It is one of the largest marching band events in the Upper Midwest, attracting three dozen competitors and thousands of spectators every year.

[4] Bands from Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska have attended YIM since its inception.

However, an archived FAQ from 2007 suggested participating bands consider school attendance, the number of performing members, booster organization, experience of staff and other qualitative information when selecting a class.

Youth in Music also honors a YIMMY Hall of Fame Band Director each year.

The "Spirit of YIMMY" award is given to one band each year in recognition for their esprit de corps.

An award memorializing musician Butch DuFault is given to an outstanding band director.

[citation needed] YIM has awarded academic scholarships to participating students in the past.

[3] The inclusion of a state championship award was likely due to other Minnesota music education organizations lack of sanctioned marching band events.

[17] Below is an incomplete list of Minnesota State Marching Band Champions awarded at YIM:[16]