General structure
Most competitions have both a preliminary and final round. In prelims, we compete against bands in our class. There are dedicated judges for Music Performance, Visual Performance, Music Effect and Visual Effect. With all judges’ scores combined, there are 100 possible points. (Color Guard and Percussion are judged for caption awards, but these are not included in the band’s score.)
A total score of 80 or higher earns a Distinguished Rating. Distinguished Ratings were once an automatic qualifier for State, but they no longer determine eligibility.
The highest scoring bands from prelims advance to Finals. Scores from Finals performances determine each band’s rank for that competition. Second place overall wins the Reserve Grand Champion title, and the overall winner is dubbed the Grand Champion. Scores are posted within a day or two on KYBand.com.
Audience etiquette
Thanks to Rick Gardner, Scott Leatherland and Rachel Rentschler, whose kyband.com editorial inspired these guidelines.
The audience is one of the most important elements of a marching music performance. It would be pretty disappointing to invest months preparing and fine-tuning a show, only to perform it for thousands of empty seats. Luckily, the Marching Colonels enjoy performing before a wide array of spectators at every competition. So it’s vital to us that everyone in our audience is allowed to enjoy the show. When attending a marching band competition, please keep the following in mind.
Get the most out of competition day
Support every band. No matter who is on the field, clap and cheer when they do a good job. Crowd response inspires students to perform better, and makes for a more enjoyable show for everyone.
Watch the whole show. Pay attention to every element. Usually several things are happening at once. When you watch several performances of the same show, you’ll notice something new and interesting in each performance.
Show up early. Bands in smaller classes often perform fabulous shows. If you’re only there to hear your band, you’ll miss a lot of great performances.
Buy concessions. The prices typically are less than you’d expect to pay at the movie theater, yet concessions revenue often funds a large portion of the host band’s operating costs.
Represent Dixie with Pride
Pause conversation during the show. Talking during a band’s performance is bad form. Respect your neighbors’ right to enjoy the shows they paid to see/hear. With a little luck, you’ll receive the same courtesy.
Turn off / silence your phone. Taking a call is as distracting as talking face-to-face during a performance. There are several minutes that pass between performances while bands switch when you can make calls.
Stay put during performances. With the exception of a well deserved standing ovation, please stay seated and hold banners so you won’t block the visuals from those around you. A typical performance lasts less than 10 minutes, and there’s time between bands to get up for food or a bathroom break.
Keep young children with you. We love our kids, and yours as well. It just wouldn’t be a marching band competition without the little ones. And while they might not want to sit still, we can’t allow horseplay or running around in the stands. It’s not safe, and it makes it hard for other spectators to enjoy the show.
Be nice. If you’re not a fan of a uniform or find an arrangement too pedestrian, remember that someone within earshot likely has a friend or family member on the field. For weeks or months prior to competition day, every member of your band invested considerable time and effort while family and friends made huge sacrifices to make the show possible. Members of other bands worked just as hard, so please be respectful!
Don’t boo during awards. Sometimes judges fail to recognize our band’s superior performances in every caption (they’re only human). While you’re free to disagree with their assessments, we ask that you resist the temptation to openly voice it. Booing doesn’t reflect well on the attitude of Dixie Heights.
Rules for judging
Eight judges evaluate each show:
- 2 Music Performance Judges evaluate how the band plays and all of the details associated with musicianship.
- 2 Visual Performance Judges evaluate the marching, form control, spacing, etc.
- 1 Music Effect Judge evaluates how effective the musicians pull off the show as well as the musical structure of the show.
- 1 Visual Effect Judge evaluates the construction of the show and how effectively the performers execute it.
- 1 Percussion Judge evaluates front ensemble (pit) and drumline marching and music. (This score does not play into the overall score of the band.)
- 1 Color Guard Judge evaluates all aspects of the guard performance. (This score is not included in the total score either.)
Judges use voice recorders to log their unedited reactions during performances. Before leaving, we receive their score sheets and voice recordings. This feedback helps staff to make adjustments to the show throughout the season.
Come to the trucks / trailer!
We welcome new parents, family members and friends to help out and hang out in the lot. The students would love to see you there, and other band parents are eager to meet you.
Wear your “show shirt” or spirit wear, and and be ready to cheer in the stands. The kids have dedicated enormous time and energy to bring you this moment. Don’t miss it!