German amateur bands, from village brass bands to fire brigade bands, perform before juries in Wertungsspiele, rated performances. The 2026 rules of the Saxon firefighters’ association are typical. Each piece is scored on ten criteria, from intonation to overall impression, up to 100 points. The band then receives a rating from fixed bands. Hervorragender Erfolg, outstanding success, needs 91 points or more. Plain Erfolg, success, covers 61 to 70 points. Below 60 points the band is recorded only as teilgenommen, took part.