ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of a new pilot program, the U.S. Army partnered with Music for All (MFA)/Bands of America and Youth Education and the Arts (YEA!)/USBands to educate young musicians, band directors, educators, parents and others about the unique opportunities to serve in the Army.

Through the partnership, the Army supported nine events across the country this marching band season, reaching approximately 75,000 competitors from 27 states and more than 170,000 event attendees. Each event featured an interactive Army Strong Zone display where student band members and other attendees can test their mental agility, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Based on their performance, students are matched to potential Army careers where they can learn more about the Army and scholarship opportunities.

"The Army is proud to partner with these two outstanding organizations that share our commitment to motivate, educate, train and develop today's youth to be our future leaders, decision-makers and active citizens," said Mark Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. "As a former bandsman myself, I know the dedication, teamwork and technical expertise required for a successful band. These talented young musicians possess a similar set of strengths to Army Soldiers and embody the Army's core values. They demonstrate a loyalty to each other and are willing to work hard memorizing music and drills, while balancing academics. We look forward to working together through this sponsorship."

U.S. Army Soldiers and Army Band members were on site to perform, interact with participants and present awards and scholarships at seven regional MFA/Bands of America and YEA!/USBands events, and will culminate with a presence at each organization's National Championship event in November.

"It is an honor to partner with the U.S. Army and is a positive way to expand our commitment to help educate, enlighten, and inspire the next generation of America's leaders through music and the arts," said Eric L. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Music for All. "The Army recognizes the positive skills students gain from participating in music education, which translate into successful futures, whether they choose to pursue careers in music or not."

"We are proud to give our participating band members, directors, parents and other spectators the opportunity to connect with the U.S. Army and learn more about the advantages of service to the country as a potential pathway for their futures," said George Hopkins, chief executive officer and executive director of YEA!. "The mission of our organization is closely aligned to that of the U.S. Army with a commitment to excellence and dedication to a common goal at the core of our work with the many thousands of young people and the educational community we serve."

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About AMRG: 
The Army Marketing and Research Group (AMRG) is the U.S. Army's national marketing, marketing research and analysis and accessions analysis organization. The AMRG develops innovative and effective ways to: connect with the American public and make the Army more accessible and understood; increase awareness of both the benefits and value of Army service; and motivate the most qualified candidates to choose the Army as their service of first choice.

SOURCE Army Marketing and Research Group

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