LHSax

Let's just hope the next step isn't a DCI format could always be worse?

It's funny that so many people mention Bell 2006, because I honestly think many of us from that generation are on this board today because of that show. Bell 06 hooked me to marching band for life. Simple as that. And then Bell 07 just pulled me deeper in. There are many other shows that have been mentioned here that are fantastic, but that trilogy created a lot of long term marching band fans.

Let's just add one more layer to this - of the last 15 UIL medals awarded, 7 schools from these two districts have won 13 of those 15 medals. Pure domination.

Geez, gotta feel for cedar ridge!! One spot out for boa SA and state finals in the same year? That's rough...so before anyone complains about a judges score, or says "but my band did blah," think about how unlucky cedar ridge was this week. Yikes. And wow, a year without ld bell in boa finals and Duncanville not in UIL finals...the times sure are changing.

You hardcore historians can call me out if this is wrong, and maybe it's already been mentioned...but Churchill must be the first band to ever perform in 4 BOA regional finals in one year, right? Really impressive feat!

Did I just watch a drum corp? No one's touching Flower Mound today!

When you really dig into it, every single time the LISD trio of Leander/CP/Vandy have gone head to head this year, they've edged each other by fractions every time (inlcuding a virtual tie at Area finals) which is made even more interesting because their shows are SO different. The other fun fact is that I'm pretty sure the only band that has beaten any of these bands so far was CTJ at BOA austin, and they only managed to barely prevent a medal sweep. This is made even more impressive by the amazing depth of bands in the CenTex area. I think these groups can and will go toe to toe with the other LISD this year, and it'll be fun as always to see what the heck comes out at the other end!

Can you imagine if the LISD schools+Westlake were still in this area

Don't think I've ever seen a director post on here during my almost 10 years (yikes) on this board...Pretty cool!

UIL seems to be pretty adamantly trying to avoid kids staying up past their bed time...I'm kidding...kind of...but these kids will be fine...Adrenaline cancels out any grogginess from early performance times. No matter what time the competition starts, someone has to go first. It may seem like the short straw, but these kids also get plenty of rest before finals, presuming they make it.

Thought 'morning' was a typo...nope, must've missed that. Something just seems inherently wrong with a morning finals block...but maybe that's just the nostalgia tied to warming up in the dome parking lot after sunset with adrenaline still pumping from finalist announcements. Understand what they're trying to do, just seems like an odd experience.

My thoughts exactly...Could easily see that Vista/Keller Central/Hendrickson/Drip block finish 13-16th in any number of orders.

This Area seems pretty simple to predict...problem being they may only advance 3, when you have 4 bands who could probably make state finals with a good run (Leander, Vandy, Vista, Westlake). Vandy and Leander are pretty easily locks for 1 and 2, and Vista and Westlake are locks for 3rd and 4th. Question is, where will the cutoff be? Don't really see anyone else as much of a factor here...Really a weird area with a very heavy top, and then not much else (not to disregard any other groups, just don't see anyone else as a legitimate threat to those top 4.) Unless I'm missing someone?

All good discussion I'm glad this forum isn't dead anymore! Yay competition season!

Agreed. If anything I'd say Vandy's BOA win is even MORE impressive (and scary for other groups) because I actually think they do emulate the Marcus model of cleanliness more so than the "BOA-side" of things.

Always believed this to be an exaggerated point. Does UIL emphasize cleanliness? Yes. Is it the only factor? Definitely not. A crazy difficult show can mask a few cleanliness errors by simply by being an impressive show. (IE whitewing's example above) I've never been a big believer that judges are checking off boxes in a rubric of difficulty and cleanliness. The fact is, that no matter what the competition is, judges will score a show based on how much they like it...and that's based on a number of factors that they personally find important, based on how they were taught and how they teach. Are there bands that excel a bit more under UIL rubrics? yes...But generally the finals bands at BOA and UIL overlap because a good show is a good show.

The not so bold prediction would be - the winner will come from LISD. I'd say that's a pretty safe bet.

Looks like this may be the year LISD makes the jump from dominating 5A to dominating the entire state. 4 of top 6. Top 2. Let's see what they can do at the Alamodome.

For those watching - what's the ratio of those bands with completed shows vs. those who end with a ballad this early in the season?

I don't think anyone's discounting Cedar Park. I love their musical selections this year, and especially love the opening. However, I think most are in agreement that Leander is on a whole other level this year. I don't know if I'm exaggerating, but I really think they're pushing the envelope this year, similar to what Bluecoats have done the last few years. Just coincidence that they're both blue?

Perfect timing since I just moved away! That is quite the steal!

Both good changes. Thanks for the update!

Leander's show definitely has a Hebron World of Wonder feel to it if you ask me...this is quite the vehicle and if they can get some of those really tough licks cleaned, and really finesse that power of their's, this could really be a special year for them. This is definitely a show meant to peak at GN.

Vista's been on the heels of the other 3 for a while now, just can't seem to get over the hump. They did go through pretty much a complete overhaul of the staff (other than the head director), so we'll see what they do this year. This is always a fun group of bands to watch through out the season, and these next few years will see the addition of a likely much improved Rouse and the new school. What's obvious is that these bands continue their upward trend, now we get to see how high they can go.

Wow, if there was a year Texas was gonna take back the eagle, it's this one...assuming this group of Texas bands holds true through the summer, Texas is gonna be VERY well represented in Indianapolis. Excited to see what these bands have cooked up for a big year! Is it marching season yet?