World Drum Major Association, Inc. Competitive Circuit
Rules & Regulations
Scholastic Eligibility:
Students K-12
Independent Eligibility:
Age 18+ and graduated from high school.
MACE & BATON EQUIPMENT
Classifications (Scholastic)
Novice Class (A)
A beginner level Drum Major who displays a basic knowledge of flourishes and is beginning to explore planar work, tosses and ambidexterity. The structure of their routine is in the learning phase. Musical interpretation in routine is generally shown. Experience is limited.
Open Class (AA)
An intermediate level Drum Major who displays strong training in basic flourishes. Planar work is well-explored and individuality begins to show in creation of flourishes. The structure of a routine is well developed with creativity, originality and displays balanced ambidexterity. Musical interpretation is well incorporated throughout routine and enhances the overall performance.
World Class (AAA)
An advanced level Drum Major who is highly unique and creative. Their training is extensive and skill level is highly developed in all aspects of flourishing. Routine construction methodically integrates flourishing with a strong visual representation of the music. A World Class Drum Major attempts to set new standards in Drum Majoring.
Classifications (Independent)
Professional Class (AAAA)
A Drum Major aged 18 or older and graduated out of high school.
Advancement Process
A goal of WDMA is to help Scholastic Drum Majors graduate to the World Class level.
Self-Advancement - At any time performers may advance themselves to a higher class level, but never demoting themselves down a class level.
Graduation or Demotion - By vote of the WDMA Board of Directors, competitors may at any time be graduated or demoted.
Double and Triple Entering - Drum Majors may double or triple enter to compete in a higher class level.
Participation Procedures
Entry Form - You may obtain an official entry form from our website. (www.wdmaonline.org).
Uniform - Drum Major must wear a Drum Major uniform/band uniform with appropriate headgear and shoes. The uniform must reflect the style in which the Drum Major performs.
Music - Drum Major must provide their own music. CDs are the only format accepted. CD must be clearly labeled with the Drum Major's name, school, and classification.
Music must not be on the Restricted Music List and may not contain any suggestive or explicit lyrics. Penalty: disqualification.
WDMA Championships Qualifications - Competitors must enter and attend two WDMA Sanctioned Competitions to qualify for the WDMA Championship.
Competitors will be placed in one class (Novice, Open, World) at the WDMA Championships. This will be determined by each competitor’s highest placing class throughout the season.
Non-California/out of region competitors must provide and arrange a private audition with WDMA Board of Directors to qualify for WDMA Championships. Upon approval, competitors will be assigned classification at WDMA Championships.
Northern California Band Association (NCBA) competitors must enter and attend one WDMA Sanctioned Competition and the NCBA Championship to Qualify for the WDMA Championship.
Event and Performance Regulations
Performance - The visual performance presented for adjudication.
Performance Area - Performance area is an "L" shaped pattern, 150 feet by 70 feet.
Performance Pattern - Commands will be executed in the following order:
1. Attention command
2. Opening Routine/Stationary Flourish
3. Forward march
4. Left Turn
5. Counter march
6. Right turn
7. Salute
8. Mark time/Halt
9. Dismissal
TIMING - Timing begins once the competitor is announced to start and ends at the first beat after dismissal of the band. Time limit is 5 minutes.
Event Flow
Performance Report Time - It is possible for performance times to change on the day of the competition. Performance time may be delayed but no earlier than scheduled time. Report 10 minutes prior to competitor's performance time. Competitors will report to a designated WDMA official and should be ready to perform. Five (5) point penalty for delay of event.
Start of Performance/Start Timing - A competitor is allowed a performance of 5 minutes. Timing will begin once the competitor is announced to start.
End of performance/End Timing - Timing of the performance will end once the competitor executes dismissal . Five (5) point penalty for delay of event.
Awards - Contest will award first (1st) through third (3rd) place in each division. Awards will take place shortly after final scheduled performance of the event.
Score Sheets and Recaps - Score sheets and recaps will be available shortly following the awards ceremony.
FIELD CONDUCTING
Classifications (Independent)
Open Class (AA)
Any Drum Major who has not placed in any form of field conducting competition may enter in the Open Class division.
World Class (AAA)
Any Drum Major who has placed in some form of field conducting competition in a previous year must enter in the World Class.
Classifications (Professional)
Professional Class (AAAA)
A Drum Major aged 18 or older and graduated out of high school.
Participation Procedures
Uniform - There will be no separate inspection for conducting participants. Appearance is evaluated during the performance. Uniform or costume should be a band-type uniform, tuxedo or should promote the theme of the music.
Music - Drum Major must provide his/her own music. CDs are the only format accepted. CD must be clearly labeled with the Drum Majorss name, school, and division.
Music must not be on the Restricted Music List and may not contain explicit lyrics. Penalty: disqualification.
Performance Area - Podium/table or raised area.
Performance Report Time - Report times will be 10 minutes prior to performance time. Drum Majors will report to a designated WDMA official and should be ready to perform at this time.
Timing - There will be a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 3 minutes. Timing will begin with the first beat of the music and end with the final cut-off. Five (5) point penalty for delay of event.
Awards - Contest will award first (1st) through third (3rd) place in each division. Awards will take place shortly after final scheduled performance of the event.
Score Sheets and Recaps - Score sheets and recaps will be available shortly following the awards ceremony.
