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The 34th Annual Plano Drumline Competition (PdlC)
September 20, 2025 at John Clark Stadium in Plano, Texas
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2025
Purchase PdlC General Admission Tickets
Current PdlC Event Online Program
Since its inception, the PdlC has been a leading influence in the promotion of drumline performance.
This "Sport of the Arts" has gained much momentum in the last 33 years with the PdlC offering high school
programs an opportunity to perform, compete, and perpetuate their music and percussion program through their
most visible component, the marching percussion section.
Our Solo and Ensemble Festival continues to offer our young musicians a venue to perform their chamber literature.
The PdlC offers something for everyone; be it performer or enthusiast, instructor or student, family or friend. The PdlC,
along with its host and event team, offers 33 years of performance venue experience. We are scrupulous about the details that
go into a professional event and focused on offering you and your students the best possible experience.
Previous Year PdlC Results
View...PdlC Drumline Results
View...PdlC Solo Festival Results
- About the PdlC
The event begins between 8-9am and averages 30-40 performing units
Special events such as door prizes and promotional giveaways
The performing units are evaluated by a professional judging panel, including solos and ensembles
Registration fees:
Performing drumlines: $200
Solo Festival fee: $30
Ensemble Festival fee: $50 per group
Checks payable to: Plano Band Boosters
Concessions are available
Audience entry into the PdlC:
PdlC Online Tickets
Under 5 yrs, free admission
- The PdlC offers performances in the following classifications
A Class Div. I - 11 or less total in the battery, excluding cymbals; total membership 20 or less
A Class Div. II - 11 or less total in the battery, excluding cymbals; total membership 21 or more
AA Class Div. I - 12 or more total in the battery, excluding cymbals; total membership 26 or less
AA Class Div. II - 12 or more total in the battery, excluding cymbals; total membership 27-29
AAA Class - 12 or more total in the battery, excluding cymbals; total membership 30 or more; includes visual program
Festival Drumline - Any classification above, performances not ranked,
Judges' comments and sheets on par with competing groups.
Solo Snare Drum
Solo Multi-Tenor
Solo KBP
Solo Timpani
Percussion Ensemble
Bass Drum Ensemble
Cymbal Ensemble
Tenor Ensemble
Snare Ensemble
- Awards presented in each classification, including individual section awards
A Class Div I & II - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, (4th, 5th if applicable)
AA Class Div I & II - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, (4th, 5th if applicable)
AAA Class - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, (4th, 5th if applicable)
Festival Drumline - Any classification above, performances not ranked;
Judges' comments and sheets on par with competing groups.
Outstanding Snare Line Caption Award for each classification
Outstanding Tenor Line Caption Award for each classification
Outstanding Bass Line Caption Award for each classification
Outstanding Cymbal Line Caption Award for each classification
Outstanding Front Ensemble Caption Award for each classification
Solo Snare Drum - 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Solo Multi-Tenor - 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Solo KBP - 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Solo Timpani - 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Placement Awards for:
Percussion Ensemble
Bass Drum Ensemble
Cymbal Ensemble
Tenor Ensemble
Snare Ensemble
- PdlC Judging Panel
CURRENT DRUMLINE and SOLO FESTIVAL JUDGES
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do we enter the performance area with taps or a cadence?
Thank you for your question! The drumlines get ready to enter the field at "the end of the tunnel" at Clark
Stadium in Plano. When the signal is given, the drumline has 12 minutes to set-up, perform, and get off the
performance area; essentially the football field boundaries. Sometimes the battery part of the drumline
marches in to a tap. Usually they don't play a cadence to enter because most of the time battery members
help move pit equipment in or have other responsibilities. But that is ultimately up to you. Either is allowed.
2. May we place our front ensemble untraditionally around the performance area?
Thank you for your question! The front ensemble can be placed anywhere you would like them. The usual
spot is in front of the front boundary The judges will be centered on the 50 yd line. One of the judges will be
on the field, another half way up the stadium, and the third up in the press box.
3. Are drumlines required to wear their band uniforms?
Thank you for your question! You may wear anything for your performance that is appropriate and in good
taste. Some wear uniforms, some have show-influenced costumes, and some prefer to keep cool with shorts
and t-shirts.
4. How are time slots determined?
Thank you for your question! Performance times are determined using a "draw from a hat" system done by a
Plano band parent. This video taped session is done in the presence of the Plano Band staff. Should the
previous year's winner be participating, they are reserved the final time slot in their respective classification.
Please refer to the PdlC homepage to review last year's schedule to give you an idea of what to expect.
5. Do we need to stay in uniform to re-enter the competition to view the others?
Thank you for your question! No, most of the time, post performance groups change into street clothes and
spend the rest of the day at the PdlC. Every performance group receives an entry packet containing passes
for its members, directors, and parent helpers. The passes equal the number requested on the entry form.
Please note that all performing members, uniformed or not, will need a pass to reenter the pdlC. Any parents
not included in the passes request will need to purchase a ticket to enter.
- All Registration Forms Here
Registration - PdlC Online Registration
Online Register...Drumline Entry
Online Register...Solo Entry
Online Register...Ensemble Entry
PdlC Forms and Information
Download...DL Script Template - excel(opt)
Download...DL Script Template - pdf(opt)
Download...Solo Competition Rules
Download...Ensemble Competition Rules
Download...All Solo Compulsory
Driving Directions (Clark Stadium)
Download... About John Clark Stadium
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