Cavalcade of Bands
The Cavalcade of Bands is one of many competitive band organizations in the United States and is one of several major circuits in the mid-Atlantic states (other circuits include Tournament of Bands and USBands). Cavalcade was founded in the late 1958 by the members of the Mid-Atlantic Judges Association and its member high schools. The organization currently has over 145 member schools. It provides competitive performance opportunities for marching bands and jazz ensembles. Cavalcade sanctions approximately 42 field band events as well as about 25 jazz ensemble events annually. Formerly, Cavalcade also sanctioned indoor percussion, color guard, and dance team competitions, but for the 2020 season have discontinued this aspect of their program. Marching Band The Cavalcade of Bands sanctions about 42 high school marching band competitions throughout each fall from September to mid-November. Bands are judged on a 100-point linear scale by judges both on the field and in the press box. Bands are placed into one of five classes based on their size, and judged only within their class. The five classes are: Independence (1-30 members) American (31-45 members) Liberty (46-65 members) Yankee (66-90 members) Patriot (91+ members) During championship week, bands are divided once more within their