Director Information

Competition Venue: Jaguar Stadium, Spain Park High School 

Date: September 26, 2026

I. Classification (Winds Count Only)

To ensure fair competition, winds will be counted by SPHS staff as the band enters the field. If a band exceeds their registered class limit on contest day, they will be moved to the next higher classification. 6th & 7th graders will be enumerated as 0.5 a performer, and 8th graders will be enumerated as 0.75 a performer.

• Class A: Up to 30 Winds

• Class AA: 31–55 Winds

• Class AAA: 56–80 Winds

• Class AAAA: 81–105 Winds

• Class AAAAA: 106+ Winds

II. Performance Timing & Flow

• Warm-Up: Bands receive 30 minutes in a designated warm-up area. No playing or warming up is permitted in the parking lots.

• Staging: Bands have 10 minutes to move from the warm-up area to the stadium gate.

• Performance Window: 20 minutes to set up, perform, break down, and clear the field. (Classes A and AA may be restricted to a 15-minute window if the contest schedule is full).

• Field Exit: Bands may cadence off the field, but all playing must cease before the battery percussion exits the stadium gate.

III. Field Rules & Equipment Logistics

• Motorized Vehicles: To protect our facilities, no motorized vehicles (tractors, ATVs, etc.) are allowed on the playing surface or the track of Jaguar Stadium.

• Equipment Handling: Once equipment passes through the stadium gate, all items must be pushed.

• Trailers: SPHS will have trailers available for groups to utilize when moving large equipment and front ensemble gear to and from the stadium.

• Pyrotechnics: All pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited.

• Field Condition: All debris, props, or uniform parts must be removed during the band’s allotted performance window.

IV. Adjudication & Ratings

• Judging Panel: 3 Band Judges, 1 Percussion, 1 Drum Major, 1 Guard, and 1 Dance/Majorette.

• Scoring: For a detailed breakdown of point distribution, a sample recap is available on the Sparks in the Park website.

• Ratings: 

  • Superior (I): 80 – 100

  • Excellent (II): 65 – 79.9

  • Good (III): Below 65

V. Awards Categories:

• Best in Class: Awarded to the highest-scoring unit within each classification for the following captions: Music, Visual, Band, Percussion, Drum Major, Guard, and Dance/Majorette.

• Small Class Grand Champion (A, AA, & AAA): Awarded to the highest-scoring band from the combined Small Class divisions.

• Large Class Grand Champion (AAAA & AAAAA): Awarded to the highest-scoring band from the combined Large Class divisions.

• High Woodwinds: 1 each for Small Class and Large Class - selected by Band Judges

• High Brass: 1 each for Small Class and Large Class - selected by Band Judges

• Most Entertaining Band: Selected by a special panel of Spain Park community members (non-band directors). This award focuses on crowd engagement, showmanship, and overall production appeal.

• The Brian Wilson Award: A premier award presented to the highest-scoring Drum Major of the entire day, regardless of classification.

VI. Logistics

• Guide Jags: Members of the Spain Park High School Band program ("Guide Jags") will assist your program through every step of the contest, from arrival to seating.

• Hospitality: A hospitality area will be provided for directors, staff, and bus drivers. Armbands will be included in your welcome packet.

• Ticketing: Tickets are $12 per person and must be purchased online via GoFan. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

• Food & Concessions: Our concession stand will be open, and we will have several food trucks on site. Please plan to patronize these, as it helps our program!

VII. Registration Fee

• A registration fee of $100 is required of each participating band, payable to Spain Park Band.

• Hoover City Schools W9 and Invoice are available on the Sparks website.