Marching Band Competition Days: What to Expect

Competitions take place on Saturdays and require a full-day commitment. ISSMA finalizes competition schedules the week before each event, and Mr. Landrum distributes specific times via ParentSquare. While exact times vary, the general flow remains consistent.

You can find schedules and purchase tickets through each host school's website. Mr. Landrum will also share this information via ParentSquare.

To help you plan, here's a typical competition day timeline:

Morning

  • Performers arrive with gear, water, lunch, and band buddy gift

  • Band buddy gift exchange

  • Rehearsal at ZCHS

Early to Mid-afternoon

  • Final run-through in the stadium (parents welcome to watch)

  • Pit crew volunteers load equipment trucks

  • Hospitality volunteers provide meal for performers

  • Box Parents assist with uniforms

  • Performers, chaperones, and staff board buses

Late Afternoon to Evening

  • Quiet Focus Time during travel

  • Arrival at competition site and unloading

  • Equipment setup by pit crew and front ensemble

  • Brief break for restrooms (water only, no food)

  • Warm-up period

  • Movement to performance staging area

  • PERFORMANCE TIME - SHOW YOUR EAGLE PRIDE!

  • Return to buses for rest and snacks

  • Equipment loaded by pit crew for return to ZCHS

  • Performers watch remaining bands and awards ceremony

  • Drum majors participate in awards presentation

  • Post-performance team meeting

  • Return journey to ZCHS

  • Uniform and equipment return

  • Dismissal after all materials are properly stored

Late Evening