Tournament of Champions Scoring
The Pride of Dixie Tournament of Champions adjudication system is based on a 1000 point
system. Judges will be provided in the following captions:
Drum Major (1)
Horn Line (3)
Marching (1)
Percussion (1)
Auxiliary/Visual Effect (2)
This format allows us to give proper weight to the perceived consistency throughout the horn
line, the importance of marching uniformity within the ensemble, the balance of contributions from the
non-wind musicians and the visual components that pull an entire show together. We consider “Band”
to refer to all parts of the musical ensemble, rather than winds only. Because of this, we have laid out
what scores are included in the overall “Band” average anytime it is referred to in the awards process.
Please see the Awards section for more information.
Each adjudicator’s sheet is a basic outline showing how points will be divided on the 1000 points
per caption scale. At the bottom of each sheet, the total points from each section of the outline will be
added together to have one overall numerical score for that caption. When the scores from each judge
are sent to be tallied, our system will convert the large totals into a I-IV system (with one being the
highest score) as follows:
Points
Score
0-250
IV
250-500
III
500-750
II
750-1000
I
This system is designed to give the adjudicators a wide spectrum in which they can most accurately rank
the various skills of the participating bands, while providing the bands with an identifiable and familiar
Scoring System that will be used during the award announcements.
Classification of Bands
According to number of winds and percussion
Class A
32 musicians or less
Class AA
28-48 musicians
Class AAA
44-64 musicians
Class AAAA
60-80 musicians
Class AAAAA
76-96 musicians
Class AAAAAA
92 musicians or more
*The class sizes overlap in order to provide your band with the opportunity to compete with other
bands of the most comparable performance ability. Anyone can request to bump up one classification
for competitive purposes, regardless of the number of musicians*
Drum Major
Drum Majors will be judged as their own caption. Attention will be given to evaluating pattern clarity,
rhythmic integrity, technique, musicality and carriage.
Marching
Marching will be one of the four captions that is averaged together to determine the Overall Band score
for each competing group. The main purpose of this caption is to give due weight to the importance of
consistency in marching style and technique, as well as uniformity throughout the performing ensemble.
Music Performance
Music Performance will be one of the four captions that is averaged together to determine the
Overall Band score for each competing group. These adjudicators will serve as what we have come
to know as “band judges.” They will specifically focus on how the band is playing and even more
specifically the wind section. Other areas may affect their scoring (i.e. percussion, auxiliary units,
drill) – but specifically as to how it affects (accentuates or distracts from) the musical presentation.
Percussion
Percussion will be one of the four captions that is averaged together to determine the Overall Band
score for each competing group. We have taken into account that not all bands have both Front
Ensemble and Battery. To alleviate any score inconsistencies, we have formatted the percussion scoring
system based on overall sound rather than distinguishing between points given to battery vs. front
ensemble. Our judge will be specific in his commentary when referencing front ensemble or battery
problems/successes.
Auxiliary
We have taken into account that not all bands have Dance Lines, Majorettes and Color Guard Members.
To alleviate any score inconsistencies, we have formatted the auxiliary scoring system to be converted
from points to percentages when tallying. These scores will only be used for determining Best In Class
Awards for these individual sub-captions.
**The Auxiliary Judges are also responsible for the Visual/General Effect Scoring**
Visual/General Effect
Visual/General Effect will be one of the four captions that is averaged together to determine the Overall
Band score for each competing group. This score is determined by all aspects of the show having to do
with audience engagement, audio and visual coordination and visual interpretation of overall musical
ideas.
Awards
Individual Scores Given For Each Performing Group
Drum Major
Marching
Music Performance 1
Music Performance 2
Music Performance 3
Percussion
Visual/General Effect
For and Overall Band Score of ______ (Average of Marching, Music Performance, Percussion,
Visual/General Effect)
Best in Class
Drum Major
Dance Line
Majorette
Color Guard
Percussion
Band (Average of Marching, Horn Line, percussion, Visual/General Effect)
Best Overall (Average of Marching, Horn Line, percussion, Visual/General Effect)
Bronze- 3rd
Silver- 2nd
Gold- 1st