principalagent

Exactly

That’s not why. Carmel won GN last year with High GE without props or extensive choreography.

It came into play at BOA Austin 2015. It cost Round Rock their first regional win, but saved them a medal over Bowie.

Tarpon is going to win. Period.

Westwood in the top 7 is an amazing jump for their program! I don’t think they’ll make San Antonio finals, but they’ll be closer than they’ve ever been, I’ll bet!

It seems that they looked two weeks behind. Which, of course they did. But they couldn’t get into finals with that unfortunately.

I have to say I LOVE Carmel’s program. I’m happy with any of the presumptive big five winning GN, but I think Carmel is my favorite right now. Their visual design is unmatched by anyone, I personally believe, and that guard is out of control. Their music design is extremely well done too. It’s not heavy on playing, but they aren’t playing any less than Leander or Reagan are. Their source music doesn’t lend well to full ensemble either, so it’s not really as if they’re watering it down or purposefully underscoring it. My only concern is that they don’t sound like a champion. I think they can get there though. I cannot wait to see it in Lucas Oil next month. You all can take my Texas residency away from me now.

I think that poster was making a general statement about State Finals rather than Area D Finals.

Cedar Park has only gone in 2010 and 2016.

That last block is no joke. And it seems there will be at least a finalist or two from each block, so pretty decent balance.

Aledo made state finals last year, so they could be solid to move on again.

Vandegrift is also doing some pretty clever visual and music work in their shows that’s probably beefing their effect scores. Between the piano keys and strings and the silent drill and the pre-show with tinnitus and heartbeats (two of the very very few things some deaf people can still hear). It’s not a Leander or FloMo or Reagan, but they’re pulling off interesting concepts extremely well and getting credit for it.

It’s not that Cedar Ridge isn’t amazing. It’s just that the competition is so deep this year that Cedar Ridge in might mean that Round Rock, Hendrickson, Bell, Bowie, Churchill, Cedar Park or Keller could be out. You can’t really fault someone for being hesitant to make that decision yet, because it’s hard to see any of those 8 out of finals, but realistically, at least three will be, barring a tie.

I don’t know, after watching this I have them winning quite firmly (and I strongly dislike the show). I don’t think music is out of reach for them either. Visual and GE are theirs, almost assuredly. Wando may come close in visual.

I am *hoping very hard* to see that show twice that weekend because I LOVE it. One of my favorites of the year. If they and Hendrickson both perform Saturday evening I’ll be giddy in my seat all night

Not at all ready to say that. Avon live is a true treat, and they don’t take challenges lightly. Right now I have them slated about 3rd myself, but they still have a great shot at winning. 10 straight years of medalling at GN (even with meh shows in tough years), is no small feat.

Marcus plays a very understated percussion book that actually takes a lot of skill to pull off, especially considering how delicate their ensemble’s music is.

I probably would have tried out a regular college band for a year. But had no interest at all in the joke of a marching band that my school had. The point was to not try, and that was too big a culture shock.

I went to university in an average at best band state - USBands is king there - and you better believe I was so happy to come back to Texas after graduation where I can see great bands every weekend. And my university had a scatter band and everyone asked if I liked them - of course *not*!

10/10

Not quite! They lost to Broken Arrow in 2013.

I know, but the question asked about going, not making finals at Nats too.

Keller Central missed San Antonio finals in 2015.

I don’t think there’s any way. Cy-Fair, Pearland, Clear Brook, Keller Central and Timber Creek are most likely... but still probably not for any of them. Grand Nationals looks similarly bleak for a new finalist. Hopefully this doesn’t start a relative hegemony. Always better to get new life into finals!

Seven Lakes!!! The welcome surprise of the first block. I wish they didn’t lose rehearsal time. I for sure would have them in but I think performance will hurt their chances. Loved it!!