"If there are 20 to 29 bands that qualify for an area contest or 20 to 29 bands in a state contest the top 10 bands will advance from the preliminary round to the final round. In addition, in the five-judge system only, any band below tenth place that receives a ranking of three or higher from at least two of the music judges and one of the visual judges will also advance to the final round. "
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5A/6A Certification. In Conferences 5A/6A the music area shall certify the two bands receiving the highest ranking in each conference to the state marching band contest. Should fifteen or more bands qualify for advancement in a single conference for the area contest, one band for each five bands that qualifed for advancement to the contest shall be certified for advancement to the state contest.
In addition, in area contests advancing two bands, any band that receives a ranking of two or higher from at least two of the music judges and one of the visual judges shall also advance to the state contest. In contests advancing three or more bands, any band that receives a ranking of three or higher from at least two of the music judges and one of the visual judges shall also advance to the state contest."