Parade Competitions 101
For new band parents and students, here's a view of what happens at parade competitions from a parent's perspective. Hopefully you can get some insight on how important these competitions are and why it's imperative that students attend the competitions ready for the event.
Bands are judged by a panel of experts and numeric scores are based on
Because marching bands come from a military tradition, everything is very regimented. There is little to no flexibility or consideration of circumstances. Bands can be marked down for scuffs on shoes, wearing jewelry, turning their while marching, or even a delay stepping off at the competition line on time.
As noted in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association manual:
The marching band has retained a unique identity; its music is appropriate to its functions and can be characterized as rhythmically solid, appealing, melodic and exciting with spine-tingling singularity. Because of its importance and its respected position in parades and ceremonial functions, the marching band has acquired a colorful uniform designed to be striking in its blend of color, while creating an effect of strong rhythmic movement in its cut and design. Its identification through emblems, flags, banners and the like, reflects pride. In its proud stride, carriage and movement, it achieves espirit de corps. The following are characteristics of a military marching band:
Here is how the day transpires:
Students report to MCHS and are transported to the event. Typically, they wear their CLASS A UNIFORM for parades (bibbers, jacket, shako (hat) with plume, black socks, and black band shoes). Since showmanship and appearance are extremely important in marching competitions, uniforms should be as follows:
When the Band and Colorguard get to the parade location they are expected to put on their uniform pieces, get their instruments, and be prepared to warm-up.
The band boosters typically help get the equipment unloaded from the bus or band trailer. Parents are on hand to help with any final uniform and hair adjustments while the band is warming up. Parents are welcome to walk behind the band along the sidewalk, or go to a position to view the performance. On warm days, the band boosters bring along a wagon with water.
WARM UP
About 15-30 minutes before performance, the Band and Colorguard get into position. Once they are called, they march to a warm-up area. They then have a limited amount of time to get to their starting line. No one should talk or otherwise engage with the band at this time. The boosters walk behind the band, but not so close as they will interfere with Dr. Smith, Mr. Fiester, or Mrs. Kelsey.
After the warm-up area, there is a SILENT AREA where the band marches to the starting line to the beat of a single drum tap.
STEP OFF LINE (COMPETITION BEGINS)
The Drum Major gets into position and marches the band to the starting line, known as the STEP OFF. The competition begins when the band crosses the competition line.
EVERYTHING IS SCRUTINIZED. The judges watch very closely to see if the band is synchronized, in step, in phase, and for the spacing that occurs. They judge the quality of the music performance as well. Another judge or two is dedicated to judging the Color Guard and the drum major. At some competitions, the drum line will step out for a segment of competition devoted just to drums.
ALL BANDS ARE NOT ALIKE
While bands come in different sizes, they are largely judged on the same qualities. Competition classes depend on the number of instrumentalists in the Band. Bands of similar sizes compete against each other, within their class. Bands are awarded points, and typically, the band director receives the score sheets after the awards are distributed at the end of competition. Often, these scores come with helpful notes and words of praise/encouragement from judges. These are especially important, as feedback helps bands become stronger for future competitions.
AWARDS
The award ceremony takes place after all of the bands have competed. Often, since we have such a long drive, the band will return home, while the drum majors stay behind to accept awards. When an award is given, the band's leadership team steps up to get the trophy and usually does some kind of distinguishing choreographic routine before actually taking it. Sometimes the routines get very complicated.
Bands are judged by a panel of experts and numeric scores are based on
- The difficulty of the music
- Precision and accuracy of marching
- Overall neatness and appearance
Because marching bands come from a military tradition, everything is very regimented. There is little to no flexibility or consideration of circumstances. Bands can be marked down for scuffs on shoes, wearing jewelry, turning their while marching, or even a delay stepping off at the competition line on time.
As noted in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association manual:
The marching band has retained a unique identity; its music is appropriate to its functions and can be characterized as rhythmically solid, appealing, melodic and exciting with spine-tingling singularity. Because of its importance and its respected position in parades and ceremonial functions, the marching band has acquired a colorful uniform designed to be striking in its blend of color, while creating an effect of strong rhythmic movement in its cut and design. Its identification through emblems, flags, banners and the like, reflects pride. In its proud stride, carriage and movement, it achieves espirit de corps. The following are characteristics of a military marching band:
- Marching tempo is between 114 – 126 beats per minute.
- Marching is performed in a block formation.
- Command of the unit is accomplished by a drum major.
- Marching is performed with the heel down while taking a consistent stride.
- Music is played with a steady tempo, resonant tone, and all voices heard in a balanced and blended style while playing all indicated articulation, accents and dynamics.
- All aspects of the performance: music, marching, and dress is done in a “uniform” style.
Here is how the day transpires:
Students report to MCHS and are transported to the event. Typically, they wear their CLASS A UNIFORM for parades (bibbers, jacket, shako (hat) with plume, black socks, and black band shoes). Since showmanship and appearance are extremely important in marching competitions, uniforms should be as follows:
- JACKETS and PANTS must be well fit, clean and neat, with no dirt visible on the white jackets.
- BIBBERS need to be cleanly hemmed to between the sole and top of shoe. Socks should not be visible, and pant should NOT appear to drag on the ground. Pins, staples, or other fasters should not be visible.
- JACKET SLEEVES should fall so that when arms are at side, cuff rests just above the wrist.
- HAIR must be tucked neatly into hat with no hair touching the collar. Bobby pins and hair spray are used to help secure hair. A useful technique is to cut the thigh top of a leg of panty hose so that it forms a tube. Musicians can pull the hose cuff over their heads to their necks. When you pull upwards, bringing hair up and the hose over the face, the hair tucks neatly upwards, and then the hat can be secured. Just be sure the panty hose do not show below the hat.
- SHOES must be free of dirt and dust. Windex works well to restore shine to scuffed shoes.
- SOCKS must be black, crew style or knee highs. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- DEDUCTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR jewelry, earrings, watches, rings, nail polish, or make-up (except for color guard)
When the Band and Colorguard get to the parade location they are expected to put on their uniform pieces, get their instruments, and be prepared to warm-up.
The band boosters typically help get the equipment unloaded from the bus or band trailer. Parents are on hand to help with any final uniform and hair adjustments while the band is warming up. Parents are welcome to walk behind the band along the sidewalk, or go to a position to view the performance. On warm days, the band boosters bring along a wagon with water.
WARM UP
About 15-30 minutes before performance, the Band and Colorguard get into position. Once they are called, they march to a warm-up area. They then have a limited amount of time to get to their starting line. No one should talk or otherwise engage with the band at this time. The boosters walk behind the band, but not so close as they will interfere with Dr. Smith, Mr. Fiester, or Mrs. Kelsey.
After the warm-up area, there is a SILENT AREA where the band marches to the starting line to the beat of a single drum tap.
STEP OFF LINE (COMPETITION BEGINS)
The Drum Major gets into position and marches the band to the starting line, known as the STEP OFF. The competition begins when the band crosses the competition line.
EVERYTHING IS SCRUTINIZED. The judges watch very closely to see if the band is synchronized, in step, in phase, and for the spacing that occurs. They judge the quality of the music performance as well. Another judge or two is dedicated to judging the Color Guard and the drum major. At some competitions, the drum line will step out for a segment of competition devoted just to drums.
ALL BANDS ARE NOT ALIKE
While bands come in different sizes, they are largely judged on the same qualities. Competition classes depend on the number of instrumentalists in the Band. Bands of similar sizes compete against each other, within their class. Bands are awarded points, and typically, the band director receives the score sheets after the awards are distributed at the end of competition. Often, these scores come with helpful notes and words of praise/encouragement from judges. These are especially important, as feedback helps bands become stronger for future competitions.
AWARDS
The award ceremony takes place after all of the bands have competed. Often, since we have such a long drive, the band will return home, while the drum majors stay behind to accept awards. When an award is given, the band's leadership team steps up to get the trophy and usually does some kind of distinguishing choreographic routine before actually taking it. Sometimes the routines get very complicated.