Is this your first marching competition?
Need a refresher?
Here is everything you need to know!
- Support ALL Bands! Regardless of which band is on the field, you should applaud or even cheer when they do a good job. Reaction from the crowd will encourage the band to perform better and will result in a more enjoyable show for the audience.
- Watch the whole show. Observe different elements of the bands performance. You interest may be percussion, but you might be surprised with the work the color guard is doing. Often, several things are going on at once in a show. If you watch a show several times, you may see something new on each occasion. Also, new features are being added as the season continues. You’re in for a surprise each time the band takes the field!
- Show up early. This is especially true for supporters of large class bands. Many smaller class bands have great shows. Arrive early at the next show and see what you have been missing. At a minimum, show up for the start of the Class A Bands.
- Buy something from the concession stand. In many cases a band competition may be the major source of a band programs yearly budget. They have made a large investment and would appreciate your support.
- It is important to realize that although it is fun to visit with family and friends during a competition, it is unfair to distract other spectators from enjoying the show. This is true at any performance, including a marching band performance. Be respectful of all other spectators and hopefully they will extend you the same courtesy.
- Do not leave or enter the stadium while a band is performing. Try to avoid any unnecessary movement, especially while a band is performing. At most contests, the time for each band is 15 minutes. Each show last around 7-9 minutes so that gives you plenty of time between bands to enter or leave the seating area.
- Do not talk on your cell phone. Turn off your cell phone or set it to vibrate.
- Do not allow children to play in the stands and distract other spectators. Obviously, children are the future of this activity. It is good for them to see why their siblings are always at practice. However, for their safety and as a courtesy to others, they should not be allowed to run up and down the steps and play in the aisles so others may enjoy the show.
- Do not make negative comments about other bands. That color guard uniform that you don’t like may have been made by the mother sitting behind you. That man sitting in front of you could be the arranger or the drill designer. If you don;t have something nice to say, then you probably should not say it. Remember how hard our band members have worked to get their show ready for the field. All the other bands have worked just as hard to get their show ready too.
- You may sign your student out after awards at the bus location, but many memories are made on the bus rides to and from competitions. This is an opportunity for your student to form lasting friendships.
- Most of all, HAVE FUN and enjoy your child’s accomplishments!