The conference was created in February 1972 to standardize rules and provide constructive feedback at competitions.
It is the aim of the New York State Field Band Conference to encourage participation in such events.
[1] It shall be the philosophy of the New York State Field Band Conference to encourage and provide the most positive experience possible for all participants.
[1] Eleven bands participated in the first championship in 1974 which was held at MacArthur Stadium in Syracuse, New York.
The championship competition moved from various Syracuse area schools, as well as Cornell University in Ithaca, to the JMA Wireless Dome in 1980 and has been held in that venue ever since.