Dear NBA Member,
Please see below for a joint position statement from the National Band Association, American Bandmasters Association, and John Philip Sousa Foundation regarding the proposed federal tariffs on brass instruments. We encourage all members to learn more about the proposal and its potential impact on the music education community and the students we serve. The links below provide additional information and outline several ways to voice your concerns.
Those wishing to take action are encouraged to submit a public comment to the U.S. Department of Commerce by the federal deadline of August 27, 2026, and to contact their elected officials and other government representatives per below.
In solidarity,
Matt Temple, President of the National Band Association
Dennis Fisher, President of the American Bandmasters Association
Lowell Graham, President of the John Philip Sousa Foundation
Recommended Resources:
NAfME – https://nafme.org/blog/proposed-tariff-on-brass-wind-instruments/
NAMM – https://www.namm.org/files/comment-template-and-instructions-oppose-brass-wind-instrument-inclusion-section-232-tariffs
KHS America – https://academicalliance.com/protect-student-access-to-music-education/
JOINT POSITION STATEMENT of the National Band Association, American Bandmasters Association, and John Philip Sousa Foundation
The National Band Association (NBA), American Bandmasters Association (ABA), and John Philip Sousa Foundation jointly oppose the proposed federal tariffs on imported brass-wind musical instruments and related parts and accessories. We want our members to understand why our organizations have taken this position. While we recognize the importance of supporting American manufacturing and maintaining strong domestic industries, we believe these proposed tariffs would have unintended consequences for music education and the band community without providing benefits sufficient to justify those costs.
Brass instruments are essential educational tools in schools, colleges, universities, and community music programs throughout the country. Additional tariffs would likely increase the cost of acquiring and maintaining all instruments made from brass. Those increases would place additional pressure on already limited school music budgets, extend instrument replacement cycles, and potentially reduce access for students, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. These concerns are especially significant for larger and more expensive instruments that schools routinely provide because individual purchase is beyond the means of many families.
We also believe that finished musical instruments should not be viewed simply as derivative metal products. Their value comes not principally from their raw metal content, but from their educational and artistic purpose. When students are unable to access an instrument, they may miss out on an opportunity to participate in a positive and supportive school community. Band provides more than musical instruction; it gives students a sense of belonging and connection, providing social-emotional benefits that can positively impact them for years to come.
For these reasons, the NBA, ABA, and John Philip Sousa Foundation oppose the proposed tariffs and support the exclusion of brass-wind musical instruments and related parts and accessories from the proposed tariff expansion. Our position reflects the shared missions of our organizations and our responsibility to advocate for the health of bands and music education. We believe that preserving reasonable access to quality musical instruments is essential to sustaining America’s globally unique band tradition for future generations.