The KMEA State Festival Bands perform each year at the annual In-Service Workshop at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita. Students are selected via a rigorous audition process that starts at the district level (KMEA is comprised of six districts). Students who perform at the district level are then eligible to audition for selection to the state ensembles. Thus, the State Festival student musicians are truly "the best of the best."

KMEA offers two band ensembles at the state level which are based on the classifications established by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

The 1234A Band is made up of students from 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A class high schools.

The 56A Band is made up of students from 5A and 6A class high schools.