Mash

This is what it is all about!   Wow, what a memory.

No doubt think Vista Ridge, Vandegrift, and Leander will be coming back even stronger next year. I want them meddling at BOA SA next year
I want to believe Cedar Park will be back to the top next year.
And I really hope the next LISD to have some breakthrough next year to the top, after an amazing season, Rouse HS!
 
I’m keeping Rouse on my radar! I’m calling it now...
#TheRiseofRouse2019

While the night is still young...I have one word:
 
Wow
 
Tonight was special. Everyone sounded amazing and never before have I been in a room with people filled with so much joy. Being a part of the Johnson stampede running into Vista's retreat block might actually be my favorite part of the season. Great job Vista Ridge, FloMo and Vandegrift for medalling and to everyone else participating in the contest.
 
Words cannot describe my experience.

Also, with Vista Ridge now the 6A champ and CP the reigning 5A champion, both of the largest class championships are now held by schools in the city of Cedar Park. Major congrats to Vandegrift and Leander for incredible seasons! So proud to be a resident of the Leander ISD community!

If Anyone has or finds a video of Vista Ridge getting sandwiched by CTJ and Leander at retreat, please, i beg you to give it to me.

Now I'm crying ugly tears....GREAT JOB LEANDER!!!!  That was another brilliant performance.  I'm so sad Polarity is over...WHAT A RIDE IT'S BEEN!

They absolutely are. Every kid today has something to be proud of. They are really knocking it out of the park.

I am happy that all the bands are leaving it all out on the field.

I am happy that all the bands are leaving it all out on the field.

Wouldn't we all willingly pay a few more dollars to get into UIL events if it meant we never had to have this discussion again?

A report via FB from the Keller Band.
 
Heard in the final trumpet section meeting just now from one of the Seniors to the Junior trumpets:
 
"Be the Seniors that you wanted to have as Freshman."
 
The changing of the guard is underway.

#1 draw is a great opportunity to lay down the standard. State has been recently won from the #1 slot by Cedar Park last year. Congrats on finals! 

Tied with Round Rock at 13 and they beat TWCP by 12 spots.  That is awesome.  Dana, Albert, Jerriald, and Taylor did an amazing job this year and made all of CISD proud!
Going back to Eric Kurre, Joe Munoz, and Jack Allen, the Oak Ridge Program has seen crazy growth from a 4A to a 6A school and the band is now huge and a real competitor.  (i really liked their Lux show last year.  It had great potential. 
 
 
Round Rock would have made finals if it was not for the crazy Judge 5 scoring.  What was up with that?  Judge 5 score - 751/34th

And this is the same for Vista as well, we have continued to grow in leaps and bounds which is why the uniform is what it is this year, not enough uniforms for all the kids and not enough money to purchase new ones.
 
Regarding props, Vandy has had huge props just like everyone else.  I remember a huge three part stage constructed on the field two years ago, my friend drove the truck that held it.  So I wouldn't say that Vandy is different.  Flags, rifles, and sabers in drill team have been around marching band for decades.  I am not sure what your point is.  
 
Vandegrift is a great band and has proven it, just like all the other bands yesterday and today.  I hope all of the kids perform their hearts out and take that experience with them.

We must have watched a different Vista Ridge, because that show is non-stop marching. It might be a little park and bark, but the movement is there.

LISD south definitely does this.  The directors all get along and it translates to all the kids in all the programs getting along.  There are many social media posts back and forth showing support.  At Grand Nats two years ago. Leander and Cedar Park were seen "high fiving" each other before and after performances.  Most of the LISD schools sent Drum Majors to SASI the same week so there is a friendly relationship there too.  This week Vista, Vandy and Leander are at the same hotel and there have been pictures floating around of them all  high fiving each other in the hall ways and extending "good luck" messages.  So yes, I would say the "Cross band support" in LISD is excellent. 

I wouldn't put Vista as a lock for anything at this point.   I have seen them get great scores one day and then the next they get scored low.   They need to play their hearts out and leave a show that is their best yet.  I am super proud of them, and the show is a really special this year.  
 
Nothing tomorrow is set.  I would say the top three will most likely come from the top 5 today, but nothing is set.
 
Agreed on the director changes at Vista, so many changes recently and this band director hasn't even had a full year with them yet.    LISD has such a great music instruction program that I am not surprised.  The district pushes each other in band but support each other as well.  

I've loved him since the day he was born. #prouddad

I’m not sure that Waxahachie qualifies as a “wealthy” district. We are 55% free and reduced lunch. Our band is very diverse and our dues are only $200 dollars with the boosters supplementing many of thiose dues. This is a huge win for us anyway you look at it.

I wouldn't put Vista as a lock for anything at this point.   I have seen them get great scores one day and then the next they get scored low.   They need to play their hearts out and leave a show that is their best yet.  I am super proud of them, and the show is a really special this year.  
 
Nothing tomorrow is set.  I would say the top three will most likely come from the top 5 today, but nothing is set.
 
Agreed on the director changes at Vista, so many changes recently and this band director hasn't even had a full year with them yet.    LISD has such a great music instruction program that I am not surprised.  The district pushes each other in band but support each other as well.  

I wouldn't put Vista as a lock for anything at this point.   I have seen them get great scores one day and then the next they get scored low.   They need to play their hearts out and leave a show that is their best yet.  I am super proud of them, and the show is a really special this year.  
 
Nothing tomorrow is set.  I would say the top three will most likely come from the top 5 today, but nothing is set.
 
Agreed on the director changes at Vista, so many changes recently and this band director hasn't even had a full year with them yet.    LISD has such a great music instruction program that I am not surprised.  The district pushes each other in band but support each other as well.  

I wouldn't put Vista as a lock for anything at this point.   I have seen them get great scores one day and then the next they get scored low.   They need to play their hearts out and leave a show that is their best yet.  I am super proud of them, and the show is a really special this year.  
 
Nothing tomorrow is set.  I would say the top three will most likely come from the top 5 today, but nothing is set.
 
Agreed on the director changes at Vista, so many changes recently and this band director hasn't even had a full year with them yet.    LISD has such a great music instruction program that I am not surprised.  The district pushes each other in band but support each other as well.  

Wow, Vista Ridge had the top points and 2nd in Placement!   So proud of them!!!!

Some history:  The Sr's at Vista Ridge have had more changes in Marching Directors in the past 4 years than years (5 changes).  No change with Mr. Christian as Sr. Director, but he is not the Marching Director, hat's off to him for keeping VR competitive through all of this!   Having Mr. Atkinson on board for the whole season and summer along with the youthful influence of Mr. Santos it really makes a big difference!  Here is to more stability for the next several years!

So I just heard United got 34th. That’s pretty awesome. First time at state a few years ago the ended up getting last I believe in prelims. Anyone have any word on the other Laredo band, Alexander? They had a really neat show and I’m curious to see where they landed.

Agreed, at the end of the day it is a subjective competition, and what one judge sees and prefers could differ from another judge. Obviously, very unfortunate for Round Rock, but hopefully the kids could appreciate the feeling they had for their performance instead of focusing on a bad result. I will admit back in high school it was harder to see the bigger picture, but now as an adult you really appreciate just performing with your friends and giving it all that you had to give fans a great show.