations, school sizes, and geographic locations. Any band whose school is an NMAA member can participate in this festival if they meet eligibility requirements. Bands mays qualify if they have earned a score of 90 or above in a recognized NMMEA district festival in the past two years.

The State Concert Band Contest Advisory Council provides professional content policies and makes recommendations, which support the rules and regulations set forth by NMAA, and provides New Mexico band programs with an educationally sound and equitable State Concert Band Contest. The State Concert Band Contest Advisory Council members are elected representatives from each district. The site for the State Concert Band Contest is determined NMAA. Trophies are awarded to the top three bands in each classification and an NMAA State Banner is awarded to the first place band in each classification