MaryJoLisa

BOA is working *extremely* hard to try and get all of this worked out. Eric Martin (CEO) has personally been on the phone with band directors all day long trying to find any option that works.
 
Edit: And not just on the phone with the immediately affected bands, but also with all the other bands trying to see if they can possibly take the earlier slots to free up the later ones.

It is a huge expense for Texas bands to go to Grand Nats.  I am sure many more would love to go, but can't swing/justify that kind of expense.

It is a huge expense for Texas bands to go to Grand Nats.  I am sure many more would love to go, but can't swing/justify that kind of expense.

Check out this YouTube.
  This is how the Blue Springs band was welcomed home after GN, and after dodging tornadoes in southern Illinois. They had to take cover in the back of a Walmart when the tornado sirens started going off while they were stopped for lunch!  Several parents got pictures or videos of tornadoes on their way home!  The police even gave them a police escort to the high school!  There were a lot of parents anxious to hug their kids!!

Not to get Doctor Phil"ish" but here is my advice for all bands:
 
1.  DON"T WORRY ABOUT OTHER BANDS! - They are doing exactly what you are doing.  Cleaning and polishing their show to put on the best product they can.  You cannot control that so focus on your show and your role.
 
2.  APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT! -   Win or lose, think about the support you have had in order to get here.  Band directors and staff, parents, student leadership, etc.  Your have an army behind you.
 
3.  ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE - Bond with friends.  Enjoy the trip.  Remember everyone there has a love of music and marching.  Break out of your comfort zone and meet other people from other areas.  You don't get the chance to meet so many other people from so many other places with the same passion.  Reach out!!!!
 
4.  JUST PLAY!!!!!! -  That rush of adrenaline you get right before walking on the field - Use it, harness it, own it!!!!  Play your heart out!!!   Leave the field thinking "I didn't leave anything out on that field and neither did the rest of my team". 
 
5. BE RESPECTFUL - EVERY BAND IS AMAZING!!!!!
 
Good luck to all!!!

Here is what amazes me:
 
These kids get together in early August.  They take in 20% freshman who have never marched and played before and take them under their wing.  They learn the music.  They learn the drills.  They put together a show with the guard.  In 3 months they all put on a show with a level of talent that we saw on Saturday. 
 
On top of that they have academics, family obligations, church, a social life, etc.  The amount of time and effort, not only of these kids, but of the band directors and staff, student leadership, we band parents and the people who put on these competitions is unreal.
 
I can only speak for my kid but he wouldn't give it up for the world.  The discipline, camaraderie, friendships, and experiences these band programs provide is unbelievable.  These kids will remember this for the rest of their lives and 90% of them will never play an instrument again after they graduate.
 
My hat is off to every band, every time they walk on the field and perform.  I have only been involved with this for two years but I am amazed with every band I have ever seen in that time.
 
And on the topic of band parents.  I have not had a bad experience yet.  In this area we are all so supportive of each other.  I, literally, bumped into a Marcus parent at Duncanville.  We looked at each others shirts, and at the same time said "I love your show this year!!".  We laughed, shook hands and wished each other luck in SA.  Everyone I meet at these things is so positive it makes me feel privileged to be a part of it.
 
Good luck to all in San Antonio!!!!!!
 
End of rant.........

On the flip side?  Kudos to whoever brought a busload of Hutto football players, in jerseys, to the Area D Prelims today to cheer on their band!  The parents in the stands were amazed and impressed!