A Spectator’s Guide to Competitive

MARCHING BAND

Marching band is a fascinating and competitive event. If you are a rookie (parent or marcher!), marching band competitions may be confusing. Here is a brief guide to help explain how marching band is judged and scored:

The classification of each band will be based on the total membership performing (not on school size). Bands must compete in their designate class based on member size or have the option to compete in "Open" competition. In Prelim/Finals format shows, the above classification will apply to the Preliminary competition, with all bands selected for the Finals competing in one class. The classes will be divided as: 

Open Class – Open Competition – No limit on performing members

AAA Class – Large bands – More than 100 members

AA Class – Medium bands – 70-99 members

A Class – Small bands – 69 or fewer members

EXHIBITION - Bands of any size who wish to receive judges’ comments only.

 

Bands are judged on their overall performance in a variety of categories including Music, Visual, General Effect, Percussion, and Guard. Categories are weighted with the highest possible total score being 100 points.

Caption Awards may be given within each class, recognizing, for example, Best score in Percussion or Guard for that class of performers. Preliminary and Final scores are totally separate.

 

The performance schedule at each competition follows a general pattern.  There is a morning/afternoon Preliminary Round and evening Finals Round. Preliminary performance times are drawn at random within each class, and each show also draws to determine when each class will perform. The judges do not compare Tigard with, for example, Evergreen (“Open Class”) in Prelims, but rather we are judged against a pre-established grid of performance descriptions. Small groups can out-score large groups, and we often do. Our performance time in Finals is determined by our prelims score, and in Finals we DO compete head-to-head against bands of all sizes and classifications.

 

Prelims usually start mid-morning and end around 3pm. Finals begin around 5pm and end anywhere between 9 and 11pm, with Awards and Trophies presented at the end of Finals.

 

TO SURVIVE THE ALL-DAY EVENT

 

Dress for weather; it is Oregon after all. Think layers. A blanket, rain gear and a soft cushion will come in handy. Extra warm dry clothes, shoes & sock do not take up much room in the trunk and often the kids will come looking for relief from the cold.  Bring money to cover your entry fees, usually $10-15 per person.

 

Food is available at the concession stand or you may bring your own. You can also join the kids at Camp Tigard for a wonderfully prepared meal at our Chuck Wagon. The cost is $6 – students may pre-pay at the beginning of the MB season, or they can pay at each individual event!