Statebound

BTW--Really glad that they found those North Shore drum majors

Really happy to see LDBell back in finals and the biggest surprise for me was Keller in 5th not far behind Vandegrift. Looks like that trip to Grand Nats last year gave that program a boost. Tough break for Hebron and Marcus drawing early in Finals with FloMo drawing late. Really hoping they would all draw in the same group. The finals placements are such that the medalists could be a serious toss up along with FloMo.

Really enjoyed Area C this weekend and saw a really impressive finals in which I thought 8 of the finalists could have been selected for state and you would not have heard a complaint. The Wylie folks were going crazy and it was a really fun moment. I remember thinking that FloMo and Hebron were definitely 1-2. Marcus was definitely 3 and Berkner 4. It was wide open after that. There are some very good videos currently posted. Below are FloMo and Hebron Hebron Flower Mound

I can see Leander and Vandegrift making finals at 6A state although I don't quite think that Vista Ridge is there yet. Music and drill are the big components at state and both of these bands can play, particularly Vandegrift. My gut feeling is that this could be CTJ's big breakout year at state although my eyes and ears are telling me that Hebron should win it. CTJ's strength has always been GE while they have continued to improve musically. Hebron's strength has traditionally been their musical performance while they have improved dramatically on the GE side since their World of Wonder show a couple years ago. Music counts more at state so Early top 5 would be: Hebron CTJ Marcus FloMo LD Bell - sentimental pick

Hebron's Finals performance. Still can't get used to the new uniforms but glad they won the music caption. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WfU8e9Dj7s

Will the blog be running on TXBands as well or strictly on IM?? I always really enjoy and appreciate your involvement and truly look forward to this every year.

FYI -- there are some really nice videos posted right now. I had not seen the Hebron pre-show and fantastic mood piece. Nice RR video as well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X-WItoU9W4​

I've gotten the invitation from a couple people...here you go. ​

I was just forwarded the invite for the Hebron preview next week. The Hebron people are great folks -- best to they, Keller, Keller Central, Round Rock, and The Woodlands next week.

Hebron - "360" This show is just a masterclass on technicality, brass and woodwinds. Gorgeous preshow oboe soloist. The "Pegasus" opening showcases the dexterity of the woodwinds, lushness of their brass, and the uniformity of their guard. What an intro! Next section is just filled with an insane amount of technical passes, some done as they spin on platforms, some on the move, just fun stuff. The ballad is my favorite thing on the field this year. That tenor soloist is just fan freakin tastic. Bravo, the build with the brass under him is just awesome, what a HUGE moment. The crowd erupts at the end of the ballad as he hits that altissimo note! That moment is going to be one of the most remembered things this year. Closer is another showcase of this bands insane musical ability, woodwinds are absolutely ripping away in the lead up to the final moment. Circles are everywhere in this show. Not much else to say besides it's simple in concept, executed fantastically, and performed at an incredibly high level. Definitely still some room to grow for nationals, they haven't peaked yet! I love Hebron -- normally one of my favorites. However, the closer is still very raw and they have a lot of work to do in the next week if they are going to finish in the top tier. I would think the positive from San Antonio is that they only finished roughly one point behind FloMo with a show that is still maturing. I think that they can realistically win Music in Indy. Loved Reagan. I found myself hoping they would win so I could see them play their show again. Congratulations. ​

Perhaps the best choreography that I've seen in a show in recent memory. Totally memorable. Wish Reagan was going to GN's this year.

1. Leander 2. Hebron (music) 3. Reagan (visual) 4. Flower Mound (GE) ------------------------- I totally agree with your groupings. I've seen all but the Leander show live. I'll shuffle slightly and go: 1. FloMo 2. Hebron 3. Reagan 4. Leander 5. CTJ I'm a music snob and, in that regard, I actually prefer the Hebron, Marcus and CTJ shows, but GE carries so much weight and I think that FloMo is going to dominate that. It's simply an extremely well constructed show.

Haltom is one of my favorites and their super technical style should serve them well in St. Louis.. I make them a favorite to bring home a medal.

I knew the year would finally come when FloMo had a show that was honestly better than big brother Marcus but this one has a chance. Based on the couple shows that I've seen, I still believe that Marcus will beat them in music in San Antonio but FloMo has them dominated in GE and that carries much more weight. This is my favorite FloMo show since Paris. I've tried not to like Hebron this year but based on what I saw at TOC and Arlington, everyone needs to be worried about them unless TW, CTJ or Reagan has something to say about it. Hebron only played 5-6 minutes of their show at both of those contests and still haven't put their closer on the field. Yet they only lost by one tenth of a point at BOA Arlington against a full FloMo show. The Hebron ballad has been talked to death, but it is really good and their closer's are usually insanely hard and fast. There are a lot of wild cards this year. These last few weeks are going to be really fun.

A couple things...first please notice that Plano Senior is scheduled to be in this contest. I've always said that if the Plano schools ever reengage in marching band that they could be a force. They have a ton of state musicians every year. Also, this contest is usually a very telling barometer for the big year-end contests. I know that I'll be making a trip south for this one.