Contest Eligibility:

The contest welcomes the participation of any registered brass band, celebrating the rich musical diversity within the region. Bands affiliated with the East of Scotland Brass Band Association will be given priority during the registration process, furthering our commitment to supporting and showcasing local musical communities.

To ensure a manageable and high-quality event, there will be a maximum limit of fifteen participating bands. This limitation is designed to afford each band ample performance time and contribute to an enjoyable experience for both performers and the audience.

Additionally, to cover organisational expenses and enhance the overall quality of the event, there will be an entry fee of £100 for each participating band. All participating bands, regardless of affiliation with the East of Scotland Brass Band Association, will share the same entry fee. This approach seeks to strike a balance between accessibility and the financial sustainability of the contest.

Contest Format:

The contest is designed to showcase the versatility and musical prowess of participating brass bands. It will consist of two distinct segments, providing a platform for both marching prowess and musical performance.

The first segment features an entertainment march, where adjudicators will evaluate bands based on Dress & Deportment and Entertainment Value. Bands are encouraged to bring creativity to their musical performance during the marching display, while maintaining precision. The opening march will be performed on the move, setting a dynamic tone for the overall performance.

Following the march, the contest will transition to the “own-choice” entertainment programme. For this segment, bands will be arranged in a traditional brass band formation, seated with music stands. Adjudication during this phase will focus on the musical performance, encouraging bands to showcase their musical talent and interpretation skills.

This two-part format aims to highlight the diverse skills of participating bands, offering a well-rounded and engaging experience for both performers and the audience.

Performance Rules:

To ensure a smooth and fair competition, participating bands are required to adhere to the following performance rules:

1. Band Composition: Each participating band must consist of a core of normally registered players. Bands are permitted to showcase their versatility by utilising a maximum of eight guest players as deemed appropriate. Additionally, players are allowed to participate with their own registered band and, if desired, guest with one other band. This flexibility ensures the opportunity for bands to feature a diverse range of talent while maintaining the integrity of their core ensemble.
2. Marching Element: The marching element of the performance must feature a recognisable tune with a distinct beat that the band can march to. The chosen tune should be suitable for a marching display and must last for the entire length of the designated marching route, approximately 200 metres. This requirement ensures consistency and provides a common ground for evaluating the marching segment.
3. Entertainment Programme: The entertainment programme, following the marching segment, must not exceed a duration of 8 minutes. Bands are encouraged to showcase their musical prowess and creativity during this segment. The provided score(s) should be the musical director’s score(s), offering insight into the band’s interpretation and execution. The score(s) will be used as a reference in the evaluation process, enhancing transparency and allowing for constructive feedback.
4. Percussion Equipment^*: Bands participating in the contest should note that the event organisers continue to investigate percussion options. At this stage it is anticipated a very limited set of percussion will be provided in the arena (potentially Timps, Drum Kit & Glockenspiel^*) and therefore bands should bring any additional percussion they require for the Marching section or the Entertainment programme.
5. Time Allocation: Bands will have a maximum of 20 minutes from their first drumbeat to clearing the performance arena in the Steelyard. It is imperative that bands adhere to this time limit to ensure the smooth progression of the event. Any band exceeding the specified time limit will incur a 2-point deduction per minute from their overall score. This regulation is implemented to maintain fairness, consistency, and the timely progression of the contest. Participants are encouraged to carefully plan and rehearse their performances to stay within the allocated time frame.

^*Subject to ongoing review

Adjudication:

The adjudication process for the contest will be carried out with meticulous attention to different aspects of the performance:

1. March Adjudication: The marching segment will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including one Dress & Deportment judge and two Entertainment judges. The Dress & Deportment judge will award points based on the overall presentation and visual appeal of the band, with a maximum of 40 (TBC) points. The two Entertainment judges will assess the creativity, engagement, and entertainment value of the marching display, each awarding up to 30 (TBC) points. This combined approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of both visual and entertainment elements.
2. Entertainment Programme Adjudication: The entertainment programme will be covered by a dedicated musical performance adjudicator who will focus on the band’s interpretation and execution of their chosen musical programme. This judge will award up to 100 points in this section, assessing factors such as musicality, expression, and overall performance. The singular adjudicator for this segment allows for a concentrated and detailed evaluation of the band’s musical performance.

This adjudication framework aims to provide a fair and thorough assessment, recognising the different skills and elements showcased by the participating bands in both the marching and entertainment segments.

Scoring System:

The contest will employ a comprehensive scoring system, aiming to fairly assess and recognise the achievements of participating bands. The overall result will be determined by adding all the adjudicator scores, providing each band with an overall mark out of 200 points. To encourage a balanced emphasis on both marching and musical performance, the scoring system integrates the evaluations from the Dress & Deportment, entertainment judges, and the dedicated adjudicator for the entertainment programme.

Four prizes will be awarded, reflecting the diversity of participating bands. These prizes include the overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, acknowledging the top-performing bands across all sections. Additionally, a special prize will be awarded to the highest-scoring lower section band (2nd, 3rd, 4th or Youth section), not in the overall prize list. This category ensures recognition for bands operating in different sections, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating excellence across all levels.

In the event of a tie, the band with the highest mark in the entertainment section will take preference. This tiebreaker criteria ensures that the band with the strongest musical performance in the entertainment programme is prioritised, promoting a nuanced evaluation, and highlighting the significance of musical excellence in the overall competition.