1. not unless they're on the military track.

2. List every program at area, yours and others. List their staff and point out that literally every single area finalist has more staff and more budget than you. If they want you to be an area finalist, you have to have the support, which takes staffing, money, and community support.

3. You can't. Not in the open track. Maybe on military.

Hate to say it, but you can't. This system is set up to reward haves vs have nots.

This seems as if I'm hating on military - and I'm absolutely not. Those bands have plenty of great teaching and teachers - but part of the reason the TSMMC was created was because military bands didn't stand a chance at area just like your band doesn't - and just like inner city bands and show bands don't.