The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (P.I.M.B.A.) is a nonprofit organization that provide high school marching bands of western Pennsylvania a chance to compete with other schools in the area. Founded in 1993, the organization has grown to nearly 30 schools and is a well known event in the area, drawing thousands of people to the competitions and championships. Local bands are hosts to several competitions throughout the season, which runs from late August through early November. These events not only provide healthy competition to those involved, but help generate income for the hosting school which are of benefit to the school's music department.[1]