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Step 1
Determine what type of competition to enter based on the level of talent your band has reached. Competition exists at all levels where bands are judged based on uniformity and artistic interpretation as well as musicality, visual impact and difficulty.
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Step 2
Contact state associations to see if your state holds local championships. Larger states, like New York and California, hold competitions in the fall for high school marching bands. For example, the New York State Field Band Conference was formed in order to regulate and schedule competitions in the state.
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Step 3
Research nationwide marching band association websites to learn more about the competitions they promote or sponsor. The U.S. Scholastic Band Association not only offers 150 festival opportunities for bands, but also issues invitations to compete at major regional championships and the U.S. Scholastic Band Championship. The Mid-America Competing Band Directors Association can also provide advice.
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Step 4
Learn more about organizations that sponsor marching band competitions. Band directors can find information about these organizations at MarchingLinks, a free marching band and performing arts resource site.
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Step 5
Search the Marching.com website, which offers detailed information about high school marching band events and competitions, and also publishes results of previous events and competitions.
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Step 6
Refer to online marching arts directories, such as Marchingarts.
