Much of MAC's success, and the success of its ensembles, can be traced to its classification system which is based on age (locally) and also tied to national standards. Please read below to have a better understanding of where your ensemble will fit, and why. National classes must compete in the same class locally that they will compete in nationally.

Winter Percussion

Definition of Classes

Novice

These ensembles are made up of elementary or middle school age performers only.

A  

These ensembles are made up of high school age students. This class recognizes the development of the basic skills.  The beginning stages of percussion performing are being explored and developed.  As achievement progresses the student skill levels have improved and he/she can apply all of the basic skill concepts.

Open

These ensembles are made up of high school age students. This class recognizes the development of the intermediate skills.  An Open Class ensemble in the early stages of development may be mis-classed because the ensemble is not ready for an intermediate level program.  As achievement progresses the student’s skill levels have improved and he/she can apply all of the intermediate skill concepts.  At the high levels of achievement the ensemble may be ready for World Class.

World

These ensembles are made up of high school age students. This class recognizes the development of the advanced skills.  A World Class ensemble in the early stages of development may be mis-classed because the ensemble is not ready for an advanced level program.  As achievement progresses the student’s skill levels have improved and he/she can apply all of the advanced skill concepts.  The programs and performance level in this class is unique and technically strong.

Definition of Categories

Marching Percussion Classes: Novice, A, Open, and World
Units in this classification perform a musical program enhanced with visual design. 
Units will be adjudicated in four marching captions: Music, Visual, Effect Music, and Effect Visual

Concert Percussion Class: Novice, A, Open, and World
Units in this classification perform with non-conventional marching percussion instruments (i.e. no battery instruments) and do not march in a designed program.  This class is for the ensemble not ready to compete in the marching classifications.  
Units will be adjudicated in two non-marching captions: Music and Artistry

Standstill Percussion Class: Novice, A, Open, and World
Units in this classification perform with conventional and/or non-conventional marching percussion instruments but do not march in a designed program.  This class is for the ensemble not ready to compete in the marching classifications.  
Units will be adjudicated in two non-marching captions: Music and Artistry

 Student or adult conductors may be used all classifications.