Ensembles are adjudicated by noted Canadian and U.S. professionals in the jazz, band, orchestra and choral fields.

Classifications are either by age (Jazz and Choral) or by an established level set by test piece (Concert Bands and Orchestras).

Performing ensembles are ranked according to gold, silver, and bronze; awards and scholarships are also presented to individual musicians.

Activities at the national finals have also included clinics and concerts, the latter offered over the years by the Boss Brass, Gary Burton, Canadian Brass, the Humber College Faculty Band, Maynard Ferguson, and Woody Herman big bands, the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Oscar Peterson, Quazz, UZEB, the Swingle Singers, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Vertical Voices, Sixth Wave, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Diana Krall, the New York Voices and others.

The festival's closing concert of winning ensembles has been documented by TV specials produced for TVOntario, CBC Television and in 1976, 1977 and annually beginning in 1980, CTV.