CTJBandPops

this sounds like the same conversations from a year ago - we had a great deal of - "confirmed" as attending - at one point I had 15 "confirmed" bands and we had 7 that attended - love to hear the projected attendees, but I will wait till June before we start printing shirts 🤪

so the season begins - today is the kickoff for San Antonio HS football - Pigskin Classic IN THE ALAMODOME
Reagan game just kicked off against SV - CTJ game at 3:30 against Judson, 7:30 is Steele VS Brennen
darn, I love living in Texas

so the season begins - today is the kickoff for San Antonio HS football - Pigskin Classic IN THE ALAMODOME
Reagan game just kicked off against SV - CTJ game at 3:30 against Judson, 7:30 is Steele VS Brennen
darn, I love living in Texas

CTJ does not usually do a trailer - but here is one for 2022
 

Flowermound - silver
CTJ - Bronze

Flowermound - silver
CTJ - Bronze

Flowermound - silver
CTJ - Bronze

CTJ does not usually do a trailer - but here is one for 2022
 

CTJ does not usually do a trailer - but here is one for 2022
 

CTJ does not usually do a trailer - but here is one for 2022
 

CTJ does not usually do a trailer - but here is one for 2022
 

CTJ does not usually do a trailer - but here is one for 2022
 

so - to shout out to MadisonBandMan - yes the city sees a HUGE influx of of visitors for Fiesta - but we don't know what this year will look like as it has been shut down for the past 2 years. this event happens at the "rock pile" that is Alamo Stadium down by St Mary's university. there are more than 30 bands that will march "in review" - they march to the front of the home stands on the track - stop and play a fun tune that has them all dancing and having a load of fun - after the first group of parade bands, - there is a feature band that will perform their 2021 field show, then another group of 10 parade bands - and another feature band - the next group and ends with the last feature band that will be CTJ performing their 2021 field show of "opposites attract".  once they clear the field,  ALL of the bands will return to the field for a mass band performance. this year the Mass band will be Directed by Dr. Cliff Crooms - Director of the Longhorn Band. - I attached a few pics. both of my kids have marched the parade and been in the feature band spot - gotta love fiesta - you can also catch bands at the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on Friday - a tradition since 1891 and one of the oldest running parades in the country. or the Fiesta Flambeau that CTJ will also march on Saturday - a night parade that has all the kids lit up with lights. - VIVA FIESTA!! Lets go Claudia!!! - FYI - these pics where from tonight practice
 

so tonight was my last band banquet as a parent. it is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. we have been involved in our program for the past 11 years. my son decided to graduate a year early so he stole our last year. I am so grateful for what the program has done for my kids, so many life lessons that they learned and how it made them better human beings. My wife and I where given a the classic uniform in a shadow box and a shako with the plume tonight ( I have a bit of a CTJ museum in my study) it will complete my collection of drum heads, photos and medals. We will still be involved in growing our foundation to support the CTJ cluster going forward, and we will still volunteer our time to support the program and travel to follow the band. just not the same without a kid in the program. I am grateful for all the great friends and amazing parents, directors and students we have worked with this past decade.

so tonight was my last band banquet as a parent. it is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. we have been involved in our program for the past 11 years. my son decided to graduate a year early so he stole our last year. I am so grateful for what the program has done for my kids, so many life lessons that they learned and how it made them better human beings. My wife and I where given a the classic uniform in a shadow box and a shako with the plume tonight ( I have a bit of a CTJ museum in my study) it will complete my collection of drum heads, photos and medals. We will still be involved in growing our foundation to support the CTJ cluster going forward, and we will still volunteer our time to support the program and travel to follow the band. just not the same without a kid in the program. I am grateful for all the great friends and amazing parents, directors and students we have worked with this past decade.

so tonight was my last band banquet as a parent. it is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. we have been involved in our program for the past 11 years. my son decided to graduate a year early so he stole our last year. I am so grateful for what the program has done for my kids, so many life lessons that they learned and how it made them better human beings. My wife and I where given a the classic uniform in a shadow box and a shako with the plume tonight ( I have a bit of a CTJ museum in my study) it will complete my collection of drum heads, photos and medals. We will still be involved in growing our foundation to support the CTJ cluster going forward, and we will still volunteer our time to support the program and travel to follow the band. just not the same without a kid in the program. I am grateful for all the great friends and amazing parents, directors and students we have worked with this past decade.

so tonight was my last band banquet as a parent. it is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. we have been involved in our program for the past 11 years. my son decided to graduate a year early so he stole our last year. I am so grateful for what the program has done for my kids, so many life lessons that they learned and how it made them better human beings. My wife and I where given a the classic uniform in a shadow box and a shako with the plume tonight ( I have a bit of a CTJ museum in my study) it will complete my collection of drum heads, photos and medals. We will still be involved in growing our foundation to support the CTJ cluster going forward, and we will still volunteer our time to support the program and travel to follow the band. just not the same without a kid in the program. I am grateful for all the great friends and amazing parents, directors and students we have worked with this past decade.

so tonight was my last band banquet as a parent. it is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. we have been involved in our program for the past 11 years. my son decided to graduate a year early so he stole our last year. I am so grateful for what the program has done for my kids, so many life lessons that they learned and how it made them better human beings. My wife and I where given a the classic uniform in a shadow box and a shako with the plume tonight ( I have a bit of a CTJ museum in my study) it will complete my collection of drum heads, photos and medals. We will still be involved in growing our foundation to support the CTJ cluster going forward, and we will still volunteer our time to support the program and travel to follow the band. just not the same without a kid in the program. I am grateful for all the great friends and amazing parents, directors and students we have worked with this past decade.

so - to shout out to MadisonBandMan - yes the city sees a HUGE influx of of visitors for Fiesta - but we don't know what this year will look like as it has been shut down for the past 2 years. this event happens at the "rock pile" that is Alamo Stadium down by St Mary's university. there are more than 30 bands that will march "in review" - they march to the front of the home stands on the track - stop and play a fun tune that has them all dancing and having a load of fun - after the first group of parade bands, - there is a feature band that will perform their 2021 field show, then another group of 10 parade bands - and another feature band - the next group and ends with the last feature band that will be CTJ performing their 2021 field show of "opposites attract".  once they clear the field,  ALL of the bands will return to the field for a mass band performance. this year the Mass band will be Directed by Dr. Cliff Crooms - Director of the Longhorn Band. - I attached a few pics. both of my kids have marched the parade and been in the feature band spot - gotta love fiesta - you can also catch bands at the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on Friday - a tradition since 1891 and one of the oldest running parades in the country. or the Fiesta Flambeau that CTJ will also march on Saturday - a night parade that has all the kids lit up with lights. - VIVA FIESTA!! Lets go Claudia!!! - FYI - these pics where from tonight practice
 

so - to shout out to MadisonBandMan - yes the city sees a HUGE influx of of visitors for Fiesta - but we don't know what this year will look like as it has been shut down for the past 2 years. this event happens at the "rock pile" that is Alamo Stadium down by St Mary's university. there are more than 30 bands that will march "in review" - they march to the front of the home stands on the track - stop and play a fun tune that has them all dancing and having a load of fun - after the first group of parade bands, - there is a feature band that will perform their 2021 field show, then another group of 10 parade bands - and another feature band - the next group and ends with the last feature band that will be CTJ performing their 2021 field show of "opposites attract".  once they clear the field,  ALL of the bands will return to the field for a mass band performance. this year the Mass band will be Directed by Dr. Cliff Crooms - Director of the Longhorn Band. - I attached a few pics. both of my kids have marched the parade and been in the feature band spot - gotta love fiesta - you can also catch bands at the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on Friday - a tradition since 1891 and one of the oldest running parades in the country. or the Fiesta Flambeau that CTJ will also march on Saturday - a night parade that has all the kids lit up with lights. - VIVA FIESTA!! Lets go Claudia!!! - FYI - these pics where from tonight practice
 

so - to shout out to MadisonBandMan - yes the city sees a HUGE influx of of visitors for Fiesta - but we don't know what this year will look like as it has been shut down for the past 2 years. this event happens at the "rock pile" that is Alamo Stadium down by St Mary's university. there are more than 30 bands that will march "in review" - they march to the front of the home stands on the track - stop and play a fun tune that has them all dancing and having a load of fun - after the first group of parade bands, - there is a feature band that will perform their 2021 field show, then another group of 10 parade bands - and another feature band - the next group and ends with the last feature band that will be CTJ performing their 2021 field show of "opposites attract".  once they clear the field,  ALL of the bands will return to the field for a mass band performance. this year the Mass band will be Directed by Dr. Cliff Crooms - Director of the Longhorn Band. - I attached a few pics. both of my kids have marched the parade and been in the feature band spot - gotta love fiesta - you can also catch bands at the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on Friday - a tradition since 1891 and one of the oldest running parades in the country. or the Fiesta Flambeau that CTJ will also march on Saturday - a night parade that has all the kids lit up with lights. - VIVA FIESTA!! Lets go Claudia!!! - FYI - these pics where from tonight practice
 

so - to shout out to MadisonBandMan - yes the city sees a HUGE influx of of visitors for Fiesta - but we don't know what this year will look like as it has been shut down for the past 2 years. this event happens at the "rock pile" that is Alamo Stadium down by St Mary's university. there are more than 30 bands that will march "in review" - they march to the front of the home stands on the track - stop and play a fun tune that has them all dancing and having a load of fun - after the first group of parade bands, - there is a feature band that will perform their 2021 field show, then another group of 10 parade bands - and another feature band - the next group and ends with the last feature band that will be CTJ performing their 2021 field show of "opposites attract".  once they clear the field,  ALL of the bands will return to the field for a mass band performance. this year the Mass band will be Directed by Dr. Cliff Crooms - Director of the Longhorn Band. - I attached a few pics. both of my kids have marched the parade and been in the feature band spot - gotta love fiesta - you can also catch bands at the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on Friday - a tradition since 1891 and one of the oldest running parades in the country. or the Fiesta Flambeau that CTJ will also march on Saturday - a night parade that has all the kids lit up with lights. - VIVA FIESTA!! Lets go Claudia!!! - FYI - these pics where from tonight practice
 

so - to shout out to MadisonBandMan - yes the city sees a HUGE influx of of visitors for Fiesta - but we don't know what this year will look like as it has been shut down for the past 2 years. this event happens at the "rock pile" that is Alamo Stadium down by St Mary's university. there are more than 30 bands that will march "in review" - they march to the front of the home stands on the track - stop and play a fun tune that has them all dancing and having a load of fun - after the first group of parade bands, - there is a feature band that will perform their 2021 field show, then another group of 10 parade bands - and another feature band - the next group and ends with the last feature band that will be CTJ performing their 2021 field show of "opposites attract".  once they clear the field,  ALL of the bands will return to the field for a mass band performance. this year the Mass band will be Directed by Dr. Cliff Crooms - Director of the Longhorn Band. - I attached a few pics. both of my kids have marched the parade and been in the feature band spot - gotta love fiesta - you can also catch bands at the Battle of Flowers parade in San Antonio on Friday - a tradition since 1891 and one of the oldest running parades in the country. or the Fiesta Flambeau that CTJ will also march on Saturday - a night parade that has all the kids lit up with lights. - VIVA FIESTA!! Lets go Claudia!!! - FYI - these pics where from tonight practice
 

it is not a Texan ego - though I have plenty of that for other topics - if you go back 20 years, the San Antonio Super Regional has had 5 out of state bands make finals with Carmel edging Bell by .25 on 2002. but since then, we had Owasso place 3rd in 2004, Blue Springs placed 6th in 2013, Owasso in 2015 placed 8th, and Avon placed 4th in 2017. 
But the San Antonio Super is not what it was 20 years ago. Look at the finalist that really did not exist as a major program when Carmel was here. SA finalist schools that opened in that 20+ year span.
1998 Cedar Park Opened
1999 Flower Mound and Reagan Opened
2003 Vista Ridge Opened
2008 CTJ and Rouse Opened
2009 Vandegrift Opened
2010 Cedar Ridge Opened
that group has more than a dozen Gnats finals appearances as well as Vandegrift's Championship in 2019
as stated by slow brass - Broken Arrow has won the St Louis Super for the past 15 years - if it isn't broke - don't fix it.
BA could very well have won San Antonio this year with that amazing show. but just as our Texas bands make plans to go to Indy a year in advance and hope that they have a show that is well received by the judges. I would assume many of the programs that we would love to see in San Antonio (Tarpon, BA, etc.) would have to give up a trip to Indy that year because of the cost to do both trips as well as time out of school.
I do not think it is Texas Ego to say that most years, San Antonio is more competitive than Grand Nats. 

Props are not required and how much did the props that Broken Arrow have add to their show? was that a deciding factor? they sure looked expensive to build and even more to haul from OK.
there is much to be said about what a program spends on drill designers and other expense, so what do you propose to make this fair for everyone. do we limit the amount that a program can spend? do we ban props? do we require that every program write their own drill and arrange their own music? do we restrict the private lessons of their students? do we limit who they can bring in to consult?
Avon and Carmel spend next to nothing to go to Grand Nats and get to go every year. they sleep in their own beds every night for their super regional and grand nats. They do not have to deal with a 8 hour rule as it appears to be unique to Texas. That is my bigger concern.
Every program has the ability to fundraise to support their programs. I am not talking about just selling coupon books and/or mulch. 
I have been doing fundraising outside of the student families for a number of years. the programs that claim that they struggle actually have the advantage as they can quickly qualify for grants. the schools that are in affluent areas do not, as every school and district is rated in a system that grant supporters want to see.
Your program may a high income demographic and fail to qualify for support, but have a huge transient population in the means of apartments/rentals that need support - especially if you are in an area that supports a military base - moving every 3 years.
Our program is considered by far too many to be an affluent program - but our cluster foundation provided more than $50K in support this season for marching scholarships for Grand Nats, for one of our middle schools to do Midwest clinic, for instruments at other schools. This funding was to support kids that would not otherwise be able to participate based on their financial situation. 
If you think that the "affluent" schools do not have a free lunch program - you are mistaken.
I would welcome and be more interested in any thoughts on how we can ensure that every kid has the ability to perform in the marching arts - and I would support anything that is reasonable, but let's not assume that the only means it to provide for some is to take away from others.