Championship Division (Competitive)

To be entered into Championship Division, The Bandmasters Championship's competitive field, marching bands must be affiliated with an accredited K-12 public or private school. The Championship Division is not open to college/university bands, or to ensembles organized by private clubs, civic organizations, churches or non-accredited institutions. All performers must be school-age (K-12) students.

Eligible bands must have received a rating of either Superior (I) or Excellent (II) at a field marching contest in either the same academic year as the contest, or in the previous academic year. For example, a band wishing to compete in The 2017 Bandmasters Championship must have received a I or II rating in either the 2016-2017 or 2017-2018 academic year. Note: Bands needing to earn a I or II rating in 2016 may register on a contingent basis.

Alternatively, any band whose director is a past winner of The Bandmasters Championship is automatically eligible to enroll in the Championship Division. A "past winner" is defined as an individual who was the primary (not assistant) director of a Grand Champion band at The Bandmasters Championship, including the years 1963-1999 when the contest was known as the Mid-South Invitational.

Open Division (Exhibition)

Any marching band or performing ensemble comprised of school-age (K-12) students is welcome to perform in an exhibition at The Bandmasters Championship, schedule permitting. Exhibition bands receive written and taped comments from the Adjudicators, but do not receive a score and are not eligible to receive any awards (other than a Participation Award). t

Bands are grouped into four Classifications as follows:

• Small Classification (A): 0-39 wind musicians
• Medium Classification (AA): 40-59 wind musicians
• Large Classification (AAA): 60-89 wind musicians
• Extra Large Classification (AAAA): 90-above wind musicians

Classification is based on the maximum number of wind musicians in the band at any given time during its show. Example: A band performs most of its show with 80 wind players. In the final minute of the show, however, 20 color guard members pick up wind instruments and play along with the original 80. This band must register in Class AAAA because the maximum number of winds during the show is 100.

Any band can enter a higher classification, but not a lower one. This decision must be made at the time of registration and cannot be changed subsequently.

Class A bands will perform first, followed by AA, AAA, and AAAA. Within each of the four classes, order of performance is determined by a draw. The draw occurs in the University of Memphis band office on the Monday following the registration deadline. It is conducted by the U of M band office secretary and witnessed by the elected officers of the U of M band.

Each band will perform once. There will be no Finals competition.

The Bandmasters Championship utilizes the "caption" scoring system, consisting of eight (8) Adjudicators. Each Adjudicator is responsible for evaluating a specific area of the performance. These are the eight Adjudicator captions (click on links to view scoring sheets in pdf file format):

• Music Ensemble (20%): Evaluates the band's total musical performance from the perspectives of content and achievement. This adjudicator is located in the press box.
• Music Performance (20%): Evaluates individual aspects of the musical performance from the perspectives of composition and achievement. This adjuciator is located on the field.
• Music Effect (15%): Evaluates the musical repertoire, including such aspects as creativity, variety, artistry, and audience engagement. Also evaluates achievement of the repertoire. This adjudicator is located in the press box.
• Visual Ensemble (10%): Evaluates the band's total visual performance from the perspectives of content and acheivement. This adjudicator is located in the press box.
• Visual Performance (10%): Evaluates individual aspects of the visual performance from the perspectives of content and acheivement. This adjudicator is located on the field.
• Visual Effect (15%): Evaluates the visual repertoire including staging, variety, creativity, artistry, enhancement of music and audience appeal. Also evaluates achievement through communication, professionalism and emotion. This adjudicator is located in the press box.
• Percussion (5%): Individual and ensemble music performance of all percussion units, including battery and sideline (pit) percussion. This adjudicator is located in the press box.
• Color Guard (5%): Individual and ensemble performance of all color guard/auxiliary units, including flags, rifles, sabers, twirlers, majorettes, and dancers. This adjudicator is located in the press box. Note: If a band competes without a color guard, the average of the visual ensemble and visual performance score sheets will be used as a substitute for this caption.

Adjudicators

The contest staff may utilize the services of a judges' association to ensure the selection of qualified adjudicators with consistent educational philosophies. 

Up to three (3) Adjudicators may be retained from the previous year's panel to facilitate continuity of judging from one year to the next. However, no person may serve as an Adjudicator for more than two (2) years consecutively. 

Awards presented at The Bandmasters Championship are as follows:

• Participation Award: Each Open Division band, and each Championship Division band receiving a rating of II, III, or IV receives a Participation Award.
• Superior Rating Award: Each band receiving a rating of "I" or Superior receives a plaque in recognition of this accomplishment.
• Outstanding Color Guard for each Classification (based on the Color Guard Adjudicator score)
• Outstanding Percussion for each Classification (based on the Percussion Adjudicator score)
• Outstanding Music Performance for each Classification (based on the combined score of the Music Performance Adjudicators)
• Outstanding Visual Performance for each Classification (based on the combined score of the Visual Performance Adjudicators)
• Outstanding General Effect for each Classification (based on the combined score of the Music and Visual General Effect Adjudicators)
• First, Second and Third Place for each Classification (based on total band score)
• Overall Placement: Given to bands, regardless of Classification, receiving the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th highest total band scores.
• Honorable Mention: Given to the band, regardless of Classification, receiving the third highest total band score.
• Reserve Grand Champion: Given to the band, regardless of Classification, receiving the second highest total band score.
• Bandmasters Grand Champion: Given to the band, regardless of Classification, receiving the highest total band score is presented the Joe Sills Championship Cup, a rotating trophy to be held by the current Bandmasters Grand Champion band for the next marching band season.

The Bandmasters Championship is proud to feature one of the most impressive venues for any marching band contest in America. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, home of the University of Memphis Tigers since 1965, has hosted memorable college football games, professional sports, concerts, and hundreds of other events. And each year on a Saturday in late October, it welcomes many of the South's top bands. Fans appreciate Liberty Stadium’s plentiful seating and excellent sight lines. Directors are treated to our spacious press box hospitality area, and students can enjoy a variety of concessions before and after their performances. The 58,000-seat Liberty Stadium provides the perfect atmosphere for championship marching band performances. The field is completely enclosed, so attention is squarely focused on your band with no outside distractions. The AstroTurf playing surface, the latest in artificial turf technology, looks and feels just like natural grass but stays in perfect condition no matter what the weather conditions. The press box provides the adjudicators an excellent vantage point and good read of your show, visually and musically. Our complimentary high-camera video recording gives you an unparalleled view of your drill. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is the largest stadium in Tennessee, Arkansas or Mississippi to host a marching band contest. Performing here is a thrilling experience for every band member, one that each will remember for a lifetime! The Bandmasters Championship is pleased to showcase your band in this professional-quality arena!

Important Band Director Downloads:

• 2024 Band Director Packet
• 2024 Bandmasters Championship Timetable
• 2024 Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Map

Tickets may be purchased online in advance.

Ticket prices are: 

• $25 for adults and children over age 6.
• Children aged six and under are admitted for free.

The Bandmasters Championship uses digital tickets. All seating is general admission. There are no reserved seats since seating on the performance side of the stadium (25,000+) is plentiful. No refunds.

Parking:

• Pre-purcahsed parking: $10 (+fees)
• On-site parking: $15 (+fees)

The Bandmasters Championship is, first and foremost, an educational event. For this reason, it is our policy not to require admission to any school music student, at any grade or school. Complimentary passes are available to any music or band student. These passes must be requested in advance by the student's music teacher or band director. There is no limit to the number of passes a teacher may request; in fact, we encourage middle school/junior high band directors to bring their entire bands to The Bandmasters Championship. Non-participating high school bands are also welcomed to join our audience to watch, listen and learn.

To request passes for your students, please e-mail us and include the following information:

1. Your name
2. School
3. Mailing address, city, state and zip code
4. Telephone number
5. Number of passes required
6. Names of all staff members (including you) attending the contest

What You Can Bring Into the Stadium

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium has a Clear Bag Policy which allows only the following bags through the admission gates:

• Small clutches and purses purses no larger than 5" x 7"
• Clear bags and totes no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"

Please note that The Bandmasters Championship does not control this policy. It was implemented by stadium management for the safety and security of all attendees, and is now a common procedure at large sports venues. We encourage you to view the stadium's Prohibited Items List if you plan to bring any items into the stadium.

Directions to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

• From West Tennessee - Take I-40 to Sam Cooper Blvd. Take the Highland Street exit and turn left (south). Turn right at Central Avenue. Turn left onto Hollywood Street. Parking (Access 4) will be on your RIGHT.
• From Arkansas - Take I-40 to the I-40/240 interchange. Take exit 1E onto I-240. Take the Madison Ave. exit. Turn left onto Madison. Turn right onto East Parkway South. Turn left onto Central Avenue. Parking (Access 7) will be on your RIGHT.
• From Mississippi - Take I-55 to the I-240 interchange. Take exit 6B onto I-240 north. Take exit 30 onto Union Avenue. Turn right onto East Parkway South. Turn left onto Central Avenue.Parking (Access 7) will be on your RIGHT.

Parking

Spectator parking is located on the north and west sides of the stadium. You may access these from Central Avenue (Access Gate 7), or from Hollywood Street (Access Gate 4). Spectator lot parking is $10 in advance/ $15 on-site (+ fees).

Spectators will not be permitted to park with band buses and equipment trucks in the band parking lots.

Admissions Gate

Spectators may enter Liberty Stadium at Gate 4 on the stadium’s west side. Tickets are on sale at that location. Contest programs are for download using a QR code on the jumbotron.

Band students only will be permitted to enter the stadium at Gate 2. Due to security procedures that are now typical at public events, please be prepared to have your bags and purses searched.

Absolutely no food or beverages may be brought in from outside the stadium. Ice chests and water coolers are prohibited. This applies to spectators, band members, staff and chaperones. This rule is in adherence to the stadium's contract with its concessionaire.

First Aid

Emergency medical services are available throughout the event. The First Aid station is located on the stadium concourse next to Gate 2 (band entrance). Please locate an usher if you need assistance.

Etiquette

Out of respect for the performers and the audience, spectators are to refrain from entering or leaving the seating area during a band performance. This will be enforced by the ushers.

The Bandmasters Championship was conceived to provide Memphis and the Mid-South region with a scholastic marching band contest of the highest possible caliber. The event is produced by the University of Memphis Band Alumni Chapter , an association of former band members dedicated to supporting the University's band through volunteer activities and financial support.

The Bandmasters Championship is, first and foremost, an educational event. The Alumni recognize the many influences on young people today - both good and bad - and are convinced that the marching band activity has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the lives of the students who participate. This contest was created to promote marching band in every way possible - to make it more fun, more exciting, more rewarding, and to encourage students to continue their participation through high school graduation and beyond.

The mission of The Bandmasters Championship is:

To produce a world-class marching band competition that contributes to the musical, physical and social education of young people, recognizes excellence of students and educators, and motivates them all to achieve the extraordinary.

The objectives of The Bandmasters Championship are:

• To promote the highest standards of performance in scholastic marching bands.
• To provide recognition to students for their hard work and achievement, and to the professional music educators who instruct them.
• To establish an event that is exciting, motivating and memorable for the participating students, and entertaining for family, friends and fans.
• To obtain the services of esteemed music educators as adjudicators, so that they may offer constructive commentary to each participating band.
• To encourage the growth and development of the scholastic marching band activity, both in quality and quantity.
• To support the University of Memphis Band by contributing all event proceeds to band fellowships and scholarships.

Governing authority over The Bandmasters Championship is vested in the Executive Committeeof the University of Memphis Band Alumni Chapter. The Chapter is responsible for all aspects of this event including scheduling, obtaining facilities, financing, planning, marketing, band registration, recruitment of volunteers, establishment of format and rules, and hiring adjudicators. In consideration of these responsibilities, the Chapter reserves the right to make any and all decisions pertaining to the current operation and future direction of the contest.

The contest mission, philosophy, rules and format are documented in the Official Rules and Regulations. A Competition Advisory Committee is appointed by the Chapter's Executive Committee each November. The committee consists of five (5) Alumni Chapter members, one (1) UofM band director, and the Director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. The purpose of this committee is to thoroughly review the Official Rules and Regulations, as well as the contest's operating procedures, and recommend changes to the Executive Committee as deemed necessary.

Any revisions to the Official Rules and Regulations must be approved by majority vote of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Committee no later than March 1st in order to be enacted for that year's contest.

Each year, the men and women of the University of Memphis Band Alumni Chapter volunteer hundreds of hours to planning and producing The Bandmasters Championship. Our contest leadership team consists of:

Jeremy M. Stinson - Contest Director

As contest director, Mr. Stinson is responsible for the planning and execution of the The Bandmasters Championship. He is the main point of contact for participating band directors, and also controls event-day operations from the press box. Jeremy has been the director of The Bandmasters Championship since 2003. Under his leadership, the event has grown tremendously, with band participation, fan attendance and public awareness at all-time highs. Contest Leadership Each year, the men and women of the University of Memphis Band Alumni Chapter volunteer hundreds of hours to planning and producing The Bandmasters Championship. Our contest leadership team consists of: Mr. Stinson is a 1997 graduate of Collierville High School. He was a trombonist in The U of M band from 1997 to 1999, and drum major from 2000-2001. While on the graduate staff with The U of M Band in 2002, Mr. Stinson assisted with the marching band and conducted the pep band at Lady Tiger basketball games. Mr. Stinson holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree from The University of Memphis. Mr. Stinson is manager of Tiger Book Store.

Gregory S. Nelson - Sponsorship & Communications Coordinator

Mr. Nelson is responsible for the External Communications for the contest in regards to media and public communications. He has been with the contest 16 years in 2021. Mr. Nelson is a 1983 graduate of Millington High School. He was a Trumpet player in the U of M Band from 1983-1988. Greg received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from The University of Memphis in 1988. Currently,. He is in pursuit of a Masters in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He is employed by Love Worth Finding Ministries where he leads the Prayer Team Ministry. Also, he is employed by The Billy Graham Evangelical Association, also in Prayer Ministry. Greg serves as Bartlett Camp Chaplain with the Gideons and as a Deacon at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. Additionally with the U of M, the Journalism and Strategic Media Board of Directors.

Christopher B. Darr - Contest Operations Coordinator

Mr. Darr has played a leading role with The Bandmasters Championship since 1998. A past contest director, Chris led the team in 2002 that redesigned the contest and moved it permanently into the Libery Bowl. He now oversees a variety of areas including adjudication/scoring, rules and procedures, video production, and the contest website. Chris is a 1989 graduate of McGavock High School in Nashville. He played tuba in the Mighty Sound of the South from 1989 through 1992. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from the U of M, and is Managing Director of Planning & Business Analysis, Air Operations at FedEx Express.

History of The Bandmasters Championship The name "Bandmasters Championship" has only been around since 2002, but the contest has over four decades of tradition behind it! The first U of M marching competition, the Mid-South Invitational, began in 1963 at Whitehaven Stadium. The contest ran continuously from that year until 1999, having been canceled just once (1985, due to heavy rain). The contest remained at Crump Stadium through the '60s and '70s, and was held in Liberty Stadium during the early 1980s before moving to Halle Stadium in East Memphis for many years. The Mid-South Invitational consistently hosted bands from Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky and Alabama.

In the late 1990's, the University of Memphis Band Alumni Chapter took an expanded role in the planning and organization of the contest, in an effort to assist the U of M band staff. A decision was made that Halle Stadium was no longer an acceptable location for any marching band contest, much less a contest with such a long and distinguished history. After the 1999 Mid-South Invitational, the Chapter Executive Committeevoted to find a new and permanent home for the contest - and the most obvious location was the Tigers' home stadium, Liberty Stadium.

Through the support of Dean Richard Ranta of the U of M College of Communication and Fine Arts, as well as Associate Athletic Director Bill Lofton and Mrs. Patty Bladon, U of M Alumni Development Director, Liberty Stadium was secured in 2002 as the permanent site for the competition. At the same time, many aspects of the contest (format, scoring system, etc.) were evaluated and changed. The Band Alumni Chapter also decided to rename the contest to The Bandmasters Championship in honor of the professional music educators who have contributed so much to past, present, and future Mid-South band students.

By the second decade of the 2000s, The Bandmasters Championship regained its place as the region's largest and most prestigious marching event. Consistently drawing 25-30 bands and an overall attendance of 8,000 people or more, the contest has earned a reputation as the place to see outstanding performances year after year. The U of M Band Alumni are proud to carry on this long tradition!