For those of you new to band or wanting to improve, one thing our band does is share with everyone (parents included) the judges' recordings. It really helps to hear exactly what they're looking for. For example, during prelims we got the note, "It's important to make a curve with your arm that starts from your spine, not from your shoulder." And, "Make sure those sabers are caught at the 45-degree angle." So the whole band had the opportunity to hear that and realize this is what this judging panel is looking for. If your band program doesn't do this, maybe go to your Band Boosters and see if it will work for you.