What is MCBA?
The Michigan Competing Band Association is a Michigan Non-profit Corporation dedicated to the promotion of instrumental music education in Michigan schools. It offers educational clinics for band directors, instructors and students featuring nationally known clinicians. MCBA sanctions marching band contests, which utilize rules and judging criteria developed and adopted by its members. MCBA holds an annual state championship contest.

Why was MCBA formed?
MCBA was formed in 1974 to offer bands in Michigan a means to compete in what was then known as Drum & Bugle Corps style contests, which keep abreast of current standards and trends in the competitive marching activity.

How are bands classified?
In the spring of each year, five Flights of competition are established for the MCBA member bands, these Flights are adjusted for a final time following the September 1 deadline for enrollment in MCBA for the year.. Student enrollment is the foundation for Flight assignment, with the number of bands in each Flight being equalized as much a possible per MCBA rules.

2023 MCBA Flights of Competition (final adjustments are made annually after September 1, see the Official Flight Chart)
Flight I      More than 1665
Flight II     1179 - 1665
Flight III    851 - 1178
Flight IV    662 - 850
Flight V     Less than 662

How are contests judged?
MCBA currently utilizes MCBA constructed judging sheets and criteria. Six adjudicators are utilized in the scoring system: 

Music Field Judge – 10% of the total score
Music Ensemble Judge – 20% of the total score

Visual Field Judge – 10% of the total score
Visual Ensemble Judge – 20% of the total score

Music General Effect Judge – 20% of the total score
Visual General Effect Judge – 20% of the total score 

Total possible score = 100

During the final 3 weekends of the season and for our Championships, two judges (Percussson and Auxiliary) are added to the panel for additional feedback and caption awards.  The scores from these two judges do not effect the overall scoring, nor the placement of the bands at these contests.

Who judges MCBA contests?
MCBA hires judges from throughout the United States and Canada. It hires people who have had extensive training as judges and who are affiliated with nationally known marching arts organizations such as:

  • Drum Corps International
  • Bands of America
  • Winter Guard International

In addition to judges from organizations such as those listed above, MCBA also hires other judges that have undergone judge's training and testing, successfully completed field-trialing, maintained their judging skills, and kept abreast of current knowledge and trends.

Where and when will the championship contest be held?
From 2023-2026, the MCBA State Championship Contests will be held at Ford Field in Detroit. They will be held on the first Saturday in November of each year.

How do bands advance into the MCBA State Championship Contests?
First, a band must be a member of MCBA.
Second, a band must compete in a at least one MCBA sanctioned contests. (MCBA sanctions an average of 14 contests per year).
Third (new for 2023), bands will compete in Championship Preliminary Contests that will be held on the last Saturday of October each year.
Fourth (new for 2023), the 10 highest scoring bands in each Flight at the Championship Preliminary Contests, will move on to the Championship Final Contests

How do bands become members of MCBA?
Any high school marching band in the State of Michigan may join MCBA as Unit Members and as such may participate in all MCBA contests, championships, clinics, meetings, etc. Directors of Unit Member bands have voting privileges and may vote on all matters and issues that concern the association.

What does it cost to join MCBA?
Unit Membership Fee -- $500.00 per year  Entry fees for Championship Preliminary & Final Contests are included in the $500 membership fee.

MCBA Scholarships
MCBA awards up to five $2,000.00 scholarships to deserving students from Michigan high schools that are members of MCBA. Band directors nominate their students. The selection criteria include grade point averages, past honors and awards, previous music training and participation in solo and ensemble venues. The student applicant is asked to write a paragraph stating why he/she should be considered for the scholarship award. The scholarship selection committee consists of university/college music faculty members that are not in any way associated with MCBA.

MCBA . . . the pursuit of excellence in the marching arts!

At its core, MCBA exists to provide the very best experiences in the marching arts.  We believe that music and arts education are fundamental for all students and we are dedicated to supporting and promoting instrumental music programs in the state of Michigan.  MCBA sanctions competitions, hosts the State Championships and conducts clinics, all with the same goal . . . to support the achievement of excellence in the marching arts!

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