The MSBF is one the nation’s biggest and most prestigious events for school musicians. Over 8,000 students participated each year, coming from metropolitan and country Victoria, as well as interstate. The Festival commenced in 1989 with just over 20 bands and has grown to a point today where more than 240 concert bands and jazz ensembles participate in the Festival each year. Each year the Foundation provides schools the opportunity to work with leading international educators as Chief Adjudicators.

The Chief Adjudicator for concert bands in 2010 will be composer Robert Sheldon.