When the Frost bands perform at Lake Braddock on March 6 they will be playing for 3 professional band directors who will evaluate each performance.

The "judges" will have the music scores in front of them as the band performs and they will make written and taped comments regarding the quality of what they hear. A good judge will comment on what's "good" and "bad" and provide feed back for teaching and playing techniques that will help the band improve. Here's what they're listening for:

1. Tone Quality - A characteristic, fundamental sound form each instrument and the full band.
2. Intonation - Playing in tune.
3. Technique - This concerns right notes in the right places along with articulation.
4. Balance - Proper balance of Melody, Harmony, Countermelody and instrument sections.
5. Interpretation - Meeting the composer's intent.
6. Musical Effect - Playing with proper expression and style.
7. Other Factors - Choice of music, group discipline and appearence.

Once the performance is over the band will proceed to another room and sightread a new piece of music and receive an evaluation for the above criteria. Sightreading is playing a piece for the very first time. It demonstrates a group's fundamental skills of technique, rhythm and musicianship.

All of the judges will rate the band's performance on the following scale:

• I - Superior
• II - Excellent
• III - Good
• IV - Fair
• V - Poor

We are very proud of the tradition of Superior and Excellent ratings that Frost has received and we'll continue to work hard this year to uphold that tradition.