<p>We are not a competitive band, but we go to the contest system for critique in order to better our musical ability as a group. The individuals in our band system are already very good, and that is why our soloists and ensembles who go to a separate contest always come back with a pile of 1-ratings. The district next door usually gets an average of 3, and their band has never even been awarded a 3 because it stinks.</p>