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Scores are out. Wow, one judge put the Woodlands in 8th in Music in Finals. http://www.uilforms.com/regions/19/AreaMarching/RESULTS/2014-2015/2014%20Area%20F%20Finals.pdf

Interesting perspective. But from the score sheets given at Area, I would say this explanation doesn't really fit. There are placements given. This might better fit the Region competition rather than Area or State.

Me too! It's set up, but seems no one is blogging yet. I hope everyone is ok.

Per Wikipedia: Core was a stoner rock band from New Jersey during the late 1990s. The Corps Style of marching stems from a rich American military history of marching bands. Following the Civil War, many musicians from the North and the South returned home and formed community bands. These proliferated in many American towns for decades, and served as a focal point for local festivals. Following World War I, the VFW and the American Legion began sponsoring their own bands for local parades and performances. These groups grew in size and scope to where competitions were held locally, regionally, and finally nationally. When the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) was formed in 1965 and later Drum Corps International (DCI) in 1972, the performances and level of creativity began to dramatically change from the traditional military style. During this time, step sizes were altered from a "6 to 5" ratio (six steps to five yards) to an "8 to 5" (eight steps to five yards). Instead of a constant forward marching, groups would "stand fast" or "mark time" to music, maintaining specific forms. Backwards marching, as well as a Traverse march (sliding side to side) was incorporated into the marching style during this time. Through the 1960s the American high school and college bands marched primarily in a military style. However, following the trends set forth by drum corps, many college and high school bands began to incorporate the drum corps elements into their style. The 8 to 5 stride became widely accepted in the late 1970s. During this time marching bells, xylophone, and even marching tympani were added to the field. The 1980s saw increased movement by American high schools to utilize the corps style of marching rather than the military style. This is most likely due to the fact that the corps style allowed for a much broader selection of musical styles, tempos, and moods, versus the limitations of the traditional military march. Another important factor is that the Corps Style bands face the audience, versus the military bands primarily facing the end zones, therefore, the corps style band has a much fuller sound, and is generally louder. The 80's also saw the movement away from strict 8 to 5 step size to the usage of a constantly changing step size. With the addition of new musical elements, the 80's also saw the addition of the "Front Ensemble" or "Pit", a derivation of the Orchestra Pit used for ballet and opera. In marching band, the pit is used to incorporate keyboard percussion such as xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone; as well as other color percussion instruments such as tympani, cymbals, hand drums, drum set, tambourine, etc. The 1990s observed increased usage of dance with the color guard, more usage of props and backdrops, increased usage of pit percussion, and generally an increase of the physical demands of the band members. Faster tempos of music were incorporated into corps style shows. Electronics were also incorporated into the corps style via the pit. Electronics are used for amplifying soloists, or as synthesized sounds effects or instrument voices in the arrangements.

Friendswoods show was beautiful and well executed, no doubt. I've watched Friendswood's show develop this season and think their performances at state were some of their best. I think Friendswood's placement was a testament to just how competitive this competition really was. There were a lot of really good bands competing yesterday.

There were winning shows with lots of props and losing shows with lots of props. I think this demonstrates that music and marching do count. The top three bands had incredible performances and I think any one of them could have stood on their music and marching without any props on the field. This was a tough competition, definitely the best I have ever seen. I wish our band would have placed higher (I'm a mom and I am biased!), but I am so proud of how well they did in this incredible competition. Of course judges personalities, backgrounds, likes and dislikes will cause differences in scores. However, there are several judges for each category. I felt our performance was much better in finals, but our position slipped. So, could be a difference in judging or could have been that other bands stepped up their performance a notch! I know this sounds sappy, but each band in finals was amazing and deserved a medal! I could not believe the level of competition this year. So, congratulations to each band. Can't wait to see you all again.

Tomball Memorial was very impressive. It is a young program from what I understand. I see them becoming a strong contender in area F. I did not get to see Barber's Hill, but I am thrilled for them. It is very exciting to see area F sending 4 bands to state this year. Of course I want our band to come out on top, i am a band mom after all, but I am looking forward to our area being represented well at state and am pulling for all four bands!, The competition will be tough so focus on being your best and don't get caught up in the rivalry nonsense. A good rivalry works to motivate, but if taken too far, can become a distraction. So my advise is rise above the nonsense and work hard to be your best. All of you should be very proud - enjoy it!!!

Congratulations to the top 4 bands. I look forward to seeing you all at state!!

Thanks!, I just found info clarifying amplification. Evidently there is a proposed amendment to limit amplification of woodwinds to solos and section features. Some thought it was already in effect.

I have a couple of questions concerning UIL Marching competition rules. 1. Is it ok for the band directors to signal/communicate with the band during performance? 2. Are there any rules on the use of individual microphones/electronics on the field? Or is it anything goes? Just curious, several of us were having a debate this weekend. And, if you want to, what are the rules in the BOA type competitions? Thanks!

Finals cancelled

Finals cancelled

Finals cancelled

Finals cancelled

Finals cancelled