Do College Marching Bands Compete?
While many college marching bands perform at football games, parades, and special events, a significant portion of them do compete. The nature and format of their competitions can vary widely, and there are several types of events where college marching bands can showcase their musical and visual prowess.
Types of Competitions for College Marching Bands
Field Competitions
These competitions are typically held during the fall season and involve halftime shows performed in front of judges. Some of the major organizations hosting field competitions include the Bands of America (BOA) and the National Stadium Marching Band Championships. These events not only provide a platform for bands to demonstrate their talents but also offer awards and recognition.
Parade Competitions
Some bands participate in parades that showcase their musical and visual performances. Notable examples include the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade, where competitive elements may be included. Bands from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) such as NC AT, Southern University, and North Carolina Central often have their own unique competitions called 'Battle of the Bands.' One of the most well-known events is the Honda Battle of the Bands, which includes both HBCU drum lines and other competitive bands.
Bowl Game Competitions
Some college bands perform at football bowl games, and while these performances are primarily for entertainment, some events may incorporate competitive elements. These bowl games can be a significant opportunity for bands to gain exposure and recognition.
Exhibitions and Festivals
Many college marching bands participate in marching band festivals where they perform for scores and feedback without necessarily competing for awards. These festivals provide a great platform for bands to network and share their skills and experiences.
National Collegiate Marching Band Championships
Recent developments have seen the emergence of a new national competition for college marching bands in Columbia, South Carolina. This unprecedented event, part of the National Collegiate Marching Band Championships and Festival, will take place from December 1-3, 2017. It will feature a wide range of competitions, including an exhibition competition and a televised parade.
The festival was originally scheduled to begin in January 2018 but was moved to late December (Championship Weekend) due to the preference of numerous college band directors. The festival partners with Special Olympics South Carolina as its beneficiary and fiscal agent. The event will showcase various marching styles from outstanding college marching bands and their institutions.
The competition areas are divided into the following categories:
OPEN (under 200 winds) Traditional SHOW bands HBCUs and others OPEN (over 200 winds)National competition awards will be given in these three categories. College marching bands interested in participating can apply to take part in the competition.
College Class Schedules and Competition Management
It's worth noting that college bands typically have more diverse schedules than high school bands. College classes are inconsistent for all students, unlike the structured high school day. As a result, most college bands do not have the time to get a show competition-ready nor do they have the resources to travel to contests on a regular basis. They generally play during football games, homecoming parades, and occasional high school contest exhibitions.
However, the increasing interest in showcasing their talents has led to new opportunities for college marching bands to compete and be recognized for their hard work and dedication.