Drum Alumni

I agree that there are challenges, but there has to be some sort of fail safe here. It's true Round Rock could have knocked someone out, but who's to say that they didn't knock them out because they played better? And even if the top three bands are scored consistently, there are still 30 to 40 other bands that deserve a fair score that is representative of their performance. Especially those bands on the edge of making finals or not. For some of these bands that know they likely wont challenge for a medal, making finals is like winning the whole contest! I say add the two judges and drop the lowest and highest, or potentially move to a more BOA style of judging. Either way something has to change to keep what happened today from happening.

I feel for you man...

I remember people calling for this change back in 2011. I just don't understand how UIL can continue to let this happen year after year.

I'm a couple years removed from the band life and this has given me some perspective on these contests. I can remember the excitement and pure joy that came with winning a contest or placing higher than I expected. However, I can also remember the heartbreak and anger that comes with losing even though I gave it my all. That being said I feel horrible for Round Rock. It's clear that they did everything they could to earn that finals spot, but because of one judge they are heading home furious and crushed. 34th? There is always going to be different opinions from different judges, and this is good. It makes a subjective scoring system more fair. But 34th? Looking at that judges scoring I am genuinely outraged. One or two off scores I understand but outside of the top 8ish its almost like they just mailed it in and drew scores out of a hat. It's so simple to solve this. Add two more judges and drop the highest and lowest scores. These kids, directors, and parents have worked so hard for months just to be denied a shot at a championship because of one persons opinion. I realize I'm just ranting at this point, but I had to voice my opinion on this absolute failure of a judging system. Round Rock, I'm sorry.