Only still photography is allowed, and only from general admission seats. Still photography is not allowed at field level.

Tripods, bipods, and monopods should not be used and the viewing experience of other spectators may not be disrupted.

Video and audio recording of any kind is not allowed, no exceptions.

• Each competing band is given 31 credentials with the option to purchase up to 10 additional credentials. Bands are given the exact number of bus driver wristbands as they request vehicle passes. Up to 2 medical passes for nurses can be requested by the band director. There are NO videographer passes.
• A pass or a ticket is required to get into the stadium as a spectator.
• Bands of American events are mobile entry and can be purchased in advance.

The audience and performance environment is a key piece of the Bands of America experience. Parents and fans have their own role to perform, which they undertake with enthusiasm. The atmosphere of good sportsmanship, mutual support, and appreciation for all of the performers on the field creates a positively life-changing experience for the students, as well as the parents and supporters. Meeting and engaging with parents and fans from other programs creates opportunities for networking and provides an extended voice in support of music education.

Bands of America and Music for All emphasizes the pursuit of performance excellence and the educational experience of participation. The commentary offered by the Bands of America judges provides educators and students with comments and meaningful assessment – much more than simply selecting a winner or placement. The commentary provides information on how directors and students are doing and what they need to do to improve. Each judge has a slightly different responsibility in this, but all point to the same mission: to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences. Your applause, your encouragement, and your standing ovations will make this an unforgettable experience for the thousands of young people performing today.

THE VALUE OF COMPETITION
Competition is woven into the very fabric of America and has helped to foster the development of the strongest nation on Earth. Bands of America and Music for All believe that competing is a great motivator and provides amazing opportunities for learning life lessons. The essence of competition is in the striving for performance excellence and being held accountable for learning. If the focus is on the learning, the competitive climate will be a source extremely valuable in life. On the other hand, the negativity associated with “winning at all costs” will be a detriment to personal growth. Winning is certainly a monumental benchmark, as is any measurement in the competitive arena. Performing your very best in competition is also a benchmark, as is competing with the very best programs. By choosing to participate in competition, individuals and groups have already “won” simply by being highly motivated.

The competitive arena provides a very precious opportunity to practice quality sportsmanship and sincere appreciation for the hard work of others. It also is the place where the very best models in our activity can be displayed and celebrated. All performers need models to demonstrate possibility at the highest levels of performance and artistry. Bands of America encourages all participants to stay for Finals, show appreciation for those models, and for finalists to “break ranks” in order to congratulate each other for their successes. As all programs continue to improve through motivation, the competition strengthens everyone, pushing us beyond what we believed to be our potential. Each and every band performance is a gift to us all and must be treasured. First place is fleeting, but the learning associated with the striving for excellence, the cooperative work ethic, and the appreciation of others is everlasting. Bands of America encourages participants, parents, and friends to celebrate the high value of the competitive environment for its lessons and to become immersed in “positively life-changing experiences.”

— From the Bands of America Official Procedures and Adjudication Handbook

Music is designed for all the senses. For everyone to fully enjoy the performances, we ask that you please adhere to the following. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

• Please turn off or silence all cell phones, pagers, watches, and other personal electronic devices.
• Do not leave or return to your seat during performances.
• Keep all aisles clear. Please do not enter or exit the seating area or move within the seating area during performances. Respect the performers and your fellow spectators.
• Please do not carry on conversations during performances or talk in a manner that disturbs your neighbors.
• No smoking in the stadium.
• Anyone exhibiting inappropriate behavior that disturbs the performances or the enjoyment of those around them may be asked to leave the stadium at the discretion of the contest director.

Bands of America has a four-class system (A-AAAA). Bands are assigned to classes based on enrollment levels in grades 10-12 as verified by each school’s administration.

Preliminary performance times are scheduled based on a random draw. Applications received and paid for on or before January 31, 2025, were 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 National Champion has the option to choose its Prelims performance time. Semi-Finals and Finals performances are scheduled by a random draw on site.

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

Bands receive recorded evaluation 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 they focus: 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 marching.musicforall.org for more information.

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.