Parade FreeStyle competition Rules

The music to be performed is the choice of the band. It is not necessary to submit music scores for music that will be performed in the parade band free style drill competition. At the competition, when instructed by the designated parade official, each performing band will file from their assigned warm-up area in silence to the entry point of the parade route. Upon arrival at the entry point of the parade route, the band is to immediately form-up and wait for step off instructions. After step off, the band may perform music at any time along the non-judged section of the parade route. In this section of the parade route the band is to maintain straight forward motion at all times. This section of the parade route is 20 meters wide and will vary in length between 150 and 250 meters. The non-judged section flows directly into the judgment section of the parade route. The judgment section of the parade route is 20 meters wide and 150 meters long. It is divided into two areas, a parade section 120 meters long, and a drill section 30 meters long. During any of the parading sections there are no requirement as to the form and style to be utilized by the band and no marching tempo, or size of the marching stride requirements. When the band reaches the first area of the judgment section of the parade route a starting flag is lowered. When the starting flag is lowered both judgment and total performance time begins. In the first area of judgment the band must play continuous music. The general direction of marching in this section shall be forward and towards the second judgment section. During this section the band may exhibit angular or forward drill movements and dance steps if and as they wish. There is no minimum time requirement for a band in either of the two judgment areas. A maximum time limit flag is raised after the band has been in any portion of the judgment sections of the parade route for a total of 5 minutes. At this time all judgment ceases regardless of the bands position on the parade route. When the band reaches the entry point of the second judgment area they are to simultaneously cease marching and playing music the bands may perform any moving drill maneuvers that can be done while parading that consist of a variety of corners, flanking maneuvers, countermarches, rotations, cross steps, back steps or interchanges. Choreographed set maneuvering that may be utilized in a marching show are not to be included nor is this section to be utilized as a stop and play area. The band is to conclude their performance in this section by marching to the exit point where they must first cease playing music and then cease marching. Immediately after halting the band is to file out in silence to their designated dismissal area. Photo Gallery: