J-Mike16

This is going to be more personal but when Lumberton made 5A State back in 2017 was a huge comeback. Last time Lumberton advanced was all the way back in 1980 where they placed 7th/25 at 4A State (Top 5 Advanced to Finals). Between 1980 and 2017, Lumberton was very consistent at region but always failed to advance from Area to State, though placed State Alternate or the next spot out quite a bit. It really wasn't until the horrible tragedy of 2016 & 2017 that occurred, when Lumberton started getting that traction to advance. In 2016, we had a band parent steal and use over $70,000 from us. It was a complete slap to our face however being the Mighty Raider Band from Lumberton, we did not stop. We used that setback to fuel us for the remainder of the year plus the years to come. We all know what happened in August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey. Like many cities and towns in SETX, over half of the town lost everything (I believe at least 1/4th, maybe even 1/2 of the band had lost everything) however that again, did not stop us. We continued all season long til Area where we placed 3rd/38 in Prelims, then 5th/10 in Finals, (Top 7 went to State that year in Area E). I cannot tell yall how ecstatic we were on our advancement to State. Even though we would eventually place 30th/35, it was still an incredible achievement to have finally been a state ranked band. Fast forward 7 years, and Lumberton has advanced to State every eligible year yet. I will forever always remember those moments in the program that truly made us the Mighty Raider Band from tiny SETX Town, Lumberton. 

This is going to be more personal but when Lumberton made 5A State back in 2017 was a huge comeback. Last time Lumberton advanced was all the way back in 1980 where they placed 7th/25 at 4A State (Top 5 Advanced to Finals). Between 1980 and 2017, Lumberton was very consistent at region but always failed to advance from Area to State, though placed State Alternate or the next spot out quite a bit. It really wasn't until the horrible tragedy of 2016 & 2017 that occurred, when Lumberton started getting that traction to advance. In 2016, we had a band parent steal and use over $70,000 from us. It was a complete slap to our face however being the Mighty Raider Band from Lumberton, we did not stop. We used that setback to fuel us for the remainder of the year plus the years to come. We all know what happened in August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey. Like many cities and towns in SETX, over half of the town lost everything (I believe at least 1/4th, maybe even 1/2 of the band had lost everything) however that again, did not stop us. We continued all season long til Area where we placed 3rd/38 in Prelims, then 5th/10 in Finals, (Top 7 went to State that year in Area E). I cannot tell yall how ecstatic we were on our advancement to State. Even though we would eventually place 30th/35, it was still an incredible achievement to have finally been a state ranked band. Fast forward 7 years, and Lumberton has advanced to State every eligible year yet. I will forever always remember those moments in the program that truly made us the Mighty Raider Band from tiny SETX Town, Lumberton. 

Both NTCA and TCGC hold their first competitions this Saturday, at Martin HS and Goose Creek Memorial HS. TECA held their first contest this past Saturday. WTCA and WGI hold their first events on February 17th. WGI seems a little later than usual, but to make up for it they're doing 5 regionals in a single weekend, including the Dallas, Houston, and Avon regionals. Dallas and Avon will be streamed on FloMarching. Alas, to my knowledge, none of the local Texas circuit competitions are being streamed.
I won't be attending anything, so I'll be waiting for the YouTube videos to drop. Some of the locals here will have to keep me in-the-know!

This is going to be more personal but when Lumberton made 5A State back in 2017 was a huge comeback. Last time Lumberton advanced was all the way back in 1980 where they placed 7th/25 at 4A State (Top 5 Advanced to Finals). Between 1980 and 2017, Lumberton was very consistent at region but always failed to advance from Area to State, though placed State Alternate or the next spot out quite a bit. It really wasn't until the horrible tragedy of 2016 & 2017 that occurred, when Lumberton started getting that traction to advance. In 2016, we had a band parent steal and use over $70,000 from us. It was a complete slap to our face however being the Mighty Raider Band from Lumberton, we did not stop. We used that setback to fuel us for the remainder of the year plus the years to come. We all know what happened in August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey. Like many cities and towns in SETX, over half of the town lost everything (I believe at least 1/4th, maybe even 1/2 of the band had lost everything) however that again, did not stop us. We continued all season long til Area where we placed 3rd/38 in Prelims, then 5th/10 in Finals, (Top 7 went to State that year in Area E). I cannot tell yall how ecstatic we were on our advancement to State. Even though we would eventually place 30th/35, it was still an incredible achievement to have finally been a state ranked band. Fast forward 7 years, and Lumberton has advanced to State every eligible year yet. I will forever always remember those moments in the program that truly made us the Mighty Raider Band from tiny SETX Town, Lumberton. 

I remember when Round Rock didn't make BOA Austin Finals that year. People automatically started writing them off of National Finals. So happy that RR proved everyone wrong!

I remember that so well!  I had left the Alamodome as soon as prelims ended so I could jump back in line for finals and grab a good seat. I’ll never forget seeing the Round Rock band kids running out of the stadium in the doors beside where I was standing, and they were absolutely and literally jumping in the air for joy!  It was powerful to see how ecstatic they were and everyone around me was as touched and moved as I was by the pure emotion of it all. I definitely cried a little bit watching that!  So happy for those kids. ♥️♥️

I remember when Round Rock didn't make BOA Austin Finals that year. People automatically started writing them off of National Finals. So happy that RR proved everyone wrong!

I remember when Round Rock didn't make BOA Austin Finals that year. People automatically started writing them off of National Finals. So happy that RR proved everyone wrong!

So we got the 2024 BOA schedule a few days ago and I definitely noticed something. The BOA season has been pushed a week forward with McAllen happening on 9/21, Midland and Shenandoah on 9/28, Bedford on 10/5, and Prosper on 10/12. Austin, West Houston, and Waco don't have confirmed dates but Austin will likely happen on 9/21, West Houston on 10/5, and Waco on 10/26. Also, the UIL season has been pushed back a week with 3/5A area on 10/26, 2/4/6A on 11/2, as well as 1/3/5A state on 11/4-6 and 2/4/6A state on 11/11-13. I definitely wonder what USBands and independent contests plan on doing. We already have a confirmed date for the Wylie Marching Invitational which is on 10/5 (the same day as Bedford. Last year it was the same day as Shenandoah.) And depending on when the football season starts, the regular season may end before the 2/4/6A bands even have their area contest. I know it's complicated, but I wanted to make sure I'm not the only one that's concerned about the 2024 season.

Yep!  Santa showed up at the concert tonight with a huge present!  I screen recorded the announcement because I was watching it live on FB and I got the kids reaction and shared it on Instagram.  It’s so exciting!

I laughed because I was posting the same thing as you, at the same time.  My dog went crazy barking at something outside the front door and I didn't hit "enter" until a couple minutes after you, and that's when I saw your post.  I thought it was funny.
It's not some nefarious plot, I promise you.
 

It was so cool in 2016 when both Cedar Park and Leander attended GN together. Also pretty cool when they were one placement apart in finals (Leander-6th, CP-5th)!  Sister schools located within 6 miles of each other,  traveling over a thousand miles away, only to be side by side yet again. Good stuff and a very fond memory!

Cedar Park has been to Nationals twice (2010 & 2016) and has made finals both times. 10th & 5th respectfully.

Hey Everyone, as promised, here are the 2023 Football State Champions!-
UIL 2023 Football State Champions (With current title number)
1A D1- Gordon HS - Title #3 (1996 (1A D1), 1999 (1A D1), 2023 (1A D1))
1A D2- Benjamin HS- Title #2 (2022 (1A D2) & 2023 (1A D2))
2A D1- Timpson HS- Title #1 (2023 (2A D1))
2A D2- Albany HS- Title #4 (1960 (1A), 1961 (1A), 2022 (2A Divison 2), & 2023 (2A Divison 2))
3A D1- Malakoff HS- Title #1 (2023 (3A D1))
3A D2- Gunter HS- Title #4 (2016 (3A D2), 2019 (3A D2), 2022 (3A D2), & 2023 (3A D2))
4A D1- Anna HS- Title #1 (2023 (4A D1))
4A D2- Gilmer HS- Title #4 (2004 (3A D2), 2009 (3A D1), 2014 (4A D2), & 2023 (4A D2))
5A D1- Aledo HS- Title #12 (1998 (3A D1), 2009 (4A D1), 2010-2011 (4A D2), 2013 (4A D2), 2014 (5A D1), 2016 (5A D2), 2018-2020 (5A D2), 2022-2023 (5A D1))
5A D2- Port Neches-Groves HS- Title #4 (1953 (3A), 1955 (3A), 1975 (4A), & 2023 (5A D2))
6A D1- Duncanville HS- Title #3 (1998 (5A D1), 2022 (6A D1), & 2023 (6A D1))
6A D2- DeSoto HS- Title #3 (2016 (6A D2), 2022 (6A D2), & 2023 (6A D2))
 
This year, many records were broken and History was made for many schools! Timpson HS broke the record for Longest touchdown run (93 Yards) and scoring pass (97 Yards) in class 2A and DeSoto broke the highest scoring record in classification with 74 total points. Port Neches-Groves HS broke the 5A State record for most Field Goals in one game, having 4 total. 3 Schools walked away as champions for the first time in School History, that being Timpson HS in 2A D1, Malakoff HS in 3A D1, and Anna HS in 4A D1. 5 schools also walked away having their first ever Back-to-Back titles in School History, that being Benjamin HS in 1A D2, Albany HS in 2A D2, Gunter HS in 3A D2, Duncanville HS in 6A D1, and DeSoto HS in 6A D2. Overall, this season will be one to remember, but now its time for breaks and time to get ready for the spring competitions. Congratulations to an AMAZING season everyone and best of luck on the rest of your school year!

6A Divison 2:
FINAL:
DeSoto 74 - Humble Summer Creek HS 14
Congratulations to DeSoto HS out of DeSoto, TX on winning their 3rd UIL Football State Title! This is the first time that DeSoto has won Back-to-Back titles in School History!
DeSoto HS finishes their season 15-0 and ends the season by Defeating Summer Creek HS out of Houston, TX. DeSoto had arguably one of the best season's for any Football Program as they were able to Defeat Duncanville HS in a District game, and broke the record for most touchdowns in the 6A State Championship with a record number 74, and they had 60 points more than their opponent. DeSoto HS got to the State Championship by defeating some notable opponents including Wylie East HS, Willis HS, Cedar Hill HS, and Southlake Carroll, which was probably their best game of the season because of how close it was. DeSoto HS will be moving back down to 5A next year, and this was an epic way to end their 6A run (for now). We could possibly see another clash of the titans in the 5A Divison 1 scene between Aledo and DeSoto, so definitely be watching for that next year! Congratulations again to both teams on making it to the State Championship and Congratulations again to DeSoto HS on winning their 3rd State Title!
 
With that, the UIL Football Season has come to an end. My next post will include all winners.

6A Divison 1:
FINAL:
Duncanville 49 - Galena Park North Shore 33
Congratulations to Duncanville HS out of Duncanville, TX on winning their 3rd UIL Football State Title! This is the first time that Duncanville HS has won Back-to-Back titles in School History!
Duncanville HS finishes their season 14-1 and ends the season by Defeating their rival North Shore HS out of Houston, TX in the 5th edition of this clash of the titans in High School football! Duncanville HS got to the State Championship by defeating some notable opponents including The Woodlands HS, Westfield HS, and North Crowley HS to have another chance to win a State Championship in Football. Congratulations to both teams on making it to the State Championship for another re-match and congratulations again to Duncanville HS on winning their 3rd Title!

5A Divison 1:
FINAL:
Aledo 51 - Comal Smithson Valley 8
Congratulations to Aledo HS out of Aledo, TX on winning Title #12 and keeping the title of High School with most Football State Championship wins!
Aledo HS finishes their season 16-0 and ends the season by Defeating Smithson Valley HS out of Spring Branch, TX. Aledo showed dominance in this game and were able to get their 12th game and become the 4th team this season to successfully Defend their title, joining Benjamin HS, Albany HS, and Gunter HS. Aledo HS would get to the State Championship by defeating teams such as Red Oak HS, Abilene HS, and Forney HS to make it to their 14th State Football appearance. Congratulations to both teams on making it to the State Championship and Congratulations to Aledo HS on winning their 12th State Football Title!
 
This concludes Day 3 of the UIL State Football Championships. Tomorrow will be the 4th and Final Day of the State Championships and we will be in for a real treat! 5A Divison 2 will see the rematch between Dallas South Oak Cliff HS and Port Neches-Groves HS in what should be a fun game to watch! The game everyone should watch will be happening in the 6A Divison 1 State game as we will be seeing Duncanville HS taking on Galena Park North Shore HS in the 5th Re-match in the last 5 of 6 years. And to Finish off the State Championships, we will be seeing DeSoto HS taking on Summer Creek in their first State Appearance in the 6A Divison 2 game! Best of luck to all competing Tomorrow!

2A Divison 1:
FINAL:
Timpson 49 - Tolar 7
Congratulations to Timpson HS out of Timpson, TX on winning their FIRST UIL State Football Championship in School History! They are the first team of the 2023 Championships to do so!
Timpson HS is ending their season 16-0 and ends their season Defeating Tolar HS out of Tolar, TX. This is only the beginning for these programs and I'm sure we will see them make returns in the future! Congratulations to both teams for making it to the State Championship and Congratulations to Timpson HS on their FIRST Championship!
Also wanted to wish the best of luck to Tolar HS as they are moving up to the 3A Divison in 2024.
 
This concludes Day 1 of the UIL Football State Championships! Tomorrow we will see 2A Divison 2, the Rematch between Albany HS and Mart HS, 3A Divison 1 between Franklin HS and Malakoff HS, and 3A Divison 2 between Gunter HS and Tidehaven HS.

I think Pine Tree will have some success like Sulphur Springs. I dont think they will be State Finals worthy but definitely State advancing worthy. I also think they will join in the fight for 3rd - 6th at Area along with L-Town, BC, Paris. 

Pine Tree submitted enrollment in the 1,250s so they'll almost assuredly move down.   They should compete very well in 4A, really enjoyed their show this year and seems like they are on an upswing.  

You absolutely hit the nail on the head with the entire issue behind Mobley cutting the guard with seemingly little thought to the effect it would have on the kids in the guard program. He evidently never considered the impact his decision could have on so many young people!  I’m so happy that the meeting with the parents, guard members, Ms. Stone (the guard director) and Mr. Mobley last night resulted in the decision to keep the guard and to just add a dance team. As a former color guard and band kid myself, and mother of a former marching band kiddo, I completely related to everything you so eloquently said here. I don’t think the director understood the gravity of the decision he had made and I am happy that he changed his mind after hearing from everyone. I am also absolutely thrilled with how the marching arts community came together to help the Dragon Guard fight for the activity that means so much to all of is. We had groups from all over the country sharing and signing that petition yesterday!!  Bravo guard world. Bravo!!!

The Round Rock High School Color Guard was informed by the band director today in class that he is terminating the color guard program after this year. He is replacing them with a dance team. My daughter started color guard in the 7th grade and is now a freshman. She was planning on doing guard in college. Now she feels like her entire world is ending. She eats breaths and sleeps guard. It’s all she does. In less than 5 minutes one man destroyed her goals, hopes, and dreams. He didn’t bat an eye or even appear to care. 45 girls are now devastated. Has anyone else experienced this? This band made finals at state, boa super regional in San Antonio and at grand nationals. I think I will probably pull my kid and send her to another school. Kids in high school can be really mean. When your kid finds where she fits in after being excluded and picked on and then that is taken away is detrimental to a teenager’s emotional health. Please help me.

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 

I second that on that the show was fantastic. It's my 2nd favorite show from Tarpon, only behind 2010.

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.