The State Evaluations (contest) are done at 5 different sites around the state. Those bands with the highest total scores in each classification are then invited to participate in the Marching Championships for their class. A band may choose to go to the competition or not go. I assume that that place would be offered to a band with the next highest total scores. Not only does the band receive a rating like we use to but they also receive a numerical score at these state championships. That's how I knew that Forest was .4 less than the band that placed 5th. Does this make sense?