For 23 years, the Madison Central Tournament of Bands has been one of the most visible and prestigious KMEA Contests in the State of Kentucky! This unique Band Competition is noted for the fairness and expertise of the judging panels, the overflowing crowds that come to see the spectacle, and the warm professional way each band is treated whether large or small-by the parents and students of the Madison Central Band program. Mostly, however, the contest is known for the fierce competition that takes place when Kentucky's finest high school Marching Band's compete with each other.  The Madison Central Finals is inevitably a brilliant display of the very best marching, playing and show design Kentucky has to offer.  Most of the TOB Finalists will go on to become State Finalists in their respective classes, but the night they face each other down, regardless of class, leaving their all on the field, is a very special night in each competitive season!

Format:  As always, the Madison Central Band will be a prelims/finals event. The Finals will be in an "open class" with bands of all size competing against each other.

Sanctioning:  The Madison Central Tournament of Bands is one of the few contests in Kentucky that has been sanctioned by  the Kentucky Music Educator's Association. Again, this year, the contest will be fully sanctioned and will follow all KMEA rules, guidelines, and recommendations!

Deadlines:  All Applications must be received by August 23, at 7:00pm. 

Judges:  As with all years, the Madison CentralTournament of Bands will offer some of the finest commentary and adjudication available.

Mr. Aaron Robin of Lafayette LA., Director of Bands of BOA National Finalists, Maceys, Rose Bowl parades,  Mr. Bob Elliott, Longtime Kentucky Band Icon and current at Cooper High School in Boone County; Mr. Larry Barton, Best Selling arranger for Barnhouse Publications, Commander of the US Army Reserve Bands; Mr. Bryan Crisp, Trumpet Professor of Wittenburg University, Trumpet player for the Cincinnati Ballet, and a panelist at various KMEA Quarterfinal Events; Mr. Ken Haddix, Associate Director of the EKU Bands, and Director of the EKU Marching Colonels,  Mr. Charles Stewart, Director of several KY State Finalist programs; Percussion; Dr. Jason Koontz, Professor of Percussion, Eastern Kentucky University, Percussion. Each of these educators has a regional or national reputation for excellence in teaching and critiquing.

Facilities: The Madison Central Tournament of Bands is held on the campus of the newly refurbished Madison Central High School. These facilities include two gymnasiums, greatly expanded parking, a brand new auditorium, an expanded, state of the art cafeteria, and of course, a 3500 capacity stadium and a lush, bermuda grass field! This year, the BOE has added a 120 yard band practice field, right across from the High School that should provide adequate parking for the entire contest!  All supporters with handicapped tags may park right next to the stadium!

Parent Support:  Each year, the Tournament of Bands is one of the most eagerly awaited events by the Madison Central Band Boosters. The contest has become so popular among our parents and boosters, we have many experienced folks helping with support and logistics. The Madison Central Tournament of Bands is one of the longest running band contests in the state of Kentucky, and our parents work tirelessly each year to make improvements each year for you and your students! Our technical and logistical parent support is second to none!

Health and Safety: The health and Safety of your bands students is our first concern.  We have water for each band BEFORE and AFTER they perform, a fully staffed EMT vehicle, and many on-call registered nurses on duty throughout the day. Each of our health professionals is committed to the health and well-being of your band students!

Concessions and Hospitality: Madison Central has terrific concessions. Besides the standard snack concessions, we have will have meals available prepared by one of EKU's finest chefs. We use only the very best products and one of our chief motives is to make your supporters and fans enjoy the event!