October 11th, 2025 – SAML student leader E. Jaimes of Glendora High School proudly earned 1st place in the highly competitive mace division at the Azusa Golden Days Parade, achieving an impressive score of 92.20. SAML’s 2024 Avant Garde Champion, B. Watson of Rim of the World High School, secured a strong 2nd place in the mace division with a solid score of 90.75. Rounding out the top five were J. Garcia of South El Monte High School in 4th place and Y. Morales of Pomona High School in 5th place. In the Military Division, K. Maldonado of Downey High School was recognized with a well-earned 3rd place, proudly scoring 91.50, followed closely by S. Murty of Norco High School in 4th place, both contributing strong performances to a highly competitive field.
October 11th, 2025 – SAML student leader K. Maldonado of Downey High School proudly earned 1st place in the Open High School Division at the Arturo Sanchez Sr. Halloween Parade, achieving an impressive score of 89.00!
October 11th, 2025 - SAML Student Leaders from Chino Hills High School earned first place in the 5A division at the Western Band Association Ayala Music in Motion Tournament with an 82.225!
August 9th, 2025 - SAML alumnae Ju. Framan and H. Nakamura lead the Pacific Crest and Mandarins DCI Drum Corps at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 12th, 2025 - A. Martin has historic day. In addition to her titles, Martin ties the record for most appearances in Open Traditional, brakes the record for most points earned in a single season as well as most points earned all-time.
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.