Contest Format

CLASSIFICATIONS
Classifications will be according to the number of all playing members (winds and percussion) in each band. Classes will be determined 2 weeks prior to the Festival date. All bands will perform in the class assigned according to the deadline (2 weeks prior to Festival) even if the band has fewer playing members the day of the Festival. If on the festival day your playing members exceed the class in which you are entered, your band will automatically be moved to the next class.
Bands will be divided into four equal categories.
A = fewest number of playing members;
B = bands larger than A
C = bands larger than B
D = remaining bands larger than C

ENTRY FEE
A $200 application fee is required (all entry fees are nonrefundable)

PRELIMS
The first 30 schools to return application (including entry fee) will be selected (date payment is received will be criterion for selection). Bands 31 - 40 will be considered "alternates."
Order of appearance for prelims for new bands will be determined by entry date and classification. Returning bands will appear by their placement the previous year. Performances will be in the following order:
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
AWARDS Prelims: Division ratings will be announced and recognized at the Prelim Ceremony as follows:
Outstanding Achievement Awards: The following may be awarded at the discretion of the judges, in each division.
Outstanding Drum Major(s),
Outstanding Auxiliary Unit,
Outstanding Wind Section,
Outstanding Soloist,
Outstanding Percussion,
Outstanding Marching & Maneuvering.

FINALS
The finals competion will consist of the top band from class A, B, C, and D plus the next eight highest scoring bands (Ten bands total in finals!).
Order of appearance for finals will be by two drawings of the finals participants. The five lowest scoring bands regardless of class will draw for the first five finals positions. The five highest scoring bands regardless of class will draw for the sixth through tenth positions.
Finals Awards: Valhalla Marching Band Festival finals trophies will be awarded for 1st thru 12th place plus Outstanding Drum Major(s), Outstanding Auxiliary Unit, Outstanding Wind Section, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Percussion, and Outstanding Marching & Manuevering.