OPS Eligibility

Outstanding Performance Series

For all correspondence with the OPS State Chair, Collin Anderson,
please use the following email address and phone number:
opsstatechair@atssb.org
903-390-3271

OPS Eligibility

Middle School Classifications

  • Class 1C
  • Class 2C/3C
  • Middle School Non-Varsity (Pilot – All MS Classes)

 

 

High School Classifications

  • 1A 
  • 2A
  • 3A
  • 4A
  • High School Non-Varsity (Pilot – All HS Classes)

Continuing in 2025:

The ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series will run two pilot contests, one for middle school non-varsity bands and the other for high school non-varsity bands. All 1C-3C NV bands will compete in the MS category and all 1A-4A NV bands will compete in the HS category.

 

Non-varsity status will be determined according to rules and regulations as set forth in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, whether the school competes in UIL or another entity. The primary performing ensemble for any school is deemed the varsity band, and any subsequent groups will be allowed to compete in the NV category, whether a non-varsity group or a sub-non-varsity group. If any group has attained the Varsity Waiver according to the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, that ensemble may enter the NV category.

 

If any group’s varsity/non-varsity status is in question, the OPS State Chair and the Steering Committee will review the issue and make the final decision regarding placement into the proper competition category.

 

Any school’s non-varsity ensemble has the right to enter the regular classification category as in the past and not compete in the NV pilot. In addition, a school’s non-varsity may enter OPS even if the same school’s varsity group does not submit recordings.

Eligible Entries

Any 1C or 2C/3C middle school band that feeds a 1A, 2A, 3A or 4A high school, and any 1A. 2A, 3A, or 4A high school band and any non-varsity band in any of those classes may enter a recording provided the band director of the ensemble entering is a current regular member of ATSSB.

A band may enter one, two, or three of its contest selections. Entries must have been recorded at a UIL contest or at an approved contest during the period from January 1 until May 20 of the current school year. The current approved contest list can be found on the OPS page of the ATSSB website (https://www.atssb.org/ops/). A director may submit a Non-UIL Contest Approval Form to request that a contest be added to the approved list. Confirmation or denial will be provided by the OPS State Chair.

Only UIL-approved selections may be entered in the concert division of the contest. If two concert selections are entered, one selection must be from the pertinent grade level or higher. If only one concert selection is entered, it must be no lower than one grade level below the pertinent UIL grade level of the entering school. Pieces that have been submitted to UIL for approval may also be used, but a letter of approval must be provided with your entry form.

A signed Entry Verification Form must be completed, scanned, and uploaded via the OPS Entry Portal. Online credit card payments are preferred via the ATSSB website. If school purchase orders are necessary, send them to OPS; 2117 Morse Street; Houston, Texas 77019 or fax to 713-874-1151 or email to atssb@att.net. If sending checks, be sure to post them in time to reach the State Office by the deadline (otherwise fax or email a copy of the Purchase Order if you feel like the check may not arrive by the deadline).

Each selection entered must be uploaded as a separate digital .WAV file through the link on the website. (See Recording Requirements)

A fee of $60.00 PER SELECTION ENTERED is required to complete an entry. Each selection must be entered as prescribed. (A maximum of three entries could be uploaded with a maximum fee of $180.00). Entries will not be certified for adjudication until or unless the entry fee has been received. Entry fees may be paid by check (which must be physically received on or prior to the published deadline), faxed or emailed official signed and numbered School Purchase Order, or using a credit card through PayPal on or prior to the published deadline.

Conductor’s scores will not be used at any level of competition.