Understanding What Marching Band Judges Look For

Marching band competitions are exhilarating events where bands showcase their musical and visual talents. Behind the scenes, a panel of judges plays a crucial role in evaluating and scoring these performances. Understanding what marching band judges look for can provide valuable insights for bands aiming to excel in competitions. This article explores the key aspects that judges evaluate and sheds light on the judging process.

Evaluating Performance Aspects

In marching band competitions, judges assess various aspects of the performance to determine the overall quality and effectiveness. These aspects typically include music execution, general effect, marching execution, and marching general effect. Each of these components contributes to the overall evaluation and scoring of the band’s performance.

Music Execution and General Effect

When evaluating music execution, judges focus on the technical aspects of the performance, such as articulation, timing, and tone. They assess how well the band members play their instruments and execute the musical elements of the performance. Additionally, judges consider the general effect, which encompasses the emotional impact, musicality, and overall appeal of the band’s performance. Bands that effectively convey the intended emotions and engage the audience often receive higher scores in this category.

Marching Execution and Marching General Effect

The marching execution category evaluates the precision, synchronization, and visual aspects of the band’s movements. Judges observe how well the band members coordinate their steps, formations, and transitions. They also assess the difficulty and complexity of the moves performed by the band. In the marching general effect category, judges consider how well the band’s visual performance complements the music and enhances the overall effect of the show. Bands that demonstrate creativity, unified movements, and visually captivating performances are likely to receive higher scores in these categories.

Judging Perspective: Press Box and Field Judges

During competitions, judges adopt different perspectives to assess the performance. Typically, there are four judges stationed in the press box, providing an overall view of the field. These judges evaluate the performance from a distance and focus on capturing the holistic aspects of the show. Simultaneously, two field judges move closely alongside the performers, providing real-time feedback and evaluating specific aspects of the performance up close.

Considering Achievement and Demands

Judges take into account the level of accomplishment and the demands placed on the performers when evaluating their achievements. They consider factors such as the band’s size, experience, and skill level in relation to the difficulty of the music and drill. Judges recognize the efforts and progress made by bands, providing a fair assessment that considers both the challenges faced and the accomplishments achieved.

Expertise and Guidelines

Marching band judges are often individuals with extensive backgrounds in music and performance. Many judges have experience judging at various competitions and locations, including international events. They bring their expertise and knowledge to the judging process, providing valuable feedback and assessments to help bands improve.

To ensure fairness and consistency, judges follow specific scoring guidelines provided by organizations such as the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) or Bands of America (BOA)[2]. However, it’s important to note that scoring criteria may vary between competitions, states, counties, and music associations. Bands should thoroughly review the specific guidelines for each competition they participate in to understand the expectations and criteria for scoring.

In conclusion, marching band judges play a vital role in evaluating and assessing performances in competitions. By understanding what judges look for, bands can focus on improving their music execution, general effect, marching execution, and marching general effect. With dedication, practice, and attention to the specific guidelines of each competition, bands can strive for excellence and leave a lasting impression on both judges and audiences.

Sources

  1. Goshen News – Marching Band Judges Talk About Their Experiences
  2. Top Music Tips – Marching Band Competition Judging (Explained)
  3. LHS Band of Gold – Marching Band Judges

FAQs

What aspects do marching band judges evaluate in competitions?

Marching band judges evaluate various aspects of the performance, including music execution, general effect, marching execution, and marching general effect.

What specific elements do judges assess within the music execution category?



Judges pay attention to technical aspects such as articulation, timing, and tone in woodwinds, brass, and percussion performances.

How do judges evaluate the marching execution of a band?

Judges assess the precision, synchronization, and visual aspects of the band’s movements, including coordination of steps, formations, and transitions, as well as the difficulty and complexity of the moves performed.

What is considered in the general effect category of judging?

Judges consider the emotional impact, musicality, and overall appeal of the band’s performance, including how well the band engages the audience and conveys the intended emotions.

What perspectives do judges adopt during competitions?

There are typically four judges in the press box who evaluate the overall performance from a distance, while two field judges assess the performance up close and provide real-time feedback.

How do judges consider the level of accomplishment and demands placed on performers?



Judges take into account factors such as the band’s size, experience, and skill level in relation to the difficulty of the music and drill when evaluating their achievements.

What backgrounds do marching band judges typically have?

Marching band judges often have extensive backgrounds in music and performance, and some have experience judging at various competitions and locations, including international events.

Do different competitions have different scoring criteria?

Yes, the scoring criteria may vary between competitions, states, counties, and music associations. Bands should review the specific guidelines for each competition they participate in to understand the expectations and criteria for scoring.