Adjudication is about the pursuit of excellence rather than the trophy of a high rating. When students do their worst and win a high rating they won't feel good. Your students will get more out of the experience when they do their absolute best and know it.

Many adjudicators prefer to hear your band perform something that fits the group and that can be done well. Choose music your students can perform successfully and love to play. Prepare them for the music and the logistics to the best of your ability, and then have fun.

After the performance, don't just get the rating and go home. Study the comments, whether written or taped, and work toward the elimination of flaws. Encourage your students to make constant improvement, rather than expecting perfection.

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Coming in two weeks: Renew your commitment

MENC member and Band Mentor Ron Meers contributed to this article.

-- Paul Fergus, May 29, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)