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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, particularly those involved in high step marching and high-stepping marching bands, fostering their talents and enriching their communities through the vibrant culture of marching band high step.

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 high step 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 high-stepping marching band performances, 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 step 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 in the art of high step marching.


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

Confident man in a blue suit smiling with arms crossed.

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 high step marching, particularly in color guard and percussion, gained through various camps and high school band programs nationwide, further enhances his expertise in the high-stepping marching band 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.

About High Stepping Nationals

Man wearing a mustard blazer with North Carolina A&T State University emblem.

Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff

Director of Bands

North Carolina A&T State University

Member:  Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.

See Bio Here

Professional man in a black suit and patterned tie smiling at the camera.

Dr. Taylor Whitehead

Director of Marching & Pep Bands

Virginia State University

Member:  Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.

See Bio Here

Professional woman with braided hair and pearl necklace smiling against a blue background.

Dr. Juliet Boykins

Director of Bands

Elizabeth City State University

Member:  Delta Sigma Theta Inc.

See Bio Here

Confident man with crossed arms smiling in front of a windowed office background.

Dr. Rickkay L.T. King

Co-Founder

Phoenix International School of the Arts

Member:  Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.

See Bio Here

Confident man in glasses wearing a suit outdoors.

Mr. QC Jones

Chief Executive Officer

NolanMackenzie Inc.

Member:  Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. 

See Bio Here

Events

Saturday, December 6, 2025

DMV Audition Day

location TBA soon

Event Details

Saturday, December 6, 2025

DMV Audition Day

  

High Stepping Nationals Audition Day

High Stepping Nationals’ Audition Day is a one-of-a-kind experience designed to connect talented high ...

Event Details

location TBA soon

Sunday, June 28 -Friday, July 03, 2026

Summer Music Camp

location TBA soon

Event Details

Sunday, June 28 -Friday, July 03, 2026

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

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Capital Battle Of The Bands

Location TBD

Event Details

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Capital Battle Of The Bands

Get Ready for the 2026 Capitol Battle of the Bands!  


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


...

Event Details

Location TBD

Our Past Events

Flyer for the Capitol Battle of the Bands at University of Maryland, Oct 5, 6 PM.
Battle of the Bands National Championship promotes finding the best high school band with photos of marching bands.
Poster for Southern Regional High Stepping Championship at Banneker High School in 2017.
Save the date for High Stepping Nationals 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia on November 8.
Poster for the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Drumline, Danceline & Flagline Championship in Washington, DC.
Cheerleader promotes High Stepping Nationals event on March 11th, 2017.
High Stepping Nationals event at Morehouse College, Atlanta on Nov 10, 2018.
Flyer for the 2016 Battle of the Bands National Championship in Atlanta featuring top high school bands.
Poster for 2010 Battle of the Bands National Championship at Clark Atlanta University.
Promotional poster for the Battle of the Bands National Championship prelims at Whitehaven Stadium.

Our Community Partners

A golden 100 years anniversary emblem with decorative blue and gold text.
Logo of an educational consulting group with a graduate figure and open book.
District of Columbia Public Schools logo with a blue background.
Logo of 93.9 WKYS FM radio station with a red lip print.
Logo of 100 Black Men of Prince George's County, Inc.

Contact Us

Are you ready to get started?

If you have questions about the opportunities available in our high step marching programs, feel free to send us a message. Whether you're interested in joining a high-stepping marching band or learning more about our marching band high step techniques, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

High Stepping Nationals

9701 Apollo Drive, Ste. 100, Largo, MD 20774

301-200-9094

Hours

Open today

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

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