ChristopherRoden

Cypress mini-mountain high school!

I think Bridgeland has been poised to do well at Grand Nats for a few years now. For the last three years, their achievement honestly could be considered the Prosper or SLC of Houston.

Last year, it was around the end of March

It will be held on October 5 at Clear Creek ISD’s Challenger/Columbia Stadium in Webster, TX.  The 10,000 seat stadium has convenient access to I-45 off NASA Road 1.  

Any idea on which three schools moved down to 5A? haven’t heard of this yet. Hoping to see Jordan advance to state!!!

This is so awesome!!!! 

Confirmed: Bentonville(Arkansas) source; calendar @LeanderMomma ☺️

I believe it is typically the beginning of February. 

With 6a containing a minimum of 220 and maximum of 250 schools, Forney (204th), Fulshear (100th), and Foster (175th) are guaranteed to be 6a. Areas C and E will likely need some realignment!

Thanks for making my point. Couldn't have done it better myself.

Sorry for the longer post and response.... 

If what I've heard from former students about Cartwright & instructional practices that were occurring - good riddance. 

On another note - It's always interesting how there are a ton of other EXTREMELY successful "old school" band directors who did not and still do not resort to or utilize some of the methods that we all know are not just wrong for kids, but if we're really honest with ourselves, not just borderline, downright abusive.

There's a very big difference between holding students accountable / having high expectations and communicating that appropriately to CHILDREN at the high school age, and verbally accosting / screaming / threatening / etc. CHILDREN for the sake of 'the art'. Accountability is good, high expectations are good, when POSITIVELY reinforced by staff and students alike. 

Also, I really dislike how in the band community we have turned "old school" into a massive diss - we would literally have NONE of the funding, facilities, voices at the decision making table, etc. if it weren't for all of the amazing and positive "old school" band directors across Texas and the country. 

While we're at it, lets get REAL for second. Marching Band - It's not that deep. It's CHILDREN running around a football field wearing crazy costumes, throwing things in air, etc. to be a part of something bigger than themselves and a part of a band and guard family where everyone is accepted and appreciated. Sometimes we can forget that when we all get heated in recaps, have bad reps or rehearsals, whatever; at the end of the day, its just marching band. #LetsAllBeGoodPeople 

As much as I’d love for my school (Burleson Centennial) to go to grand nats, that’ll never happen lol. It would still be cool to have more AAA (5A) reps though

Eight-hour rule this, eight-hour rule that.... ultimately, TX groups have won in Indy several times despite the eight-hour rule. I really do not think it is that big of a hinderance to the success of TX programs. In complete honesty, the history of band in Texas seems to care more about the music. It is so true that an Indiana band never sounds like a Texas band, but Texas bands don't march or experiment visually nearly as much as Indiana bands. Visually, I think the Houston area is really starting to (finally) push the state forward. Take a look at TWHS creativity in visual and Bridgeland and Cy-Fair's achievement in the caption. Within the next couple of years, I'm thinking we'll see the strength of vis increase in Texas drastically.

read on the other thread a rumor that Broken Arrow is dropping Cartwright…

Never exactly sure when they release, but I vivdly remember a few years ago they ran a “Twelve Days of BOA” campaign around the holidays where each day they revealed a little more about the BOA schedule. Maybe it will coincide with the holidays once again!

year from now predictions
 
1st - Vandegrift (that's only if they go, if they dont, move everyone below up 1 spot)
2nd - Carmel
3rd - Avon
4th - Hebron 
5th - The Woodlands
6th - William Mason
7th - Round Rock
8th - Keller
9th - Marcus
10th - CTJ
11th - Dripping Springs
12th - Bentonville
(in case vandy doesnt go, then 12th would be Fishers)

Pearland will be on a 4 year cycle according to one of the directors so expect to see us back in 2027.

I watched y'all at UIL State Finals and thoroughly enjoyed your show.  Congratulations on a great year and a fantastic finish!

Here’s something for Forney that I posted on the Grand Nationals Forum:
It’s happening within the next few years, the directors are planning it. 

Wylie is confirmed (based off their calendar)

It's on the radar for us (Bridgeland) at some point within the next few years, but a lot of stars need to align. And the scheduling for 6a state/boasa/gn next yr is...suboptimal. 

I don't think Westwood is going to GN next year. They had a very busy year this year and i would imagine the student missed more school then they would have liked to so they might not go anywhere crazy next year. They have said they will not be going out of state next year or until they are ready to go to GN. I believe they plan to go in 2 or 3 years. Don't quote me on anything though.

Taylor Swift grabbed the first weekend in Nov at Lucas Oil for 2024.  Her scheduling people beat out everyone else.

They were supposed to go in 2020, but then covid had other plans.

👀