Parade Guidelines

• The parade will begin at 9:00 am. 

• Parade beginning is at 4th and Cherry, heads east on 4th Street, turns right on Walnut, goes one block south, and turns right again at 3rd Street, heading west, ending at 3rd and Cherry. This route circles historic McCorkle Park and around downtown Cameron, totaling about 7 blocks.

• Parade Entries will step off from the starting line approximately 2 city blocks  from the group in front of them. The Judging Panel will consist of 2 band judges and 1 auxiliary judge. The music judge will be placed first on the route, on 4th Street, followed by the visual judge and auxiliary judge on the final straightaway, on 3rd Street. As of 2021, the auxiliary judge will offer comments only, and name the "Outstanding Auxiliary." Bands are expected to perform throughout the parade route.

Field Guidelines

• Field Warm Up Area

Specific warm up area/time is provided. A partial sized grass field is located between Cameron Veterans Middle School and the Cameron Veterans Golf Course.  Ensembles should complete any visual or music warm-up on this practice field. Music warm-up should be completed facing toward the golf course (south or west). (Field will not be lined).

• Field Performance Turf

Nothing is permitted that would alter the performance surface for other ensembles to include, but not limited to: pyrotechnics, fire, water, animals, powder, loose glitter, and/or confetti.

Guard flag poles should have both crutch tips installed and all rifles should have both ends padded. 

• Field Performance Time

The performance time begins upon the band's entry to the turf. The time limit upon entry is 15 minutes to enter, warm-up (if desired), perform, and exit. 

• Field Performance Entry Procedure

Front Ensembles and Props will follow the given maps for pathways of equipment. The ensemble entering the performance venue shall stay to the outside of the track and maintain a clear pathway to the exit gate. The ensemble exiting the venue shall stay to the inside of the track. All vehicles used to assist ensembles with entry and exit must stay on the track and must be equipped to protect the track surface from oil and gasoline.

• Field Performance Introduction

When the ensemble has entered the field, the announcer will read, “Joining us from (School Name),  please welcome the (Band Name), directed by (Director Names)! Their musical selections include ______________.” Drum Major(s) _________,  is your band ready?” (salute from drum major). “Cameron Marchfest is proud to present the (bands name). You may take the field in class __ competition.”

• Field Performance Electronic Equipment

All electronically produced music must be “live” and played in “real time” by a student. Sounds other than music, such as narration or sound effects may be pre-recorded and used without penalty. Cameron will provide power via an extension cord with length to reach the center of the field on the front boundary line. Ensembles will use the provided power at their own risk and are encouraged to have their own contingency plan.

Indoor Guidelines

• Indoor entries will perform in the CHS gymnasium. The CVMS gym is for warm-up and will be scheduled. 

• In the event of inclement weather, indoor events may be rescheduled or cancelled to allow field entries the opportunity to receive feedback from the adjudication panel. 

• Performance times will be 10 minutes per ensemble, to include entry, performance, and exit. 

• There will be one judge for color guard and one judge for percussion entries. 

• All shoes must be non-marring. All equipment must be prepared in such a way as to not harm the gym floor.  Percussion equipment should have rubber feet/wheels where applicable.  Flag poles should have both crutch tips intact and rifles should be padded on both ends. 

• Performances and routines should be a minimum of 1.5 minutes, and under 6 minutes in length. 

• Percussion and Guard groups will all be introduced via the announcer to begin competition. Color guard soundtracks will be cued from the announcer's introduction. 

• Guard music must  be copyright compliant, per MSHSAA guidelines.  Recordings should be a CD or mp3 files on a flash drive.  https://www.mshsaa.org/Activities/Info/SpiritActivities_News_Cheerleading_content.aspx?viewmode=story&storyid=15

• When the group has entered onto the court, the announcer will read, “Joining us on the court, please welcome the (group name)! Their musical selections include: "______________.” (School Name), is your drumline/guard ready?” (acknowledgment from group/student leader)." Cameron Marchfest is proud to present the (group name). You may take the court in class __ competition.”

• Drum lines will perform with percussion instruments only, use of a brass/woodwind line or auxiliary unit will not be permitted. Traditional rhythm section instruments such as guitar, bass guitar, and keyboard are permitted in the drumline competition.  

• Drumline movement is not required, but done effectively, can factor into general effect.