At Florida Marching Band Championships (FMBC), ensembles are classified using a fair and consistent system based on total membership size. This includes all performers—winds, percussion, and auxiliary members—who participate in the competitive field performance. The total number of members in each group determines their placement within one of five classifications:
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, or 5A.

This model ensures that bands compete against other ensembles of similar size, creating a level playing field that promotes growth, development, and excellence at every level of participation.

Classifications are defined as follows:

• 1A Class: Smallest ensembles

• 2A–4A Class: Mid-sized ensembles

• 5A Class: Largest ensembles

Placement in a class is not based on school enrollment, but strictly on ensemble membership totals. FMBC reviews class sizes each season to maintain fairness and adapt to shifts in participation. This approach helps preserve the integrity of the competition and supports educational value through equitable matchups across the state.

The FMBC Classification System