LostChoirGuy

I'm not so sure those people are actually associated with Keller. Ive never personally been a part of the band program there, but I do know also that the directors are particular about this as many of my close friends were in band leadership. I remember going to a competition once and I was sitting with the band while they waited for prelim results. The head director came and announced that they were barely in second place. (It was behind Marcus and this was back during their dominance) Everyone got all excited and wanted to know how close they were, etc. The director then told them that he wasnt concerned with comparing them but that they were there at the competition to specifically test their implementation of certain aspects they had been working on. He gave them a number of points but I dont remember exactly what they were and I probably didnt understand them quite as well back then anyways. In the end, they lost to Marcus by a larger point differential than at prelims but everyone was happy because they were finally able to successfully run through a part of their show they had been working on and that was their goal in the competition. I remember coming away from that with a new perspective on the purpose of these competitions.

I couldn't have been more wrong here. Jenks and Grain Valley are both great bands. Several others with a history of success here. And now it looks like Haltom isn't going at all...

I'll be curious to get your take on Richland. Also Eaton, as they are a brand new 6A school in area B and have only been around a few years. I'm curious how their program is and if they will likely be getting a 1 at region.

Both Wylie and Keller Central have at times been better than Prosper in previous years. It is not that crazy for someone to have them in this over Prosper if they think they wont be prepared for Saturday or that HEB was a fluke.

I'm proud of our community, too! Glad I took the time to write an email to the administrators since we were able to change their mind. I always enjoy these podcasts. Thanks for making them!

I like Churchill's show. Its nothing special but I think it is better along than they were at this time last year. Someone else mentioned that its been ages since they missed out on a BOA regional final, too. I think they perform what they have well, but it will get passed up as the season progresses by people with more GE power.

I'm glad im not the only one who thought those props look like cakes!

I would love to see Dripping Springs win this. Not because I dont like Round Rock, but because it would represent a major milestone in the growth of that program. They will be competing at Waco in a week also.

There is talk of Trinity making finals at the Indy Super Regional, but that will be an easier feat than making it here, I think...

I feel like using the word "should" might be a bit of a reach, considering it has never been done here before, but I think it is a great possibility for Keller to find themselves a medal.

I loved KCs show last year. Subtle but enjoyable and well performed. I think that they, along with Wylie will be the biggest questions going into DFW. Most likely 8 spots of finals will be taken up with Hebron, Flower Mound, Cedar Park, Keller, LD Bell, Union, Prosper, and Timber Creek. That leaves two openings between all of these great groups including the two I mentioned, Waxahachie, Coppell, Wakeland, Duncanville, Martin, and several other good groups that have an outside chance.

We were right in thinking the top 6 would be close. (Turns out top 7) But what a drop off for 8th...

I was thinking about that. My guess is that Prosper probably has those two minutes basically learned but felt that they weren't cleaned enough for HEB. I can't imagine they would add two whole minutes in one week.

I don't think they are competing at DFW. I watched on FloMarching and was pleasantly surprised by their performance, though I had them behind Westwood also. The design does seem a bit dependent on the large number of props and the band didn't have enough standout moments for me, but I still think they shouldn't be overlooked. Edit: I went back and looked at my notes and I had rouse ahead of them, too. Had them in 14th.

After seeing Austin prelims, we might need to be on the lookout for Southlake Carroll Senior High School to slip into the super stacked finals here. There isnt a lot of room for them, but they looked pretty good and placed 12th in a really good field when they were performing in the rain. Other outside chances that havent really been talked about would be Trinity and Fossil Ridge. Not very likely to make finals, but on a good year for them something unexpected could happen. Trinity is going to Indy Super Regional this year, so who knows?

Yes, both programs have been strong and growing, but neither had reached the elite status that Union had achieved. I wonder if this means that Union is weaker or if Bixby and Jenks are stronger?

It looks to me like Keller has their sights set on placing in the top half of state finals again this year (or even medaling). Their shows usually are quite UIL- friendly, but it just seemed like this one was designed in a manner to really show off their musical ability and their clean marching.

Cedar Park was in 10th place going into finals. That's interesting.

That Pflugerville placement is surprising to me. I was perhaps a bit too distracted by their cheesy voice recordings talking about blueprints to take them seriously.

More than a few surprising results today. I can't wait to see the scoresheet breakdowns.

I thought Leander was the best in Prelims, but wasn't as sure after finals. I just read on the live blog though that their synth wasn't working which might explain why it didn't feel as complete. I still think they medal, but I'm not sure which.

Wow, Keller and Marcus were close!

Correct me if I am wrong, but does Bowie have more props now than they did during prelims? Like tarps and those black things are more elaborate. It might be because it was raining earlier. I thought they already had a ton.

Man, I cannot get enough of the last section of Vista Ridge's show. It is sooo good!

I appreciate you doing this, but yes- one post per band with the highlights would be nice!