Following are some of the "Frequently Asked Questions" heard from within the Band Community.  Currently we have two categories of FAQ's:  General and Bands of America (BOA).  Click on the question below to be taken to the corresponding answer. 

General FAQ's

BOA FAQ's

• What do I need to wear on the first evening of marching band practice?
• What else should I bring to the first evening of marching band practice?
• Will I be expected to know the music by heart?  When?
• Will I have to march and play the music at the same time?
• Who is a ROOKIE?
• Who is a VETERAN?
• How will I learn to march or play or twirl a flag/saber/rifle?
• There are so many practice times, will I need to practice at home too?
• Do I have to attend every practice?
• Do I have to have a Doctor's Physical?

• Who can enroll in Bands of America events?
• How is performance order determined?
• How is classification determined?
• Why aren't the bands' classifications announced?
• What are the Division Ratings?
• How are finalist bands selected?
• What are the judges looking for?
• Who are the BOA Adjudicators?
• What is the policy on electronic recording devices in the stadium?
• Score Point Breakdown

General FAQ's

What do I need to wear on the first evening of marching band practice?

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First of all, come PREPARED to be marching outside, on the parking lot surface!  With this in mind, you will definitely need a good pair of socks and good “tennis” shoes (often those advertised as walking shoes or jogging shoes are the best) that have been worn before.  You do NOT want to start marching with a new pair of shoes and have to deal with tired feet from marching and blisters from new shoes!  Also, you do NOT want a worn pair of shoes as they will not provide enough support. Your clothing needs are dependent on the weather.  You will always want to wear comfortable clothing, most wear a t-shirt and shorts during the summer.  A hat is most helpful to block out the sun.  AND, speaking of blocking out the sun, do NOT forget sunscreen!

What else should I bring to the first evening of marching band practice?

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Your instrument!  This would include your musical instrument, your flag(s), drumsticks, mallets, etc.  In other words, whatever will you be using on the marching field as part of the Jazz Band needs to come to each practice, beginning with the first practice.

Water--- Water--- Water---  Staying hydrated during practices is important.

A small ring notebook and pencil to use for writing notes.  Many JAZZ members put a shoestring through the rings of a notebook and hang it from their waist to write notes quickly and easily.

YOUR POSITIVE, HARD WORKING ENERGY!!!  A positive spirit is needed by all members of the JAZZ.  Please come prepared to work, have fun, and be proud of your efforts.

Will I be expected to know the music by heart?  When?

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Indeed, you will need to be able to play and memorize the music performed by the JAZZ band.  There will be a schedule kept to check off skills in music.  When you are expected to have the music memorized varies depending on the number of years you’ve been a part of the JAZZ.  But, the bottom line, rookie or veteran, everyone needs to learn the music, play the music and have it memorized!

Will I have to march and play the music at the same time?

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Simply put, YES!!  That is what “it’s” all about.  Again, consideration is given to the skill levels of the rookies or the veterans.  But, yes, please join the JAZZ knowing you will eventually be marching and playing at the same time.

Who is a ROOKIE?

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Anyone performing with the JAZZ Band for their first season is a ROOKIE!  Even the parents of the Band Boosters with children in their first season are called Rookies!!  Many times “rookies” are incoming freshmen, but not always.  There are upperclassmen who join the JAZZ, then they are rookies too.

Who is a VETERAN?

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Anyone who has completed one season of performing with the JAZZ Band.  

How will I learn to march or play or twirl a flag/saber/rifle?

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The marching band staff, under the leadership of Director Brandon Barrometti, will teach you as well as the veteran student members.  The large group will spend a lot of time in smaller groups learning the steps, the music etc.  Slowly, you will gain skill and be “checked off” when you can demonstrate your expertise. 

There are so many practice times, will I need to practice at home too?

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YES!  The old words of “practice makes perfect” is indeed true.  You will need (and will be expected to) practice on your own to learn the music and other skills.

Do I have to attend every practice?

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Yes.  For additional details on this question, please refer directly to the Band Handbook, Centerville Jazz Band, Attendance Policy.  Bottom Line:  ANY excuse must be approved by one of the JAZZ Band directors prior to an absence. 

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Yes.  All Jazz Band and Color Guard members must have a signed Doctor's Physical. For a copy of the official form that must be used, please Click Here.

BOA FAQ's

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Enrollment is open to all high school bands, on a first-come, first-served basis.  In the event that bands share the postmark dates, a random draw is held for performance times.

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Prelim contest performance order is based on the postmark date of the bands' applications, with the earlier postmarks receiving the later performance time.  Previous year's Regional Champion has the option to choose their Prelim performance time.  Finals performances are scheduled by a random draw during the finalist directors' meeting.

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Classification in Bands of America Championships is determined by school enrollment, grades 10-12.  Enrollment of 600 or less is "A" Class, 601-1149 is "AA" Class and 1150 and ore is "AAA" Class.  These class breaks are based on the national average of enrollment in grades 10-12.  Each band declares their school's 10-12 enrollment on their event application, which is then verified by the principal at the start of the fall school year.

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By nature, appreciation of arts requires subjective reactions.  However, BOA tries to keep all participating bands on as level a playing field as possible.  We do not announce or publish band classifications before or during events so that no one, including judges, has preconceived expectations of a band's performance based on class.  The adjudicators are to judge what they hear and see without regard to classifications.

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A division rating of I, II, III or IV is awarded to each band based on their preliminary performance, with a division rating of "I" falling within the highest scoring range.  Division ratings do not play into the selection of finalists, which is based on overall score regardless of class.

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The top 10 scoring bands regardless of class are invited to perform in the evening's Regional Finals, top 14 at Super Regionals.  If a Class Champion is not among the highest scoring bands advancing to Finals, they will be invited to perform at Finals in exhibition.

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Bands receive taped evaluation and score sheets from each judge.  The emphasis is on the input the judge offers into the band's program via the taped evaluation.

The Bands of America adjudication system is a criteria reference system, in which a band showing proficiency in particular criteria, or meeting certain criteria at a certain level, fall within a scoring range.

It is the position of Bands of America that music is the more important aspect of the performance, with marching as the presentation and visual enhancement of the program.  Similarly, more emphasis has been placed on the effectiveness to the general effect judges than on the fine-line perfections of the performance judges.  The weight of the numbers places 60% of the value on music and 40% on visual, as well as 60% on general effect and 40% on performance.  Each judge is assigned a specific area on which he/she focuses.

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Bands of America judges are well-established experts in the music educating, marching and pageantry field, with their educational philosophy and background taken into consideration as much as their career accomplishments.  Panel assignments are made by the Chief Judge and reviewed by the President of BOA.  Before any assignments are made, each potential judge must complete an "affiliation form" listing all bands with which they have any kind of relationship.  This enables BOA to create judging panels who members are unaffiliated with any of the participating bands.

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Videotape or audio recording equipment is not allowed in the stadium.

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• Musical Performance Individual - Possible Total = 20 
  Music Performance Individual judge is located on the field.
   
• Musical Performance Ensemble - Possible Total = 20 
  Music Performance Ensemble judge is located at a vantage point from above.
   
• Visual Performance Individual - Possible Total = 20 
  Visual Performance Individual judge is located on the field.
   
• Visual Performance Ensemble - Possible Total = 20 
  Visual Performance Ensemble judge is located at a vantage point from above.
   
• Music General Effect - Possible Total = 40 
  There are two Music General Effect judges, located above, each with 20 possible points which are then added for a total of 40 possible General Effect Music points.
   
• Visual General Effect - Possible Total = 20 
  Visual General Effect judge is located at a vantage point from above.
  
  Music Performance scores are averaged for a total of 20 possible points, Visual Performance scores are averaged - possible 20 points.  The Music and Visual averages are added to the G.E. Music total (40) and G.E. visual score (20) for a possible total of 100 points.  Any penalties are then deducted for the final score.