Quick Updates
First, after much discussion among our staff and voters, we have decided to transition our top 25 into a top 15. There are so many outstanding programs that everyone from 16 and down has had a wide range of variance. To provide a high-quality analysis of the nationwide competitive marching scene, we felt that 15 is where many of our voters can reach a consensus.
Second, a significant shift behind the scenes for us. We have decided to use a committee similar to how the NCAA selects brackets for March Madness and how the College Football Playoff committee decides its rankings.
What this allows is for spirited debate and discussion to take place during our weekly meetings, held following the weekend’s shows, in addition to being able to not only get the perspective of a wide range of individuals, including current designers, educators, and fans but also speak to those who saw the programs in person instead of having to rely on just watching on a TV or a computer.
We also plan to add other components to make our rankings even stronger, so stay tuned for further updates!
The Rankings
GEM Top 15 - 2023 Week One
Previous Rankings reflect final rankings of 2022 season.
Carmel (IN)
Previous Ranking: 3 ↑
The Woodlands (TX)
Previous Ranking: 5 ↑
Hebron (TX)
Previous Ranking: 1
Ronald Reagan (TX)
Previous Ranking: 6 ↑
Avon (IN)
Previous Ranking: 4 ↓
Vandegrift (TX)
Previous Ranking: 2 ↓
Broken Arrow (OK)
Previous Ranking: 8 ↑
Tarpon Springs (FL)
Previous Ranking: 11 ↑
Marcus (TX)
Previous Ranking: 19 ↑
Flower Mound (TX)
Previous Ranking: 12 ↑
Cy-Fair (TX)
Previous Ranking: NR ↑
Pearland (TX)
Previous Ranking: 20 ↑
William Mason (OH)
Previous Ranking: 9 ↓
Rouse (TX)
Previous Ranking: NR ↑
Dobyns Bennett (TN)
Previous Ranking: 17 ↑
The Next Five
Note: The Next Five are in alphabetical order
Blue Springs (MO), Cedar Park (TX), Coppell (TX), Vista Ridge (TX), Wakeland (TX)