Youth in Music Band Championships

Bands from Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska have attended YIM since its inception.[5] The following is an incomplete list of recent and past participating bands.[6]

^† Indicates a past participant.

• South High School^†, Downers Grove
• Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210
  • Lincoln-Way Central High School^†, New Lenox
  • Lincoln-Way East High School^†, Frankfort

• MOC-Floyd Valley High School^†, Orange City
• Sioux City Community Schools
  • North High School^†, Sioux City
  • West High School^†, Sioux City

• Bellevue East High School, Bellevue
• Millard North High School, Omaha
• Millard West High School, Omaha

Three classes, A, AA, AAA, have been available since 2005.[2] In 2016, AAAA Class was added.[6] Criteria for class alignment is unknown. However, an archived FAQ from 2007 suggested participating bands consider school attendance and the number of performing members when selecting a class.[11]

Scoring is based on two broad categories: Performance, and Effect. The categories are further divided into four reference criteria or captions, with each given a maximum value of 200 points, or up to 20 points when factored. Percussion and Auxiliary (or color guard) captions are also available. Both given a maximum value of 100 points, or ten points when factored.[9] The final score is tabulated by adding all captions, less any penalties.

One adjudicator is assigned to each caption, and one each for percussion and auxiliary. An additional adjudicator is responsible for timing and penalties.

YIM does not have captions for drum majors, twirling teams and majorettes, or dance teams. Performance excellence by a drum major is recognized by the Effect or Performance adjudicators where appropriate. Twirlers and dance teams fall under the responsibility of the Auxiliary adjudicator. Almost all participating bands will perform with a color guard team.

Recognition is also given to "Best Drum Major" and "Best Performer" in response to their performance excellence. The "Spirit of YIMMY" award is given to one band each year in recognition for their esprit de corps. The criteria for these awards is unknown.

An award memorializing musician Butch DuFault is given to an outstanding band director. YIM has awarded academic scholarships to participating students in the past.[3]

YIM began awarding state championship honors in 2006.[4] The format for such awards has varied. In 2017, honors were given to the top three highest scoring Minnesota bands in each class. A single state champion award has also been announced in years prior.[3]

The inclusion of a state championship award was likely due to other Minnesota music education organizations lack of sanctioned marching band events. Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), the Minnesota NFHS affiliate, only organizes soloist and small ensemble festivals.[13] Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), the Minnesota NAfME affiliate, organizes an All-State honor band program which includes concert and jazz bands.[14] And the Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA) has only issued guidelines for marching band performances, in addition to organizing an alternative All-State concert and jazz honor band.[15]

Below is an incomplete list of Minnesota State Marching Band Champions awarded at YIM:[16]