The Arizona Band Festival System

Music festivals such as the Corona del Sol Band Invitational are the outgrowth of a well planned system of music education developed by leaders of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) and the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA). The purpose of the system is to promote music education, provide satisfying and motivational performance opportunities, and nurture the desire for excellence in our youth.

Annual instrumental music festivals under AMEA/ABODA auspices include regional and statewide Solo and Ensemble Festivals, Jazz Festivals, Concert and Marching Band Festivals, and Regional and All-State Honor Bands. By participating in these interscholastic activities, students are able to evaluate their own progress, set realistic goals, develop discipline, work together in a common effort, and gain confidence and ability. It is felt that students of music are highly motivated to perform for expert evaluation and educational comment. This need is met by the AMEA/ABODA state music festival system.

The culminating event of this system for high school marching bands is the State Marching Band Festival, which is held annually at the end of marching season. The State Marching Band Festival is preceded by official Band Days at ASU, U of A, NAU, Eastern Arizona College, Glendale Community College, and other locations throughout the state. These events are judged by professional adjudicators and serve as qualifiers for the State Marching Band Festival. Under current ABODA guidelines, a band must have received an excellent rating (or better) in at least one ABODA approved Band Day in order to participate in the State Marching Band Festival.

The AMEA/ABODA system of judging is based on national standards of excellence. Bands are judged on their musical performance, marching, directing, auxiliary performance, and general effect. Their scores are then combined to produce a final, overall rating described as Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor. Superior with Distinction is awarded for an outstanding performance where all judges have rated the performance as Superior.  The Superior (I) designation is reserved for an exceptionally strong performance, characterized by flawless execution and outstanding general effect. An Excellent (II) rating is awarded for a fine performance with very few technical flaws, reflecting an excellent level of preparation. The Good (III) rating indicates a performance with merit but where the general effect is diminished by the presence of technical flaws in one or more categories. The Fair (IV) rating indicates a below-average performance with major faults suggesting lack of preparation. Poor (V) is rarely given. In addition, the University of Arizona awards the Nunamaker Award of Distinction. The judges choose the band(s) whose overall performance or general effect is judged to be of Special Merit. [Who was Milton Nunamker?)

A number of un-judged marching exhibitions have also become traditional. The Corona del Sol Band Invitational is one of these. It usually takes place just prior to a Band Day and serves as a dress rehearsal for that event.

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