Performance Regulations
Adjudication
Three festival judges will adjudicate each performance and award a division rating. Each judge will also offer a written tabulation as wll as digitally recorded comments. Each ensemble will have a short time to meet and interact with one of the adjucation panel members.
Ratings
Bands, orchestras, and choral groups may enter for “comment only” or be awarded a rating of:
I. Superior (85-100)
II. Excellent (75-84)
III. Good (65-74)
Performance Rules:
1) Music Requirements
While no specific music list is required, it is strongly recommended that directors choose music of the highest quality similar to that found on nationally accepted music lists. All directors must furnish three sets of scores with measures numbered for each selection. Exception: Jazz bands, jazz choirs, and show choirs often do not have scores available. There is no penalty for not providing scores for these groups. Any number of pieces may be performed in the allotted time.
2) Total Time On Stage
Time on stage includes set-up, performance, and exit. Times are as follows:
A. Class 4A concert bands, orchestras, & show choirs-35 Minutes
B. Class 3A, and 2A concert bands, second bands, orchestras, and jazz bands-30 Minutes
C. Class A, A1, concert bands and orchestras, concert choirs and jazz choir-25 Minutes
D. Class J, M, E concert bands, orchestras, concert choirs, and jazz choir-20 Minutes
3) No Sight Reading is Required
Warm-Up Rooms: Each group will have approximately twice their performance time in the warm-up room. Each performance hall has two warm-up rooms assigned to it. Festival assistants will escort groups to and from the warm-up rooms and performance halls. Please note that nothing may be stored in the warm-up rooms as the next performance group will be entering the room as your group is departing. (For example, a class E concert band has 20 minutes of stage time. They will be allotted 40 minutes in the warm-up room).
Facilities & Equipment
All Friday performances will take place in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The Festival will provide the following equipment:
Concert Bands And Orchestras
The following will be provided:
- 4 Tympani
- Concert bass drum
- Xylophone
- Marimba
- Vibraphone
- Chimes
- Tam tam (gong)
- Acoustic piano
Jazz Bands
The following will be provided:
- Acoustic piano
- Risers
Choral Groups
The following will be provided:
- Acoustic piano
- 6 sets of three-step risers (4 including the floor)
*Please note, mallets and extension cords are not provided.
Rehearsal Space
If requested, rehearsal space can be provided on Thursday only. Chairs, stands, and an electronic piano will be provided at no additional cost.
Awards
1St, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will be awarded in each category.
Concert bands, orchestras, jazz bands, and choral groups who receive a superior rating (score of 85-100) will be awarded a superior rating plaque.
Individual students and sections deemed by the judges to have given an outstanding performance will receive a certificate of excellence.
Winterguard Competition
1. The performance should be no less than 3 minutes and should not exceed 7.5 minutes in duration.
2. Units will be scheduled in 15-minute intervals. All floor coverings and props must be set-up and removed within the interval time.
3. There is no authorized equipment time requirement. Units may use their performance time as seen fit by the ensemble.
4. All equipment and props will be inspected prior to the ensemble’s performance. Units will be held responsible for damage that occurs due to inappropriately padded equipment or props. The following equipment standards will be maintained to help insure that damage to facilities does not occur:
a. Flags – rubber crutch tips are required on both ends of all flag poles. Plastic furniture tips will not be allowed. Crutch tips should be taped to the pole and covered with duct tape so that tips do not mark the performance surface.
b. Rifles – rifle butts and tips must be padded and taped, so that no wood can be felt. Bolts or bolt housings should be taped and padded.
c. Sabres – hilts and tips must be padded. It is suggested that blades be taped and that sabres have no exposed edges.
d. Props – props should be appropriately padded so that no wood, metal, or other material contacts the floor. Props may not be dragged across the performance surface.
e. Floors – floor coverings may be used. Floor coverings should be canvas, woven fabric, or plastic in construction. Carts used to transport floor coverings must have non-marking rubber wheels to be allowed on the performance surface. Carts will not be allowed onto the floor proper, but will be allowed into the peripheral areas of the competition arena.
5. Units are responsible for set-up and removal of all props, floor coverings, and equipment. All props must fit through a standard doorway. There will be no available prop storage in the performance area. Units should be prepared to assemble and set-up props within the performance interval defined in #2 above.
6. A performance area will be clearly marked. The centerline of the floor will be marked. An “X” will be placed denoting the center of competition area. No other markings will be provided or permitted. The performance area in the Tennessee Ballroom and Hall 3 will be 50×70 and the performance area in Mills Auditorium will be 30×45. 7. Units are advised that the front sideline is inviolate at all times (including entry and exit). This is the only boundary that may not be crossed.
8. If an authentic American flag (from any period) is used during the performance, the unit is expected to adhere to recognized flag etiquette.
9. No sound system will be provided. A public address system will be used to announce the unit and may be used to provide some amplification of a portable sound system. Units are strongly encouraged to bring their own sound system.
10. The judging panel will be responsible for the assessment of any penalties with regard to timing infractions, boundary violations, American flag etiquette, or other infractions which may occur. Penalties may range from .1 points to disqualification depending on the magnitude and nature of the violation.
The above are the ONLY rules governing performance in the winterguard competition
Indoor Drumline Competition
1. The performance should not exceed 15 minutes including 5 minute warm-up, set-up, performance, and exit.
2. Groups are responsible for providing all equipment necessary for performance.
3. Groups will perform in the same area as all of the auxiliaries.
4. If a sound system is needed, groups must bring their own equipment. The festival will only have one microphone for public address in the performance area.
5. Three judges will evaluate each performance with the final rating being the average of the three scores. Each group will receive a written tabulation as well as digital comments.
6. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. All trophies, score sheets, comments, and cumulative scores will be presented at the awards ceremony at the end of all performances on Friday in the convention center.
*Sound system will not be provided.
Other Indoor Auxiliaries
Classifications:
• Novice: Group with little or no experience in competition
• Intermediate: Group with some experience in competition
• Advanced: Group with experience in competition
Performances should be no less than 3 minutes and no longer then 7.5 minutes. Rubber-soled shoes should be worn as performance will be held on gym floor.
Awards
Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each classification.
Adjudication
Three judges will evaluate each group’s performance with the final rating being an average of the three scores.
Adjudication will be based on general effect, ensemble analysis, and individual analysis (copy of judging sheet will be provided upon request and type of group indicated). Each judge will offer a written tabulation and digitally recorded comments
*No sound system will be provided.
