This annual event is to serve as a "Showcase of Elite Marching Bands" from throughout the Southeast and Eastern Seaboard. It will feature a national panel of adjudicators who have been selected primarily for their ability to communicate with the students and directors who choose to participate. 

The contest portion of the day will be divided into a prelims and finals format and will feature class competition during the preliminary event. Bands will be placed in classes based upon the number of wind players in the ensemble. The "Finals" portion of the event will bring together the three class champions and the next seven highest scoring bands from the afternoon contest regardless of class. From that select group a Grand Champion will be named.

Awards are being custom designed to present to all participants, class champions, band placement down to third place in each class, and special class awards in auxiliary and percussion. The Grand Champion will receive a permanent award along with a beautifully designed traveling "Chancellor's Trophy" which will stay in the school of the winning band for one year. This award will be sponsored by Western Carolina's Chancellor, Dr. John Bardo.