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 is
based on the total membership performing (not on school size). Bands must
compete in their designate class based on member size or choose the option to
compete in Open competition. In Prelim/Finals format shows, the above
classification will apply to the Prelims competition, with all bands selected
for Finals competing in Open class. The classes will be divided as:
· AAA Class – 90 or more members
·
AA
Class – 61 - 89 members
·
A
Class – 60 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. Categories are
weighted with the highest possible total score being 100 points. Preliminary
and Final scores are 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 classes, and there is also a draw
for class order for each competition. The judges do not compare Tigard with,
say, West Salem (AAA Class), but we are judged against a pre-established grid
of performance descriptions:
GENERAL EFFECT
Music 20
Visual 20
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Individual 10
Ensemble 10
Percussion 10
VISUAL PERFORMANCE
Individual 10
Ensemble 10
Color Guard 10
TOTAL 100
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Prelims can
start as early as 8am and end around 3pm. Finals often begin around 5pm and often
end 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 and dry clothes, shoes, and socks 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 $15/adults $10/students/seniors. There are sometimes up to
10 tickets available at a discounted fee of $7.50; please see McKee ahead of
time if you are interested in purchasing.
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. We have been given a donation to cover the cost of the meal
for marchers for the 2021 season. The cost for non-marchers is $6.
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