The Competition Experience

or, what do those band kids do all day Saturday?

by Judy Scholz  

Pictures courtesy of Trisha McGowan, Kathy Powell

What's it like to attend a band competition? It's a lot like watching your favorite kid participate in sports. You keep an eye on them and see how they do. The differences? There are lots of rules involved in band competitions, and they usually are a whole day affair. Here's some tips.

Bands are divided into divisions based on the number of members. Bands only compete within their own division.

Band competitions begin with "Prelims"--preliminary competition.   Prelims usually start at around 10 am. Each band first warms up, and then performs. The top ten or so groups (sometimes all of them) are invited to finals competition. 

Finals usually begin after a dinner break. This is the time to attend a competition if your time is limited. The tension level among the bands is high--they've already seen each other perform and they want to see if they can improve or keep their high standing. The stadium lights come on at dark, the band uniforms and color guard flags are glowing, and everyone feels the excitement. 

How the judges evaluate the groups by scoring with numbers is beyond me. Every group is different. Some have elaborate color guard presentations with props and sets and pantomime acting. Some are more military, with very precise drum lines. Other bands use jazz or popular music themes, and add electronic instruments. Usually there are a few solos taken by some instruments. It helps to read the program before each performance to get a feel for what is to come.

After finals are over, the judges' scores are tallied. Sometimes this seems to take forever! While everyone is waiting, often the school or schools that host the competitions will perform "in exhibition." Sometimes the hosts come up with other ideas to keep spectators busy while they wait. For example, at the Sunset Classic, we had a raffle for several prizes that kept the audience entertained while we waited for the scores. 

The awards ceremony takes place after the scores are tallied. Sometimes all of the bands and auxiliaries march onto the field and the colors are wonderful--get out your camera. Sometimes only the drum majors and guard captains line up for awards. The scores and standings are announced, beginning with the lowest. Trophies are handed out. . . 

Just to keep the suspense, the place awards are interrupted with caption awards. "Caption awards" are presented between the place announcements for special merit in categories such as color guard (auxiliary), music effect, drum major, and soloist. The last trophy awarded is for either First Place or Sweepstakes. Tensions run high, but the schools are amazingly well behaved (if noisy) during the awards ceremony. 

Often the band with the highest score is given the option of playing a victory performance for the crowd as they disperse. This is a good chance to get out your video camera, get up close, and film the group, since judges will not be on the field and the pressure of competition is off.

A word about protocol. Volunteers are usually assigned posts at entrance points to the bleachers, and people are not allowed to enter during a performance. By all means, visit the concession stands between performances or during the warm up periods, but do not expect to re-enter if a band has begun playing. This is for the comfort of the audience watching the show, and to avoid distractions for the players. For the same reasons, it is wise not to leave during a performance (though that is grudgingly permitted) unless it is an emergency. Except for applauding and cheering, chit-chat during a performance is also discouraged.

So, please let me know what I've left out, all you experienced band members and parents. Just remember, attending competitions not only supports your student in this very intensive effort of theirs, but supports the entire band community with your ticket and concession purchases. It's fun, little kids and older folks can enjoy it (bring blankets and seat cushions, just like when you attend sports competitions), and it's a great way to connect with the many friends you'll make.

  
This website is operated by the SAMBA Parent Club and is not directly affiliated with Sunset High School

Please send inquiries & feedback to editor@sambanotes.org 
(please include "SAMBA" in the subject line)