SewTallSoprano

So, yes I am a Vandy mom. Have one more thing to say. In the 5 years we have had kids in VHS the band program, and the school, has grown tremendously in numbers. The band itself has more than doubled in size in that short time. I'd say half of the band is made up of freshman in a now 370 member band. I want to applaud the band directors for handling such a huge growth and teaching the freshman such a high level of skill in performance. The directors believe in the kids talent to grow from the start. Everyone marches, not just the upperclass. I am so proud of this organization! Can't wait for the next four years as our last child goes through this amazing program!

Have to disagree with Vandegrift being a "show" band. All is done without using shotgun mics, the field is never filled with crazy gaudi props, marching is super clean straight leg. Vision is a dance team not a drill team with rifles, hoops, balls, swords, shells, etc. And you'll never see them make a show that makes no sense to the audience let alone the kids marching it, the directors just won't have it.

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.

Said it before and I'll say it again, limit the mic levels. Louder is NOT better. It distorts the blend of the band and makes it seem like the directors do not believe in the playing abilities of their students. Good bands in our isd have gone to the way of amp enhancement...makes me sad.

Vandegrift's music was incredible! Technically difficult and professionally executed. Soloists were so strong in all pieces. Especially proud of my senior soloist playing the trumpet solo in Pines of Rome. Congratulations Vandegrift, you deserve the title TMEA Honor Band!

I love to see all the Texas bands keep getting better and better. BUT, I was so disappointed to hear, or rather be subjected to, the AWFUL use of microphones by a couple of the finalists. Not only does it give the message that the director of that band does not believe in its students abilities to perform, but it horrendously distorted the music and created a huge imbalance in the musical performance. And, it was VERY PAINFUL to the audience trying to enjoy the bands' performance. BOA needs to set limits on the use of mic-ing to create a fair marching band experience for all the bands as well as the audience.