PLC137

You're right - at least those three other TX bands would've been there. It is possible one would have been pushed out (maybe RR?). Broken Arrow and Blue Springs might push out the one California (population 40M) group. Some other groups bear mentioning, I don't mean to leave anyone out. I stand by my point, overall, though - we should be careful not to gloat too much given the size and population of the state. I actually don't mind if we gloat a little over California, though This overlooks Illinois (14M), whom didn't get anyone in at all. Illinois, population wise, is basically Chicago area + about 10 mid-size (150k-ish) cities "down state." The other point, I think we all agree, is Nationals is not "national" without Texas.

I'm super proud of Texas as well... I will say this is the real marching band capital of America, and any of four major cities could dare to call themselves headquarters. But as a former Missourian, Illinoisan, and Indianan, I will point out one thing for the Midwest - the combined population of Missouri (6M), Indiana (6.5M), Oklahoma (4M), and Ohio (12 M) is about 28.5M or so. Texas is at 28.7M. So, for us to have 6 in finals and those states to collectively have 5, is about right, per capita. This factors in Missouri, which had no finalists this year (perhaps Blue Springs didn't come). You would have to think OK would have one if Broken Arrow would have come.

We should all enjoy now but don't celebrate on the 2-yard line... finals is another story and another set of judges (I think). That said, I'm really happy for Round Rock too. My house is right on the dividing line for LISD and RRISD... so kids from our neighborhood are there. This is total redemption for the Dragons, having actually missed finals at BOA Austin... crazy right?

Wow, nice showing by LISD, but I'm especially happy for Leander HS. I hope they clean up in finals as well.

A Vista director allegedly told the band that this year they would be better than last year. That turned out to be true. Of course others improved as well. Complacency will evidently get you kicked down about 8 places.

That's really unfortunate that our largest state by population and (almost) largest by state income tax rate can't fund programs like these. Glad you made it here. We here are glad to have the out-of-staters come and keep us honest.

I have to agree there are two things the most successful bands have in common: 1) upper-middle and upper class school district 2) heavy parental involvement I think there's a point where throwing in more money stops helping, but there's also a point below which you can't get even the basic transportation, equipment, teachers, etc. Speaking for the Cedar Park area, it is a pretty wide range. Definitely it can be quite a burden on some parents, especially younger parents with multiple kids. I'm going to make a mistake here and add things up... Private lessons - $800/year, 7 years = $5600 Basic marching fees - $1200/year, 4 years = $4800 Donations and fundraisers - varies considerably, say $500/year, 4 years = $2000 "Nice" instrument - varies considerably, say $1500 T-shirts - $10 each, 5/year, 4 years = $200 Lifelong friendships, memories, and character building -priceless! So probably $10k-$15k investment over seven years, about a semester or year of college. I guess it seemed like more when writing checks for two and three kids. For some people this is a huge sacrifice, for others it is round-off error in their checking account or the difference between getting the Model 3 or Model S.

I bet they do. But maybe not, since I've never known engineers to allow anything to ship on schedule (speaking from career in engineering)!

Yep. It's like a farm program. To my amazement, they strongly encourage kids starting in 6th grade to take private lessons. They line up the instructors and steer kids to them, carving out time during normal rehearsal or before/after school. Rates are fixed by the district based - typically about $20-$25 per half hour (not bad consider I pay $38 for half hour of piano lessons). The curriculum is coordinated with the directors. As far as I know, they don't do any actual marching performance in middle school. There's a middle school night, but it is stand and play. Around April or May they start inviting the middle school kids to practice with the high school kids in after school "camps." All that helps build excitement. I remember because my Class'19 graduate came home from a camp really energized about joining the band. Maybe other districts do the same.

OK, thanks. Yes, agreed that is a bad way to go out, a bit draconian. Not sure the punishment fits the crime there.

What happened?

Rouse is one of my favorite shows. Though they be but small, they are fierce. The edged out Cedar Park at the TX Marching Classic, so its very conceivable they'll place well. People are saying CP has the ideal show for UIL, so it looks like the City of Cedar Park will continue its reign of terror over the state marching championships.

Preditions for Finals (in no particular order): 1. Voldemort 2. Cedar Mound 3. Nancy Reagan 4. Lee Anderson 5. James T. Johnson 6. Vista Park 7. Park Ridge 8. Northwood 9. The Lakelands 10. West Woodlands 11. Harkus 12. Cedar Rock 13. Murrieta Ridge 14. Hebrowie Bubble: El Taco Bell Don't say it can't happen.

Yeah, that guy is really dedicated - and friendly too. What will we do when his kids graduate? Football parents are crazy, but band parents are freaking insane.

A lot of predictions here, is anyone willing to put money on it? Any one want to bet me $1,000 per correct placement, $500 per caption?

I really think there should be a massive trophy for finishing 15th.

Yeah, I saw region 32 today as well. I would agree Vista's show came more alive. I heard from the kids they had to redo the closer. They'll be fine. I also was told they decided they are going to Nationals. I was told 2020 but I don't believe that given the money, logistics, and the fact it is a state year. Poor Leander was plagued today by some issue with their sound equipment and started their show in the middle. Handled it maturely though. I also thought Rouse outperformed Cedar Park. I'm not an expert, but for a finals spot I might give Rouse the edge or at least a fighting chance.

I had never seen Clovis before. They were good. Hope they score well.

I don't know why but I find myself rooting for Del Rio. Seems like they've got spirit. They actually dropped 5 points in score from BOA South Texas finals to BOA Austin prelims... In one week. Shows how much scores can vary by contest, but I thought 66 at Austin was harsh! Couple thoughts on Vista. 1) They march a lot of freshman. Many of their best players are freshman stars but have never marched before or competed. I think it pays off later in the season and in future years, but early in season I think it could explain a lot 2). I don't think they're doing their whole show at Midland. Last part wasn't ready last night at the local festival of bands, and I heard they were redoing some of the closer. That could be a factor on Saturday. But otherwise they look good.

Another good strategy is to ride a bicycle in there. I've been doing that for three years. I live in the area, but even if you don't, you could park in a nearby neighborhood and bike over. Save $5 on parking!

My favorite year so far as well. In Vista's favor I'm going say they finished 4th last year and went in the 4th a San Antonio and 1st at state. So a lot can change.. which goes for everyone. Interested to see Hornrank later this week. Indianapolis is the "marching capital of the world" ....my butt.

I put them a bit lower only because the final movement was a but annoying with the whistles. Rest was great to me. I also downgraded anyone using shotgun mics (whole ensemble amplification). Not against the rules but a crutch. A big band shouldn't need it.

My guess. 1. Vandegrift 2. Leander 3. Vista Ridge 4. Claudia 5. Cedar Ridge 6. Lake Travis 7. Bowie 8. Cedar Park 9. Westwood 10. Rouse So a betting man would see what I wrote and pick something different.

If Vandegrift wins, they're the best... But I would like to see them do a different theme show one of these years. At least the last five years it has been familiar classical and operatic music. Not as daring as they could be. The daring part, to be fair, is the difficulty of the music. CTJ's show was very entertaining. A little odd how it leaked at the end of Just Can't Wait to be King. People thought it was over and had to be told to sit down. Glad they made the trip here.

Yes... Can't complain about the finalist selections. My observations: No one from Pflugerville. (That sucks) Every Leander ISD band made it (though Glenn HS was not here this time) CTJ not entitled to the Gold just for having a complete show.