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California Band Reviews disambiguation "California Parade Band Reviews" "California Parade Band Competitions" redirect here The "California Band Review" is a specific event.

The band review is a form of band competition unique to California. Although parade competitions have existed in other states, the format used in California exists only in that state.

The Format

Unlike a standard parade, which may be hosted by various community organizations and may consist of floats, motorized vehicles, equestrian units, clowns and many other entries in addition to marching bands, the band review contains only marching band and their attached units.

Throughout the history of the band review in California there have been subtle changes to the bands and units involved, as well as many different and evolving factors on how they are judged. Consistent though is the general arena of competition. Generally city streets have been the location of these parade competitions, though at times they have been staged in parking lots. It is widely accepted that the band review came into being along with the formation of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) in 1939. It is also generally assumed that the first formal band review was the All Western Band Review in Long Beach, California.

The format of the band review consists, with some local variations over the years, of a 450' area on a street. The judges stand is an elevated platform centered at the 250' mark of the competition zone. The performing bands are required to halt on the "competition starts" like, which is clearly marked on the street by either a sign or line on the street, or both. The band is generally given a short period of time to prepare to perform. This time also gives the judges time to finish judging the group previous to them.

Generally the bands are spaced at a 5 minute interval, though the actual time the band spends in competition is less than that. The band is required to maintain forward motion at all times, though there are various interpretations of that rule.

The student leader of the band (usually referred to as the "drum major") is required to salute the judging/reviewing stand on that 250' line, also marked on the street.