It provides competitive performance opportunities for marching bands and jazz ensembles.
Formerly, Cavalcade also sanctioned indoor percussion, color guard, and dance team competitions, but for the 2020 season have discontinued this aspect of their program.
The band included over 100 students from 20 high schools in the Mid-Atlantic region.
^Note 1 : The 2020 outdoor marching band season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic ^Note 2 : Independence A 'Ferraro' Champions ^Note 3 : Independence A 'Saylor' Champions Cavalcade of Bands has discontinued the "Cavalcade Indoor Association" portion of their program beginning in the 2019–2020 school year.
Classifications are as follows: All units entering the championship contest must be members in good standing of CIA.