PERFORMANCE ORDER:

Class A bands will perform first, followed by AA, AAA, AAAA, & AAAAA. Performance order within each class will be set by a first come first served basis of applications, with the previous year's Class Champions having first priority, then bands who competed the year before. Applications received earliest will be given priority on order after that.

EIGHT OR MORE IN A CLASS:

If a class has 8 or more bands, that class will split into two separate classes based off of total size submitted. If there are bands with the same submitted size, a draw will occur to determine which class they march in. There will be separate awards for each new class, however there will only be an Overall 1st-3rd Place Bands in that divided class.

MUSIC STYLE:

All music styles are welcomed. Adjudication is based on musical aspects (difficulty, tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, etc.), visual aspects (demand, posture, interval, equipment carriage, etc.), and general effect (creativity, entertainment value, enthusiasm, execution) that should be evident regardless of the chosen repertoire.

FIELD REQUIREMENTS:

Each band should prepare a coordinated musical/visual show that is suitable for performance on a 100-yard football field and oriented toward one sideline. The band must be able to enter the field, setup, perform, and completely exit the field within 15 minutes.

BAND INSTRUMENTATION:

Instrumentation should consist primarily of wind and percussion instruments. Electronic, string and other instruments are permitted, if used in moderation & balanced. This contest is designed for marching bands, not stage bands or orchestras.

AMPLIFICATION:

Amplification of individual soloists, small ensembles, or narrators is permitted, but mass amplification of sections or an entire band is prohibited. If amp power is required, the contest director must be notified at least two weeks before the competition date.

RECORDED MUSIC:

All music must be performed live. No pre-recorded music is permitted during the competition.

MARCHING REQUIREMENTS:

A moderate amount of movement by the performers is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the visual scoring captions. Performances that include an exceptional amount of stationary (standstill) performing will be judged accordingly.

AUXILIARY UNITS:

Auxiliary units are permitted to use any type of equipment so long as it can be brought onto the field safely and without causing damage to the field or facility. Performers are allowed to shift between musical and visual (color guard) roles during a performance.

However, designated auxiliary members are not permitted to shift between visual and musical roles (those which require them to play an instrument) during a performance. If auxiliary members do play an instrument, they will need to be added to the total winds/percussion performing.

OVERSIZED EQUIPMENT:

Large pieces of equipment, or "props" such as stages, platforms and backdrops are permitted as long as the equipment does not damage the field. Bands damaging the field or track will be responsible for damage costs.

PYROTECHNICS:

No fire or fireworks will be allowed in the stadium, nor will any prop or effect that could potentially damage or leave residue on the contest field (i.e. confetti, baby powder, etc.). Bands who violate this rule will be DISQUALIFIED, and no refund given. This rule is in place to assure managers of contest site that the field will not be damaged.

WEATHER:

If the weather becomes inclement after the competition begins, the competition will move to an indoor facility on the Paragould campus. If the competition is moved indoors, music will be the only caption judged.

If weather conditions are considered by the competition director to be unsafe before the competition, the event will be moved to another date.

The competition director will make every effort to prevent competition cancellation including, but not limited to delaying the competition start time.