February 10th, 2026 - The 2nd contest of the season is this coming Saturday, February 14th, at Oaks Middle School. The event will feature student leaders from across Southern California, coming together to present more than 80 performances. The event will also showcase our widest geographical reach yet in the virtual flourishing division, with student leaders participating from Puebla, Mexico, as well as San Diego and the Coachella Valley. Check back on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:00 PM to view the full weekend performance line-up.
Contest 1 Gold Medal Recipients
Traditional Blue
Traditional Green
Apprentice Conducting
Associate Conducting
Additional gold medal recipients include J. Taiman, B. Diaz (x2), R. Manglicmot, E. Ulloa, F. Osornio Llerenas and E. Moreno.
February 7th, 2026 - Contest #1 at Garey High School featured 70 student leaders and more than 80 performances. B. Diaz of RVHS earned 2 gold medals. J. Taiman of MHS earned the highest flourishing score of the day with an 89.50 and S. Tan of CHHS earned the highest conducting score of the day with a 71.00!
November 22nd, 2025 - SAML student leader E. Jaimes of Glendora High School earned 1st place at the Arcadia Festival of Bands with an outstanding score of 93.85!
November 8th, 2025 – SAML student leader Y. Guillermo of Garey High School secured first place in the Mace Division with an impressive score of 91.70. at the Martin Luther King Band Review.
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENT LEADERS
TO INSPIRE CHANGE IN THE MARCHING & MUSIC COMMUNITY
What We Do…
We provide student leaders in the 5th -12th grades involved in the marching and music performing arts a platform to challenge their creativity, advance their skills and leadership through modern competitive events and progressive education.
Student Academy of Musical Leaders (SAML) was founded by former Drum Majors and Music Leaders dedicated to the advancement of the marching and music performing arts.
Student Academy of Musical Leaders (SAML) was founded in 2020 by a close-knit group of former Drum Majors and Music Leaders who wanted to provide student leaders a competitive circuit that pushed the limits of their creativity, offered support and guidance in their growth as young leaders, and assisted them in refining their skills as musicians and creators. This led to the creation of the “T Pattern” and other innovative performance formats and educational programs.
With passion and undeniable drive, the founding members of SAML were able to create a circuit that truly focuses on the ever-changing needs of student leaders involved in the marching and music performing arts.
SAML is based in Southern California and hopes to expand its reach in the future and is currently offering its programs to students in grades 5-12. SAML is also a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization.