MCBA, or the Michigan Competing Bands Association, is one of two competitive circuits in Michigan. In MCBA, bands compete with the ultimate goal of competing in MCBA State Finals. Bands are divided into flights based on MHSAA school size. Flight arrangements change annually to create a more even distribution of bands per flight, based on the previous year enrollment.

Breakdowns for the flights (for 2022) is as follows:

• Flight I – 2043 or greater
• Flight II – 1,165 to 2,042
• Flight III – 849 to 1,164
• Flight IV – 640 to 848
• Flight V – 639 or less

Notable Changes and Additions

• In 2022, MCBA added Percussion and Color Guard judges for the last three weeks of the season. Pilot contests for a prelims (flight based) and finals (open – no flights) format were tested at Kent City and Lake Orion.
• In 2021, MCBA returned to a raw score and will no longer mathematically inflate scores. A pilot project contest, replacing Individual judges with Percussion and Color Guard, was held at Sparta.
• In 2018, MCBA introduced a fifth flight of competition. This increases the flight count up from four. Open Class still exists.
• In 2014, MCBA introduced Score Normalization. Compiled judges’ scores are mathematically inflated. Announced scores no longer reflect a national linear system.
• In 2013, MCBA introduced Open Class. Open Class is a non-competitive, comments-only performance flight.