TWHSParent

There are exceptions to this - chaperones and pit crew (if they don't stand on the field) usually have to leave immediately. So if you see a gaggle of people for a band leaving together (especially at a contest that is not near their home area) they are very likely to be required to catch up with the band as soon as they can. Don't always assume they are being disrespectful.

I can only echo what Bandmomx4 said. I was sitting right in front of many Tomball Memorial parents, and we were having great conversations about the contest and our bands.

They will do very well at state. The goal was to make it to state, since once there the Area result makes no difference (hence we go on first at 8:30 Monday morning). On this board most of the commenters are undervaluing the Houston area bands, as they don't get to see them (and last year was a down year due to the hurricane). In my opinion Oak Ridge, College Park, and The Woodlands will make an impact at San Antonio this coming weekend. I'm happy for our kids, as this is the first time in the 4 years my band member has been here that they finished first at any contest. Previous best was 2nd at San Antonio Super Regional in 2016.

North Shore had a clean finals run (although I think they need to do more with 1812 overture at the end - to me it falls a little flat), and I thought College Park was a little rough visually compared to other runs I've seen (they also had mic issues that impacted their music a little). I say those based upon how strong CP's program is - the roughness was noticeable because they've set such a high bar this year.

I wasn't able to attend many contests in 2016, so I didn't see them. Therefore I can't comment on a comparison.

I love Oak Ridge's show this year. The clean visuals and beautiful music are just amazing. Absolutely a show and program to be proud of! I'll be there Monday (if I can stay awake after our early performance) to cheer you on. Saturday morning will be close, but I'm going to try to make it.

My opinion from their finals run is that 5th was about right. Tomball Memorial and Spring were close in my mind, and apparently the judges minds. Both had great and enjoyable programs that were just a little short of the top 4. Spring looks to be getting better and better even though they didn't make state this time. Oak Ridge and College Park just have exceptionally strong programs this year that Spring couldn't match which propelled those 2 over Spring and into the State contest.

Very true. You even have a performer that swings in the large birdcage, so any damage would mean she couldn't do her thing.

I'm sure you'll be there - heck, you may camp out in the stadium between Saturday and Monday!

By default now I'll be there probably all day (unless I need to help the band or my wife with something after we perform). Most people will miss our show Monday morning - you really shouldn't if you can at all make it!

Yeah, but at least we'll be there and not busing out at 2am. And the key thing from prelims is to make finals. Top 12 is what matters. Going first sucks, but finals is very possible even so. Then finals will even out the perform time deltas.

1 The Woodlands 2 Oak Ridge 3 North Shore 4 College Park 5 Spring 6 Tomball Memorial 7 Kingwood 8 Westfield 9 Klein Collins 10 Klein Oak I think I remember this correctly. Way to go Woodlands!

Yes, that is correct.

I know. We had a couple items at the school my wife had to deal with which delayed us. I really wanted to get here in time...

Lunch break. Just recently arrived at the stadium. Saw the last 4 bands of the first block. J7st missed North Shore, College Park, and Westfield.

We used to go to Seattle's Best before Starbucks shut them down and order the Cocoa Trio hot chocolate. That was so wonderful...

I would say the soloists are one area that we all get to hear what the music individual judge on the field hears. If you'll note in the BOA contests, they absolutely spend time listening closely to the soloists.

I haven't seen all the area bands, so bear that in mind. I agree with others here that Tomball Memorial or Westfield (among the bands I've seen) would have the best chance to "crash the party". Could someone else do it? Sure. I have not seen North Shore, so my opinion of them is based upon others comments and recent history. I have seen The Woodlands, College Park, and Oak Ridge multiple times, and these are the strongest bands in the area for both BOA and UIL (of the ones I've seen, and in my opinion, of course). Westfield did pretty well in BOA earlier this season, and have a good UIL show. Tomball Memorial has a really good show that has the potential to jump up. It has some BOA elements, so I'm a little curious why they don't attend BOA Houston? I've seen the Klein schools multiple times now, and a couple have the potential to clean up and put on a strong area showing. Top 5 would be a stretch maybe, but not impossible either. Right now the 4 most likely state bands are North Shore, College Park, Oak Ridge, and The Woodlands (in no particular order, as it doesn't really matter if you are 1st or 4th - just make it to state). I think Tomball Memorial and Westfield are going to have outstanding shows, and will pounce on any less than great runs by the top 4 and take a spot. I'm very fuzzy on the bands outside of Region 9, so I could be surprised by one of them.

I'm convinced that College Park will also have something to say about who makes finals, as they have their strongest show that I've ever seen. So many bands for 14 spots. I wouldn't be surprised if we have bands scoring 90+ again missing finals.

Yeah, he has, but they have to listen to his Danpodcast first! Maybe if they do that calmer heads will prevail? Ok, I crack myself up sometimes....

Absolutely true, although I think they've been in the right range at least last year (and I think this year) for BOA. Cy-Fair, CP, and Oak Ridge really are that much better this year than last, and I would not be surprised to see them pushing close to 90 by SA (I know Cy-Fair is not attending, unfortunately). Last year's scores were about right too, in the low to mid 80's (including TWHS - they gave us around a 84.5 in 2017 LSP, IIRC). However your point stands and I completely agree with it. Don't read too much into the scores! Edited to add: I noticed he (Wayne Downey) was on the St. Louis panel too. I don't recall him judging BOA either (although you've been paying attention much longer than I have), but I think he'll do well from the few conversations I had with him recently at LSP. He obviously has the technical chops (duh!), but he also has what I'll say is the right feel for judging. My impression is that he enjoys giving constructive thoughts to programs and performers.

Edit: quote removed at request of the original poster. Echoing the above comment from tstrom01, the scores you posted are wrong for all the bands (including TWHS). BOA does reward a performer that is doing multiple things simultaneously, but don't confuse that necessarily with complexity of drill. Body movement/choreography add variable depth to the show and give performers multiple tasks. But also remember (for example) that a large curvilinear form across the field is challenging to hit marks, keep spacing, end movement together, and maintain musical timing across the ensemble. It is one of those things that maybe looks simple, but is more difficult to pull off successfully than it appears.

Yes he is. Our kids miss him, but absolutely wish him the best!

Yes they did, and I like some of the nuances that are really starting to come through in the music book that weren't there even a week ago.

Wait - do you actually get to leave? Time out for good behavior?