hgpatx

I'm a McCallum class of 2016 grad, and I can't tell you how much missing state by 1 in Area D stung for everyone in 2015. Of course when Dripping Springs is getting 5th right ahead of you, it's kind of hard for a diamond show from a smaller band to make state. Our show that year was fantastic, probably better than this years. In any other area, we would have made state most certainly, and maybe even state finals. The competition in Area D was stiffer in 2015 though (to make state, that is). There was less bands and more top-tier state bands. I heard good things about Austin High. I'll keep an eye on them when I watch the state contest live. MAC, Austin, and Rouse are all dark horses though for state finals (I think one of the three will make it), while I think Drip, CP, and Georgetown are locks. I think McCallum is in the best position to make finals of all those bands. That being said, I think Area D might put 4 in finals but they might miss out on all the three dark horses I listed. But I am biased towards Area D. One non-biased opinion is that I do firmly believe the top two will be Dripping Springs and Cedar Park.

Over/Under for y'all, Do y'all think that Area D will have the most representatives (even without Leander/ Vandegrift/ Vista Ridge) in finals yet again? I'm going to take the over here, with 4 representatives. Cedar Park (Gold Medal) Dripping Springs (Silver Medal) Georgetown (8th) McCallum (10th) (I put them over Rouse mainly because Rouse drew such an unfavorable time slot. However, I do expect Rouse to be 1st or 2nd alternate, even with the time slot)

I do, but them drawing an early time slot puts them in a tough spot to make finals. I remember how sluggish I sometimes was in morning rehearsals. I think McCallum, which got 5th at Area D finals to Rouse getting 4th, is in a better spot just based on the time they drew. Rouse needs a near perfect performance to make finals. If they had drawn a later time slot, absolutely. I would even put money on it. I'm no expert, but bands which draw early time slots are generally put in a tough position. I remember back in 2015 at Area D finals that LBJ HS drew an early time slot (at 2nd I believe) and they had a show that was definitely good enough to make finals and they missed it by one. McCallum had the same problem in 2011. Drew an early time, missed it by one. It doesn't make a huge difference, but it could result in one band missing finals that should make it. I'm not saying this is the case all the time, but bands which tend to draw a really early time slot (Like in the top 3) are generally in trouble. Unless it's a Cedar Park or a Dripping Springs type of band, it's generally kind of hard to overcome going so early. I heard they had some great visual presentation. It's one of the finalist bands at Area that I did not see. I got to see McCallum, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs but not the others. I might have seen 1 or two others but none of the other advancing bands.

I've always loved Cedar Park. A well deserved state title. Great music that ain't easy, and clean marching. Also their power too! I picked them to win state when I first watched them at BOA Austin. Their music is always something, and always well done. Area D represent!

Finals Top 5 Pick: - Cedar Park - Leander - Vandegrift - Vista Ridge - Dripping Springs after, maybe Centennial or Wakeland.

Area D sweep of top 5 at prelims (Vandegrift, CP, Leander, VR, DS). That area was stacked this year, like always, except even more than usual. Even in Area D finals, it was a mini state contest right in the backyard of Central Texas. McCallum and Connally might have made finals at this contest. If McCallum was in this contest, what do all of you Area D folk think?

McCallum didn't have half their drill to mvt. 4 at VR Marching fest. Yet finished 2nd in music in prelims overall and 4th in finals overall (ahead of Connally and Westlake at prelims and tied with Connally at finals). They got the 5A caption in percussion and music. Georgetown only got .1 points ahead of McCallum, and they had a complete show vs. a partially incomplete show, so you can't really judge on that contest. I still think McCallum can make it very interesting.

Connally and McCallum look like the dark horses this year.

Unlike a lot of y'all who think there will be 4 from Area D, I think there will be 5, because there are 2 AISD schools that are starting to get better and might break into Area this year that previously didn't. Reagan HS in Austin got its 1st 1st division rating in 25 years last year and Ann Richards doesn't look terrible. Both weren't in the contest last time and there were 23 bands last time. If these predictions hold, there will be 25 bands who are in area this year, which means 5 go to state. Also McCallum is a huge dark horse this year, bigger than LBJ. But my safe picks are: - Cedar Park - Vandegrift - Vista Ridge - Leander - Dripping Springs (if 5 go)

Ok thanks. I thought the cutoff was like 2050. Thank you.

Finally AISD will get a better chance than it has had to put some bands into the 5A State Competition. Area D was a nightmare for AISD schools in 2013, with only 2 advancing to finals and no AISD school placing higher than 8th (LBJ). I assume that Leander will move back up to 6A because I think it's just above the cutoff point, so if the new Area E puts 3 5A bands into state regularly it would be: - Cedar Park - Dripping Springs - LBJ if 4: - Cedar Park - Dripping Springs - LBJ - McCallum Based on 2013 Area results, without Leander Schools.

McCallum, LBJ, Dripping Springs and Connally always push the Leander Schools in Area D. I think Cedar Park wins State this year, their concept is well done and their show looks clean. They are by far my favorite. Here's who I think makes area D finals: - Cedar Park - Leander - Vandegrift - Vista Ridge - Connally - Dripping Springs - LBJ - McCallum - Georgetown - East View (or Seguin)

Who do y'all see getting 3rd?

McCallum could be a surprise this year. I'm not saying they will go on to state, but be watching for them.