1. How do I find out which bands are involved in Toronto International Carnival this year? The Mas Camp section on TorontoCarnival.com will give you a complete list of Bands, their Mas Camps and contact information.

2. How do I choose a band? Each mas band will have a costume theme and within each band there may be anywhere from 1 to 15 sections in one band, each with a different design. Every mas band is accompanied by at least one music truck with either a live band and/or DJ. The following are some criteria that should guide you in making a decision to play mas with a particular band.

Theme & Design You should look at the theme of the band and costume designs of the individual sections to see if you like the costumes. You can view these costumes by either visiting the band's web site or going to the mas camp itself. Don't be afraid to go to the mas camp and tell them that you have never participated in Toronto International Carnival before. The people at the mas camp will be glad to help you. You can also see the costumes on display or modeled at the launch party for the band, called a Band Launching. Look out for these party listings on FeteNet.com or in the Mas Camp section of TorontoCarnival.com. Price Make the price of the costume fits within your budget. Costumes can range anywhere from $70.00 CND to $130 CND. Starting Time Every band is assigned a position in the parade. So based on the starting time of 11AM, they can estimate the time at which their band will enter the parade. This is useful for working around your party and time schedule. So ask the band organizers what their position number is and the estimated time of entry into the parade. Size of The Band If crowds concern you, ask what the targeted size of the section of the band that you are interested in. This way, you can choose that crowd size that suits you. Age There is no age restriction or bracket for any band, but a band organizer may be able to tell what age bracket of people generally participate in certain sections or the band all overall. Which Band are your friends joining? Toronto International Carnival is no fun unless you have at least one friend or mate to jump up with. So make sure you and your fellow masqueraders and in at least the same band if no the same section. Music If you prefer a particular live band or DJ or just any live band over a DJ, then check out which live bands and DJs are going to be on the road with the different bands. You find out this information in the Mas Camp section or by contacting the mas camp directly. Find out which sections in the bands are associated with the music truck that you want. Listen to samples of 2001 Soca Releases on FeteNet.com courtesy of the Caribbean Connection. NOTE: There are also Steel Bands throughout the parade. Some of them have mas costumes as well as the band. If you play pan and you are interested in playing on the road with one of these bands, look up there contact info in our list and contact them directly. 3. What to do after I buy a costume? Ask the band organizers the following questions: When do I pick up my costume? Where do we meet on Toronto International Carnival day? What time to we meet on Toronto International Carnival day? 4. Other Considerations Try on your costume at home and make sure everything fits properly. Make any necessary adjustments. Figure out whether you are taking the TTC, taxi or driving down to the parade. Check TorontoCarnival.com for parade route and possible parking lots. Parking fills up fast, so arrive early or take a taxi or TTC. 5. Helpful Links Toronto Transit Commission - Public Transit Toronto.com - Resource for City of Toronto Canada411.com - Phone Directory