Criteria

Timeline

  • October 30, 2023: Applications open for the 2024 – 2025 tour season
  • January 29, 2024 at 11:59pm PST: All completed applications and supplementary materials must be submitted.
  • February 2024: AMA announces finalists selected for auditions.
  • March 4 and 5, 2024: Auditions will be held in New York City
  • March 7, 2024: Auditions will be held in Las Vegas
  • May 2024: Bands are selected and notified.
  • September 2024: Earliest Bands will start tours.

Band Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated outstanding musical talent, aptitude in performance and educational programming, and adaptable skills for diverse international audiences.
  • High artistic standards.
  • Demonstrated commitment to education.
  • Knowledge of and experience in the Music Business.
  • Experience and/or potential to thrive as cultural diplomats.
  • Bands are selected for tours through a competitive online audition process.
  • Bands must be able to tour internationally for a total of 15 to 20 days between September 2023 and May 2024 (based on band availability).
  • All musical genres are welcome to apply. This includes but is not limited to Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, Folk, Latin, Native American, Gospel, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Jazz, Punk, R&B, and Zydeco. Once on tour, ensembles will participate in cross-genre collaborations, creating a rich musical tapestry that transcends traditional boundaries.
  • All Artists must be U.S. Citizens (no exceptions).

DEIA

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State strives to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of its work. Public diplomacy is most effective when people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives participate in people-to-people exchanges and programs to promote mutual understanding. The Bureau incorporates DEIA best practices throughout its exchanges and programs, grants, community partnerships, and in its workforce and workplace. ECA is committed to addressing barriers based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, geographic location, education, income, socioeconomic status, and other diversity dimensions that may hinder inclusion in the organization. The Bureau’s commitment to DEIA strengthens U.S. foreign policy and is vital to building trust and partnerships here at home and around the world.