BandFan59

Great performance by Pecos to wrap up the day! That sax soloist in the closer was incredible, and for a class A band they produce great sounds that are really full and balanced. Awesome job!

So glad Argyle has decided to enter the BOA world! They had such great sounds and those soloists, especially the flutes, are super talented! Loved the autumn theming and uniforms and hope they continue to pursue the BOA avenue in the future!

No one is beating that performance from Hebron. That is a performance worthy of the gods.

Great performance by Pecos to wrap up the day! That sax soloist in the closer was incredible, and for a class A band they produce great sounds that are really full and balanced. Awesome job!

So glad Argyle has decided to enter the BOA world! They had such great sounds and those soloists, especially the flutes, are super talented! Loved the autumn theming and uniforms and hope they continue to pursue the BOA avenue in the future!

So glad Argyle has decided to enter the BOA world! They had such great sounds and those soloists, especially the flutes, are super talented! Loved the autumn theming and uniforms and hope they continue to pursue the BOA avenue in the future!

Vista Ridge is easily one of the loudest bands of the night. The sounds of the brass on their big hits is just magnificent. Love their rendition of Primacy of Number, it has so much power with the brass but also more delicate moments for the woodwinds to shine through. That ending is just incredible with how powerful they sound! A couple very minor timing issues in the opener, but that's me being very nitpicky. A superb performance and an amazing way to end the finalist performances!

That is awful timing for Vista Ridge, it's super distracting on stream. Can only imagine how much worse it is in person.
Edit: Glad they've decided to try and wait until the show is over. Hopefully it's not too long, the night is already getting quite late as it is and we still have two exhibition bands after Vista.

That is awful timing for Vista Ridge, it's super distracting on stream. Can only imagine how much worse it is in person.
Edit: Glad they've decided to try and wait until the show is over. Hopefully it's not too long, the night is already getting quite late as it is and we still have two exhibition bands after Vista.

No one is beating that performance from Hebron. That is a performance worthy of the gods.

Vandegrift with another stellar performance! That opener is super demanding and I could see some individuals struggling on the multi-cam, but overall they were quite clean and sounded great. The flute soloist in the ballad was a nice refresher after the brass dominant opener and added a layer of subtlety to the show. That ending might be my favorite of the season; it just sounds so hopeful and joyous that combined with the dance team and the flags waving in the background makes for a beautiful effect. Fantastic show!

The Woodlands are just an absolute treat. So much energy across the field, from the incredibly talented color guard to the super powerful brass. That ballad is just sensational. Love this style of production from them and can't wait to see what else they have in store!

It's hard for me to believe this Cedar Ridge show is in the bottom half. You can see on the multi-cam just how bought in every performer is into the show, and it absolutely sells it. Their brass is just a massive wall of sound coming at you, and that jam out session at the front is just awesome. Oh and they also have an absolutely fantastic percussion program, but that's nothing new for them.

That bicycle set is going to be one of the highlights of this entire super regional. Keller has always been fantastic musically and this year's no different. Love the energy of the sax soloist, he was really getting into it. Such a fun show from them!

That bicycle set is going to be one of the highlights of this entire super regional. Keller has always been fantastic musically and this year's no different. Love the energy of the sax soloist, he was really getting into it. Such a fun show from them!

Cedar Park starting off finals with a bang! Another very good production that I think is even better than the one they had last year. Lots of powerful sounds from the brass throughout the entire show and beautiful soloists, especially that saxophone feature in the closer which was excellent. I do wish there was a little more dynamic contrast, as it is mostly just very loud the entire show, but this is something that has applied to a LOT of bands at San Antonio this year so it's not a huge issue. I really hope they go back to Grand Nationals soon, it's far overdue for them.

Bitter, party of one!
There isn't a single band in Finals that isn't excellent. 
You will see many of the same bands in Finals on Tuesday and the UIL system is very different from BOA. These bands excel under both systems because they are among the best high school bands in the country.

Finals Schedule:

7:00 - Cedar Park H.S., TX
7:15 - Marcus H.S., TX
7:30 - Keller H.S., TX
7:45 - Coppell H.S., TX
8:00 - Cedar Ridge H.S., TX
8:15 - Pearland H.S., TX
8:30 - Round Rock H.S., TX
8:45 - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX
9:00 - Flower Mound H.S., TX
9:15 - The Woodlands H.S., TX
9:30 - Vandegrift H.S., TX
9:45 - Hebron H.S., TX
10:00 - Ronald Reagan H.S., TX
10:15 - Vista Ridge H.S., TX
10:30 - Argyle H.S., TX (exhibition)
10:45 - Pecos H.S., TX (exhibition)

Should've known to never count out Keller, they haven't missed finals here since 2014

I'm happy to see the Woodlands are still performing at such a high level even with Perez gone now. They've mastered the Broadway-esque shows and while this one isn't quite hitting the levels that Life is a Cabaret was, it is still very very good and pleasing to watch. The ballad is especially awesome with that excellent trumpet soloist leading up to the big hit. That said the most impressive part of the Woodlands for me is their world class color guard. They are doing things out there that other guards in the state of Texas could only dream of attempting.

I say this every time I see them but Hebron is unreal. The level of musicality and difficulty they're able to put on the field is unmatched by anyone in the country. That brass feature in the opener might be one of the most impressive features I've ever heard from any marching band. Then they have a disgustingly amazing saxophone quartet in the closer. That said, I did notice a few individual marching errors on the multi-cam when it came to visuals and timing, so I do think they have a cleaner run in them, but they're still the best band that's performed today or yesterday, which is absolutely insane.

This block really started off with a bang! Leander was the best they'd sounded all season, and even if the show design isn't as strong as we're used to seeing from them, they still performed it very well. Keller Central was a pleasant surprise too! Loved hearing such powerful sounds from them after going sort of under the radar compared to the other Keller ISD bands.
As for Reagan, that was another outstanding performance. Visually I think it may have been the best of the night, although it's close between them and Vandegrift. I think their color guard/dance team really accentuated their visual proficiencies, and their forms were very clean as they're always known for. Musically I liked that they had a lot more dynamic contrast compared to a lot of the other top groups, with some very notably soft and subtle moments before the big bombastic sounds we're used to seeing from Texas bands. They might be just behind Vandegrift for me tonight but I can see them coming out on top tomorrow.

Vandegrift was outstanding! Musically they were the best band of the night so far and you could hear the technical demand in the opener with the amount of runs in not just the woodwinds but even the high brass. Woodwinds were sublime and for them to be able to march so many performers yet still be so visually clean with good marching technique is remarkable. I especially loved that triumphant sounding ending with the dance team in the background! Had no doubts about them performing well this season even after the director change because VanDoren is an excellent director, but that was really something!

“You’re entitled to your opinion.   I’m entitled to mine. Yours is informed by no better evidence than mine is..”
Objection. Facts not in evidence. This statement has no basis for support and is therefore purely speculative.
“But I will say that there is evidence.”
Anecdotal evidence is largely meaningless, only empirical evidence matters. Due to the nature of this forum and some participant’s preferences neither of us will be allowed to openly discuss the evidence and I have no desire to take this conversation outside the forum. I’ve been down this path enough times before. Hang on to your opinion if it helps you rationalize outcomes and enjoy competitions. It didn’t help me when I was getting started.
“I will say also that I have heard, with my own ears, directors communicating that the phenomena does occur.”
So have I, generally from Directors struggling to rationalize their programs difficulties breaking through to the next level. Saying something happens doesn’t make it true.
“I’ve heard judges say it does occur.”
No comment. Addressing this directly would require breaking our programs Code of Conduct. I’m not going to do that. However, I will add that I notice you didn’t indicate whether the judges you heard said they have personally made decisions based on reputation or if they were saying they know about others who admit to doing it.
 “So it’s not just my opinion.”
Correct. Unfortunately it’s a very widely held fallacy. Again, that doesn’t make it true.
“If you reread my original post, I don’t quibble with it.”
No need. I noted that the first time. I’m not convinced that bears any relevance on the subject.
“Your esoteric explanation really dances around the key word- it’s subjective.    Just like gymnastics and ice skating - and therefore it uses criterion that aren’t objective.”
This activity is a combination of science and art. Of course it’s subjective; I did not suggest otherwise. One of the issues in UIL judging is that the relative value of these subjective preferences are not well defined. For example, are musical and visual accuracy more or less valuable than demand? This example, to a certain extent, also falls on a sliding scale of subjectivity but that doesn’t mean it can’t be better defined through documented video training examples. The NFL and NCAA use this option to clarify pass interference rules changing from well defined objectivity in the ‘70’s to the highly subjective mess of today’s game. Another example would be whether music and drill demand have higher value when performed in combination versus being performed separately. This one is actually defined on the judging sheet but we routinely see some bands highly rewarded for what amounts to “park and play” even though this is clearly not in compliance with the current judging sheet. Adjudication based entirely, or even just heavily, on personal preferences is not sustainable. As for the esoteric nature of my comment, you seem to have missed the point. There are people on this forum who can, and will, learn when given the opportunity, simply because they want too.
“Like reputation.“
Where exactly is “reputation” on the judging sheet? I’m not saying there are no Judges that have ever been influenced by reputation. But I am saying that it is a very small minority and also highly inappropriate. All a Judge has is their own reputation which is why they don’t let a bands reputation influence the outcome of a competition. Each performance must speak for itself or integrity and credibility is lost.
“Boxing”
An interesting example. A few years ago I asked a Judge I’ve known for decades about his decision regarding First and Second place at DCI Finals in Indianapolis. He talked me through the details and then said, “If you want to beat the World Champion, you have to do it decisively and leave no question about it.” On the surface that statement might appear to support the idea of reputation influencing a Judge but further discussion revealed that’s not what he was talking about. If you want to break through to the next level, kick down the door. Win decisively. Leave no doubt.
“And that’s irrefutable.”
Hardly, but you have made it clear you have no intention of being persuaded which is why I originally indicated I was done with this conversation. I chose to reengage because of the possibility that someone else will be open to the information and learn a new perspective. Thereby giving up on a tired fallacy, while gaining a better understanding of the adjudication process and more satisfying enjoyment of the contests they attend. It worked for me.
Yeah, I know. My wife always tells me, “Too many words.” 🙄

Final predictions and thoughts on what will be a very competitive super regional:
1. Hebron (M/GE)
This is probably the only band I'm fairly confident in placing where I have them. Hebron has somehow raised the level for them in terms of demand both musically and visually and are putting out some absolutely insane sounds. The brass is inexplicably incredible and visually they're nailing some very difficult drill sets. No one in the country can play as good as them and I think they will repeat here and at UIL State.
2. Vandegrift
It hurts me slightly to predict Vandegrift here as it would be three years in a row they place 2nd. That said, they've got another great show with some super cool music from Tron. While I prefer Juliet Letters, I really like that they're also pushing the envelope in demand and think they're doing a good job with it. They may have lost to Vista Ridge at area but I think they'll bounce back and at least grab a medal here.
3. Ronald Reagan (V)
I think Reagan's show this year is a better version of what they had last year. Visually they have some really nice drill moves and I think they may have my favorite preshow of the season. They still sound excellent, especially the brass (great trombone soloists), and their color guard/dance team is phenomenal.
4. Cedar Ridge
So happy to see them follow up on their fantastic season last year with an even better one! The things they're doing with an ensemble half the size of some bands here is super impressive. The brass is incredible and the percussion is top tier as always. Love this show.
5. Claudia Taylor Johnson
For a show that's a little more lowkey they've still got a crazy amount of demand in their music and drill and are pulling it off. The ballad has grown on me over the season to be one of my favorites, and I think the preshow is super creative and very cool. It's not as cohesive as some of their past shows, but I still enjoy it very much.
6. Flower Mound
Probably the most creative show concept I've seen anywhere this season. The artwork is super creative and well done and I love their uniforms to match it. It's not my favorite FM show, I think the drill is a little meh at certain points, but at the same time there are some moments like the ending that really blow my mind. Musically they are outstanding of course.
7. Vista Ridge
There are few bands that can make me raise my eyebrows and think wow when I hear a full ensemble moment and Vista Ridge is one of them. They sound so incredible in those moments, especially the ending of their show. After watching their area performance there are a couple of timing miscues here and there, but nothing that can't be easily fixed. I'm a fan!
8. Marcus
While their show is not as difficult as some other bands here, they are still remarkably clean. Visually there are some really cool moments like the pivot in the beginning set. The orchestral sound they produce is iconic and I'm expecting to see some very high performance captions.
9. Coppell
Love to see them continuing their upward trajectory after a breakout season last year! They might have my favorite ballad of the season with a beautiful sax soloist. While I'm not as sold on the closer as their opener/ballad, I give them props for putting Beethoven in Havana on the field as I don't think I've ever seen that before. Really great show!
10. Cedar Park
Really impressive to see them field such a massive group yet still sound very balanced and clean. Their ballad is a highlight of the season and I'm not at all surprised to see them win Waco so convincingly. There are a few moments in the drill that are a little dirty for me, but I think they are solidly in finals.
11. The Woodlands
Director changes can be hard to weather, especially when you lose multiple directors, but the Woodlands are still very strong this year! The show is a little reminiscent of last year and isn't quite as heavy-hitting, but they still produce excellent sounds and their soloists are just as good as ever.
12. Round Rock
It's great to see Round Rock bounce back from what was probably a disappointing season last year. Visually I think the design is much stronger than many of their recent shows, and they still sound as good as they always have. They're definitely towards the upper end of the finals bubble and I expect to see them in finals.
13. Westlake
They've got a really creative show this year! I think they hit the mark on the noir theming of the show. Their clarinet soloist is really quite spectacular and the ensemble sounds excellent. Really awesome show concept and a definite crowd-pleaser.
14. Cy-Fair
I would love to see them cap off their outstanding season so far with a finals appearance here! Really fantastic sounds from their brass and the uniforms make for some pretty cool visual moments when they turn around. The percussion is also very impressive and the woodwinds do a great job with their runs. Great trumpet soloist too!
In the bubble: Keller, Leander, Rouse, James Bowie, Pearland, LD Bell, Timber Creek, Waxahachie, Seven Lakes, Klein Oak, Westwood, Lake Travis, Hendrickson, a dozen other bands I've forgotten. Seriously, the finals bubble is just massive.
Of the bands I have listed I think any of the top 11 bands I have down could get into the top half. Any of the bands I have listed in the bubble could also get into finals and wouldn't surprise me. This contest is just ridiculously competitive.