This article includes four suggestions for the band director and staff to hold a successful judges' critique. These tips have been formulated based on my experience both as a director/staff member and as a judge. Please keep in mind the thoughts and opinions written in this article are solely my own, and do not represent and specific judging organization or group.

1. Do try to listen to the tapes and take notes, do not just read the sheets and assume you’re ready to go.
 - The reason judges make tapes for you are to provide feedback as they are viewing the show, both positive and constructive. There are obviously more thoughts on the tapes you receive than there are on the sheets, and critique is meant to allow the director/staff time to question or comment about their tapes, sheets and score. Judges like seeing directors and staff who are prepared and interested in their commentary. Listening to the tapes also allows you and your staff an opportunity to better understand the judge’s opinion on your show and the caption they are responsible for. For example, if you do not agree with the score you received but have not listened to the tape, it is more difficult to understand how that score was concluded. Analyzing your tapes and sheets will provide huge dividends in the long run!

2. Do only worry about their opinion of your band, do not compare your band to other bands.
 - Some common phrases heard in critique are usually, “What are they doing they we’re not?” or, “how you can have them above us in this caption?” First and foremost, judges are usually not allowed to discuss other bands with you. One of the main purposes of critique is to allow you time with the judges to get feedback on your band. Secondly, considering each staff only receives a few minutes with each judge, it is a waste of valuable time worrying about other bands. Marching band is an all offense sport and the only band you can control is your own. Instead of trying to convince a judge who you’ll probably never see again that your band should have been scored higher, ask their opinion on what you can do to get better!

3. Do approach your judges with a friendly/civil demeanor; do not go in to critique angry or aggressive.
 - Remember that judges have many bands to adjudicate, not just yours. Also remember their view of your band is completely objective and they judge based on their opinion of what is usually their first view of your show. Your perspective and the judge’s may be different. Going in angry will only make the judge frustrated and unwilling to deal with you. Even if you don’t agree with their opinion, being civil will always get you where you need to go, rather than being rude. This is not to say never disagree, question or be firm with a judge, but just to keep your attitude in check as you do it.

4. Do make sure the score you get is reflective of the tape and comments on your sheet, do not assume your score will be reflective of your improvement/digression from your previous performance.
 -I believe that this is most inconsistent aspect of judging. Many times I have been a frustrated staff member, trying to figure out how the numbers from a performance were derived from the tape. Remember, every judge is different, and at every show you’re being compared to different bands. The score should be reflective of the comments on the tape and comments written on the sheet. Make sure you listen to the vocabulary used on the tape and that it matches the vocabulary that is listed in the rubric on the back of the sheet. Ex: A judge keeps using the word “excellent” on your tape. That word is consistent with a higher score, and should be reflected in your score accordingly. Do not assume if you had a better performance than your previous show that your score will go up by however much you think it should. Ex: if you get an 83.5 at your last show, and you think your present performance is 3 points better, do not assume you’re going to get an 86.5. If you feel the score is significantly off from the tape, that is a valid argument and should be addressed.

 The most important thing to remember about critique is that it’s a learning opportunity; even the most experienced director/staff member can learn something from any judge. Realistically, some critiques will be more informative than others, and some judges will be able to provide more constructive feedback than others. Always do your best to be objective in evaluating the opinion of your adjudicators, and not hesitate to ask questions.

 To better understand this aspect of the activity, please feel free to reference one of my related articles, “Judges: Why Don’t We Ever Agree with Them?”