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WSMA Marching Band Handbook |
To print this handbook (pdf format) click here
| I. | Purpose of WSMA State Marching Band Championships |
| II. | Eligibility |
| III. | Band Class |
| IV. | Entry Options |
| V. | Scheduling |
| VI. | Facility |
| VII. | Performance Requirements |
| VIII. | Adjudication |
| IX. | Awards |
| X. | Audience Information |
| XI. | Director Information |
| XII. | Weather Emergency Plan |
| XIII. | WSMA State Marching Band Championships Committee |
I. Purpose of WSMA State Marching Band Championships
A. Provide an opportunity for performance by marching bands from WSMA-member schools.
B. Recognize and support marching band as an important component of a comprehensive instrumental music program.
A. Open to all high school bands from any WSMA-member school.
B. All student members must be in grades 9 – 12 and enrolled in the same WSMA-member school. Students must regularly attend and participate in their school marching band program.
C. If WSMA learns of an eligibility rule violation the day of or the days following the State Marching Band Championships, the scores, placement, and awards will be expunged for that band. Their performance will be classified as “Exhibition Only.” The official recap sheet posted online will be adjusted to reflect the new placement order.
D. Marching band is defined as all members of the participating unit, including playing members, auxiliary personnel (flags, rifles, etc.) and command personnel (drum majors, color guard captains).
E. Co-op Marching Bands will not be allowed in the WSMA Marching Band championships.
A. Each participating band will be assigned a class based on their school’s total enrollment. Class is determined by dividing the total number of participating bands into four to create approximately equal numbers of bands in Class A, AA, AAA, and AAAA. Classes will be determined in February and emailed to participating directors.
B. Marching bands may request to enter a larger class size by emailing the WSMA Director of Programs by March 15 each year.
C. Transferring to a smaller class size is prohibited.
The following entry options are available to marching bands that wish to participate in the WSMA State Marching Band Championships:
A. Competitive – Ranking and rating are given and announced for each competing band.
B. Comments Only – No ranking or ratings are given.
C. Non-competitive – Numbered score will be given but not announced. Non-competitive bands will not be ranked within their assigned class.
A. The WSMA Marching Band Committee will create the schedule of participating bands in completely random order within their assigned class. The schedule will be posted on WSMA’s web site by April 1. Bands should plan on arriving at least one hour prior to their performance. This will allow sufficient time to park all vehicles, change clothes, warm-up and be escorted to the field gate on time.
B. Directors are responsible to work with their school staff to avoid conflicts. The State Marching Band Championships take place on the third Saturday of October. WSMA is working with WIAA and other officials to reduce student athletic conflicts when this date coincides with WIAA’s Week 15 calendar.
C. Any bands registering after April 1 will be assigned at the beginning of their entered class on a first-come, first-served basis.
D. Novice Class is open for any eligible marching band that wishes to enter the WSMA State Marching Band Championships for the first time. Novice Class bands are not eligible for caption awards unless more than four Novice Class bands enter in one year. Novice Class bands are eligible for division awards.
E. Whenever possible, bands will begin performing at 12:00 p.m. The scheduling sequence for the WSMA State Marching Band Championships is:
Novice Class
Class A
Class AA
Awards Ceremony I (Novice, Class A, Class AA Bands, Collegiate Marching Band Exhibition Performance)
Class AAA
Class A Band Champion Exhibition Performance
Class AAAA
Class AA Band Champion Exhibition Performance
Awards Ceremony II (Class AAA, Class AAAA, Collegiate Marching Band Exhibition Performance)
A. The performance field will be a regulation-sized football field, 160 feet deep by 300 feet long. Field boundaries will be lined every five yards.
B. NCAA and high school hash marks may be present on the field.
i. NCAA inserts are aligned with the single yard hash mark, are 32 steps from the sidelines with 20 steps between them.
ii. WIAA inserts are not aligned with the single yard hash marks, are 28 steps from the sidelines with 28 steps between them.
C. Visible markers will denote the corners of the field, and the front and back of the 50-yard line. Yard markers will be placed every 10 yards on the field.
D. The grounding area is up to 40 yards wide and up to 5 yards deep. (See diagram.) The grounding area is available to any unit to utilize as they see fit. Equipment may be placed outside the grounding area. Please use vehicles equipped with wide tires to move equipment to and from the football field.
E. Field Commanders may go anywhere on the field.
See printed WSMA Hanbdook for Field Diagram
A. It is the marching band director’s responsibility to abide by Federal Copyright Law when preparing their fall marching band show. If you purchase marching band tunes from a legitimate publisher, you don’t need to do anything else. However, if you wish to arrange or hire an arranger to write your show, you must:
i. Contact the publisher of each selection. Use the “Request for Permission form on the Music Publisher’s Association web site (www.mpa.org). Include a reasonable (3 weeks or more) deadline for a reply.
ii. Follow all procedures as instructed by the publisher. If they deny your request, you must select either a published arrangement or choose other material.
iii. Music in the public domain does not require permission unless you are adapting a previously published arrangement of a public domain work.
B. Bands will be scheduled in 15-minute intervals. Each band must report to the field at its assigned time. Penalty: 0.5 points per minute or fraction thereof.
C. All bands must be in performance competition for a minimum of 7 minutes to a maximum of 11 minutes. Performances lasting less than 7 minutes or longer than 11 minutes will be penalized 0.1 point per 5-second violation up to a maximum of 2 minutes.
D. Bands will be assigned a warm-up area prior to the event. The designated warm-up area will be away from the aural range of the competitive field as much as the facility allows. Any band that warms up in an area other than the assigned destination within aural range of the competitive field will be penalized 5.0 points.
E. The on-field warm-up takes place prior to the official introduction of the band. A 60-second warm-up may be used. Directors may conduct the warm-up, but must then exit the field. Bands who choose to warm-up on the competitive field must face away from the press box. Warm-ups lasting longer than 60 seconds will be penalized 0.1 point per 5-second violation up to a maximum of 2 minutes.
F. No band may use the competitive field for practice the day of the event. Penalty: Disqualification.
G. Performance Announcement (no longer than 90 seconds) must include:
i. Title of the show
ii. Tune(s) to be performed with composers and arrangers listed
iii. Command personnel names (drum major(s), color guard captain(s))
H. The Announcer will read the Pre-Performance Announcement, and then ask if the judges are ready, and then will ask if the band is ready. Drum major(s) should acknowledge by saluting the Press Box to signify their band is ready. After the salute, the Announcer will invite the band to take the field.
I. Timing and judging will begin with the first note of music, or the first step by a performing member following the acknowledgement of the drum major’s salute. All judging will end with the drum major’s final salute.
J. Field entrance may be made from the left, back and/or right boundaries using the press box as the point of perspective. The band may form anywhere on or off the competitive field. Bands are free to conclude their performance on or off the competitive field as long as all other requirements are met.
K. Props, including grounded electrical equipment, may be placed on the field by adults or non-performing, non-uniformed personnel after the preceding band has finished their show and is leaving the field. Directors must supply their own extension cords. Electricity will be provided at field level.
L. Adults and band staff are not allowed on the field or behind any props during the performance. Penalty: 2.0 points. All equipment must be removed immediately following the band’s performance while the band is exiting the field. There is no penalty for dropping or retrieving dropped or grounded equipment.
M. The use of lights-out routines, live animals, pyrotechnics of any kind including fireworks, discharge of firearms or any other hazardous materials is not permitted. Penalty: Disqualification.
N. Mechanized vehicles are not allowed on the competitive field at any time. Penalty: 2.0 points.
O. Use of the American Flag is optional. If it is used, it must be treated with dignity and respect. For example, no twirling of the American Flag is allowed. Penalty: 0.1 point per violation. The American Legion Flag Code will be in effect at all times.
P. Any infraction or improper conduct by band or audience members for which no rule is given may be grounds for warning or penalty by the Event Director. Penalty: Minimum of 0.1 points to a maximum of disqualification.
Q. If distractions occur in the press box, on the field or a situation arises which could endanger or compromise the participants, the Event Director will delay the event until the situation is rectified. Cooperation in this process enables all facets of the adjudication and performance process to evolve smoothly, and in a fair and impartial manner.
R. As much as the weather allows, the field must remain in the same condition for each band’s performance. Effects such as streamers, confetti, environmental effects and other items which changes the field’s condition making it unsafe for future performers must be removed completely and immediately following the performance. Penalty: 2.0 points.
S. The Post-Performance Announcements can include previous band honors, all director and staff names, and thanks to parents/school administration, if you wish. Please limit Post-Performance Announcements to less than 90 seconds.
T. Bands have a maximum of two minutes to exit the field. A penalty of 0.1 second per 5 seconds past the maximum time may be enforced, per the Event Director
A. The improvement of marching bands can only take place with consistent, helpful evaluations. To improve the consistency of scoring, all WSMA State Marching Band Championships adjudicators are expected to follow these procedures using the provided evaluation forms:
i. Comments must be written on the top sheet while judging during the performance.
ii. Scores should be determined by using the rubric form for the assigned caption. Be certain your comments and point spreads can be justified using these descriptors.
iii. Use the provided Tote Sheet to keep track of your scores.
iv. Judge the performance, not the time or class of the performance.
v. Judge all units on the same scale, regardless of class.
vi. Stay within your caption in your written and verbal comments.
vii. Make constructive comments appropriate for teachers to read to students in the classroom. Identify what you hear/see, explain why you feel it is happening, and provide constructive comments on how to fix the issue, or how to reach the next higher level of musical excellence.
viii. Weather conditions should be considered when adjudicating.
B. In addition to a written form, each judge will use their own cassette recorder to give verbal comments throughout the performance. These recordings provide each band with an all-encompassing commentary and critique of their performance as it occurred. The tape will run continuously throughout the performance. Be sure to stay within your caption on both verbal and written comments.
C. WSMA State Marching Band Championships participating bands will be evaluated by 8 judges as follows:
Caption Area |
Number of Judges |
Points |
Score is: |
Visual Execution |
1 – in press box |
20.0 |
Determined by 1 judge |
Visual General Effect |
2 – in press box |
20.0 |
Average of both judges |
Music Execution |
1 – in press box |
20.0 |
Determined by 1 judge |
Music General Effect |
2 – in press box |
20.0 |
Average of both judges |
Percussion |
1 – in press box |
10.0 |
Determined by 1 judge |
Auxiliary/Color Guard |
1 – in press box |
10.0 |
Determined by 1 judge |
D. Band directors are not permitted to contact judges at the event prior to their performance. Penalty: Disqualification. Directors may speak with the Event Director at the event. Directors may contact any judge following the competition.
E. Judges, runners, and State Marching Band officials are the only persons allowed in the press box during the event. Directors may pick up their tapes at the top of the press box stairs 30 minutes after their performance. All adjudication forms will be given to drum majors during the Awards Ceremony.
A. Each competing band will receive a division award based on their final score. Division awards are determined as follows:
Class |
1st Division |
2nd Division |
3rd Division |
Novice |
60 – 100 |
30 – 59.99 |
0 – 29.99 |
Class A |
65 – 100 |
35 – 64.99 |
0 – 34.99 |
Class AA |
70 – 100 |
40 – 69.99 |
0 – 39.99 |
Class AAA |
75 – 100 |
45 – 74.99 |
0 – 44.99 |
Class AAAA |
80 – 100 |
50 – 79.99 |
0 – 49.99 |
B. Caption Awards in each Class with more than four entries will be presented during the Awards Ceremony as follows:
Caption Award |
How is this Award determined? |
Best Visual Presentation |
Highest score in the class by adding the Visual Execution and Visual General Effect average scores. |
Best Musical Presentation |
Highest score in the class by adding the Music Execution and Music General Effect average scores. |
Best Percussion |
Highest percussion score in the class |
Best Color Guard |
Highest auxiliary/color guard score in the class |
C. A representative drum major from each participating band is required to participate in the Awards Ceremony for their band class. After the collegiate Marching Band Exhibition, drum majors will be asked to form a line on the field.
D. Drum majors and field personnel participating in the Awards Ceremony should wear jackets, gloves etc. when the weather is a concern.
E. When awards are announced, drum majors are expected to salute out of respect for the winning band. Drum majors are asked to please take at least one step forward when your school is announced so the award presenters can find you. Award presenters will shake your hand and congratulate you. Photos may be taken by WSMA personnel during the Awards Ceremony.
F. Prior to the event, each band will receive a brochure in the mail from a professional photographer company specializing in marching band photos.
G. The Doug Greenhalgh Class AAAA Best Visual Presentation Award honors the memory and contributions of Doug Greenhalgh, who served on the WSMA State Marching Band Committee for 11 years before his tragic death in October 2005.
A. Tickets are required for entrance to the WSMA State Marching Band Championships. Performers in uniform (or partial uniform) do not need tickets for admission. Tickets will be available at the door only.
B. Directors will receive 10 complimentary tickets for marching band staff members. No more than 10 tickets will be given to each band. Please distribute these complimentary tickets wisely.
C. Some fans like to “mark their territory” early in the day for evening performances. If someone is not in a seat, a fan that wishes to sit there will use it. Thank you for understanding.
D. Audience members should be quiet and remain seated during performances, and are encouraged to show their enthusiasm for all performers who work very hard to attend this special event. All bands are judged on their ability to engage and involve the audience.
A. The Event Director is the final authority on interpretation of WSMA State Marching Band Championships rules. If you are not sure about any issue, please contact Dave Heilman, Event Director, at dave_heilman@mcfarland.k12.wi.us before the fall marching season begins.
B. If you, one of your students, or fans is injured or suffers any health concern the day of the event, notify the press box immediately. Emergency personnel are present at the event. WSMA or the State Marching Band Championships Committee will not be held responsible for any injuries suffered by any band during the day’s activities.
C. Directors will receive marching band information from WSMA throughout the year. Please read it carefully, and do your best to respond to necessary information by the deadline.
D. Parking attendants do their very best at this very large event that annually attracts more than 10,000 fans. Be patient and know these individuals are providing the best possible service on a very long day.
The WSMA State Marching Band Championships event involves thousands of students, parents, and others, many of whom who drive hundreds of miles to attend this event each year. This Weather Emergency Plan is designed for the safety and best interests of all participating students and their fans.
1. The WSMA Program Director will provide a cell phone number to all participating directors to be used the day of the event for questions, emergencies and other issues. Directors will also be asked to provide WSMA with their cell phone numbers prior to the event.
2. The host facility will reserve a field house located within easy walking distance to the football field for use by the State Marching Band Championships each year. WSMA agrees to pay the lowest possible rental rate for this facility to be negotiated with the host staff.
3. If it rains the day of the show without lightning, the event will continue outdoors as long as the field condition remains safe for students and moving equipment.
4. If lightning begins, the show will be delayed until the conditions improve and the lightning no longer poses a danger to participants and audience members. If lightning and/or heavy rain persist, the entire event will be moved indoors to the field house. The Event Director, WSMA Program Director and the host’s Director of Bands will make the decision. Every effort will be made to finish a class of bands prior to moving the event indoors.
5. Directors will be informed of their approximate performance time by all available means. A delay of at least 30 minutes should be expected.
6. If the show is moved indoors to a gymnasium area that is not large enough to accommodate marching, students will perform a standstill show in concert (arced) formation. Therefore, the Visual Execution caption cannot and will not be judged or included in final score tallies. However, if the indoor facility is large enough to accommodate marching for all participating bands, the event will be judged with all captions in effect.
7. The field house may not have adequate seating for all patrons. If so, ticket admission may be eliminated at the discretion of the WSMA Program Director. Seating and admission priorities are listed below, and will be enforced with the help of the host’s police department:
A. Parents and immediate family members of performing band members
B. Teachers
C. Media
D. Interested fans
E. Students from other bands
F. Parents from other bands8. There will be an Awards Ceremony for each class performing indoors.
9. It may be necessary to evacuate the indoor performance facility to allow parents of the next class of bands to see their children perform. If this happens, the host city’s Police Department will be asked to assist WSMA in evacuating the indoor facility. See 12. H.
10. Ticket refunds will only be issued for those who have purchased tickets and have not been able to see any bands perform. Refunds will be issued the day of the event only.
11. All participating directors will receive a written copy of this policy approximately two weeks prior to the event. This Weather Emergency Plan is also posted on the Marching Band section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
XIII. WSMA State Marching Band Championships Committee
1. The WSMA State Marching Band Committee strongly encourages more marching bands to participate in the WSMA State Marching Band Championships. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. The Committee meets in November and March to discuss proposals to recommend to the WSMA Board of Directors who meet in December and June.
Dave Heilman, Chair, dave_heilman@mcfarland.k12.wi.us
Brian Collicott, Chippewa Falls HS, collicbj@chipfalls.k12.wi.us
Tom Cook, Fort Atkinson HS, cookt@fortschools.org
Steve Fisher, Waukesha North HS, sfisher@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Dan Hopkins, Cumberland HS, dhopk@csdmail.com
Tom Reinfenberg, Greendale HS, tom.reifenberg@greendale.k12.wi.us
Tim Wurgler, WSMA Program Director, twurgler@wsmamusic.org
WSMA – Challenging youth to achieve excellence through music. Wisconsin School Music AssociationLocated in the Wisconsin Center for Music Education1005 Quinn DriveWaunakee, WI 53597608-850-3566 / 800-589-9762FAX: 608-850-3515 / www.wsmamusic.org |
Plan now to attend the 24th Annual WSMA State Marching Band Championships on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at UW-Whitewater! For more information, contact Tim Wurgler at: twurgler@wsmamusic.org.