BandFan59

No surprise finalists this year for me. All of the finalist bands were outstanding in prelims. This will be a PHENOMENAL finals to witness.

Prelims Results Class AAAA Outstanding Music Performance - Hebron H.S., TX Outstanding Visual Performance - Vandegrift H.S., TX Outstanding General Effect - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX 1st - Hebron H.S., TX 2nd - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX 3rd - Vandegrift H.S., TX Class AAA Outstanding Music Performance - Cedar Park H.S., TX Outstanding Visual Performance - Cedar Park H.S., TX Outstanding General Effect - Rouse H.S., TX 1st - Rouse H.S., TX 2nd - Leander H.S., TX 3rd - Cedar Park H.S., TX Class AA Outstanding Music Performance - Pioneer H.S., TX Outstanding Visual Performance - Pioneer H.S., TX Outstanding General Effect - Pioneer H.S., TX 1st - Pioneer H.S., TX 2nd - Veterans Memorial H.S., TX 3rd - Crockett H.S., TX Class A Outstanding Music Performance - Hidalgo Early College H.S., TX Outstanding Visual Performance - Hidalgo Early College H.S., TX Outstanding General Effect - Pecos H.S., TX 1st - Pecos H.S., TX 2nd - Hidalgo Early College H.S., TX 3rd - The Ann Richards School, TX Finalists (in random order): The Woodlands H.S., TX Vandegrift H.S., TX Vista Ridge H.S., TX Hebron H.S., TX Marcus H.S., TX Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX Coppell H.S., TX Cedar Ridge H.S., TX Ronald Reagan H.S., TX Leander H.S., TX Rouse H.S., TX Cedar Park H.S., TX Keller H.S, TX Pearland H.S., TX

If I'm being perfectly honest that was a pretty rough run for Reagan. Noticeable tears in the opener made it difficult for the band to gel together. Visually they were very good like they normally are but I think Reagan might find themselves at the bottom of the top half or even dropping into the bottom half with that run.

What a great performance by Waxahachie! That jazzy ballad was absolutely fantastic to listen to and honestly reminded me of Hebron's 2017 ballad. The saxophone drum major is very talented. Visually there were a few miscues that I think will ultimately keep them out of finals, but man do they sound amazing.

Really strong performance from Klein Oak there! They move well and play with strong sounds. Lux Aurumque is one of my favorite pieces by Whitacre and I think they did a really good job recreating it in the ballad. I think they'll fall just short of finals with the level of competition here, but I can see them doing really well at state.

A very classic Marcus type show IMO. Very rich sounds that blend so well paired with drill that, while admittedly isn't the hardest, is incredibly clean. The ballad with the two mellophone soloists is fantastic and one of the highlights of the season. Fantastic performance and one that really epitomizes what Marcus is.

Pearland was very clean. Glad to see their director changes haven't affected them as much as they can. They're in the bubble for me tonight.

Cypress Woods gave a strong performance! Visually they were very clean and played with nice full sounds. I could see them potentially sneaking into finals here with how big the bubble is right now.

Hebron is on a different level when it comes to musical abilities. The fact that they can perform that type of music so well while marching is incredible. The visual program has definitely been more fleshed out, especially in the closer. I had them down as winning UIL State but I might've underestimated them here; that could be a potential gold medalist show for me.

Loved that performance from Coppell. They have such a fun production this year; them, Leander, and Flower Mound really make me appreciate the more light hearted shows and how well designed they can be. Excellent job on all the technical runs and that brass is strong! Not the cleanest run we’ve seen from them but I think they did enough to get back into finals here.

Brennan with a great performance to finish day 1! Not easy to go after a band like the Woodlands but they did really well.

The Woodlands was excellent. They don't have the most difficult drill, but it's executed very well for the most part (I did notice a few blemishes) and they sound fantastic. Their soloists are outstanding (especially the tenor sax) and they easily have the best color guard in the state. The ending has grown on me to where it no longer feels quite as abrupt. I'm not a huge fan of these style of shows but the Woodlands performs them incredibly.

Good lord, Claudia Taylor Johnson is not playing around. They've made so many changes since BOA Austin, but I think most all of them have been for the better. I appreciate better use of the vocalist so that she no longer seems to be an afterthought, and I thought the band sounded FANTASTIC. Easily the loudest band of the day and although it wasn't the cleanest run, I think they did enough there to top Vandegrift for me. I absolutely adore this production and I really hope it gets the love it deserves from the judges here and in Indianapolis.

Nice performance from Keller. They've always had great sounds and this year is no exception. The trombone quartet in the ballad was a highlight for me. I have to admit that I was expecting a bit more though, as I find myself thinking the show is a little lacking, especially visually. Definitely not a lock for finals, going to be in that tough bubble range for me.

A full retreat is when all finalist band members go to the field for the finals awards. In prelims only the drum majors receive the awards and line the fields, but in finals all members of every finalist band is present on the field. After the results and awards are announced bands "break ranks" and converse with each other to celebrate the finals competition.

Timber Creek did really well! I was surprised at how strong they sounded, especially the brass. I'm glad they finally made it to UIL state. Have to agree that the ending was a bit abrupt though.

Really enjoyed Leander. They still play with fantastic sounds and have great soloists and features. The show isn't as ambitious as Radioactive or even Polarity, but it has a very relaxed vibe to it that makes it easy to enjoy. I got a little bored towards the end with the transition out of the ballad, but the show finished on a great note. Also of note, Coppell announced that they've been moved from 8:45 PM tonight to 9:45 AM tomorrow morning due to unforeseen circumstances. They're still in panel 1 with that new time.

This last block is going to be insane and I am so ready for it.

Vandegrift!!! That was so unbelievably amazing! The ballad has to be one of the best of the season. Who would've known Jar of Hearts would've been such a great marching band selection??? They have one of the best brass sections in the country. Absolutely loved every minute of the performance.

Really glad to see Cedar Park back to the form we know them by! A really well designed show that has a lot of great ensemble moments to make use of the larger group they have this year. Definitely going to see them again tomorrow night! I also hope they make the trip back to Indianapolis soon; they would easily be a contender for class AAA.

That would be pretty cool if that's the case

Loved the little touches Cedar Ridge added to Medea's so it's not exactly the same familiar medley we all know. Great sounds from them with a very powerful brass section. I expect to see them in finals tomorrow.

That's a very demanding closer from Round Rock. Great performance and excellent sounds, but not sure if it will be clean enough for finals here IMO. Also couldn't help but be slightly distracted by the one performer in the mellophones who was marching with a saxophone lol.

Really enjoyed Westlake! They have some fantastic soloists. The woodwind ensemble at the beginning was excellent and I'm always a sucker for a good saxophone solo. Saw a few individuals on the multi-cam look a little shaky visually but generally was impressed with the visual program as a whole. Very unfortunate to have those tech issues; hopefully they aren't penalized too badly from those.

Looks like Westlake is having tech issues 🥴