Norwood Park Imperials Alumni Forum
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All we ask is that you keep it neat, clean, polite, and reasonably intelligent.
Gosh, this is almost impossible to answer simply. 
But, let me try .. there are others who could add more current insight too.
Bob is on the right track in that the CONCEPT is that a corps is rewarded for creating the best total effect. (Execution used to be done by deducting errors from a perfect score, but that has changed).
GE was judged by using a "National Linear Scale" which assigned point values for different levels of success .. Excellent, Superior, Good, etc). This later was improved by setting standards, or expectations, for each level. That is the same technique used for evaluating execution now. For example, a drum line will maintain ensemble cohesiveness: always (Superior), most of the time (Excellent), frequently (Good), sometimes (Fair) or never (Poor).
The same technique is used to evaluate ALL the aspects of performance and effect.
Of course, both are based on opinion ... but the effect categories are way more subjective by nature. And, this can lead to some interesting differences between judges and also between judges and the audience. 
The judge is to evaluate EACH element through the entire corps show ... while the audience might be affected by (and remember) a SINGLE spectacular effect or aspect of the show.
Similarly, the judge may rate the corps in the SUPERIOR range for a certain effect or element (based on the judges experience as well as what OTHER corps have achieved); while the audience puts stronger focus on THAT corps at THAT show.
In theory, all of this will "balance out" .. but there are times when it may seem out of whack. That is why Donna's answer is perceptive! 
That is a stab at a judges definition. What about MORE from the audience point of view?
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What did you do in the Corps? Drummer
What years were you a Corps member? 1958- 63
1. I agree with Donna's answer too.
2. John, a great GE (judging) story! The only recorded NEGATIVE GE score of the century.
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What did you do in the Corps? Drummer
What years were you a Corps member? 1958- 63
The most fun I had as a GE judge was in Indiana, doing marching bands there. They used a system with 2 GE judges (one for visual and one for music).
The great thing was that 30% of the GE score was for COORDINATION! The rules said that they would get credit for performing a show which used all the elements to enhance the music. So... drill, flags, drums, everything was to be built in such a way as to support and enhance the music. It was wonderful! 
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What did you do in the Corps? Drummer
What years were you a Corps member? 1958- 63
