horns91

Unfortunately, we see more and more of the BOA stuff being rewarded in UIL. The top two bands this year have half the marching of Vandegrift and Hebron and Marcus. And if the judges are in the boxes, they also reward amping, totally BOA thing. We lived through DCI this summer as our daughter marched Crown. Shows have gone the way of broadway musicals. Anything goes, and the crazier the higher the score. I would like the see the playing field leveled at UIL to showcase pure talent in marching and music, rather than the amount of props and decibels on the field.

Everyone is so sensitive right now.     Even BOA doesn't cause this sort of angst!   Makes me sad.
 
Peace out, people...it's all good.      

All bands in Region 18 - Austin area including Bowie - received first division ratings tonight. For Area D this means 32 bands will advance and six will qualify for State.

That's HUGE for Area D, 6 instead of 5!  So happy for Stony Point in Region 26 getting a 1. With our focus on who is winning BOA or UIL, it's easy to forget the bands that have struggled in the past and who, by dint of just caring to do their best, start to see some success. The bands that move me aren't those that have all the props and perfect intonation and great show design,
they're the ones that are TRYING so hard. Stony Point getting a 1; that's AWESOME!

All bands in Region 18 - Austin area including Bowie - received first division ratings tonight. For Area D this means 32 bands will advance and six will qualify for State.

and written by a prominent member of Txbands! ;-)

I was starting to think that English is a second language for you! (all your uniform are belong to us)

Very good observations about RR. The staff changes, new show writers, concept and music have all combined to make a distinct upgrade over the last several years. This year’s show is incredibly entertaining and powerful with some things that most won’t expect from the Dragon Band. That combined with the new uniforms will make a bold statement in two weeks.
 
Get excited folks. You will really like what you see.

Very good observations about RR. The staff changes, new show writers, concept and music have all combined to make a distinct upgrade over the last several years. This year’s show is incredibly entertaining and powerful with some things that most won’t expect from the Dragon Band. That combined with the new uniforms will make a bold statement in two weeks.
 
Get excited folks. You will really like what you see.

Very good observations about RR. The staff changes, new show writers, concept and music have all combined to make a distinct upgrade over the last several years. This year’s show is incredibly entertaining and powerful with some things that most won’t expect from the Dragon Band. That combined with the new uniforms will make a bold statement in two weeks.
 
Get excited folks. You will really like what you see.

Hey everyone,  I have seen a lot of talk about the perennial powers but what about the dark horses and surprise bands for 2018. It doesn't matter what class or area, lets see who everyone is expecting to step up this year?  I'll admit, I have no idea as I recently got hooked on marching band with my son being in band. So, those of you that know band, what do you think??   

I'm confused are all these video posts of some band that not coming to Waco?

My current guess - based on what I have seen - is that the Top 5 and and Top 10 are very similar to last year.  CTJ should be the clear favorite.
 
I have seen Round Rock perform in person and can tell you that they have raised their game immensely and may be a dark horse.  Their band is much further along than previous years and their music is outstanding.  The opener will blow many people away - a return to some of their roots that made them a fan favorite in the past.  Vandegrift and Leander look to be their typical incredible selves.  By all accounts this appears to be the best BOA Austin competition in recent memory.  Should be fun!

Amazing Performances and extremely high scores
 
http://www.musicforall.org/resources/fall-results/2017/austin-tx-results
 
85.05 - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
82.25 - Vandegrift H.S., TX
81.95 - Round Rock H.S., TX
81.90 - Leander H.S., TX
80.30 - Cedar Park H.S., TX
78.40 - Cedar Ridge H.S., TX
77.45 - Hendrickson H.S., TX
75.65 - Winston Churchill H.S., TX
75.00 - James Bowie H.S., TX
73.65 - Vista Ridge H.S., TX
 
Outstanding Music Performance - (tie) Vandegrift H.S., TX & Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
Outstanding Visual Performance - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
Outstanding General Effect - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX

Amazing Performances and extremely high scores
 
http://www.musicforall.org/resources/fall-results/2017/austin-tx-results
 
85.05 - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
82.25 - Vandegrift H.S., TX
81.95 - Round Rock H.S., TX
81.90 - Leander H.S., TX
80.30 - Cedar Park H.S., TX
78.40 - Cedar Ridge H.S., TX
77.45 - Hendrickson H.S., TX
75.65 - Winston Churchill H.S., TX
75.00 - James Bowie H.S., TX
73.65 - Vista Ridge H.S., TX
 
Outstanding Music Performance - (tie) Vandegrift H.S., TX & Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
Outstanding Visual Performance - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
Outstanding General Effect - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX

zvchy, I like your energy.  I will watch Hutto.  Same for you, Madison Band Man.  I love the pride you two have in your groups.  Keep posting. I will definitely remember to watch your groups this year and hope for the best!  Shoot for the stars!

Round Rock

Without going into details, I will say that I have watched the majority of the contender's shows in person. I believe the top spot will be either Reagan or Flower Mound. It will be very close. CTJ's show is awesome - if they can have clean runs they will be in the mix.
 
Leander and Vandegrift both have remarkable shows - and for those that have not seen Round Rock, this is their best show since their run at Grand Nationals in 2013. They could be the absolute surprise of the weekend and contend for top 5. They tend to peak late and this year is no different.
 
Saturday night should be spectacular!

Without going into details, I will say that I have watched the majority of the contender's shows in person. I believe the top spot will be either Reagan or Flower Mound. It will be very close. CTJ's show is awesome - if they can have clean runs they will be in the mix.
 
Leander and Vandegrift both have remarkable shows - and for those that have not seen Round Rock, this is their best show since their run at Grand Nationals in 2013. They could be the absolute surprise of the weekend and contend for top 5. They tend to peak late and this year is no different.
 
Saturday night should be spectacular!

Without going into details, I will say that I have watched the majority of the contender's shows in person. I believe the top spot will be either Reagan or Flower Mound. It will be very close. CTJ's show is awesome - if they can have clean runs they will be in the mix.
 
Leander and Vandegrift both have remarkable shows - and for those that have not seen Round Rock, this is their best show since their run at Grand Nationals in 2013. They could be the absolute surprise of the weekend and contend for top 5. They tend to peak late and this year is no different.
 
Saturday night should be spectacular!