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The 32nd Annual Plano Drumline Competition (PdlC)
September 23, 2023 at John Clark Stadium in Plano, Texas

Purchase PdlC General Admission Tickets


Current PdlC Event Online Program TBD
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 31 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 30 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.

2022 PdlC Results
  • View...2022 PdlC Drumline Results
  • View...2022 PdlC Solo & Ensemble 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
    alphabetically listed:

    2023 DRUMLINE JUDGES (alphabetically listed)

    PdlC Judge - TBD
    More info here

    PdlC Judge - TBD
    More info here

    PdlC Judge - TBD
    More info here



    SOLO & ENSEMBLE PANEL
    PdlC Judge - TBD
    More info here

    PdlC Judge - TBD
    More info here



    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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