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About High Stepping Nationals

Our MISSION

High Stepping Nationals is dedicated to promoting music education and the arts within minority and inner-city schools, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to create opportunities that inspire, educate, and empower young artists, fostering their talents and enriching their communities.



Learn more

Welcome to High Stepping Nationals

At High Stepping Nationals, we are dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rich traditions and dynamic performances of marching bands and performing arts groups. Our mission is to provide a platform for young musicians, dancers, and performers to showcase their talents, compete at high levels, and achieve excellence in their craft.


Who We Are

High Stepping Nationals is a premier organization committed to fostering the growth and development of performing arts within our communities. We believe in the transformative power of music and performance arts, and our programs are designed to inspire, educate, and elevate young artists to new heights.


Our Legacy

Since 2002, High Stepping Nationals has proudly hosted the National High School High Stepping Marching Band Championship. This prestigious event has brought together talented high school marching bands from across the nation to compete, learn, and celebrate their achievements. Although we paused our events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to announce the triumphant return of the championship in 2024. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and providing young performers with an exceptional platform to shine.


What We Do

Competitions: We organize and host top-tier competitions that bring together the best marching bands and performing arts groups from across the nation. These events provide participants with the opportunity to display their skills, gain recognition, and strive for excellence.


Clinics and Workshops: Our educational programs offer hands-on training and mentorship from industry professionals. Through clinics and workshops, participants receive valuable instruction and feedback to enhance their performance abilities.


Community Outreach: We are dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities. Our outreach initiatives aim to provide resources and opportunities to underserved areas, fostering a love for the performing arts among all youth.

Meet our executive director

Rodney Chambers

Rodney Chambers is the Executive Director of High Stepping Nationals, where he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor's in Arts, Rodney has a distinguished background as a former high school band director in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington DC. His extensive experience in color guard and percussion, gained through various camps and high school band programs nationwide, further enhances his expertise in the field. As the CEO of Advance Employee Intelligence, a top-secret government contracting firm, Rodney has honed his strategic vision and leadership skills. He is also a dedicated father to two teenage boys, Charles and Carlos, and an active community leader, serving as a board member of the 100 Black Men of Prince George's County and a member of the Bowie Mitchellville Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.

Meet our board of directors

Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff

Director of Bands

North Carolina A&T State University

Member:  Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.

See Bio Here

Dr. Taylor Whitehead

Director of Marching & Pep Bands

Virginia State University

Member:  Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.

See Bio Here

Dr. Juliet Boykins

Director of Bands

Elizabeth City State University

Member:  Delta Sigma Theta Inc.

See Bio Here

Dr. Rickkay L.T. King

Co-Founder

Phoenix International School of the Arts

Member:  Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.

See Bio Here

Mr. QC Jones

Chief Executive Officer

NolanMackenzie Inc.

Member:  Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. 

See Bio Here

Events

July 21 -June 25, 2025

Summer Music Camp

location TBA soon

Event Details

July 21 -June 25, 2025

Summer Music Camp

  

Prince George's County Public Schools Summer Music Camp


High Stepping Nationals invites students and educators to an exciting Summer Music ...

Event Details

location TBA soon

09/28/2025

Capital Battle Of The Bands

SECU Stadium, University of Maryland, College Park

Event Details

09/28/2025

Capital Battle Of The Bands

Get Ready for the 2025 Capitol Battle of the Bands!  


🎺🥁  Mark your calendars for an electrifying day of music, culture, and competition!  


...

Event Details

SECU Stadium, University of Maryland, College Park

12/05/2026

Capital Holiday Parade & Festival of Lights

Location TBA soon

Event Details

12/05/2026

Capital Holiday Parade & Festival of Lights

Get Ready for the 2025 Capitol Holiday Parade & Festival of Lights!  


🎺🥁  Mark your calendars for an electrifying day of music, culture, an...

Event Details

Location TBA soon

Past Events

Our Community Partners

Contact Us

Are you ready to get started?

If you have questions about the opportunities available in our programs, feel free to send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

High Stepping Nationals

9701 Apollo Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774, United States

301-200-9094

Hours

Open today

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Get in Touch!

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