However, BOA tries to keep all participating bands on as level a playing field as possible. We do not announce or publish bands' classification before events so that no one, including judges, has preconceived expectations of a band's performance based on class. The top 10 scoring bands regardless of class are invited to perform in the evening's Regional Finals. If a Class Champion is not among the 10 highest scoring bands, they will be invited to perform at Finals in exhibition. Please see page 41 for an explanation of the selection of Semi-Finalists.
Bands receive taped evaluation and scoresheets from each judge.
Each band also receives a Divisional Rating based on score. Bands of America utilizes a criteria reference adjudication system. Adjudicators use the criteria reference to assign their rating and ranking of each band. It is Bands of America's position that the music is the more important aspect of the performance, with marching as the presentation and visual enhancement. Similarly, more emphasis is placed on general effect than on fine-line perfection.