Categories & Fees

The fast-growing Marimba band format gives percussionists the opportunity to showcase their skills as a group, playing marimbas with mallets. Additional percussion instrumentation may be used. Primary School Groups may choose either a conductor or an accompaniment, but not both.

Whether your style is Jazz, Chamber Music or TV themes, the Ensemble category offers a place to compete. Primary School Groups may choose either a conductor or an accompaniment, but not both.

For smaller groups playing Jazz, Pop and Rock music and making use of vocals and electronic equipment such as guitars and keyboards. Pre-recorded clips or loops may not be used in the show.

A competitive category catering for more than 20 members. Electronic instrumentation such as guitars or keyboards is not permitted.

Designed for groups that want to add a wow factor. Any instrumentation and equipment, including electronic instruments and auxiliary sound equipment, may be used, provided there is no pre-recorded music.

For schools running full music centres that incorporate strings, reeds, brass and percussion.

Groups of traditional marching drums and rhythmical percussion instruments, excluding melodic percussion, performing technical rudiments, marching and dancing movements, back-sticking, stick tricks and other showmanship elements.

A street-parade skills category over no less than 200 metres, with prescribed blocks, corners, an intersection and an obstacle. The band follows the Drum Major through prescribed movements such as Mark Time, Forward, Wheels and Counter-March. Streets are set at 9 metres wide and the obstacle has a 3 metre opening.

Put on a show: run, dance, crawl, use props and showcase your talents without compromising the music. Choreography counts 30%. Drum Major and colour guard may be used and are adjudicated as part of choreography. The field is marked in line with international rules using 5-yard (4.57 metre) intervals.

A high-energy, horn-driven instrumental ensemble from a marching or concert band that plays at sporting events to entertain and create enthusiasm. In 5 minutes, perform a Fight Song, Crowd Song and Stadium Jam, with the aim of getting the audience to cheer and join the celebration.