Samuel Culper

I hear Dripping Springs has a good show this year. How's that?

Leander's opening hit is phenomenal. The rest of what they performed tonight was also great. Can't wait to see their final movement. Cedar Park and Vandegrift were both were both fantastic, particularly on the visuals with Vandy. Strong sound, as expected, from both. I hate to say it, but I was pretty underwhelmed by Rouse. They still stick out compared to their sister schools, not in a good way. Although it is a tough curve to grade on. I'll refrain from comment on Vista Ridge as I am admittedly biased. :-)

Monday, Sept 21st at Bible stadium. All five high schools will perform their field shows, plus middle schools in between. For Austin area fans this is a great chance to see some really good bands in a non-football environment. Only $5 admission.

2/3 up, anywhere between the 40s.

1A regional advancers will go directly to State. No Area round.

Four from Area D is probably a good guess.

Offering up my $.02... This is only my third year to be involved as a marching band contest fan. Two years ago I attended the 4A Area D contest and it was only my 3rd contest ever to attend. I was there all day and watched the Preliminaries and when they were over I went through the list of bands in the program and checked off ten bands that I thought would make Finals. Those ten bands finished 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. I then sat through Finals and then checked the four bands I thought would advance to State. Those bands finished 1, 2, 3 and 5. (Yes, I went LISD full homer in my predictions, but was not at all surprised or disappointed that Connally advanced. They were terrific.) I am not trying to sound prescient. I have had no such success trying to predict any BOA contest I have attended. My point is that I believe there is something very intuitive about the UIL system for scoring. And I say that knowing very little about the details of the scoring system. Whatever it is, I think it tends to reward quality and challenging programs, without getting distracted - one way or the other - by spectacle. (Yes, that is a reference to GE)

If Vegas were handicapping this event it seems like it would be CTJ, O'Connor and the Field. Am I wrong?

A break after one band?

Area D contest will be October 24th at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park.

The Leander opener is freaking fantastic.

Vista already has 3 of 4 movements on the field. Farthest along they have been at this point probably ever. The drill is much more challenging than in the past and I personally love the music. Tons of potential with this show.

Does anybody know how many and which states hold annual state marching contests?

As far as LISD goes, it looks likely Vandegrift and Vista Ridge move up to 6A in realignment. Possibly Leander as well. Current projections for those schools for 2016-17: Vandy 2426 Vista 2285 Leander 2098 Rouse will stay 6A and Cedar Park will stay 5A. Glenn will start varsity competition in 2018 as a 5A school.

5A Results 1 Aledo 2 Vandegrift 3 Waxahachie 4 Southwest 5 Vista Ridge Area D represent!

Double post.

Anybody has the option to compete up one class. It's fairly common.

Vista Ridge also advancing.

I know that one of the Area D 5A advancers is Vandegrift.

For anybody looking for all the Leander ISD schools to mpve up to 6A, it won't happen any time soon. As mentioned above, the district's 6th high school is set to open in 2016 - Tom Glenn HS. As part of the planning for attendance zone changes, the district has already identified the site for HS #7 and estimate it to open approximately 2023. Rouse will probably drop back to 5A in the next realignment with Vandegrift likely moving up to 6A and staying there for good. Rouse, Leander, CP and Vista should stay in 5A for at least next year's realignment, with Rouse and Vista possibly moving up to 6A in the 2018 realignment.

Vista Ridge video with sound is hosted here: http://www.rebeccahedgeslyon.com/Marching-Band/2015-Vista-Ridge-High-School/Show-Announcement/2015BandFieldProduction/

Rouse is the only LISD band currently in 6A. But with the opening of Glenn HS next year it is very possible they will drop back to 5A in next spring's realignment.

There is more than one relevant LISD when it comes to Texas high school marching bands!

Vista Ridge hosts their contest Oct. 3rd.

The information about LISD above is incorrect. The 6th high school is under construction in the NW corner of the district and will open in 2016. Leander and Rouse will be most impacted with Rouse likely to drop back to 5A in the next realignment.