Because it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your
lifetime! CLICK HERE for some thoughts from
past and present band members.
What are "Student Points"?
What is my student point balance?
When Band members are directly involved in soliciting
funds, the money they earn is held in trust in a “Student Points Account”
set up in their name. The “points” they earn can then be disbursed as
needed for things such as trips, band merchandise, uniforms, etc.
CLICK
HERE for more information! (To find out your student point balance
please see your team captain.)
We're a Group VI band ... what
does that mean and how are the groupings decided?
The USSBA classifies participating bands based on the total number of
performers in each ensemble. This includes playing members, auxiliary (color
guard, majorettes, etc.), and command personnel (drum majors, color guard
captains, etc.). This does not include members of an American Section (or
Honor Guard) when these members do not move or otherwise add to the effect of
the program during the band’s performance. Group I: up to 48 members Group II: up to 64 members Group III: up to 80 members Group IV: up to 100 members Group V: up to 135 members Group VI: 136 or more members
Bands may move up in group size at any time. However, after a band has
performed in one USSBA-adjudicated show, the band may move into a lower group
size only with the approval of the USSBA Director.
At Regional and Championship events, bands are further
classified in either Open Class within each group, Class A, or
Festival
Class. Open Class is for more seasoned or experienced bands. Class A is for bands who are in the building years or are
new to the competitive setting. Festival Class allows bands to perform non-competitively
at any of the USSBA-sanctioned shows, including the
Regional and Championship events.
Some USSBA Shows are designated
Silver Star Shows, others are Gold Star Shows... what does that
mean?
This has to do with the size of the show and the number of adjudicators. Silver Star USSBA Shows consist of five
adjudicators: Visual Performance, Individual Music Performance, Ensemble Music Performance, Overall Effect, Music Emphasis,
Overall Effect - Visual Emphasis
Gold Star USSBA Shows consist of the five above
adjudicators as well as two additional judges, whose scores
do not count towards the band’s total score for placement.
The two additional adjudicators are as follows: Percussion, Color Guard
How are competitions scored?
The USSBA uses a Floating 5-Box Criteria Reference System on all
adjudicator sheets. Each box will start at a predetermined range of scores
at the beginning of the marching season. As the season progresses, the range
of scores that each box falls within will increase. This supports
the USSBA’s principle of band score promotion from week to week. The USSBA
scoring system is based on 40.0 points per judge. With 5 judges having 40.0
points available, the total score is out of a possible 200.00. The total
score is then divided by 2. (Percussion and Color Guard scores are based on
20.0 points and do not count in the total score*.) Visual Performance: 40 points Individual Music Performance: 40 points Ensemble Music Performance: 40 points Overall Effect, Music Emphasis: 40 points Overall Effect, Visual Emphasis: 40 points Percussion: 20 points Color Guard: 20 points *
Although Guard and Percussion scores are not counted in the total score, their
performance does impact the entire show... Percussion impacts
the show's music while Guard impacts the show's visual aspects. Bottom line
- it's a team effort!
In addition to placement awards, Special (Caption) awards may be awarded at regular
season contests as well as Championships. At Silver Star USSBA Shows, these
awards will be judged by the five-person panel. At Gold Star USSBA Shows,
additional judges will adjudicate these awards. The following special awards
may be given: Best Music, Best Marching,
Best Overall Effect, Best Color Guard,
Best Percussion, Best Band (Grand Champion)
Where can I find the USSBA Rule Book?
We have provided a link to the latest USSBA Rule Book on this web site.
CLICK
HERE
CLICK
HERE
