The following format outlines the guidelines to be observed by ALL participating drumlines.

1.     The drumline competition will be classified according to MSHSAA guidelines for member school on the basis of enrollment in grades 9-12:

Class 1 - up to and including 130 students.
Class 2 - 131-245 students.
Class 3 - 246-577 students.
Class 4 - 578-1202 students.
Class 5 - 1203 or more students.

 

2.     Each drumline must have a minimum of four members to compete

 

3.     Each drumline will perform with percussion instruments only. The use of a horn line or instrumental accompaniment will not be permitted. The only non-percussion instruments considered acceptable are the traditional rhythm section instruments such as bass, keyboard, and guitar.

 

4.     The competition area will be a regulation basketball court, with bleachers along only one side. Please enter the gym through the southeast outside gym doors and exit through the northeast outside gym doors. (In case of inclement weather, entry will be through the southwest commons doors and exit through the northwest commons doors.)

 

5.     For safety and as a courtesy to the performing groups, we ask that spectators (parents/directors/sponsors/students, etc.) NOT stand along the endline walls in the gym nor block the entry/exit corridors for the performing groups. Help us with crowd control by encouraging your followers to honor these requests.

 

6.     You will be directed to the performance area from the warm-up area. After set up of equipment has taken place, section members should re-group by the competition entry point. Please wait by the gym doors (whether inside or outside of the gym depends on the weather) until you have been made aware by the event monitor the judges are ready. You will be advised when entry onto the floor can be made.

 

7.     Please make your entrance on a click. You may exit with full cadence if desired.

 

8.     Due to the time element, the event announcer will announce all drumlines. You are encouraged to supply musical titles, director(s)/sponsor(s) name(s), etc., but no lengthy introductions, please.

9.     Competition will begin with the announcement of your drumline over the public address system at your appointed performance time. After the competing unit has proceeded to their “ready” position on the floor, the announcer will say: “_____ High School, is your drumline ready?” A salute, call to attention, or other obvious acknowledgement of this question should be clearly made by the group’s designated person. The announcer will then say: “_____ High School Drumline, you may enter the competition.” The drumline should then be prepared to immediately begin their show.

 

10.  You will have a total time allotment of ten minutes. This means you have ten minutes from the time you begin your entrance through the conclusion of your exit.

 

11.  The total musical performance must be a minimum of 1½ minutes up to a maximum of seven minutes in length.

 

12.  A timer will be used. The judging will start when the first note is played or when the first step is taken.

 

13.  The use of drill and visuals are permitted but NOT required.

 

14.  Two judges will be used for evaluating each drumline. Taped and written comments will be given.

 

15.  Three trophies will be awarded in each class.

 

16.  Available for your use will be:

Four standard tympani: 20”, 2-26”, 29”

Premier symphonic chimes – M661-C (1½ octaves/1½” tubes /2)

 

17.  The width of the gymnasium outside doors is approximately 36” each.

 

18.     The middle school gym will be available as a warm-up facility. Each drumline wanting to use this facility will be given a ten-minute time slot for a “run through.”