Hard Core Band Fan

And easily the most musical band I've heard all day. Very nice band sound.

Time traveling?

Timber Creek could not have had a better slot to perform in today. Definitely a good start of the season for them. Looking forward to hearing them later.

Yes, one of the hardest things for me adjust to. So many times it is such a distraction. But, it is here to stay and many apparently feel it is necessary.

CTJ - Wow, what a mixed bag. Brilliant solos and small ensembles with atrocious marching. It's early and they will undoubtedly tweak this to near perfection, but it was in rough form today. Will be interesting to see what happens next week when they face real competition.

Just looked at the forcast for the finals tonight - looking grim.

I would put United at the top of the first block. Overall, I think their program was the most point-worthy. I liked the challenging drill of Sharyland, but the playing is suffering at this point. Roma had a really nice sound at times, but intonation was an issue often throughout the show. Enjoyable performances by all in this block. None that I just didn't like.

United always has an ambitious program. We will likely see them at state.

Many stadiums do have wifi, but you need to have your device onboarded for that school district.

I've been impressed with both from what I have heard and seen. I did think that Westwood's sound was cleaner and their intonation much better than Vista Ridge's at this point.

Yep, that was my thought too.

I have a combined McAllen & Midland schedule if you are going to be jumping back and forth between venues. 2018 BOA McAllen & Midland Combined Schedule.pdf

I have a combined McAllen & Midland schedule if you are going to be jumping back and forth between venues. 2018 BOA McAllen & Midland Combined Schedule.pdf

Sometimes we are just trying not to ruin the surprise!

I'm well aware of the differences between UIL and BOA, but on that day, North Shore was ahead enough that it wouldn't have made any difference where they were. The margin was significant. Also, my observation over the last decade or so is the difference between BOA and UIL is narrowing. To me, the biggest difference now is the scoring system. UIL's antiquated scoring system needs to be scrapped and replaced with something more relevant and manageable. Hope I live long enough to see that!

Well, technically Round Rock did win BOA Austin a few years back and lost due to a 1.5 point penalty that was a simple mistake by the head director. As far the actual performance, they did win that day. North Shore beat Round Rock at state in 2016, so who knows.

I was thinking that there may be some interest in having a "Meet Our Nerds" subforum where the members could start a thread titled their member name and tell a little about themselves and their band experiences. It would help us to get to know each other and not do it in an off-topic manner. Any interest?

There is a 9/15 performance on Youtube for Westwood. I am very impressed and would be very surprised if they are not in the finals and not just at the bottom. I think their show has real potential and I can't wait to hear them live.

Sounds Good!

Well, it could have been an individual piece that was licensed and was available. For the most part, he has refused. I have a friend and schoolmate that does composing and arranging for high school and corps and he has been shot down every time he has requested it. Part of the reason is that he doesn't want his music to be played poorly and uses a shotgun approach by not letting anyone play his stuff.

So much of his music would, but he has always refused to allow his compositions to be licensed and played by marching bands.

It's pronounced like eye low.

I will be the first to admit that other than Pearland and North Shore, I am not really familiar with the current quality of these other programs. I have been really impressed with the two I mentioned in the last couple of years.

I was starting to think that English is a second language for you! (all your uniform are belong to us)

And keep in mind that for these two bands, there have been significant staff changes so the last and previous years don't really make much difference, if any. I see both as resets and we'll just have to wait and see how much any of what is left from the past really influences the current year.