I’ll offer up some insight on dark horses from the south:
Roma - Roma HS has consistently been an honor band finalist as well as churning out All Staters with machine like precision. Also, Roma MS is one of their feeders and have also consistently been Honor Band Finalists and have come very close on a few occasions to win it all. Roma MS also was selected to perform at Midwest not too long ago. This group has a really rich and powerful sound to them which will definitely be a treat for anyone that sees them.
Pioneer - This school is only in its 4th year of existence and has quickly asserted itself as one of the powerhouses of Area D as is climbing the ladder in BOA as well. They are definitely not just a one trick pony as they really are finding themselves as a jack of all trades with them excelling in all facets of competition from concert, jazz, All State, winterguard, indoor percussion. They have some great design going on with their show this year and are executing at a really high level which has been a driving force in their success.
I’m really excited to see how these two programs will fair on Wednesday. It’s been a treat to watch these two slug it out all season. These two have a really strong chance of making the night show.
Lopez - 2017 Honor Band, gorgeous playing throughout their show from soloist and small ensembles. Some great playing from this group.
Sharyland - This program has a long history of great bands and this year is another great example of that. Show features some nice woodwind features and some really well executed visual moments.
Rio Grande City - RGC has been on a recent ascension and this program followed up its first SMC two years ago with qualifying back to back. A really nice show repertoire this year.