The NMAA Marching Band Contest, in partnership with the New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA), was initiated to provide an opportunity for high school marching bands to participate in a statewide marching band festival with the intent of bringing together New Mexico’s best bands in competition. State Marching Band Contest participants represent a variety of populations, school sizes, and geographic locations. Any marching band whose school is an NMAA member can participate in this festival if they meet eligibility requirements.

The State Marching 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 marching band programs with an educationally sound and equitable State Marching Band Contest. The State Marching Band Contest Advisory Council members are selected representatives from each district. The site for the State Marching Band Contest is determined by 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. Additionally, caption awards are given in each classification.