I appreciate some of the experienced band parents helping me at my first marching band competition. I was thoroughly confused. Hopefully this page can explain what on earth is going on! I thought marching band competitions would be just like track meets or swimming tournaments where many different schools compete/perform. In a way, yes, for the band, competitions are their “game days.” Band competitions are hosted by another school’s band program and take place in their football stadium. (The host band does not compete). Bands that perform are critiqued and ranked in different areas of marching band performance by qualified judges.
It is important for parents to know what to expect when they go see their students compete. It is very important for families to try to attend these competitions. This is OUR team’s performance and a cheering section is always appreciated !
Departure and approximate return times, plus directions on how to get to each show, are announced the week prior to each competition (as soon as we receive the schedule). EHS Band & Color Guard travel to each competition as a group, with chaperones and staff, on Buncombe County School District buses.
Competitions take place, rain or shine! Dress for the weather. Heat, humidity, cold, wind, rain and an occasional ray of sun have all been experienced. Layering of clothes is always helpful along with an umbrella/rain repellent outerwear and a seat cushion.
Our performance at each show is usually early afternoon or evening – we usually do not receive the schedule until the week of the show. Parents traveling separately from the band should plan to arrive in time to find parking and purchase tickets. Tickets for the shows are approximately $10 to $15 per person, plus programs, which are usually $3 to $5.
If you have Enka colors, wear them so other Enka parents can find you, sit together, and cheer together. Seating is first come, first seated, though it is great to be able to sit in a block. Most competitions request that you remain seated during performances, but you can clap and cheer for us !
Competition Specifics
IMPORTANT ! !
While students choose which bus to ride, they must ride on the same bus to and from the competition. The chaperones take roll when the students leave EHS and when we head back home.
If you plan to take your student home with you, parents must:
If there are any questions and/or issues with any of the band or color guard students, THE BAND DIRECTOR IS ALWAYS THE FINAL AUTHORITY.
It is important for parents to know what to expect when they go see their students compete. It is very important for families to try to attend these competitions. This is OUR team’s performance and a cheering section is always appreciated !
Departure and approximate return times, plus directions on how to get to each show, are announced the week prior to each competition (as soon as we receive the schedule). EHS Band & Color Guard travel to each competition as a group, with chaperones and staff, on Buncombe County School District buses.
Competitions take place, rain or shine! Dress for the weather. Heat, humidity, cold, wind, rain and an occasional ray of sun have all been experienced. Layering of clothes is always helpful along with an umbrella/rain repellent outerwear and a seat cushion.
Our performance at each show is usually early afternoon or evening – we usually do not receive the schedule until the week of the show. Parents traveling separately from the band should plan to arrive in time to find parking and purchase tickets. Tickets for the shows are approximately $10 to $15 per person, plus programs, which are usually $3 to $5.
If you have Enka colors, wear them so other Enka parents can find you, sit together, and cheer together. Seating is first come, first seated, though it is great to be able to sit in a block. Most competitions request that you remain seated during performances, but you can clap and cheer for us !
Competition Specifics
- Typically students report to EHS for a morning rehersal, then load the trailers, and leave for the competition. When the Band and Color Guard get to the Competition location, the trailer is unloaded and students gather their uniform pieces, instruments and Color Guard equipment.
- Band and Color Guard proceed to their designated warm-up areas which are usually in separate locations. Bands may not practice or warm-up within earshot or visual vicinity of the stadium.
- The Pit Crew will assist percussion in getting their equipment to their designated warm up area. Approximately ten (10) – fifteen (15) minutes before performance, the Band and Color Guard come together and get into position. Once they are called, they enter the field. They have a limited amount of time to get onto the field. The Pit Crew helps get the carts and equipment onto the field and in to position. The Band is given a five (5) minute maximum prep time for setup and warm up. There will be deductions for any time taken over that. The Pit Crew must leave the area before that time expires. Once the band appears to be ready, or at four (4) minutes, the announcer will introduce the band.
- Once the band hear their name, they are to immediately set to begin the performance. The field show must fit within certain time and musical parameters. The first note of music will start the timing of the show and must occur within thirty (30) seconds from the conclusion of the announcement introducing the band. The band is allowed a performance time of seven (7) to eleven (11) minutes.
- The judges watch very closely to see if the band is synchronized, in step and for the spacing that occurs. They judge the quality of the music performance as well. Another judge or two are dedicated to judging the Color Guard or other Auxiliary.
- Competition classes depend on the number of performers in the Band and Color Guard. Groups of similar sizes compete against each other, within their class. There are breaks in the competition between class performances. If a particular class has a large number of bands, the class is often divided into groups of four (4) to six (6) bands.
- Classification of each band is based on the TOTAL number of Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Performers (Performing Musicians). Drum Majors or equipment/sound operators are not counted unless they also perform on a musical instrument.
- Competitions are fairly formal in regards to the audience similar to a professional orchestra concert. No one in the audience is allowed to be seated (nor should anyone leave) during a band performance and all audience members should remain quiet during the performance. There are breaks between categories. This allows people to leave or find a seat.
- Following completion of your show, the band and color guard marches off the field. The band will have two (2) minutes to vacate the performance area (outside/clear of the goal line), which will be the conclusion of your fifteen (15) minute block. All props and equipment must be totally removed from the Performance Area within four (4) minutes of the end of the performance. All uniformed students will receive a hand stamp or wrist band that will allow them access back into the stadium. After performing, the students often change into school colors or band tee shirts and get something to eat and sit in the stands to watch other bands.
- Most Competitions and Tournaments give out the all-important awards at one time, although some competitions will have two awards ceremonies depending on how many groups are competing. The Judges’ evaluations are given to the Band Directors prior to the awards ceremony. The Band Directors go over the scores and can only challenge mathematical mistakes-performances have “placed” by percentages of a point – just like the Olympics.
- The Award Ceremony is a treat unto itself. Usually the Drum Majors and the seniors represent the band on the field during awards. Sometimes the performers in the stands start a wave, yell or group visual of some kind. This quickly becomes a competition of its own. Some bands are extremely regimented and may simply stand at attention.
- Each size class has three (3) or more categories of awards: Percussion, Auxiliary (Color Guard) and Visual/instrumental. 1st -3rd Place are announced – then there is Sweepstakes which is the best of all. All are awarded strictly by the judge’s calculations.
- When an award is given, the leadership team steps up to get the trophy and usually does some kind of distinguishing choreographed salute before accepting the award. Sometimes the routines get very complicated. The awarding group also responds with a routine of its own. There’s a lot of saluting going on. After the Award Ceremony is over (and this can take a while!) the leadership approaches the stands where the students are seated and the students cheer for their award and school.
- Attending the Award ceremony is extremely important – and unless there is a major time lapse between performance and the award ceremony, the Band and Color Guard always stay for the whole thing. Parents are encouraged to come and cheer the band on – this is a competition after all !
- Students and staff will receive stamps or wristbands, which allow entry to the performer’s designated spectator area. All other spectators will be required to purchase their own admission and sit in the general spectator’s area.
- The host school can earn quite a bit of money by charging admission and selling concessions. Most schools have barbecues going and sell home baked items as well as a variety of pre-packaged food. Funnel cakes and Kettle Corn are big crowd pleasers. There may also be vendors with band clothing, pins, hats, souvenirs, etc. The choices are different at each competition.
- There are programs available for purchase. Many times there are photos of the bands and auxiliary as well as the program order. The times listed in the program are very accurate, but can be subject to change.
- Finally, students are dismissed by the band director to return to and board their buses and go home.
IMPORTANT ! !
While students choose which bus to ride, they must ride on the same bus to and from the competition. The chaperones take roll when the students leave EHS and when we head back home.
If you plan to take your student home with you, parents must:
- Make arrangements with the Band Director in advance of the competition.
- Provide a written notice that the student will give to the chaperone on his/her bus. It is also acceptable to send an email directly to the band director (kevin.young@bcsemail.org) BEFORE the competition sharing alternate travel plans. (sending it to Mrs. Michelson is not enough, it must be sent to Mr. Young.)
If there are any questions and/or issues with any of the band or color guard students, THE BAND DIRECTOR IS ALWAYS THE FINAL AUTHORITY.