Jersey Surf, Tournament of Bands/Tournament Indoor Association, and Kutztown University Marching Unit Collaborate to Launch the 2026 Tournament All-Stars Marching Band

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ – October 6, 2025 – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Jersey Surf, and the Tournament of Bands/Tournament Indoor Association (TOB/TIA), are proud to announce the creation of the 2026 Tournament All-Stars Marching Band. This unique partnership aims to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young musicians, color guard performers, twirlers, dancers, and drum majors across the mid-Atlantic region to showcase their talents during the 2026 Independence Day activities in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

The 2026 Tournament All-Stars Marching Band will bring together high school and college students spanning the entirety of Tournament programs from the mid-Atlantic states. Participants will gather in Kutztown, PA, for an intensive one-week summer camp from June 28 to July 3, 2026. The camp will take place at Kutztown University, where students will rehearse, collaborate, and prepare for a series of performances culminating in participation in the prestigious Independence Day parades and festivities. The band will feature musicians, color guard performers, twirlers, dancers, drum majors, and an honor guard made up of students recommended by their respective unit directors. The camp will also feature social activities designed to foster teamwork, community, and camaraderie among the members.

A Historic Partnership

This partnership combines the strengths of three organizations dedicated to music education and performance:

• Jersey Surf: Known for its creativity, innovation and excellence in marching music education, Jersey Surf brings its years of experience in producing top-tier musical ensembles and programming.
• Tournament of Bands/Tournament Indoor Association (TOB/TIA): A leader in regional marching arts competitions, TOB/TIA has a rich history of supporting youth in the marching arts and providing performance opportunities for students of all experience levels.
• Kutztown University: The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including dormitories, dining halls, and rehearsal spaces, will serve as the ideal venue for this educational and performance-based summer camp. Additionally, Kutztown University’s Marching Unit (KUMU) will play a key role in the collaboration, with their expertise helping to guide the overall experience.

Program Highlights

• Dates: June 28 – July 3, 2026
• Location: Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA
• Participants: More than 250 students from the mid-Atlantic region
• Key Activities: Rehearsals, team-building social activities, performances in parades and additional special events to be announced.

A Call to Action

TOB/TIA-affiliated high school students from the Delaware Valley region and across the mid-Atlantic states are invited to join this exciting musical journey. Registration is now open, and with a limited number of spots available, interested participants are encouraged to sign up early. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with TOB/TIA and Kutztown University to offer this incredible experience to young musicians and performers,” said Bob Jacobs, CEO of Jersey Surf, Inc. “This collaboration will not only provide an exceptional musical education experience but also create lasting memories for all participants. We’re excited to celebrate America’s independence in such a dynamic and inclusive way.”

"The Tournament of Bands is excited to help bring together talented musicians from across the region for such an important event," said Tim Bean, Business Manager of the Tournament of Bands. "By partnering with Jersey Surf and Kutztown University, we are creating an opportunity for these students to showcase their skills, connect with peers, and be part of something special that will honor the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence."

About Tournament of Bands/Tournament Indoor Association

The Tournament of Bands (TOB) and Tournament Indoor Association (TIA) have been leading organizations in the marching music community for over four decades. Offering both sanctioned competitive and educational opportunities, TOB/TIA serves thousands of students and educators through hundreds of events each year, fostering a spirit of teamwork, excellence, and personal growth. Learn more about Tournament activities by visiting NJATOB.org. 

About Jersey Surf, Inc.

Founded in 1990, Jersey Surf is a nonprofit music education organization based in New Jersey that is committed to providing high-quality musical education through competitive and non-competitive programs. With a focus on creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement, Jersey Surf has developed a strong reputation for fostering talent and passion for the arts.

The organization and its Tournament All-Stars Marching Band program are generously supported by outstanding corporate and strategic partners including: Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission; New Jersey State Council on the Arts; KHS America (Jupiter Band Instruments, Mapex Marching and Majestic Percussion); Remo, Inc.; Vic Firth, Inc.; Zildjian, Inc.; Yorkville Sound; Stadium Creations; On the Field Audio; on2 Percussion; R&S Marching Arts; TreeWorks Chimes; Ultimate Drill Book / Beam / Stride TV; Forte Athletics; MobileMusicLab and MarimbaPad.

Contact Information

For more information about the 2026 Tournament Marching Band, including how to register, please email us at TASMB@jerseysurf.org or  visit JerseySurf.org/allstars.