Hard Core Band Fan

The marching in that show turned a lot of heads back then! Playing wasn't bad as well. Was a special show in my book.

It's hard to imagine this competition without them.

Watched the Scholastic World and Independent World percussion finals today. Wow! So many incredible groups in these two classes. My overall favorite was Dartmouth HS's Raven show. Hopefully some will post the finals performance, but here's one from the day before: https://youtu.be/soa0JGnC1rw

You are so very welcome and thanks so much for your knowledgeable insights!

You are, of course, welcome to your opinion, but you are completely wrong about your take on this forum. We are fanatical supporters of our Texas guards, but are honest about each one's particular situation in these competitions. We have nothing but respect and admiration for these students and leaders. Maybe re-read this thread with that in mind and you may get a different idea of what is being said. If you are looking for criticism and negativity, you will always find it.

Sounds much like the music we listened to when I was in college in the late 70's, early 80's. Yes, chemicals were involved.

Tarpon Springs' musicians are so impressive. They played like professionals. I don't think there is any high school around that has enough good jazz players to compete with what they put out there.

I assumed that, but I can't distinguish which event is which. Obviously not a percussion person, but willing to learn. I have a nephew in middle school and want to expose him to what is possible as a percussionist. I had the good fortune to have someone expose me to great musicians on my instrument and it set my expectations at a high level. You don't know what good is until you are shown it.

A bit off-topic, but does anyone follow the WGI percussion events? I know there are two types of events - concert and movement, but I can't figure out which of these will be held next week. Both? Concert? Movement? The schedules don't appear to indicate. Any help would be appreciated.

Maybe another Make-a-Wish deal?

You just watched the worst show in a very long time.

Which is a shame as this competition has rivaled the Grand Nationals in the past. If I could only watch State or BOA SA, I would always choose BOA SA. For me, it is the complete marching arts package.

But a good one, though.

Still a really impressive performance for these ladies. I have to keep reminding myself that they are high school students and not off-season DCI performers.

Years ago, I remember seeing a Tarpon Springs marching practice schedule that was 20 hours per week!

Or like Marching Band on the Field.

Loved Hamilton's show "Flags in a gym". Clever idea. Someone needs to do a marching show like this.

Well, maybe a geriatric class should be considered!

From my perspective, you're just a pup. People would pay to NOT watch people my age. Heck, I'd pay not to watch people my age perform...

Maybe just a little early yet. For me, I'm more into WGI right now and starting to think about DCI. Trying to manage my obsessions!

My initial comment about a handicap system was sarcasm. Sorry I didn't mark it as such. My point is when you start to overly make things "fair", many times it has the opposite effect. It's only a level playing field where everyone has the same opportunity to succeed and to fail. Someone will always be better and sometimes much better. There is point disparity in all classes and shifting groups around during the season is likely manipulating the outcome. Again, in my opinion. Just a statement, not an argument.

Or they could institute a handicap system where the lower-scoring groups are given points to get them closer to the higher-scoring groups. The integrity of the competitions exists when there is consistency in how and when groups are promoted. I'm not seeing that. It's almost a penalty to be doing well in a season where you are promoted that season. Just my opinion. Not saying I'm correct. I wonder if Leander would have won SO years ago had they been promoted from SA during that season they did win. I'm glad they had the opportunity to knock it out of the park and set that scoring record.

Well, it seems what is most fair is to promote them starting the coming season. Even then, if you have a bunch of really talented seniors in the year you get promoted and have a rebuilding year the next year, it can be a problem. Not all top notch programs have the depth of talent to be consistent year to year. Oh, and also, it really doesn't matter that you have been in a higher class in previous years. You may not have many or any of those same students or even the same directors, designers, or staff.

I just don't see this as a positive thing, mid-season. Scoring well in SA with their current show is one thing as the show was designed for SA. But I don't see this show competing as well in SO. Am I wrong about this?

Did anyone else just love the ear-piercing screams at the end of The Woodlands flag and rifle ensemble elements? I so miss experiencing this excitement live. Reminded me of being in Dayton in 2015 watching Aimachi in the finals..