The NCBA was established in 1990 by music directors to provide an organization that could judge diverse marching band competitions that were previously ran by independent organizations. NCBA is dedicated to the advancement of school music and band programs.  The core purpose of NCBA is to promote the development of balanced music and band programs; develop and maintain uniform methods, standards, rules, and procedures for evaluating and judging of bands and band member performances; enhance quality band programs through the promotion of well-organized concert and jazz festivals, solo/ensemble festivals, honor bands, and band and band oriented competitions.

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The Northern California Band Association (NCBA) provides a slate of judges, that are routinely trained to improve and sustain their skills, for band competitions in Northern/Central California and Northern Nevada with the goal to provide consistency in adjudication at each competition.  These competitions include field competitions, band reviews, concert band, jazz band, winter guard, percussion, and solo drum major competitions.