2026 Contest Program 

2026 Results

2026 Adjudicators

Music Performance - Donnie Christian, Mayde Creek HS, TX

Music Performance - Shawn Sullivan, Starkville Oktibbeha School District, MS

Visual Performance - DJ Fitzgerald, Hernando HS, MS

Effect - Josh Jackson, Maumelle HS, AR

Guard - Evan Coonrod, Lafayette HS, MO

Percussion - Joseph Quinnelly - Hernando HS, MS

Field Commander - Carolynn Capparella, Jonesboro, AR

Clinician - Dr. Brandon Robinson, Nettleton Public Schools

Clinician - Barry Trobaugh, Munford HS, TN, ret.

Information

Eligibility

Any high school band in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, or Mississippi that is a member of its State Band Association is invited to participate. This event has been sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association.

Registration

Click on the 2026 Contest Online Registration tab above to enter online. The non-refundable entry fee is $200. Make checks payable to Jonesboro Hurricane Band Boosters and send to:

Jonesboro Hurricane Band Boosters

Attn. Brice Evans

301 Hurricane Drive

Jonesboro, AR 72401

Deadline for Registration is September 21, 2026.

Classification

Classification is determined by the total number of musicians performing (winds + percussion). A band may enter a higher classification but not a lower classification. Bands cannot change classifications after registration. Performance times will be based on the total number of performers in each ensemble. If two or more bands within a class have the same number of performers, their performance time will be determined by a random draw.

 DIVISION & CLASS

WINDS + ALL PERCUSSION 

 BLACK DIVISION

 Class A

 1-29 

 Class AA

 30-50

GOLD DIVISION

 Class AAA

 51-69 

Class AAAA

 70-99

 Class AAAAA

 100+

Show Length/Time Issues

There is no minimum or maximum show length. Each band will have 20 minutes of "stadium time." This time begins when the first member of the band enters the gate and ends when the last member of the band exits the gate. Excluded from this limit are people setting up pit percussion, props, etc.  Colorguard members count as band members and will start the time when they enter the gate. Bands that exceed the 20 minute time limit will penalized .2 points per every fraction of 15 seconds over time.

Field Use

Oversized Equipment: Large pieces of equipment, or "props" such as stages, platforms and backdrops are permitted as long as the equipment does not damage the field.

Pyrotechnics: No fire or fireworks will be allowed in the stadium, nor will any prop or effect that could potentially damage or leave residue on the contest field.(i.e. confetti, baby powder, etc.). Bands who violate this rule will be DISQUALIFIED, and no refund given.

Adjudication

The Mid-South Marching Classic uses a caption-judged format. There are four band judges. Each judge will responsible for a portion of the band's total score. No scores will be dropped and no averages are taken.

Two judges are assigned to the MUSIC CAPTION. The Music Judges will each be responsible for 25% ot the band's score, and therefore, will constitute 50% of the band's total score. One judge will be assigned to the VISUAL CAPTION and one judge will be assigned to the EFFECT CAPTION. Each of these captions constitute 25% of the band's score. EFFECT is defined as the relationship between the musical and visual presentations. While they may contribute to the band's effect, audience reaction and special effects are not being judged.

There is one judge each for PERCUSSION, COLORGUARD and FIELD COMMANDERS.  These judges determine placement and awards within their captions  they do not affect the band's score.

A numerical score determines the band's rating and ranking. Ratings will be assigned as follows:

I     Superior               80-100

 II   Excellent              60-79.9

 III  Average               40-59.9

 IV Below Average    0-39.9

Ties in scores will not be broken.

Clinic

At the conclusion of your performance your band will be guided to our band facility where they will review performance video with once of our clinicians

AWARDS

Trophies will be awarded  for the following accomplishments:

Class Awards

Division Awards

Overall Awards

Band Superior & Excellent Ratings 

1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Bands 

Most Entertaining Band

1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Bands

Outstanding Music Performance

Top Bands 1st-5th Place

1st, 2nd Place Colorguard 

Outstanding Visual Performance 

1st, 2nd Place Percussion

Outstanding General Effect 

1st, 2nd Place Field Commander 

Outstanding Soloist Award

Grand Champion

The Top Eight Bands, regardless of classification, will be considered "Finalists."       

INCLIMATE WEATHER

If weather conditions are considered by the contest director to be unsafe, the contest will be declared a "rainout." Unsafe conditions include, but are not limited to, extremely heavy rain, the presence of lightning, and the issuance of severe weather warnings.

If the contest is called a "rainout" before the contest begins, the contest will move indoors and the competition will become a standstill competition.

OTHER INFORMATION

* Concessions, Band-O-Grams, and Contest Shirts available for purchase. There will also be donation jars to vote for Fan Favorite!

* Water Stations are located at each warm-up area and at field exits.

* Newly refurbished stadium turf.