MadisonBandMan1

If you want me to be frank, although Hebron has by far the hardest book musically this year - and definitely deserved the music caption - by their standards the music execution wasn’t all that great. It felt as if there were continuous minor tears front to back musically. Their visual program wasn’t their strongest, which is a historical problem of theirs. I feel as if both from a design and execution standpoint both visually and musically, 2021 was a MUCH stronger show than this year. I wholeheartedly believe they would have brought home the eagle in 2021. Unfortunately both Avon and Carmel deserved placing ahead of them. Congrats to Matt Harloff on winning a national championship in his first year as head director at Avon. They shave such a blended, well rounded sound this year. Super consistent. They deserved the win. Hopefully this means a Championship for Carolina Crown in 2024 😘

Lake Travis brass has exceptionally good multiple tonguing chops this year! Good for them!

That leander tuba is FUN

I am coming in to this season very, VERY late. I have two questions right now: Who gave Rouse the Magic Juice? (I know that they were going to end up here at some point but man they sound AMAZING this year and I think they just might win state next week!) Why isn't Hebron here? I know that they are going to Nationals but I wish they didn't skip out on SA.

Well, as it turns out, today was this directors’ last day at the program. Knew this day was coming for a long time but it happening is not any less sad. Congrats to him and I wish him good luck on his new adventures. Wonder if he still plans to instruct with his corps over the summer or if his new path will consume more time than I thought when writing this original post and keep him from taking that much time out of his life. I know he will read this at some point, so I want to leave him with this: Thank you for making an impact on my life throughout my time in competitive high school band. I have immense respect for you. You taught me a lot in the short yet substantial conversations we had together. You lead by example and have sacrificed so much of yourself over the years for the benefit of the people and children you work with. It will not be forgotten. You are a shining star and a creative (and literal) genius. I know you’ll excel in your next career path. Good luck!

Anyone at this contest and may be able to tell me how my alma mater did this morning?

Thanks for the kind words on my alumni program! For some reason they aren’t posting videos of their shows this year compared to usual so all I’ve seen are small clips here and there. Been wanting to see the show but can’t unfortunately. Sucks to be in Nebraska and not be able to just go to the show myself haha.

Don’t feel bad for posting frequently, after all that’s the purpose of the forum! We love hearing everyone’s opinions here and discussing our thoughts and analyzing shows together. A lot of us have become great friends because of this place that even translate away from the forum. So please, feel free to enjoy your time here and don’t feel like you shouldn’t be contributing to the conversation just as much as the rest of us. Some may not be as active as we used to be, but there will always be someone here to talk to. Most of us alumni will circle back here rather frequently even when life gets in the way too so you’ll never know who you end up sparking a conversation with.

I was more referencing the fact that they recently had not one but two major director changes and went through a period (albeit short) where they reshuffled design choices and simplified a bit compared to their normal design choices. I had thought it would take them another year or two for the now promoted head director to build the band and flesh it out a bit more in his vision and have a full class under his direction before they really started to take off again (I had full confidence that he’d do well with the program, just didn’t expect it to start clicking this fast). I was pleasantly surprised with the ramp up in design difficulty for this show. After watching the show I just felt the urge to proclaim that they were back.

I have come here today to proclaim Reagan hath returned!

Our band worked with her for years. Her writing for our 2018 show was awesome, especially the closer and opening impact were just sublime. We went away from her my senior year under new direction and I dearly missed her writing. Was also cool knowing her husband. They are BOTH legends in this activity which is truly awesome. Sounds like their son is well on his way to do the same too.

Mr. Lipman posts all of the time on social media with the DR band so I wouldn’t be surprised.

Knowing the new head director’s history with the competition I knew it was only a matter of time before my Alma Mater started showing up on this list again.

That is a totally new Cedar Park. Wow. As you said in the video, they are really pushing air. Great sign for the program and the drill work is pretty cool too!

I have been wanting to ask about your condition for a while, I just felt like it wasn't my place, so of course I would love to learn about it. Chess is fun, and though I am also not very good at it, I have definitely found myself watching chess matches a few times when going down rabbit holes on YT. When I had my medical scare last month (still working through it) and didn't leave my bed for two weeks I found myself binge watching lawn care videos to fill my time. I am sorry about the lawyer thing by the way, I hope that issue is or can get resolved swiftly. You already have too much on your plate to deal with as it stands. I bet your wife is a champ, you certainly found the right person to be your wife it seems! Arizona is a beautiful state. Much better in the late fall/winter. The heat must be tough on you though texas isn't faring much better right now as it is.