Regional Championship
Virginia, D.C., Maryland & North Carolina. Every ensemble competes regardless of division — higher divisions seed higher. Lower-ranked flights are measured first by APOLLO GNN; the top four seeds perform last. The two highest-measured ensembles then deliver a prepared championship piece distinct from their preliminary.
How APOLLO GNN measures
Every ensemble is measured only against the body of its own execution. Difficulty does not score by itself: a brilliantly executed "Mary Had a Little Lamb" arrangement can outscore a shaky Maynard Ferguson chart.
Style is yours to choose. Diversity of styles is welcome; what scores higher is the consistency with which your chosen style is executed.
Who can enter
Categories: Marching Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, Theater, Gaming, Best Individual Instrumentalist and Best Individual Vocalist. Each ensemble or group selects one instrumentalist and one vocalist of any type.
Fraternity and sorority step teams compete in Dance. Ensembles without a name are encouraged to create one, or they will be identified generically by institution.
Production milestones
Submission dates for information packets and onboarding follow this schedule.
VSOTB on the Oceanfront
Virginia "Sounds of the Bay" performs on the Oceanfront the evening of the Music & Arts Intensive, Friday, March 26, 2027, 7–9 PM. Stage: 24th Street or 17th Street, to be confirmed.
Top four seeds hold on bye until every lower-ranked GNN measurement is complete.
Marching Band Championship
The two highest-measured ensembles perform a prepared championship piece distinct from their preliminary.
Awaiting completion of all preliminary measurements.