Participating Band Information

December – January 31: Online Registration is open. Enroll Today

January 31: Deadline to be considered eligible for the random draw for MOST events.

February – April: You will receive an individual email with your Block Time for each show you are enrolled in. Actual performance times are not set yet.

May

• Bookmark marching.musicforall.org/directorinfo for easy access
• Review the information applicable to all Bands of America events

August

• Directors will receive an email with information about completing the forms required for participation
• Administrators will receive an Enrollment Verification Form

30 Days Prior to Event

• Receive Prelims Schedule
• Review Event Final Packet, including, maps, regional event procedures, prelims and daily schedule
• Sign-up for the BAND App: free communication tool to keep you informed on show day

Week of Event

• At Rehearsal review BOA show timing (outlined in the Adjudication Handbook) and practice Entering/Exiting the field according to the event maps
• Print all parking passes from the order confirmation email. If you need more, complete the form again.
• Receive and review Final Reminders Email with the final schedule
• Verify that you and your staff have CompetitionSuite Access

Awards Ceremonies

• Regionals: Awards Ceremony Walkthrough – Prelims & Finals – Reading Time: 5 min.
• Super Regionals: Awards Ceremony Walkthrough – Prelims & Finals – Reading Time: 5 min.
• Grand Nationals: Awards Ceremony Walkthrough – Prelims, Semis & Finals – Reading Time: 8 min.

 Finale Field Placement Maps

• 12 Bands
• 15 Bands
• 16 Bands

Restrooms and Changing Facilities

• Indoor restrooms and changing facilities are limited, but port-a-lets will be available in the parking lots.
• Use buses or alternate locations to change into uniforms.

Motorized Vehicles

• Motorized vehicles are allowed with a bib (diaper) type covering underneath the engine/battery to protect the field from leaks (acid, fuel, oil).
• Off-road mechanized vehicles can only pull equipment trailers for set-up and take down.
• Unlock front ensemble carts wheels during transport to prevent field damage. Pneumatic or similar-style wheels of sufficient size/rating are recommended for large instruments/props.

Field Markings and Flow Dimensions

• Gate dimensions for all field entry and exit gates and details on hash marks are available on each event page.
• BOA’s prop rules apply regardless of venues gate and tunnel dimensions.

Livestream Microphones

• Microphones will be placed one (1) foot outside the 15-foot line at the 50 yard line and both 35 yard lines. Consider this when positioning podiums and speakers.

Finalist Directors Meeting and Finals Awards

• A Finalist Directors Meeting will be held right after Preliminary Awards. Drum majors are encouraged to attend.
  • You’ll receive the finals schedule, field passes, and Finals Awards information.
• The Finals awards will be an on-field retreat led by BOA Staff.
• Class champions not advancing to finals are invited to perform in exhibition and the Finals Awards.

Band Warm-Up Procedures

• Groups MUST report to their assigned warm-up at their scheduled time, as BOA doesn’t provide guides. Late arrivals cannot extend their time.
• BOA staff will monitor time and direct groups to the gate, providing 15 and 5-minute warnings. Groups must exit by the end of their time, starting to move out at 2 minutes.
• New groups can enter as the previous one exits, following BOA staff directions.
• Warm-up/rehearsal on-site is only allowed during the assigned time and location.

Percussion Warm-Up Procedures

• Front ensembles move to the gate 15 minutes before band report time.
• A separate front ensemble warm-up area is available.
• Front Ensembles can warm-up with the band, though it’s not recommended due to the distance.
• Battery can warm up with either the band or the front ensemble, unless the event logistics page specifies otherwise.

Electronics

• Wireless microphones, transmitters, wireless networks, and audio and/or lighting control devices are prohibited in warm-up.
• Wired instruments (guitars, keyboards, etc.) are allowed at reasonable volumes.

BOA Veterans: Welcome Back! Here is a quick reminder of the field entry process.

New Participants: Please read carefully! If you have questions please let us know at fall@musicforall.org

The full entrance sequence and announcement examples are listed in the BOA Adjudication Handbook.

THE SEQUENCE

At the Gate: Band arrives at the gate per schedule (no band guides). Explain your setup to BOA Staff for clarity and to address potential issues.

Goal Line: Just before pre-set, we’ll move the band to the GOAL LINE. BOA staff will countdown the start of your 4 minute set-up time.

Take the Field: 4 minutes before show time, enter the field as rehearsed (drum taps, pre-show music, etc.). Short warm-ups are allowed within this time. All setup (props/staging) MUST be within these 4 minutes.

• Props: Rehearse field entry with prop movers for a smooth performance day. No extra time for prop movement/assembly.
• Front Ensemble: A BOA official will coordinate this entrance at the same time as the band entrance.

Announcement: At 3 minutes 15 seconds (of the 4 minutes), the announcement begins. BOA Staff can cue your drum major(s) for the announcement and salute (optional).

• Note: The BOA announcement does NOT ask, “Is your band ready?”

Perform: Begin after the announcement. All adults must be off the field at this time.

Clear the Field: You have 2 minutes after your show to clear the field – all props, personnel, and parents.

• In early September, CompetitionSuite will email you to create or update staff profiles.
• All scores and recaps will be released after the Finals Awards Ceremony.
• Refer to the BOA Procedures & Adjudication Handbook for detailed information on BOA adjudication, procedures, and competition philosophy.
• Review and share the Philosophy Statement on amplification/electronic enhancement with your audio team.

Hydration

• Each band is responsible for ensuring members stay properly hydrated
  throughout the event.
• BOA water stations are “cup-less” water-horse stations. Participants must bring
  their own water bottles/jugs.
• Read the Bands of America Hydration Guide

Picnic Area

• Outside food and beverages are NOT allowed in the stadium.
• The stadium will be cleared with concessions closed during the break between prelims and finals.
• For safety reasons, eating is prohibited outside of vehicles in the parking lots.
• Picnic area information is included on each event page.

Music for All is committed to providing safe and secure events. It is important for each of us to engage in safe interactions and prudent preventative measures. Be aware of your surroundings. If you see something you know should not be there – or someone’s behavior that doesn’t seem quite right – say something. Security officials are on site at the event to ensure the overall safety of the event and the patrons.

Bag Policy
Music for All encourages spectators to avoid bringing bags. Depending on venue guidelines, small clear bags, diaper bags and emergency medical bags might be allowed. Bag policies help speed up entry and enhance safety.

Camera bags are typically allowed at each venue.

Weather
Music for All defers to the weather policies and safety protocols of the facilities in which we operate. Directors will receive text and BAND App updates.

Health
Restrooms, concessions, water stations, and emergency medical services are onsite. Know what to do in the event of a health issue and share with your team. Having access to your students’ medical forms and an emergency plan is important.

Stay Informed
Read all provided materials and maps  to help everyone be prepared for the event. Contact us with questions at fall@musicforall.org

Be Aware
Stay engaged with your surroundings. Report anything suspicious. Security is onsite for safety of performing students and spectators. Alert communities are vital for national safety.

Team
The support and assistance of adult guardians is necessary for the success of band activities. Adult support is key to band success and shows care for students’ musical involvement. Inform support teams and spectators to help create positive memories, model good interactions, and support all performers.

Positive Energy
Your enthusiasm, positive energy, and interest in each performance help create the best experience for everyone involved. We encourage students, parents, and directors to meet new friends, lift up those around you, and celebrate the dedication and hard work of every group.