Most of our Saturdays in October are spent at marching contests.

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Terminology

• There are two types of contests.

  • A “one and done”: We perform, we get our score, then we leave. This is usually the Region Contest.

  • A “prelims & finals”: There are two phases in this type of contest. This is the most common type of contest.

    • In the preliminary round there could be from 15 to over 30 bands performing, usually about every 15 minutes with some breaks throughout the day. Sometimes, after the last band performs, there will be an exhibition performance by the host school while the judges tally the scores. This 

    • Depending on when in the schedule we perform during prelims, the kids will take off parts of their uniforms, eat lunch, relax, etc. Sometimes the students will go sit in the stands to watch the remaining bands.

    • Then, they have a prelims awards ceremony (Drum Major Retreat).  The awards ceremony takes about 15 minutes. Awards are typically given out by Division (for example: 4A, 5A, 6A). Some contests also have caption awards for different aspects of the show (best music, best guard, best general effect, etc...). Then, finally the top 10-12 overall rankings (regardless of Division).

    • If we advance to the finals, the directors will get a finals performance time. The kids will get back into uniform, warm up again and perform the show again. This is usually later in the evening. We will not know the finals time until after prelim awards. This is where everyone needs to be flexible. 

    • Lastly, there will be a final awards ceremony. Sometimes this is a Full Retreat where the entire band goes on the field, other times it will be a Drum Major Retreat, where only Drum Majors and Guard Captains are on the field. Depending on the contest, this will usually happen between 10-11pm.

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Etiquette

• During most competitions, no one is allowed to walk up into the stands while a band is performing. This ensures there is little movement in the stands to distract the bands while they perform. It also means that no one’s view is blocked by anyone standing in the aisles. 

• At some contests if the schedule allows (like the Woodlands), we may go to the local mall for one of the meals. When this happens, you may be asked to provide your student with money for the Food Court.

• Families: When planning your arrival, give yourself PLENTY of time to park and get to a seat before our performance time.  You will have to pay for parking at most contests. 

 

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Parent Checklist

Contest days can be long for parents too! There are some things you might consider bringing with you:

 

• CLEAR BAG – Most stadiums have a clear bag policy so it’s easiest if you just always plan for this policy. The last thing you want to do is have to walk all the way back to your vehicle to put stuff away.

• Sunscreen

• Bug Repellent

• Bottled Water (Please be aware that some stadiums do not allow outside food or drinks)

• Portable snacks (granola bars, crackers, raisins, trail mix, etc.)

• Money for concession (Most stadiums accept credit cards but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on you)

• Umbrella (for rain AND shading the sun)

• Stadium Chair

• Hat

• Rain Poncho

• Camera

• Tylenol/Band Aids/Tissues

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Down Time

If we have an early prelim performance time, there could be hours in between performance and awards.  So, what do parents do during the long contest days?  Some hang out at the truck.  Some parents stay in the stands and watch all of the bands perform.  Depending on the location of the contest some may go home and come back.  There are often groups of parents that will go somewhere for lunch.  If you are hanging out at the truck, you could bring a camp chair and possibly an umbrella to shield the sun.  There are also some parents that have little kids at home that don’t want to bring their kids out all day at a contest.  The Directors will usually announce our prelim results via BAND App, so you will know when the finals time is to come see finals.

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Swag & Costs

• Souvenirs: Most contests have souvenirs for sale. There is usually a shirt designed for each contest. There are also patches for the contest. If you think your kids might want a t-shirt, budget $30.00+.  Patches are usually $6.00+. 

• Admission Fee: All contests (with the exception of UIL Region) have admission fees. You can either buy just prelims, just finals or an all-day pass. Each contest is different in how much they are.  

• Parking: Some contests charge a parking fee.

 

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Qualifying for UIL State Marching Competition

Each band that receives a “1” at the Region Marching Contest (one and done) will advance to the UIL Area Marching Contest. The UIL Area contest is a prelim/finals competition so it will be an all-day event. For every band in our UIL Division that gets a score of “1”, 5 bands will advance to the state marching competition. For example, if there are 43 bands in our division and 40 bands get a “1”, 8 bands will go to state. If only 39 bands get a “1”, 7 bands advance to state.

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Traveling Overnight

• There are some contests that require the band to travel and stay overnight in another city.  When this happens, the students’ hotel, entry fees to the competition venue, and most meals are usually covered in your band fair share fees.