February 4th, 2026 - The 2026 competitive season kicks off this Saturday, February 7th, at Garey High School. The event will feature student leaders from across Southern California, coming together to present more than 80 performances across 11 divisions, including six traditional divisions, two contemporary divisions, two conducting divisions, and the Avant Garde division.
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.
November 1st - SAML Student Leader E. Jaimes of Glendora High School secured 1st place in the mace division at the 53rd Chino Band Review Invitational with the highest score of the day, a 95.00!
October 25th - SAML Student Leader D. Perez of Foothill High School earned 2nd place in the Open Class Mace category at the Loara Band Review with a score of 91.00!
Must Watch >
2025 Champions
Traditional
Contemporary
Avant Garde
Conducting
Virtual
Top School
Grand Champion
T-Pattern
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.