Tournament of Bands - Marching Band

Marching Band

The Tournament of Bands sanctions about 140 marching band competitions throughout each fall, corresponding roughly with high school football season. Bands are judged on a 100 point linear scale by judges both on the field and in the press box. Bands are also divided into groups based on their size, and judged only within their group. Sizes are as follows:

• Group 1 – up to 30 musicians and a maximum of 30 auxiliary
• Group 2 – 31 to 50 musicians and a maximum of 50 auxiliary
• Group 3 – 51 to 75 musicians and a maximum of 75 auxiliary
• Group 4 – 76 or greater

In addition to the group sizes, there are three levels of performance classification that a member may elect to participate:

1. OPEN CLASS (formerly Championship) This level is what has been offered in the past - bands will compete throughout the season for TOB scoring and conclude their season with the annual Chapter Championship and qualification for the annual Atlantic Coast Championship

2. A CLASS (formerly Regional) This level is for the less experienced bands - bands will compete throughout the season, with emphasis on education and development, but still follow the TOB scoring. Student education, development, and staff training will be emphasized throughout the season.

3. FESTIVAL CLASS This level will introduce bands to TOB - bands will compete, but at more of an exhibition level with awards based on a rating program without the announcement of a numeric score or place. Student education, development, and staff training will be emphasized throughout the season. This season concludes with the annual Chapter Championship, still following the rating system.

• Every TOB Show will offer the three levels of participation - in every group
• Chapter Championships will include three levels of participation/awards
• The Atlantic Coast Championship will only be offered to the OPEN CLASS (formerly Championship) participants.