March 7th, 2026 - N. Camargo of Montebello High School earned Gold in Traditional Open, scoring an impressive 88.30 at the Mayfair Contest. S. Veldman of Townsend Junior High School and R. Clarke Briones of Glendale High School both earned scores of 80.00 in their respective conducting divisions, securing the first two positions in the Principal Conducting Division for the 2026 season. P. Kurek of Santiago High School posted the highest contemporary score of the day with an 84.00, while classmate S. Bourland achieved Gold in Avant Garde with a notable 89.30. I. Frimbres of Montgomery High School earned Gold in the virtual flourishing division with a score of 81.80. The Student Leaders from Magnolia High School continue to hold the top school position with a total of 8 gold medals, followed closely by Santiago High School and Chino Hills High School with 7 gold medals each.


2026 Performance Grid Leaders

Virtual

Top School

Avant Garde

Conducting

Traditional

Contemporary

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.