Band Classes

Wind Band Class Definitions

For adjudication purposes there are ten main classes. A band may enter only ONE Regional Festival and only ONE class. If you are in doubt as to which class your band should enter, please contact the Festival Director. All players must be regular members of the band. Tutors may not play in any school or youth class.

Participating bands are advised to confirm with their Regional Organiser whether any percussion equipment/piano will be provided in the venue. Bands must be prepared to provide any additional percussion or sound equipment. Vocalists are permitted in the Big Band classes.

Junior Wind Band Class

This class is designed for bands comprising beginners/intermediate players who must be 14 years of age or under on the day of the Regional Festival. Each band will perform a programme of 10-15 minutes including one item from the current Repertoire Lists. Bands with less than the recommended instrumentation are encouraged to enter this class.

School Wind Band Class

For bands made up of players from one school only. All players must be in full- time education at the school and be 19 years of age or under on the day of the Regional Festival. Only one band per school is allowed unless the school has sufficient players to make up two entirely different bands.

Youth Wind Band Class

Players must be 19 years of age or under on the day of the Regional Festival.

a) Music Centre

For youth bands and bands from an area incorporating players from several schools, sixth-form colleges and attending a music centre.

b) County

As above, including several music centres and representing a Metropolitan Borough or County.

Community Wind Band Class

For bands with players of all ages and all levels of ability

Open Wind Band Class

The premier wind band class for bands from music colleges or institutes of higher education and youth or community bands who wish to enter at this level.

Junior Big Band Class

School Big Band Class

For bands made up of players from one school only. All players must be in full- time education at the school and be 19 years of age or under on the day of the Regional Festival. Bands should comprise the acceptable line-up of reed, brass and rhythm sections with a minimum of 14 players. Youth bands may also enter at this level.

Youth Big Band Class

For bands comprising the acceptable line-up of reed, brass and rhythm sections with a minimum of 14 players, who must be 19 years of age or under on the day of the Regional Festival.