Hard Core Band Fan

Lesser known is the Chief Judge selection process. At Regional competitions, this is done by a Rock, Paper, Scissors series and for Super Regionals, by a round of Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe in even years and drawing straws in odd years. Selection by Pin the Tail on the Donkey was removed from selection process altogether in 2005 due to too many ties. It was determined that too many judges became proficient in this medium, which removed its randomness, and also there was too much controversy over whether the target tail position should be a high tail or low tail position. Trivia fact: The straws drawn in odd years are tiny drumsticks crafted by Vic Firth.

No, you're not alone. The opener was well performed, but the middle and end were as dirty as I have ever heard them play. They still have a bit of time, but will it be enough?

Yes, I really enjoyed that show. Well done.

Pretty much. They have seven chairs with the categories on the back of the chair. They walk around the chairs listening to London Bridge and when the music stops, they sit down and choose what they are going to judge. Occasionally, scuffles ensue when the judges attempt to force their way and sit in the chair representing their preferred choice. Of course, feelings get hurt and attitudes are affected. This accounts for many of the scoring anomalies.

I have to agree with you about Carmel. I was very impressed, all the around, on how well they are performing at this point.

I agree. They impressed me and were way better than I was expecting them to be. FLO Marching played ads during the last section, but what I saw was very well done.

Sounds interesting! My next live event will be at the Grand Nationals. Skipping San Antonio for the first time in forever and watching online.

When asked, FLO Support said they do that to keep the subscription costs down. No apology or anything like that. To add insult to injury, they stated what a "gift' my feedback was. I let them know that the ads were no gift to me!

FLO Marching, once again, played adds during the streaming of O'Fallon Township. They've done this on every BOA event I've watched. Didn't get to watch the last 3rd of their show.

Another first with me with O'Fallon Township completely covering the field with white tarps. Nice show and very visually appealing.

Yep, geeky as well. You should see what I do with the recaps!

Homestead had a nice show. Awesome flute soloist. Also, I've seen hand bells before, but never an ice skater.

If you're interested, I have attached a combined schedule of the St. Louis and Indianapolis Super Regionals to help decide which bands to watch. For me, it's easier to see them side by side and know when everyone is playing so that I can switch. I have adjusted the Indianapolis schedule for the hour difference and the times shown are CST. Indianapolis-St. Louis Schedule 2017.pdf

If you're interested, I have attached a combined schedule of the St. Louis and Indianapolis Super Regionals to help decide which bands to watch. For me, it's easier to see them side by side and know when everyone is playing so that I can switch. I have adjusted the Indianapolis schedule for the hour difference and the times shown are CST. Indianapolis-St. Louis Schedule 2017.pdf

They are fairly close to the top scores at Dayton today, so maybe not.

It seemed to me that they still have a lot of drill and other elements to add to the last section of their show, plus more show. They have been ready for the Grand Nationals the last two times and I would expect them to be ready for that again this year. Remember, they've been at the bottom of the San Antonio finals for many years now and still have done well at the GN Finals. Slow and steady seems to win the race for them - at least the race they're running.

Thanks Flo Sports for once again running ads during a band's performance today. About 1/3 the way into Round Rock's performance, they ran multiple ads. They did this last week at Southlake during 2 of the bands. Just halftime music to these guys I guess!

I was thinking more of just getting into the finals at the Grand Nationals. About 15 who regularly make the finals fighting for those 12 spots, plus several bands that have been very close in the past as well.

I think the Hornrank crew does a really good job and take a lot of factors into consideration. I haven't noticed any bias on their part.

I don't think San Antonio will be harder than the Grand Nationals this year, especially at the top. With so many heavy-hitters going this year I expect it to be one of the best yet.

I wouldn't be so quick to put Avon out of the top 3. They almost always make a lot of progress by that time. They may not be at that level by then, but they will be ready to compete.

I didn't see anyone mention it, but there was no MPI judge at this competition. It may not have made any difference, but it could have. Definitely gave the MPE judge a little more weight than normal.

After BOA Austin, I would move Round Rock up a notch or two closer to the top. I would have them no lower than 4th and maybe in the top 3.

I think the top four will likely be the same (Vandegrift, Leander, CTJ, Cedar Park - maybe in a different order) with the slight possibility of Round Rock sneaking in there somewhere if they get a good, solid start. I expect Hendrickson and Vista Ridge to do well and not only make the finals again, but maybe move up a spot or two. Bowie will be there and they always have the potential to do very well. Westlake and Cedar Ridge both have real potential and Churchill is Grand Nationals bound and likely to hit the gate running.

I would put Round Rock in the top half. This is a Grand Nationals year for them and I expect them to be more prepared, earlier and competitive by the Conroe show.