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Everyone does NOT have that ability. Top of the line equipment is expensive and adds even more advantage to affluent groups. I know it's a reality of the world some schools have more money than others, but we shouldn't let wealth dictate something for bands that isn't even necessary in the first place. If you want to play loud, learn how to play loud.

Here's a policy to consider:
 
Marching Band is "required" to attend 8-10 (whatever) football games to show support for their team.
Then the football "team" including all players (freshman to senior), all coaches and support staff should be required to attend all marching band contests as well as purchase band merch to show support for the school's marching arts.
 
Let's see how that goes over with the athletic boosters.

(cont.)
 
- Cedar Ridge: I'm probably gonna be a bit biased but man I'm proud of these guys. They managed to be louder than some bands practically double their size and I love that they brought back having a singer in such a great way. I've always been a sucker for Arabian style music so I'm jealous as heck of them for getting this show right after I left. The initial Kashmir hit and the demand of the drill combined with Sabre Dance makes this show an absolute blast to watch! And man that triple tonguing feature from the high brass was so crisp and nice. And while I did see some validity in the complaint about the drill earlier, I do think it's playing to the bands strengths in terms of size, so I give them a bit of a pass.
 
- Hendrickson: My god that soloist! What an amazing player! Starting off with Rhapsody in Blue was fantastic and the show got more fun from there! The character work in this show was endearing and the sound effects just added to it. My friend described it like a Disney cartoon on field, and I couldn't agree more. One of my favorite parts was how at the beginning when the soloist's mic cut out at the beginning but he was so loud he practically didn't even need it! (SIDENOTE: odd coincidence that two schools from PISD had such similar shows to each other prop and overall theme wise!)
 
Round Rock: It seems like Round Rock is taking a bit of a departure from their more story-driven shows from the past few years and I'm honestly fine with it! I really liked a lot of moments in this show, like the opening hit and the saxophone feature and that trumpet soloist! And I love "Once Upon a Time in Paris" so that flute solo was a great way for the show to open with! I hope they do more with the props as the season progresses because they looked really cool. (SIDENOTE: While I think he new uniforms look great, I think removing the Maroon was a mistake. A lot of the forms looked muddy due to the uniform black blending into each other, and I don't think it's any fault of the students)

I saw someone else give some thoughts I thought I'd give mine too! If I leave out any bands from finals I'm sorry! I was either in the bathroom or getting concessions :')
 
- CTJ: Man I was a doubter of the show concept, but the kids just make it work. Everything comes off so naturally, whether it's someone flinging off a shako in character cause it was slipping off, or a major hit. I think this year is gonna be another killer one for them, and I can't wait to see how they grow and change. Normally I'm not one for "hoo rah America WOOOO" because stuff has been so rough recently, but by the end of the show, I was on my feet cheering with the rest of the crowd. (Sidenote: I really think we're going to see an increase of bands "framing" the field in scrims and backdrops after it been providing such an immersive experience for CTJ these past two years)
 
- Leander: If I'm to be entirely honest I think the electronics not working made a better (albeit slightly more awkward) experience! It felt like the music really stepped to fill in the gaps where electronics would be. I'm very happy to see them back on top of their game. The show is cool and absurdly fun to watch and the music is great! After seeing them at a football game I honestly mentally had them pegged to win and they were super close! Gonna be a fun season for competition.
 
- Vandy: Always such a nice *loud* sound that carries. Really thought the Bow and Arrow props were well made and not overly distracting and I really liked how they weren't too in the focus. Also another small thing I liked was the way the scrims showed the arrow curving over the pit and back down. While I did feel like I missed some overall arching story, that could just be on me not watching closely enough due to being pretty tired and just absorbing the music haha. Either way, even though they got third place, I don't see them being anywhere near out of contention for a top three spot at San Antonio this year. They're all very musically talented students.
 
- Vista Ridge: While show the theming is still kinda lost on me, I might be looking at it in a way that's too similar to Boston Crusaders this year when it might be a more metaphorical take on the concept of being "Lost and Found" (if I'm wrong please let me know! I'd love to learn more about this show considering how great the band performing it is). The musicians and soloists are doing amazing this year and are a huge step up and it's so exciting to see a new band break into that upper level of finalists. While I was a little unsure of what the props (not counting the compasses, compi??) were, they worked very well at showcasing the soloists/people playing features) the ballad was absolutely beautiful and I'm pretty sure it's gonna end up being one of my favorites this season.
 
- Cedar Park: This show is FUNNNNN. They really take the circus story and run with it. I liked the use of the singer as the ringleader (if that's the right word?) and the sections of dueling solos! So cool on field and the players were so talented! Really like the way the chest props were flipped and turned into the circus style boxes! Overall just a really really fun show that I'm probably going to find myself watching over and over again.

Those compasses were so cool! I loved the soprano solo. They’re a fantastic band.

They are just a little 5A band from the sticks north of Austin.

sometimes it’s just better to not comment at all

I like this guy.

I was sitting here for a while trying to figure out what does "Weare" mean but I got it eventually   Can't wait to see their show tonight!

Making haltom look really classy on an internet forum, nice way to represent your band i guess...

You guys, you are certainly entitled to your own opinion, but keep in mind this is just High School band. Some of your comments about Marcus have been rather harsh. I'm sure those kids are going through a tough transition with their longtime director being promoted to Fine Arts Director for LISD. I wish them the best of luck and hope that they have a very successful season and continue their tradition of excellence. I'm looking forward to seeing them tonight at Finals

That was a fantastic show.

I am dumbfounded and utterly surprised by Lake Travis.
 
They’ve grown some.

I’ve been generally affected all morning. Are we sure this isn’t SA?

Wow, I've seen Cedar Ridge every week and they still managed to surprise me with how much they turned it up.

I’ll be there! My first contest in the stands.

Great podcast! Haha liked the Anti-Rain Dance shout out, If I can spot you at Reeves I'm definitely gonna say hi!

I'm a simple man. If I see good things about Vista Ridge, I like the post.

I'm a simple man. If I see good things about Vista Ridge, I like the post.

I'm a simple man. If I see good things about Vista Ridge, I like the post.

I'm a simple man. If I see good things about Vista Ridge, I like the post.

If you can stop the rain then I'll really be impressed.

Don't sleep on McNeil, I'd say they're a contender for gold

From what I can tell neisd doesn’t really have this problem. Everyone is supportive of band AND football here. When a player is injured, the stadium is SILENT (unlike one Austin school we played this year and from what I hear many others in Austin). People stay for the whole game, and don’t leave the stands during halftime. The crowd is generally respectful to the band when they are performing, but the noise that is there is understandable with somewhere around 10000 people in the stands. It’s just an all around great environment that makes me proud to be a part of NEISD.

Five bands enter.  
One band leaves.
 
There can only be one Highlander.