There are moments at every event when we are reminded why the competitive arts matter. It might be the feeling coming right off the stage after your students had an amazing performance. Maybe it’s in a clinic room, when something finally clicks. It might be after our awards ceremony, when students, no matter the result, realize what they just accomplished together. Whatever your “why,” the 2026 Heart of America Championships reinforced to me just how much who we do this activity with matters.
Two Inspiring Events
In Nashville, we saw incredible commitment to excellence, connection, shared experience and cooperation from all of our top-notch visiting programs. We saw groups improve in ways we have not seen before.
In Orlando, that same energy carried forward. In one of the fiercest Championship Divisions in recent memory, we saw high-level programs push themselves in meaningful ways by taking risks, growing in real time and supporting one another throughout the day.
Who – Not What – Sets Us Apart
The performances were outstanding. The results were well-earned. However, what stood out to me most as we wrapped our amazing events in Nashville and Orlando was the people:
Directors who lead with intention and empathy.
Judges working to not only score, but to make every single group better through their feedback.
Crews who work tirelessly backstage to help all groups deliver timely and successful performances.
Sharing the Love
What makes this community special continues to prove true: groups can be fiercely competitive on stage and genuinely supportive of one another. That balance matters, and it’s not something we take for granted.
From our side, we continue to focus on creating an organized, intentional experience, centered on students and directors. Every decision we make is aimed at helping you and your students have the best possible experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
None of this happens alone. Our sponsors are part of the team. They support the experience in ways that directly impact students, directors, and programs throughout the weekend. We’re grateful for their partnership and the role they play in helping us do this work well.
Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of this year’s events, we’re already thinking about what’s next.
How do we make each Championship better? How do we serve you more effectively? How do we continue to create moments that your students carry with them long after the season ends?
That work is already underway.
If you’re already thinking about next season, I’d love to connect. Whether it’s about Nashville, Orlando, New York City or even what comes next for your program, we’re here to support you along the way.
Thank You
To every director, student, parent, staff member and partner who joined us during the 2026 season, we cannot thank you enough. Thank you for your trust, your preparation and for showing up the way you did.
You do the impossible for students every day. We’re grateful to be part of your journey, and we can’t wait to show you what’s ahead.