Group Definitions
 

(1) Division (Based on Development)                                                      

Division I (Advanced level for the type of group)

Division II (Intermediate for the type of Group)

 

(2)  Category (Based on Age)

Elementary:

Groups in which all the participating group members are less than 13 years of age during the competition. 

 

Junior:

Groups in which all the participating group members are 13-16 years of age during the competition.

​

Senior:

Groups that do not qualify for the Junior category and whose participating group members are all less than 18 years of age during the competition

 

Open:

Groups in which any of the participating group members are over the age of 18 during the competition

 

(3)  Class (Based on Group Size)

A              Less than 65 performing members

AA        66 to 100 performing members

AAA     101 to 150 performing members

AAAA   Over 151 performing members

​

Rules and Regulations
 

The parade competition will begin at the point marked with letter “A”. All bands must begin with the drum major giving the signal to start, and the band will parade / march in with music until Point B. Judging and performance time will begin as soon as the drum major signals the band to begin.

Please note that the Grand Stand is on the right side of the band. A FREE STYLE show (please read explanation below) is to be performed. There will be NO minimum performance time. The maximum performance time is SIX (6) minutes. All judgment ceases after SIX (6) minutes of performance OR when the band marches out at Point “C”. The total time ends when the last band personnel have passed the defined exit point, indicated by a yellow line at point “C”. The drum major will signal for the band to cease playing after passing Point C.

The band will exit towards the right side of the competition area.

Bands will be judged beginning from point “A” until Point “C” only.

What is a Free Style Show?

A Free Style Show is where the band is free to perform either a static / standstill or drill show, or a combination of both, as long as the duration is not more than SIX (6) minutes. Please note that the judgment is based on 3 captions, i.e. Music, Visual and General Effect, regardless of which style the band chooses to perform.

The Basis of Judgment

1. The band's ability and performance will be judged within their own individual form and style. The choice of form and style is not judged.
2. Judgment for a non-instrumental auxiliary unit is included in each band's score. When there is no auxiliary unit, that portion of the score is based upon the performance of the instrumentalists.
3. Division I and II bands shall be judged to the same standard.
4. Prizes will be awarded based upon the scores awarded by the International Jury.
 

The overall ratings required to qualify for prizes are:

First Prize　　85+ (Honours 90+)
Second Prize　75 to 84.99
Third Prize　  65 to 74.99
 

All bands will be given a statement of final standing by definition based upon their own categorization, separate from any prizes awarded.
 

Judging

The jury will be structured in the following manner:

Music (MU)
Visual (VI)
General Effect (GE)
 

Music Caption

The two sub captions of Music are:

Music Repertoire (What is done) (Vocabulary)

This sub caption is to evaluate the quality of the musical arrangement, the needed training of the performers, demand and suitability in relation to performer ability, entertainment potential, instrumentation, pulse, variety, blend, idiom etc. What did the designers offer to the program and the performers?

Music Performance (How it is done) (Excellence)

This sub caption is to evaluate the quality of the music performance displayed by the performers. Criteria among others are: Technique, artistry, tone quality, intonation, interpretation, expression, uniformity, stamina, transparency, clarity, balance and blend articulation, dynamics, phrasing, pulse, feel, style, accuracy, control of Tempo & Rhythmic patterns, audio Phasing and vertical alignment of rhythmic patterns.

Visual Caption

The two sub captions of Visual are:

Visual Repertoire (what is done) (Vocabulary)

This sub caption is to evaluate the quality of the visual design and the needed training of the performers. The criteria are among others are: Level, demand, variety, integration, form and style, simultaneous responsibilities, suitability to performers. What did the designers offer to the program and the performers?

Visual Performance (How it is done) (Excellence)

This sub caption is to evaluate the quality of the performance displayed by the performers. Criteria among others are: Interpretation, uniformity, forms, movement proficiency facility and alignment, element integration including synchronization, continuity, coordination, blend, flow, support, demand, poise, cohesion, clarity, transparency, deportment, presentation, appropriateness, spatial awareness, control of movement, momentum, equipment handling and intensity

General Effect Caption
This caption rewards the overall effect created by the combined musical design and performance as displayed by the performers. Achievement is the end result of WHAT the performers are given in design, material and training + HOW well & capable they are in communicating these responsibilities.

The two sub captions of General Effect are:

Design (What is done) (Design Vocabulary)

This sub caption measures the overall effect and impact of the program, by evaluating the ingredients of the program’s music and visual design. CRITERIA AMONG OTHERS ARE: Unity – Do I see what I hear and hear what I see? Is the Program, both musically and visually, well coordinated, using continuity, pacing, and audio/visual staging to create a complete experience which can captivate the audience? Contrast and Variety - Do the Design elements both musically and visually, explore extremes in concept and use, while incorporating varying degrees of finesse, nuance, climax and resolution? Creativity - No matter what the style, does the Program’s Design, both musically and visually, consistently incorporate fresh concepts and ideas to generate and maximize effect?
 

Performance (How it is done) (Excellence)

This sub caption measures the performance of the performers, evaluating the performance qualities and communicative abilities of the performers both from a musical and visual perspective.

 

CRITERIA AMONG OTHERS ARE:

Training - Do the Performers display the skills and techniques essential to the performance of their roles within the chosen program and its musical and visual challenges?
Communication - Do the Performers consistently display the ability to convey to the audience, musically and visually, the written emotion, mood, and spirit throughout?
Entertainment - Do the Performers elevate their material while engaging the audience through maximized performance qualities?
Professionalism - Do the Performers exhibit confidence, focus and assuredness throughout?

Total Possible Score: 100 Points

​

Download 2018 WAMSB World Championships Application Form

Download 2018 WAMSB World Championships Rules and Participation Information