NORTH CAROLINA BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION

NORTH CAROLINA BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION MARCHING BAND CONTEST PROCEDURES & ADJUDICATION MANUAL

Table f Cntents Article I: Cntest Infrmatin... 3 Sectin I: Missin & Philsphy... 3 Missin Statement 3 General Statement f Ethics... 3 Cde f Cnduct. 3 Sectin II: Cntest Specific Infrmatin... 4 Cntact Infrmatin 4 Entry Infrmatin 4 Perfrmance Schedule.... 4 Event Management. 4 Guides/Crdinatrs 5 Passes.. 5 Restricted Areas.. 5 Vide Plicy and Directrs Viewing Area 5 Awards Ceremny...... 5 Prvisins fr Feedback.. 5 Sectin III: Rules and Regulatins. 6 Eligibility 6 Classificatin.. 6 Perfrmance Requirements. 6 Perfrmance Bundaries/Markings.... 7 Penalties.. 7 Electrnics.. 7 Restrictins. 7 Article II: Adjudicatin Prcess 8 Sectin I: Philsphy and Ethics. 8 Applying the NCBA Values in Judging. 8 Philsphy f the NCBA Scring System.. 9 Judges Cde f Ethics Affiliatin... 9 Cnsultatins.. 9 Sectin II: Duties and Instructins. 9 Duties f the Adjudicatrs.. 9 General Instructins 9 Tape Cmmentary.. 9 Management f Numbers 11 Sectin III: NCBA Scring Prcess. 12 NCBA Scring System... 12 Judge Lcatins.. 12 Tabulatin and Determining Awards.. 13 Sectin IV: Criteria Reference System... 14 Intrductin. 14 Applicatin f Criteria Reference System.. 14 Applying Derived Achievement f Excellence... 15 General Infrmatin Regarding the Judging f Effect... 15 Sectin V: Scresheet Explanatins 16 Appendix - Scresheets 24 2

FORWARD Much f this manual is in a fill-in-the-blank frm s that it may be adapted t suit each individual event. The infrmatin prmpts that appear in BLUE italics shuld be prvided by the hst f each specific event. The remainder f the infrmatin in BLACK will be the same fr all events sanctined by the Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin and shuld be distributed in advance f the cntest t the directrs f all participating ensembles. Article I: Cntest Infrmatin Sectin I: Missin & Philsphy 1.01 MISSION STATEMENT The Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin, a divisin f the Nrth Carlina Music Educatr s Assciatin, fficially recgnizes and sanctins marching band as a viable and credible perfrmance based ensemble in the teaching f music in a high schl setting. We believe marching band can be ne cmpnent f a well balanced cmprehensive instrumental music prgram. Include the purpse f the cntest and/r the gal(s) fr the bands attending the event. 1.02 GENERAL STATEMENT OF ETHICS The Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin believes that marching band must be educatinally based and centered n enhancing public schl instrumental music prgrams in Nrth Carlina. It is the cmmittee s belief that marching band is ne extensin f the high schl cncert band prgram. Every decisin made by the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin s Marching Band Cmmittee when establishing a unifrm methd f critique was centered n helping students and directrs grw and learn. Marching band cmpetitin can be used as a psitive educatinal tl fr the develpment f better musicianship, strnger discipline, self-mtivatin, and character f students. Since cmpetitive marching band can cnsume much time and mney in preparatin, extreme care must be taken t keep the activity in perspective with the respnsibility t educate. When these bjectives are nt the primary gals f a prgram, marching band ceases t be educatinally valid fr students. Prfessinalism is the ultimate expectatin. As members f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin, each directr is charged with acting respnsibly and demanding the same f his/her entire prfessinal rganizatin. 1.03 CODE OF CONDUCT Prfessinal ethics are essential t the cnduct f a band directr chsing t have his/her rganizatin participate in cmpetitin. Directrs must be aware f the guidelines related t this cde f cnduct and be gd representatives fr the prfessin by making decisins with care. The fllwing are guidelines fr behavir and gd decisin-making: Directrs, students, parents and ther staff shuld act in a supprtive manner f all participating grups and individuals. Inapprpriate language and/r behavir frm persns representing a specific band will result in that schl s administratin being ntified by the Chairpersn f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Marching Band Cmmittee. Educatrs must be cnsiderate f all thers in additin t their wn students. All participating individuals and grups shuld be treated with respect. Respect the cmpetitive prcess. Each directr is expected t act in a prfessinal manner tward spnsrs, hsts, adjudicatrs, spectatrs and ther cmpeting directrs and students. Fllwing the timeline and schedule fr each event is imperative. Failure t d s will result in penalties and/r disqualificatin (see Prcedures and Adjudicatin Manual). 3

Cntest Hpping (signing up fr mre than ne cntest n the same day, then chsing which suits best after the perfrmance schedules have been established) is nt allwed. Failure t prvide prper ntice f cancellatin, except in extreme circumstances, will be cnsidered a vilatin f this cde f cnduct and the schl s administratin will be cntacted by the Chairpersn f the Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin. Frgery is a crime. Prper signatures n cntest registratin frms are required. Any directr caught frging a principal, bster representative, administratr, r any ther signature will be in vilatin f this cde f cnduct and the schl s administratin will be cntacted by the Chairpersn f the Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin. Likewise, directrs are expected t request and receive all apprpriate cpyright clearances. Only sanctined cntests, which have paid the apprpriate fee, may use the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin Marching Band Sheets and System. The Chairpersn f the Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin will cntact the administratin f any schl/cntest using the system withut being a sanctined event and having paid the apprpriate fee. Cntests that demnstrate a blatant disregard fr the rules and prcedures set fr in this manual will be issued a written ntice highlighting the infractin and the cntest will be placed n prbatin fr a perid f ne year. If additinal rule vilatins are bserved while the cntest is n prbatin, the cntest will be suspended fr the fllwing year. Sectin II: Cntest Specific Details Name f Cntest - Date f Cntest - Lcatin f Cntest 2.01 CONTACT INFORMATION Cntest Directr: Title: Institutin: Address: City, State, Zip: Office Telephne: Hme Telephne: Email Address(es): Any Additinal Cntact Infrmatin: 2.02 ENTRY INFORMATION Specify hw t enter int cntest, cst f entry, hw the rder f perfrmance is determined, and hw the number f bands in each class is determined. Entry infrmatin must include a script sheet that prvides the infrmatin the annuncer will read when intrducing the ensemble (name f schl, name f band, musical selectins, name(s) f drum majr(s). Other infrmatin may be gathered (staff names, previus awards, etc.) fr inclusin in the cntest prgram, but will nt be included in the intrductry cmments fr each ensemble. 2.03 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Prvide specific infrmatin regarding the schedule f perfrmances. Each event shuld determine apprpriate scheduling criteria. Bands must be scheduled at intervals f n less than fifteen and n mre than twenty minutes. Hwever, the fifteen minute time limit in the perfrmance area must be bserved n matter what the shw hst determines as the perfrmance schedule. It is recmmended that shws with lgistical cncerns due t site cnstructin (ex: nly ne entry and exit fr perfrmers and equipment), cnsider using a scheduling interval fr larger bands that is greater than the fifteen minute perfrmance area time limit. Bands arriving late will be allwed t perfrm at a later time, if at all pssible. The band will perfrm fr ratings nly and will receive tapes frm the judges. They will nt be ranked and will nt receive sheets frm the judges. 4

2.04 EVENT MANAGEMENT Prvide specific infrmatin regarding directins t event lcatin. Prvide specific infrmatin regarding arrival lcatin, parking lcatin, check-in prcedure and changing/restrm availability/lcatin. Prvide specific infrmatin regarding practice areas, warm-up and reprt times. Prvide specific infrmatin regarding ingress-egress t stadium fr perfrmance and award ceremnies. Prvide maps f all areas. Prvide specific infrmatin regarding directr and/r staff hspitality. Prvide specific infrmatin regarding weather related changes Prvide specific infrmatin regarding directrs meetings r ther lgistical matters. Prvide infrmatin fr timing fficial 2.05 GUIDES AND COORDINATORS Prvided specific infrmatin abut the rle f guides, including when and where they will meet the band (if applicable). At least ne adult crdinatr is required t be prvided fr each warm-up site prvided. This persn is respnsible fr keeping warm-up sites n time and infrming band directrs when fifteen (15) and five (5) minutes are remaining. 2.06 PASSES Specify infrmatin regarding the number f staff, pit, and directr passes that will be prvided. A pssible example might be: Each band will be issued (specify number) name badges and an additinal field pass fr every (specify number) students in the ensemble. Names fr the field passes must be submitted at check-in. Specify the areas in the stadium fr which the pass will permit admissin. 2.07 RESTRICTED AREAS Specify thse areas f the stadium that are restricted fr spectatrs. 2.08 VIDEO POLICY AND DIRECTOR S VIEWING AREA Specify restrictins and/r prcedures regarding the videtaping f shws. Specify infrmatin regarding special vide areas and/r directrs viewing areas. 2.09 AWARDS CEREMONY Specify infrmatin regarding the awards ceremny (full retreat, drum majr/directr retreat, etc.) 2.10 PROVISIONS FOR FEEDBACK Everyne in Nrth Carlina wh participates in the marching activity has a rle in helping t imprve the activity. Cmpleting the feedback frms will help the Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin cntinue t imprve the prcess, and thereby the experience fr all participants. In the event that the NCBA Cmmittee requires paper r electrnic evaluatin instruments in any given year, it is the respnsibility f the Event Hst, the Judges, the Participating Directrs and the Chief Judge t prvide these evaluatins within the timeframe set by the NCBA Marching Cmmittee Chairman. Chief Judges shuld fllw all requirements listed in the current year s Chief Judges Manual (i.e. distributin f checks t judges) shuld their be a requirement f evaluatins in any given year. 5

Sectin III: Rules & Regulatins 3.01 ELIGIBILITY Participating students must be currently enrlled, academically eligible, and members frm the same high schl r ne where the members are part f a single band with a recgnized jint credit prgram. Als eligible are students frm all feeder elementary, junir high, and middle schls. Directrs, staff members, and parents may assist with the set up f equipment bth n and ff the field, hwever all participants wh cntribute t the perfrmance must be students (perating sund bard, mving prps, etc.). Directrs r staff may cnduct frm the sideline. 3.02 CLASSIFICATION Prvide specific infrmatin regarding hw ensembles will be gruped int classes (number f participants, schl size, etc.) Nte: The cmmittee recmmends that bands be classified accrding t the number f wind players. It is recmmended that the classificatin range varies by 15 r fewer perfrmers in classes up t 60 wind players, 3.03 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS Fr timing purpses nly, the perfrmance area will be defined as the area between the gal lines and frnt and back sidelines. Each participating band will have 15 minutes t set-up, warm-up, perfrm, and exit the perfrmance area. They must present a perfrmance f n less than 7 minutes. Timing vilatins are subject t penalty (see page 7). Each band will be allwed t set-up and warm-up anywhere in the perfrmance area. Timing will begin at the cue f the Timing and Penalties Official. All perfrmers, including stagehands assisting with n field set-up, must nt enter the area until instructed t d s by the Timing and Penalties Official. The shw hst shuld ensure that their egress/regress prvides the pprtunity fr each perfrming band t be staged s that they can immediately enter the perfrmance area upn this cue. Perfrmance Timing and Adjudicatin will stp when all equipment, members, and stagehands are clear f the perfrmance area bundaries as defined abve. Upn visual cue f the Timing Official (at the directin f the directr/drum majr) r n later than three (3) minutes and 30 secnds int time, the annuncer will intrduce the band as fllws: Jining us frm (name f twn and state, please welcme the (name f schl) High Schl Marching Band! (pause fr audience respnse) Their musical selectins include the fllwing (infrmatin prvided n script sheet). The (name f cntest) is prud t present in cmpetitin perfrmance, Drum Majr(s)(name(s) f drum majr(s)) and the (name f schl) High Schl Marching Band! A drum majr salute is n lnger necessary t indicate that the band is ready t start; hwever if the drum majr(s) are ging t salute, it shuld ccur at this time. Perfrmance Timing and Adjudicatin will begin with the first nte f music r the first step by a member f the ensemble after the annuncement, whichever cmes first. Perfrmance timing and Adjudicatin will end with the last nte played r last step taken. Musical exits will be included in the perfrmance time. Visual mves (with percussin cadence r silent) are cnsidered part f the perfrmance time. Bands must cmpletely vacate the perfrmance area (the area between the gal lines and frnt and back sidelines) within the 15-minute ttal time. Exit time and entrance time f the tw bands may verlap in rder t maintain the flw f the event. Nn-perfrmers may assist in the exit prcess. A drum tap is recmmended. (Recgnizing that full cadences and trping f the stands can be an imprtant part f many shws, specific exit prcedures are left t the discretin f the event hst, as lng as they d nt exceed the 15-minute limit). 6

3.04 PERFORMANCE BOUNDARIES AND MARKINGS Prvide specific infrmatin regarding bundary regulatins (if any) and size f pit area. Specific bundaries must be defined. Fr timing purpses nly, the perfrmance area will be defined as the area between the gal lines and frnt and back sidelines. The field must be a regulatin high schl ftball field and marked accrdingly (every 5 yards, high schl hash marks, etc.). A marker, which is visible t the perfrmers, must be placed n at least every ther yard line alng the frnt sideline. Prvide ther specific infrmatin regarding hw the field is marked (lcatin f numbers, etc.) and lcatin f gates (size, accessibility, etc.) fr entrance and exit. All nn-perfrming persnnel (prp hlders, sund adjustment, flag runners, etc.) must nt participate in anyway during the perfrmance time. T be clear, parents may hld prps during any event, but may nt manipulate a prp in any way. Any vilatin f this rule is subject t a perfrmer vilatin penalty. 3.05 PENALTIES Timing penalties will be assessed fr: Under 7 minute perfrmance time: Overtime f 15 minute ttal time: Perfrmer vilatin: 0.1 pint per 3 secnds r fractin theref 0.1 pint per 3 secnds r fractin theref 3 pint ttal penalty regardless f number f infractins 3.06 ELECTRONICS All electrnically prduced music must be live, in real time, and be perfrmed by a student. N prerecrded music is t be used. All electrnic sundbards must be perated by students, but may receive instructin frm a staff member during the perfrmance. Prerecrded music activated by an electrnic sundbard is cnsidered prerecrded music. Nte: Prerecrded music is permitted befre the annuncement. Narratin and sund effects may be prerecrded and used withut penalty. Specify if the hst rganizatin will prvide electricity and the lcatin f the surce relative t the intersectin f the frnt sideline and the fifty (50) yard line. The event hst is nt respnsible fr any interruptin in the supply f electricity. Any vilatin will result in a penalty (r disqualificatin) at the discretin f the chief judge in cnsultatin with the event hst. 3.07 RESTRICTIONS N fire, pyrtechnics, firewrks, firing f weapns, r the use f any hazardus materials that culd endanger the stadium surface, participants, r spectatrs will be permitted. N animals will be allwed as part f perfrmance. N band may perfrm a rutine that requires the stadium lights t be turned ff. N pwder and/r any material that might damage the field, leave excessive residue (paper wrappings, etc.), and/r disrupt the scheduled flw f the event will be permitted. N band r prtin f any band may use the perfrmance area fr practice during the week prir t the event. Prvide ther site specific restrictins. Any vilatin f these restrictins will result in a penalty (r disqualificatin) at the discretin f the chief judge in cnsultatin with the event hst. 7

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Article II: Adjudicatin Prcess Sectin I: Philsphy & Ethics 1.01 APPLYING THE NCBA VALUES IN JUDGING Everyne is sensitive t the changing situatin within the marching band activity. Sme areas are frtunate t have an abundant number f bands participating. Sme areas are experiencing a rapid decline in supprt t the music prgrams and prgrams are at risk. In all cases, mney is a prblem. Many are questining cmpetitin, its purpse within the educatinal arena, and all want the best pssible experience fr their students. In rder fr adjudicatrs t d their part, the fllwing directives must be fllwed. We encurage yu t bring yur varied experiences and knwledge int yur jb tday. Hwever, we d ask that yu make sure that yu keep in mind that the philsphies f ur system may nt match thse f the system that yu are mst familiar. Please keep in mind the philsphies and techniques that we have discussed thus far as yu perfrm yur duties tday. The judges jb is t supprt the educatinal experience f the students. The judge is a team-teacher, reinfrcing the tenets f quality music and mvement. Judging must be abut helping the students t grw, and abut appreciating their learning effrts. Yu are judging the NCBA Marching Band Cntests. Help the bands wrk within the framewrk f what they have. This des nt preclude identifying prblems within the shw, nr des it alter hw yu rank and rate based n the design r perfrmance. If a suggestin f majr rewrites fr either drill r music, please understand that ur bands d nt have a lt f time t make these changes, but minr suggestins are welcmed. Mdify yur terminlgy - please deliver yur bservatins in clear terms. Adjust tlerance and expectatins. Mdify yur terminlgy - please deliver yur bservatins in clear terms. Many band directrs d nt understand judge speak and n students understand it. Be careful t present yur cmmentary in a methd that can be played fr the students. All judges wh are familiar with the NCBA System will ntice a dramatic change in the csmetic appearance f the sheet itself. The sheet is nw hrizntal instead f vertical. In additin, n the bttm left are quick reference guides fr yu t cnsider when determining neighbrhds, ranking bands within neighbrhds and finally when yu determine the spreads t assign a sub-captin pint value t a perfrmance. Please be sure t use these references fr each band as yu assign them a scre. Finally the criteria has been rewrded t be cnsistent frm bx t bx and frm sheet t sheet Music Judges - Equally and Cnstantly sample wdwinds, brass and percussin. D nt cnstantly talk abut the instrument yu are strngest in. Sample all instruments equally. Recgnize and reinfrce the technique behind successful musical quality f every vice in the band. Music Effect Judge - Fcus the majrity f yur dialg n MUSIC. Crdinatin pririty fr YOU is percussin t winds as well as clr guard and within thse three sectins. SOME cmmentary will be apprpriate relative t visual staging and crdinatin, but DO NOT jump int the visual captin. Recgnize the musical repertire (chice f music, cntinuity f selectins, depth/interest f arrangements, creativity, imaginatin, pacing f the musical prgram). One f ur largest cmplaints cme abut music effect judges wh talk t much abut visual staging and crdinatin and/r the clr guard. Visual Effect Judge Fcus the majrity f yur dialg n the band prper. Hwever, be sure t include cmmentary n the clr guard as it relates t a hlistic examinatin f the perfrmance. Visual Perfrmance Judge If yu are familiar with the NCBA judging system it is imprtant t nte the change in the judging criteria and pint distributin fr this captin. The NCBA Marching Band cmmittee, having heard feedback, has decided that it is apprpriate t give credit fr what the perfrmers are ding as well as hw well they are perfrming. The what has been given a subcaptin value f 50 pints and the hw has been given a sub-captin value f 150 pints. Thereby, the greater credit still given t the perfrmance f the student. 9

Value all f ur bands. Size f band des nt make it mre r less imprtant. Every student must have the best pssible input. Every prgram is vital in its imprtance. Cmpetitin is strng in every divisin; intelligent and sensitive decisins must ffer the students equal pprtunity t achieve. Judge the cntest frm tp t bttm in yur ranking. Remember that the size f band can be a challenge whether very small r very large. The prblems will be different, but the challenge is still great. D nt judge just the class. Be careful t include all visual elements in yur cmmentary, nt just clrguard r the band-prper. A brief cmmentary shuld be written n every scre sheet. Cmments n tape is nt sufficient. This prvides the teachers with smething they can pst in the band rm and let the students read. This has been a request f ur bands. Please write legibly. Judges shuld be enthusiastic abut their cntributin. Tne f vice creates a mre impacting impressin than yu realize. Assume the kids will hear all tapes. REMEMBER - JUDGING CAN NEVER BE ABOUT THE JUDGE, IT MUST ALWAYS BE ABOUT THE PERFORMERS. They are all yur kids. Please deal with them with that sensitivity. 1.02 PHILOSOPHY OF THE NCBA SCORING SYSTEM This system is a means t encurage and reward creativity, artistry, and standards f excellence and achievement while prviding a vehicle that will educate new and lder band directrs in such a way that they will grw t understand and evlve t the greatest level f their ptential. It is ur intent that this system will encurage and reward creativity, and acknwledge the tasteful and aesthetic appeal f gd design thrugh quality cmpsitin. The system acknwledges the jint effrts f designers, instructrs, and perfrmers thrugh understanding that excellence and artistry are displayed thrugh the design and that thse same designs are recgnized and credited thrugh the artistry f perfrmance. This system utilizes a methd f subjective evaluatin that rewards the achievement f psitive qualities and ffers cntinued encuragement t strive fr greater achievement. This is a psitive system, rewarding successful effrts at every level, and is designed t encurage units t develp, maintain and prject their wn styles. Therefre, we emphasize creativity, riginality, taste and excellence. The use f a criteria-reference guide (n the back f all scre sheets) will tell all units the essence f the qualities they must achieve in rder t receive their prjected number-grade gal. Scres assigned by a judge reflect the successful achievement f certain criteria and n lnger equates such ideas as pr, fair, gd, etc. The system is educatinal and will prmte perfrmers and directrs based n successful accmplishments. 1.03 JUDGES CODE OF ETHICS AFFILIATION A judge will nt adjudicate a cntest in which a cmpeting unit is ne with which he has a frmal affiliatin as defined belw: - Primary Affiliatins: Designers, instructrs, management, marching members, immediate family members - Secndary Affiliatin: Nn-Immediate family and persnal relatinships with any f the abvedescribed persns culd be cnstrued t be a secndary affiliatin. Chief Judges will nt wrk at a cntest were there is a Primary Affiliatin. Exceptins t the abve rule may be made upn directin f the NCBA bard, but nly with their apprval. 10

Please cntact the NCBA immediately if yu are aware f a pssible cnflict. 1.04 CONSULTATIONS NCBA Judges may nt cnsult with any band within the 5 days prir t a cntest he may be asked t judge. Sectin II: Duties and Instructins 2.01 DUTIES OF THE ADJUDICATORS Reprt t the Judge Crdinatr at the time specified. While n specific unifrm is required, judges are expected t dress in a prfessinal manner. Smking is permitted if allwed by the hst Judge & facilities. Judges are t rank the units. 2.02 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Judges are t rate the units by the cmparative scres earned during the curse f the cntest. 2. Judges are t aid the units t imprve thrugh taped cmments. 3. All judges are expected t maintain a dignified and impartial attitude at all times. They shuld refrain frm discussing the perfrmances while adjudicating the cntest. 4. All judges shuld be apart frm ne anther s as t avid interfering with the ther s judging prcess as the lcatin will present itself. 2.03 GENERAL TAPE COMMENTARY The tape cmmentary shuld prvide accuntability fr evaluatin, cnstructive criticism, and useful infrmatin that addresses hw t imprve. Additinally, the tenr f the cmmentary shuld be genuine helpfulness and geared fr student listening. Typically, sme staff members make judgment abut tape input quality based n ne disagreeable cmment and then ignre the substance f the remainder f the tape. Many issues arise ut f the perceptin f attitude n the tape. Be careful with terminlgy: Realize that band directrs listen t all the tapes and sme f the terminlgy utilized in ther arenas regarding visual evaluatin needs t put in mre laymen terms. Tape Cmmentary Pririties: Cmments shuld assist thse parts f the shw that are imprtant t the scring prcess. Cmments shuld assist the understanding f the ranking/rating prcess. Cmments shuld assist the instructr in imprving the structure f the prgram r perfrmance. Cmments shuld reflect an educatinal apprach that will reward achievement and encurage greater effrts. Avid terminlgy that is irrelevant t the principles we are reinfrcing. Clear, specific dialg is apprpriate. All grups will be cmfrtable with terms used n the NCBA scre sheets. Avid the recitatin f terms that are nt easily related t what yu are bserving. Be specific in yur bservatin f weak areas and be clear as t the prblem. Be enthusiastic abut training, grwth and achievement. Offer patience and supprt in the develpment prcess f skills, ideas and wrks in prgress. Share enthusiasm fr the activity. Stay cnsistent thrughut the day regardless f level f band. Expand awareness, particularly f electrnic cntributin and value. Suggestins fr changes shuld be manageable. Balance the psitive and cnstructive. 11

Imprtance f the critic t the art. Greatest impact will be n the middle 50% f bands. Be pen-minded t new cncepts which yu may nt have experienced befre. Discuss these cncepts and learn abut them in rder t adjudicate them. The cnsistency f judges bservatins is essential fr the assured grwth f all perfrmers. Be infrmed and current with yur captin philsphy and with the levels f learning within each class criteria. Offer supprt and reinfrce. Tapes will run cntinuusly thrughut the unit s presentatin. The judge s cmments shuld include basic impressin as well as an analysis f prblem areas. Pssible suggestins t imprve certain aspects f the prgram/perfrmance are encuraged. Bth the band directr and students shuld benefit frm the cmmentary. Demeaning r rude cmments are unacceptable. Judges shuld mdulate the vlume f their vices s as nt t interfere with ther judges r with patrns viewing the shw. While it is nt necessary that a tape be cmpletely filled with cmments, the judge shuld knw that the absence f any cmments is nt acceptable. Tape Guidelines: Tape cmmentary shuld be student riented React t the perfrmance with substantive cmments Identify strengths and weaknesses with reasns fr the reactin.. Use the descriptrs in the criteria reference bxes in the cmmentary. Prvide specific help fr imprvement. Recgnize and credit achievement. D nt dwell n just ne r tw aspects f the perfrmance, even if that is the majr issue. There must nt nly be a balance f cmmentary based n what is t be evaluated n the sheet, but als a balance f the what and hw. Use the PQP methd f criticism Praise, Questin, Plish. Pitfalls t Avid: Avid t much cmmentary abut the hw. Nt enugh cmmentary abut the what, especially with General Effect repertire. Avid cmments that are nt useful Avid tick r transcript f errrs. Evaluate, analyze, and ffer slutins. Avid being cndescending. Avid a running cmmentary r descriptin. Avid cmparing yu band t thse cmpeting. 2.04 MANAGEMENT OF NUMBERS It is the judges respnsibility is t Rate and then Rank perfrming bands. Use the criteria reference system n the sheets. The descriptrs in Bxes 1 4 are references t the middle f the criteria bx. Bands must meet all f the criteria in Bx 5 befre they receive a number in that bx. Determine which 3 rd f the bx the band is perfrming. Rank Achievement recgnizes the simultaneus ccurrence f the What & Hw. That is t say, that is the sum f the written prgram and the perfrmance. Rank the band relative t thers in the event. Use Pint spread criteria listed later in bk and n judging sheet fr guide. Use the tte sheet. It is imprtant that tlerances between judges within the bxes are similar, particularly in General Effect Music. Develp anchr pints. These are bands that fr that perfrmance, define a certain standard. Operate with the understanding that credit cannt be given t perfrmers if the pprtunity des nt exist in the cntent f the prgram. The NCBA has adpted these guidelines t assist the judges in determining their scring and specifically their spreads. These guidelines are als designed t assist the band directrs and staff members in understanding their scre/spread. 12

Rating is an imprtant aspect f prper scring. Spreads are smetimes apprpriate in rder t rank within each sub-captin. Avid sub-captin ties when pssible. Pint Spreads (within sub-captins) Objective: T btain assistance fr sub-captin spreads t prevent the ranking nly scres. These are t be used as guidelines in all captins. 1-3 pints: The bands were very cmparable. They culd perfrm again and the results culd easily be reversed. They are clse neighbrs 4-6 pints: The bands were reasnably cmparable with sme minr differences between them. They are still in the same neighbrhd. 7-9 pints: The bands have sme definitive differences between them. They culd perfrm again and the results wuld prbably nt change. Hwever, they culd still be distant neighbrs. 10 pints +: The bands have significant differences between them. They are nt in the same neighbrhd. Avid Using Tenth s f Pints... The sheets are adjusted t reflect tenth s in the final ttal scre. Sectin III: NCBA Scring Prcess 3.01 THE NCBA SCORING SYSTEM All participants and all prgram styles start with an equal pprtunity t succeed. Scres are assigned based n criteria required in each sub-captin. 6 judges assign scres as fllws: Music Perfrmance Ensemble (1 Judge)* 200 pints (Tne Quality and Intnatin 100, Accuracy and Definitin 100) Music Perfrmance Individual (1 Judge)* 200 pints (Wdwinds 75, Brass 75, Percussin 50) *The Music Perfrmance captins are averaged fr a ttal scre Visual Perfrmance Ensemble (1 Judge) 200 pints (Vcabulary 50, Excellence and Technique 150) Music Effect (Music) (2 Judges) 200 pints (Repertire Effectiveness 100, Shwmanship Effectiveness 100) Visual Effect (Visual) (1 Judge) 200 pints (Repertire Effectiveness 100, Shwmanship Effectiveness 100) There will be a Timing Official wh will enfrce all timing, prcedure, and restrictin vilatins. This fficial will als dcument the number f perfrmers and determine classificatin if cntest uses number f perfrmers fr class determinatin. There will als be a Gate Official respnsible fr crdinating the entrance f all bands. 3.02 JUDGE LOCATIONS 13

Music Effect Judges - lcated in the press bx and will be statinary during the entire perfrmance. They will utilize bth a tape recrder and scre sheet t prvide a cmmentary f their evaluatins. There are tw judges in this captin. Visual Effect Judge - lcated in the press bx and will be statinary during the entire perfrmance. He/she will utilize bth a tape recrder and scre sheet t prvide a cmmentary f his/her evaluatin. There is ne judge in this captin. Music Perfrmance Individual Judge - lcated at field level and encuraged t mve freely thrugh and arund the ensemble, keeping a reasnable distance frm the perfrmers as nt t intimidate them r interfere with their perfrmance. He/she will utilize a tape recrder t prvide a cmmentary f his/her evaluatin. There will be ne judge in this captin. Music Perfrmance Ensemble Judge - lcated in the press bx and will be statinary during the entire perfrmance. He/she will utilize a tape recrder t prvide a cmmentary f his/her evaluatin. There will be ne judge in this captin. Visual Perfrmance Ensemble Judge - lcated in the press bx and will be statinary during the entire perfrmance. He/she will utilize a tape recrder t prvide a cmmentary f his/her evaluatin. There will be ne judge in this captin. Timing Official lcated n the field. They are respnsible fr ntating perfrmance start and stp time and exit timing. He/she will utilize a frm t reprt infrmatin regarding timing and ther relevant infrmatin and turn this int the Chief Judge fr assessment f relative penalties. Gate Official lcated near the entry gate. They will be respnsible fr band entrances and starting their set-up time. In crdinatin with the Timing Official and Chief Judge, they will be respnsible fr determining the best prcedure fr band entrance s as t allw all bands a full set-up time yet nt impede the flw f the event. Percussin Judge include lcatin and methd f prviding cmmentary if applicable. The cmmittee recmmends that these judges nt be lcated n the field Drum Majr Judge include lcatin and methd f prviding cmmentary if applicable Auxiliary Judge include lcatin and methd f prviding cmmentary if applicable 3.03 TABULATION PROCESS AND DETERMINING AWARDS The scre assigned by the Music Perfrmance Individual judge and the Music Perfrmance Ensemble judge will be averaged. That scre will represent 20% f the ttal scre. The scres assigned by the judging panel will be tabulated as fllws: Average f Music Perfrmance Individual/Ensemble Visual Perfrmance Ensemble Visual Effect Music Effect #1 Music Effect #2 TOTAL POINTS 20 pints* 20 pints 20 pints 20 pints 20 pints 100 POINTS After scres are tabulated, all penalties impsed fr varius infractins will be deducted frm the raw scre t determine the final scre. If tw r mre bands have the same final scre, the higher placement will be awarded t the band with the higher General Effect ttal (sum f Visual Effect and tw (2) Music Effect scres). Scres frm separate percussin adjudicatrs, auxiliary adjudicatrs, r drum majr adjudicatrs will nt be used in determining the raw r final scre, as this wuld reward thse areas twice (percussin cntributin is cnsidered in bth music perfrmance and music effect, drum majr cntributin is cnsidered in bth music perfrmance and music effect, and auxiliary cntributin is cnsidered in bth music effect and visual effect). 3.04 ADJUSTED SCORING SYSTEM 14

In an effrt t create a psitive atmsphere fr all students cmpeting, the NCBA system will utilize an adjusted scring system. The adjusted scring system maintains the crrect placement f bands, while preventing yunger grups frm receiving scres that culd be cnsidered detrimental t the students. The raw scre and adjusted scre will be printed n the recap sheet given t directrs. Only the adjusted scre will be published in the fficial results psted n the NCBA website. T determine a band s adjusted scre, divide the raw scre by 2 and add 50 pints. This effectively creates a range f scres frm 50 t 100 fr all bands. I.E.: Band Raw Scre Adjusted Scre Placement Band #1 90 95 1 st Band #2 80 90 2 nd Band #3 50 75 3 rd Band #4 30 65 4 th Sectin IV: Criteria Reference System 4.01 INTRODUCTION Adjudicatrs cme frm varius backgrunds and gegraphic lcatins. These factrs, alng with reginal style differences and individual pinins and preferences, will bring a brad range f experiences t the cntest. While these varied experiences are imprtant t participants, it is als imprtant t prmte cnsistency in the adjudicatin prcess. At all times, judges shuld simultaneusly evaluate the cntent (what is being perfrmed) and the perfrmance (hw it is being perfrmed). 4.02 CRITERIA REFERENCE SYSTEM The Criteria Reference System develped by the Marching Band Cmmittee f the Nrth Carlina Bandmasters Assciatin is similar t systems used thrughut the cuntry t evaluate band perfrmances, regardless f style, with the purpse f maintaining unifrmity, bjectivity, and cnsistency thrughut an entire event. The criteria reference system f the NCBA, requires that ranking and rating be dne n a sub-captin basis s that each subcaptin number is a ranking and rating in and f itself. When the ttals f the sub-captins indicate a tie in the verall sheet, the judge shuld re-evaluate his/her sub-captin numbers t see if the tie can be brken. A maximum scre in any sub-captin is inapprpriate in any cntest prir t the last band t take the field in cmpetitin. It is particularly inapprpriate when assigned early in any cntest. It might ccur in rare ccasins when the judge s number discipline frces a scre t escalate in the prgressin f a cntest, but it negates cmpletely the cncept f ranking when it is applied prematurely. It is imprtant t restate that the five categries specify levels f achievement fr each sub-captin. The numerical rating f each perfrmance falls within the bx that best describes the level f achievement MOST OF THE TIME. Only the tp categry with the highest numbers requires the perfrmance t meet utstanding achievement fr EVERY ONE f the criteria listed. The achievement level displayed by the perfrmers is the fcus f the adjudicatin system and criteria fr entrance int each bx n the scre sheet is printed n the back f that particular sheet. All judges will judge the entire shw frm bvius start t bvius cnclusin. 4.03 APPLICATION OF THE CRITERIA REFERENCE SYSTEM It is the intent f this system that a number grade be assigned frm whichever level f achievement describes the unit s qualities mst f the time. Only bx 5 requires the unit t display ALL qualities described t earn the scres available at that level f achievement. The criteria reference system describes five levels f achievement, which are applied t Impressin, Analysis, and Cmparisn. These levels f achievement are described specifically in the sectin SCORING SYSTEM. In rder t prvide unifrm numerical treatment fr subjective judging, judges cnvert subjective impressin int a numerical categry and ultimately refine that categry t a specific scre. 15

Bx 1 Bx 2 Bx 3 Bx 4 Bx 5 Fair Gd Excellent Superir Superir Impressin is best described as the judge s subjective reactin. Numerically, the functin f the impressin is t determine a categry fr any particular sub-captin. Unifrmity f impressin frm judge t judge is nt easily accmplished. The criteria reference system attempts t standardize this prcess. Analysis is the bjective aspect f the evaluatin that seeks ut reasns t supprt r mdify initial impressins. Numerically the analysis cnverts the impressin categry t a specific scre within each sub-captin. Cmparisn requires the judge t lk at the number given and cmpare it t ther marks he/she has given in that categry nt nly in that cntest but als in earlier cntests. Thus, when a judge assigns a number t an aspect f the unit s prgram, he/she is telling that unit hw it stands n a state level. 4.04 APPLYING DERIVED ACHEIEVEMENT IN EXCELLENCE Just as each grade level enhances a curriculum that challenges the student t grw and learn new material, s t, similar challenges are placed n students in the area f marching music. Marching band is a unique learning experience which invlves a demnstratin f musicianship, athleticism and artistry, and must be judged with thse unique qualities in mind. The judge must cnsider all the respnsibilities in the curriculum when discussing the relative achievement level f the students. The judge, therefre, cnsiders tw cmpnents in the evaluatin f the musical/visual perfrmance in every scring area. They are: WHAT is being asked f the student (the prgram, the musical/visual cmpsitin, the variety/range f the musical r visual vcabulary f the music r the mvement.) HOW these aspects are being accmplished (methd, technique, training, sensitivity, cmmunicatin, etc.) Unless we recgnize WHAT is ccurring, we are apt t be inadequate in recgnizing HOW the skills are being demnstrated. In ther wrds, we cnsider the curriculum and the cmprehensin/achievement f the curriculum as simultaneus partners. In this manner, the judge cnsiders ALL f what is being asked f the student. As the excellence/achievement is being assessed, Music judges will cnsider, amng ther things: The depth and range f the musical repertire The cmplexity and variety f rhythms, meters, temps The range f expressive sensitivities The mvement requirements placed n the musicians The prximity f ne player t anther The prximity t the center f the pulse The physics f sund as it relates t the listening skills required f the students in rder t bring fcused sund t the audience and judge. As the excellence/achievement is being assessed, Visual judges will cnsider, amng ther things: The range and variety f the vcabulary/cmpsitin/repertire Layered respnsibility f musical delivery cmbined with mtin Layered respnsibilities f equipment, dance, rle, etc. Expressive cmpnents creating visual dynamics The judge must pssess sund recgnitin skills with full cmprehensin f all that is being asked f the student. This requires the judge t start by identifying what is being dne, then evaluate hw well it is being dne as he/she respnds t training, technique and expressin. Care must be exercised that judges d nt cnfuse the curriculum with the idea f demand fr the sake f demand. It s abut tasteful educatinal challenges, which will help the students t grw. Cnversely, care must be taken nt t verlk the depth f the challenges placed n the student. The WHAT and HOW must be a simultaneus cnsideratin in the judge s mind. The judge must als be familiar 16

with the unique arena in which these musicians perfrm. Weather and field cnditins will vary, and the judge s tlerance shuld adjust fr these situatins. 4.05 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE JUDGING OF EFFECT The primary premise f general effect judging is that the judge must be prepared mentally t be entertained! Effect judges are a widely experienced and critical part f the audience, and are there t enjy and react t the perfrmance. Each adjudicatr will have preferences, whether they are in chice f music, manner f presentatin, r style f interpretatin. The effect judge in this captin will allw themselves t appreciate what is gd abut a given prductin based n what is being presented. In rder t d this, effect judges must remve themselves frm their wn preferences and pinins and recgnize and appreciate the apprach thers are attempting t use t reach the audience. Entertainment can take many frms (cmedy, drama, paths, etc,) and the entire range f emtin shuld be cnsidered as being valuable in prgramming. A prductin that successfully tuches the audience emtinally n the deeper side f the scale shuld receive equal cnsideratin with prgrams that cnsist primarily f qualities that make us feel gd. Audience reactin is ne indicatr f effectiveness and the judge must distinguish between genuine respnse t excellence f perfrmance and the effrt f hmetwn supprters. A genuine audience reactin t smething that leaves the judge unimpressed warrants credit, fr it has achieved effect. At the same time, the judge must credit thse prductins fund t be wrthwhile and well dne, even thugh the reactin f the general audience may be sparse. The underlying thesis is that credit must be given t that which is well prepared, perfrmed with excellence, and evkes an emtinal respnse. Sectin V: Scresheet Explanatins 5.01 MUSICAL EFFECT CAPTION Overview: The Music Effect sheet has tw sub-captins: Repertire Effectiveness and Shwmanship Effectiveness. It is the intent f this sheet t evaluate the cntributin f the three primary grupings (wdwinds, brass, percussin), as well as any ther acustic and/r electrnic musical elements, when evaluating the ensembles cllective effectiveness in presenting the musical prtin f the prductin. The adjudicatr must cnsider the representatin f the perfrmance, the sincerity and emtin f the perfrmance, and the relatinship f all musical and visual elements tward effective presentatin f the music. In each f the tw sub-captins n the sheet, the adjudicatr is actually evaluating the perfrmers and the writer(s)/teacher(s). The Repertire Effectiveness sub-captin strngly reflects the what f the perfrmance, while the Shwmanship Effectiveness sub-captin, by design, reflects the hw f the perfrmance. Repertire Effectiveness Repertire Effectiveness credits the degree and depth t which the musicians are able t represent the elements f musicianship thrugh the ensemble perfrmance f the written prgram. Cnsideratin is given t all skills, devices, ingredients and qualities that achieve ptimum effect. Crdinatin f events t prvide a strng audi blend and visual supprt fr the musical presentatin warrants careful evaluatin. The crdinatin f the written prgram is the harmnius functining f the musical and visual elements. It is the result f the prcess that evlves frm adaptatin thrugh staging and cntinuity t climax. This sub captin credits the manner and extent t which the design team has created, crdinated and maximized an effective prgram. It is implicit that the written prgram prvides the pprtunity t create effect. 17

Bx 1 (10-15) Cntributin fr Enrichment is never discvered. Range f Expressin is never discvered in the musical arrangement. Creativity/Imaginatin is never discvered. Quality Audi/Visual Blend is never discvered. Attentin t Pacing / Cntinuity / Unity is never discvered. Evidence f Crdinatin/Staging is never discvered. Variety f Texture is never discvered in the musical arrangement. Bx 2 (16-45) Cntributin fr Enrichment is seldm experienced. Range f Expressin is seldm experienced in the musical arrangement. Creativity/Imaginatin is seldm experienced. Quality Audi/Visual Blend is seldm experienced. Attentin t Pacing / Cntinuity / Unity is seldm experienced. Evidence f Crdinatin/Staging is seldm experienced. Variety f Texture is seldm experienced in the musical arrangement. Bx 3 (46-75) Cntributin fr Enrichment is smetimes knwn. Range f Expressin is smetimes knwn in the musical arrangement. Creativity/Imaginatin is smetimes knwn. Quality Audi/Visual Blend is smetimes knwn. Attentin t Pacing / Cntinuity / Unity is smetimes knwn. Evidence f Crdinatin/Staging is smetimes knwn. Variety f Texture is smetimes knwn in the musical arrangement. Bx 4 (76-95) Cntributin fr Enrichment is frequently understd. Range f Expressin is frequently understd in the musical arrangement. Creativity/Imaginatin is frequently understd. Quality Audi/Visual Blend is frequently understd. Attentin t Pacing / Cntinuity / Unity is frequently understd. Evidence f Crdinatin/Staging is frequently understd. Variety f Texture is frequently understd in the musical arrangement. Bx 5 (96-100) Cntributin fr Enrichment is always applied. Range f Expressin is always applied in the musical arrangement. Creativity/Imaginatin is always applied. Quality Audi/Visual Blend is always applied. Attentin t Pacing / Cntinuity / Unity is always applied. Evidence f Crdinatin/Staging is always applied. Variety f Texture is always applied in the musical arrangement. Shwmanship Effectiveness Shwmanship Effectiveness credits the level at which the musicians demnstrate their emtinal invlvement in the prgram, and their ability t generate the desired respnse frm the audience. While an adequate level f prficiency is required, this captin is primarily cncerned with the cmmunicatin f the intensities f emtin. Shwmanship is the energizing quality f the perfrmers that generates prgram effectiveness unattainable thrugh repertire nly. The shwmanship cntributin f the perfrmers is that quality which makes the entire presentatin greater than the sum f its parts. It is implicit that the written prgram prvides the pprtunity t create effect. Bx 1 (10-15) Musicality/Artistry is never discvered by the perfrmers. Emtin is never discvered in the perfrmance. Achieved Effects are never discvered by the ensemble. Cmmunicatin f Rles is never discvered by the perfrmers. The perfrmance never discvers Entertainment. Prfessinalism is never discvered by the perfrmers. A presentatin f Spirit/Intensity is never discvered. Engagement is never discvered. Bx 2 (16-45) Musicality/Artistry is seldm experienced by the perfrmers. Emtin is seldm experienced in the perfrmance. Achieved Effects are seldm experienced by the ensemble. Cmmunicatin f Rles is seldm experienced by the perfrmers. The perfrmance seldm experiences Entertainment. Prfessinalism is seldm experienced by the perfrmers. A presentatin f Spirit/Intensity is seldm experienced. Engagement is seldm experienced. Bx 3 (46-75) Musicality/Artistry is smetimes knwn by the perfrmers. Emtin is smetimes knwn in the perfrmance. Achieved Effects are smetimes knwn by the ensemble. Cmmunicatin f Rles is smetimes knwn by the perfrmers. The perfrmance smetimes knws Entertainment. Prfessinalism is smetimes knwn by the perfrmers. A presentatin f Spirit/Intensity is smetimes knwn. Engagement is smetimes knwn. Bx 4 (76-95) Musicality/Artistry is frequently understd by the perfrmers. Emtin is frequently understd in the perfrmance. Achieved Effects are frequently understd by the ensemble. Cmmunicatin f Rles is frequently understd by the perfrmers. The perfrmance frequently understands Entertainment. Prfessinalism is frequently understd by the perfrmers. A presentatin f Spirit/Intensity is frequently understd. Engagement is frequently understd. Bx 5 (96-100) Musicality/Artistry is always applied by the perfrmers. Emtin is always applied in the perfrmance. Achieved Effects are always applied by the ensemble. Cmmunicatin f Rles is always 18