OMEA Competition FAQs
How are bands categorized at OMEA competitions?
Bands are categorized into classes based on the size of their schools student population in grades 10-12. The classes are AA, A, B, and C with AA being the largest student population and C being the lowest. Scioto competes in class AA. Most OMEA band competitions group bands according to their class for performance times and give awards by class.
Do contests typically run on schedule?
Yes, there are scoring penalties for bands whose performances do not occur within their assigned time parameters so unless there is severe weather, band competitions typically run on schedule.
What should I expect when watching a contest?
The contest viewing experience is different than a football game. Spectators are only allowed to enter and exit the stands between performances. The access points to the stands will be blocked during the performances. Spectators are encouraged to cheer in support of the students at appropriate times and otherwise remain quiet to respect the performances.
​
For each band, there is an announcement made letting them know that they may begin their pre-placement and warm up. Once the band is set and ready to begin their performance, the field commanders/drum majors will signal to the judges by doing a salute, at which time an announcement will be made that they can “take the field for adjudicated performance (or competition)” meaning that their judged performance is beginning. Once the performance is complete, the field commander(s) will again the end of the performance and a final announcement about the band will be made as they leave the field.
Do I need to buy a ticket to watch?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for spectators at all contests. You can also purchase a program with information about all of the competing bands. Concessions are also available at all contests as well and many offer other merchandise as well.
How are OMEA contests judged?
Judges will evaluate the performance based on music, visual (marching and movement on the field), and general effect (the overall feel of the show). Percussion and Auxiliary (color guard) are also judged in their own captions and may receive awards at some contests.
​
There are 8 judges in the press box, a percussion judge who is on the field, and a timing and penalties judge who is located on the sideline. Each of the 9 caption judges will give the band a numerical score, a rating, provide an audio recording of their comments and a written comment sheet to learn from.
​
The numerical scores will be calculated to an overall score based on a 100-point scale. This point total will be how the bands are ranked in the contest.
​
The rating scale in OMEA is 1 – Superior, 2 – Excellent, 3 – Good, 4 – Fair. A band must receive an overall Superior rating at a contest in order to qualify for State Marching Band Finals.
What awards are given out?
Awards vary from contest to contest, but most contests will give awards by class based on judging captions (Ex. Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Auxiliary) and placement in class. Some contests will give overall awards by caption and/or placement (Ex. Best General Effect Overall, Grand Champion, etc.).
​
During the awards presentation, they will also announce the bands that received a Superior (1) rating and qualified for State Marching Band Finals.
Do the host bands compete?
The host bands will perform their show, typically at the end of the competition. They will receive ratings and comments only from the judges. They will not receive a numeric score or be eligible to win awards. They are eligible to qualify for State Marching Band Finals.
How do State Finals work?
Once a band qualifies, they can submit a request for the date and time they hope to perform at SMBF. The earlier you qualify, the better your chances of getting the date and timeframe you prefer.
​
Bands will perform in “blocks” or groups of about 6-7 bands that are judged in the same manner as other competitions, however, no numeric scores are given. Bands only receive ratings at SMBF.
At the end of each block of bands, all of the ratings for the bands in that block are announced and award plaques are distributed.