(KMEA: Kentucky Music Educators' Association judges band competitions by a set of strict rules)

In the bleachers and in the grandstands it is exciting for some when a voice blares out over a microphone, "Gentlemen, start your engines," or "Let the games begin," or "Play ball."

In the bleachers and on the sidelines during high school marching band competitions, it has become more and more exciting for Harlanites when a voice announces dramatically, "Harlan High School Band, take the field."

Excitement stems from the fact the HHS band, under the direction of Betsy Burkhart, has grown steadily in number, has improved in musicianship and has steadily received higher and higher ratings at competitions.

During the 2009 marching season, the band received the first-ever "Distinguished," score. It ranked third overall with 10 bands participating at Pineville on Oct. 24. The Harlan High School band also received best color guard, best percussion and best visual effect honors.

Scores are as follows: distinguished (superior) 80-100; proficient (excellent) 60-79.99; apprentice (good) 40-59.99; novice (fair) 0-39.99. Bands must score at least 60 to qualify for regionals.

There is an eastern regional and a western regional. The top eight bands from each region go to state semifinals in Louisville on Saturday. Those 16 bands compete in five different classes. The top four compete in the finals on Saturday evening in Papa John’s Stadium.

Classes range from A-AAAAA, based on school enrollment.

Scores are based on the following criteria: music performance which has three sub-scores: musicianship, 50 points; technique, 40 points; musical content, 10 points. musical content is also assessed by the judge to determine the level of opportunity for the performers to best display their skills.

Visual performance also has three sub-captions: technique, 50 points; form control, 40 points; visual content, 10 points. The design of the program must show how well the members execute skills and techniques in form control.

General effect music is divided into two captions: effectiveness of repertoire (40 points) and performance effectiveness (60 points). These include creativity and continuity as well as the integration of all elements, range of expression and effective staging.

All of these elements have to be executed, including entering and exiting the field, in a strict 14-minute time frame. There is a severe penalty for not conforming. These performances, like "The Great White Way," the show must go on rain or shine. Lightning may be cause for stopping or not starting a performance. Rain may delay the proceedings, but otherwise the shows go on regardless of inclement weather.

This is why so many "pit parents" have to stand by ready to move scenery and props into place and then remove them quickly when the band's program is finished.

Awards are given in first, second and third place to bands in each of the five classes. In addition, the best color guards, soloist and percussion section receive awards.

Who arrives at these points and these evaluations? Judicators. There are six involved in the assessment. Of these two evaluate music performance; two evaluate visual performance, one evaluates musical effect and one evaluates visual effect. Each adjudicator fills in assessment sheets in the area of his expertise. In addition, each just must record a verbal assessment of each band as it performs and immediately there after so there can be no controversy over scores...later.

I told you the process is complicated. Bands advance or are often alienated based on very narrow percentages.

Harlan's band has been steadily improving its scores and climbing the ladder of success and recognition. For each of the past six years, the band has set increasingly higher goals, and it is steadily achieving those goals. During four regular season competitions, their scores progressively increased: 69,70,72, 81.

Venue: North Laurel High School, Sept. 19, 2009, Harlan 1st Place Class A, best color guard and best percussion.

Venue: Hazard High School, Sept. 26, 2009, 1st Place Class A, best color guard and best percussion.

Venue: South Laurel High School, Oct. 3, 2009, best color guard.

Venue, Pineville High School, Oct. 24, 2009, Distinguished, First Place, best color guard (86 score), best percussion. Band placed third overall out of 10 bands and received highest "visual effect" score.

This year's program is titled "Ringmaster," with music, scenery and "acts" based on cirque du soliel. Doc Gray's granddaughter, Dorothy Prather, is 2009 field commander.

Last Friday night's half-time show had a Halloween flavor. Each band member dressed according to his own interpretation of the occasion. The Internet played a significant role in the authenticity and beauty of some costumes. Even a band member's mom showed up as "Roso the Clown" throwing herself fully into the spirit of the Halloween theme.

John Stone was particularly impressive as Julius Caesar. He was warned by his fellow band members to "Beware the Ides of March." Jared Sizemore, as the "cirque juggler" was splendidly dressed and made up as a court jester. Tall and lean Anne Corey Johnson's flapper costume could have gained entrance into a Chicago speakeasy. Lexie and James Stone were attired as Aragon of Gondor and his wife, Arwen, from "The Lord of the Rings." Their costumes were almost identical to the ones in the motion picture.

The HHS marching band will spend the weekend in Louisville competing in the semifinals. If its performance is as awesome as it has been all year, its scores will climb even farther.

In high school marching band competition this state tournament is the equivalent in basketball as the Sweet 16. It is a big deal.

And now...

HARLAN HIGH SCHOOL BAND TAKE THE FIELD.