MPA Frequently Asked Questions

NCBA Southeastern District

MPA Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I need to send in my registration form?
The registration is due one month prior to the FIRST day of MPA. If the first day of MPA is March 3, the deadline for registration is February 3. Remember, YOU MUST BE A PAID MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BEFORE THE EVENT REGISTRATION DEADLINE!!!!
Requests for specific performance dates and times are decided on a first come, first served basis. Registration is not complete until the registration form AND payment is received!
2. Do I need to send a separate check for each band performing?
No. One check for each band is ok.
3. What forms/documentation do I need to have with me on the day we perform?
•3 sets of Conductor's Scores for each piece of music being peformed.
•NAfME card
•4-year Repertoire Sheet (list selections for this year and the three years prior to this. If your band did not attend any of those years, indicate so on the form).
•Repertoire Slip/Instrumentation Slip (you need 3 copies of this)
•Band Seating Chart
4. Can I use photocopies of the Conductor's Scores for the judges?
The only time that photocopies are acceptable is when you have ordered the scores and they have not come in by the time you perform. In this situation, you MUST have a letter from the publisher (not the sheet music store) giving permission to use photocopies. Also, don't forget to number the measures of the scores for the judges.
5. Is there an official list from which I must choose my music?
Yes. You can view the Official MPA List on the State Website ( If you perform any music that is NOT on this list, you will be disqualified.
6. Can I change my mind about what Grade of music I perform after I've already sent in my registration?
Yes! Just be sure to contact the chairperson and let them know as soon as possible.
7. Can I perform music from two different levels?
Yes, but you will be listed as performing in the LOWER of the two pieces of music. For example, if you are performing one piece in Grade II and another in Grade III, then you will be going to MPA in Grade II.
8. How much time will I have to perform?
•Grades I-II receive 25 minutes for warm-up and 25 minutes on stage.
•Grades III-IV receive 30 minutes for warm-up and 30 minutes on stage.
•Grade V receives 35 minutes for warm-up and 35 minutes on stage.
•Grade VI receives 40 minutes for warm-up and 40 minutes on stage.
Groups requiring more than the specified time for their group level must apply in writing to the State MPA Chairperson sixty (60) days prior to their respective festival requesting permission for an extended time.
9. How much time will we get in the sight-reading room? What are we allowed to do?
The times are:
•Grades II, III, and IV - five minutes
•Grade V - six minutes
•Grade VI - seven minutes
During that time students may clap rhythms, sing parts, count out loud and finger instruments, but they may not play their instruments. Each band may play a brief warm-up scale at the conclusion of the preparation period. During the actual performance directors may call out rehearsal letters or numbers and verbal cues (e.g. “more trumpets,” “tubas watch”) but may not sing parts or rhythms while the band is playing. Only one director may work with the band in the sight-reading room.
10. Are there guidelines for the sight-reading?
Yes! You can view all of the MPA sight-reading guidelines by visiting and clicking on the MPA tab.
11. What percussion instruments or equipment do I need to bring with me?
We will provide the following percussion equipment:
•Bass Drum
•4 Timpani
•Concert Bells
•Chimes
•Xylophone
•Gong
You should bring your own snare drum, cymbals, mallets, and accessory percussion. If you are not sure about a piece of equipment, contact the chairperson for your MPA event.
12. Can I substitute instruments if I don't have enough to cover certain parts?
You are allowed to re-write parts for one instrument (for example, re-writing the horn parts for saxes if you have no horns). However, bands are required to refrain from using any electronic equipment designed to amplify the sounds of instruments, or which will alter the pitch or tone quality of the instrument. Music may be performed using the instrumentation and any special effects, electronic or otherwise, that the composer or arranger intended.
13. Can I use students from one grade level band to help round out the instrumentation of another?
Where a school has more than one band, duplication of personnel will be permitted so long as the literature and instrument is not the same.
14. Where will my students place their instrument cases?
Instrument cases should be left on the buses. If you take your students in to the auditorium to watch other bands after you perform, have students take their instruments back to the buses. No instruments are allowed in the auditorium.
15. Will there be a place for my students to change clothes at the performance site?
No dressing facilities are provided. The restrooms are not adequate for changing clothes. Please arrive on campus dressed to perform.
16. Will there be refreshments for the students?
If a concession stand is available at the performance site, we will post a price list on the website with the forms.
17. How will performance times be assigned?
The chairperson does everything they can to accommodate all requests for particular days and time frames; however, sometimes it is impossible to honor all requests. If you have special circumstances, please be sure contact the appropriate chairperson as soon as possible.
18. When will we find out our rating?
Ratings are posted as soon as all the judges' forms have been received(usually 20-30 minutes after you finish in the sight-reading room). You will receive your conductor’s scores, judges' forms, and rating certificate/plaque at that time.
The band program of any ensemble that receives a Superior rating will be responsible for purchasing their Superior plaque. Each director will be given a letter/application at MPA when they receive their scores with instructions on how to purchase their plaque.