Enrollment is open to all high school bands on a first-come, first-served basis.

Preliminary performance times are scheduled based on a random draw. Applications received and paid for on or before January (for 2023) are eligible for the initial draw, after which performance times are based on postmark of application, with earlier postmarks receiving the later performance times. The previous year’s Regional Champion has the option to choose its Prelims performance time. Finals performances are scheduled by a random draw on site.

Classification in Bands of America Championships is determined by school enrollment, grades 10-12: Class A – 600 students and fewer, Class AA – 601-1250, Class AAA – 1251-1750, and Class AAAA – 1751 and above. Each band declares its school’s 10-12 grade enrollment on the event application. Each principal must verify enrollment at the start of fall and consider all those students in the grades 10-12 grade population utilizing the numbers used in reporting enrollment for state funding. Enrollment numbers to determine classification breakdown are examined and reset every three years based on the prior three years of Bands of America Championships bands. The current classification began with the Fall 2018 season. Using the data from 2019 and 2021 (BOA Championships did not operate in 2020), the next reclassification will occur effective Fall 2022.

By nature, appreciation of arts requires subjective reactions. We do not announce or publish band classifications, before or during events. Our intention is to not draw attention to classification, so as to eliminate expectations of a band’s performance based on class, including those of the judges.

A division rating of I, II, III, or IV is awarded to each band based on preliminary performances, with a division rating of “I” awarded to the highest scoring range. Division ratings do not play into the selection of finalists, which is based on overall score regardless of class. 

The top 12 scoring bands, regardless of class, are invited to compete in the evening’s Regional Finals. For Indianapolis and St. Louis Super Regionals, the top 14 scoring bands, regardless of class, will advance to Finals. For the San Antonio Super Regional, the five highest scoring bands in each of the two Prelims judging panels, regardless of class, plus the next four highest scoring bands from both of the two Prelims, regardless of class, will advance to Finals. If a Class Champion is not among the highest scoring bands advancing to Finals, they will be invited to perform at Finals in exhibition. 

Bands receive recorded evaluation and scoresheets from each judge. The emphasis is on the input the judge offers to the band’s program. It is the position of Bands of America that music is the more important aspect of the performance, with marching as the presentation and visual enhancement of the program. Likewise, greater emphasis is placed on general effect than on fine-line perfection of the performance.  The weight of the numbers places 60% of the value on music and 40% on visual, as well as 60% on general effect and 40% on performance. Each judge is assigned a specific area on which he or she focuses: ensemble and general effect judges are located at a vantage point from above (e.g., press box), and individual performance judges are located on the field.
You can download the adjudication handbook from here for more information. 

Bands of America judges are well-established experts in the music education, marching, and pageantry fields, with their educational philosophy and background taken into consideration as much as their career accomplishments. Panel assignments are made by the Chief Judge and are reviewed by Music for All executive management. Before any assignments are made, each potential judge must complete an “affiliation form,” listing all bands with which they have any kind of relationship. This enables Music for All to create BOA judging panels whose members are unaffiliated with any of the participating bands.

No video or audio recording is permitted in the stadium without the express written permission of Music for All, in advance of the event.

Any still camera (making film or digital still pictures) is allowed into and may be used from the spectator seating area of any venue, as long as it does not interfere with or disrupt the viewing experience of any other spectator. Family, friends, and fans may take still photos of BOA events for personal use only. The images may not be sold or otherwise distributed without the written permission of Music for All. Cameras (of any kind) may not be used on the field. People with field passes or name badges must go into the stands to take digital or film pictures. Tripods or other similar equipment that obstruct the view or path of travel of others in seating areas are not allowed.