TypicalBandNerd

Pieper H.S., TX "Aetherius" Musical Selections from: John Mackey David Gillingham Jules Massanet U2 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJmscaGR1ru/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link WOW! What a great concept. It seems like a fresh, elevated take on celestial themes. I’ve been following Pieper since they opened, and their growth has been incredible. This design looks like a major step forward from previous years, and I’m genuinely excited to see how far they'll go this year!

Bridgeland H.S., TX “Cerulean” Musical Selections ”Infinite Ocean” by Oliver Davis “Little Blue” by Jacob Collier ”Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED Original Music by Jim Wunderlich and Chris Nguyen https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJfz0lft0tA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Seems like it’s going to be another great season for Bridgeland!

Rouse H.S., TX "The Liminal Space" Musical Selections Part 1: Into the Edge (Tuba Mirum from Requiem by Verdi) Part 2: The Void (Symphony No. 9 in D Minor by Anton Bruckner) Part 3: Glimmer (Room to Move for Cello Octet by Viet Cuong) Part 4: Become (Fifth Symphony finale by Mahler) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMwVvkISWG0 I really like the direction Rouse has been taking with their designs lately. The aesthetics and costuming look stunning. Looking forward to seeing how this show evolves throughout the season!

I knew I forgot a group lol, but yes they're in the bubble also.

Ok, this is my first time doing an elaborate prediction, so dont flame me too hard lol. 1. Bridgeland (It’s safe to say that they’re a Houston powerhouse alongside Pearland and the Woodlands, and I don’t see them slowing down anytime soon. That visual program is simply amazing. If I were to give a critique, maybe they could have a slightly more challenging music book, but otherwise I have no complaints about the program and excited to see what they'll bring to the table this fall!) 2. Seven Lakes (This might be a bold statement to say, but rn I feel that they could possibly challenge Bridgeland for the first place spot. I just have a feeling that Seven Lakes is going to be even stronger than last year, especially with their show this year. They just need to have the show locked in a little bit earlier. I’m so excited to see this show!) 3. Cypress Woods (might be a teeny bit biased, but after the area champion swap and their head scratching 29th place at state, I see them as a potential threat this year. They are sooooo close to having a breakthrough season, they just need to make that one last push. Music complexity and performance is there, but I think they just need to push the envelope more on the visual side. I like their show concept this year, and if they take advantage of all the possibilities, this could be a very unique show. I really like the music they chose, and I think they can pull it off very well. I'm excited to see what they'll do with all that potential!) 4. Cy-Fair (Honestly, I thought Cy-Fair performed just as good as 2023, but their show seemed more like a WGI indoor show than a marching show, and I think that’s what held them back. If they have a show design as strong as 23, I see them coming back stronger than ever, and after reading the thread regarding info about their show this year, I see that being the case. I can see them placing around 2-4 here.) 5. Cinco (After barely missing state, this group is going to have a lot of momentum this year. If they refine their performance a little more, I think we will be seeing them at state this year!) 6. Jordan (Another group that I could see making state. They have improved so much for a young program, and they’re not stopping anytime soon. Their show design could improve a little bit, but I see exciting things ahead for them!) 7. JET (Really enjoyed their show last year and felt it was a step up from recent years. Definitely in the running for state if they keep it up!) 8. Tompkins (Overall, I thought they were relatively clean and had a strong sound, but I think show design might be what’s holding this group back. If they can improve their design and complexity, I think they could get their way back into state.) 9. Katy (Solid group. I think they’re a comfortable area finalist.) 10. Cypress Springs (Bold, but they have been steadily improving, and I really like their show concept this year. Excited to see how they’ll do this year!) Bubble Groups Cypress Ranch Jersey Village Paetow Cypress Park

Hendrickson H.S., TX "Emergence" https://www.instagram.com/p/DI428j1NHrn/ Musical Selections Dance 1: First Movement by Oliver Davis Apres Moi by Regina Spektor Blue by Billie Eilish Courage to Change by Sia Furler LOVE the concept and musical selections. Really excited about this one!

WOW! I’m so hyped for this show! Their designs have been improving so much lately, and I just know the costuming and field aesthetics are going to look stunning. With the momentum they have right now, I really think this show can top last years. I’m excited to see how they take things to the next level!

I agree. Cy Woods has found their niche and who they are as a program and is continuing to build on it. I believe for 2023, design (mostly visual design) and visual clarity were factors that really held them back, but they’ve made minor adjustments to their design team recently. They’ve revealed their show this year (privately), and the concept and musical selection sounds very intriguing. I’m excited to see how they build off last year. They definitely have a bright future ahead!

As a Woods Alum, I’m a bit bummed that they keep placing low at state. I genuinely thought they would’ve been at least in the top 20. I think they’re just more of a BOA band than UIL which that’s perfectly fine. Regardless of the results, I hope that the kids don’t let this one placement diminish the incredible season that they’ve had and had a show that truly resonated with people. This is probably the most consistent I’ve ever seen the program be. Their future is very bright and I know that they’re going to keep improving from here.

Unfortunate news for Cypress Woods. They still had a fantastic run and should still be very proud of their accomplishments. I definitely see them in the running for State Finals. Regardless of the outcome, the correct bands are advancing to state and that's all that matters. Congrats to Bridgleand HS on being the new area champions!!!

Cy Woods historically (as of recent years) has always been a program that starts the season off slow, but finishes strong. So, their early season results usually aren’t the best indicator of how the rest of their season will go. This year though, they seem to be making that extra push to break into the next level after their very strong showing at TMC. Which makes me very excited to see the end result if they keep the momentum going, which I’m sure they are.

I stand corrected lol. Just saw the recap that Seven Lakes won the tiebreaker due to GE in prelims. Its also nice to see Moe and Gene do really well here!

Woah Seven Lakes moving up to top half!!! So happy for them!

Yes, Cy Woods’ first show is TMC. Really excited to see how they’ll do there. Their show looks so cool

To my knowledge, they have a New Head, Assistant, and Percussion Directors

Much improved show design from Cedar Ridge! I love how the band swings their arms and instruments back and forth as part of their choreography. I just find that SO effective. Their arrangement of wrecking ball is wonderful. I think this show is their ticket to get back into state. Amazing run Cedar Ridge!

Westlake’s show is just beautiful all around. I thought the pre-show was beautifully done and a very emotional way to start the show. I already know that ballad is going to put me in tears by the end of the season. I am so excited to see how far they take this show. Congrats Westlake on a remarkable performance!

I’m glad to see that the staff changes didn’t affect them at all because they look and sound incredible as always. I’m loving their music this year. Can’t wait to see them this weekend!

I decided to take a stab at this 1. Vandegrift 2. Ronald Reagan 3. Rouse 4. Vista Ridge 5. Round Rock 6. Leander 7. Moe and Gene Johnson 8. James Bowie 9. Westwood 10. Cypress Woods 11. Dripping Springs 12. Forney/Hendrickson Just Out/Bubble Finalists 13. Forney/Hendrickson 14. Mcniel 15. Brandeis Man, this contest is INSANE. I am confident enough to say that the top 6 is most likely locked, but 7-12 can literally go any way. It's really going to come down to the quality of performance that day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj6BICm40Fg Here's Westlake's performance. They look and sound VERY good for this early in the season and those flags look stunning. I also love the Oliver Davis opener. Definitely a group to keep an eye out for this season!

Cy Woods Alum here! (Also first post 😁) Seeing them make an impressive finish at this contest would be cool. Watching their performance at BOA San Antonio last year and how close they were to finals, gave me hope for a potential breakout season very soon. I'm rooting for them this season. I've seen their show reveal this year and at first, I was a bit questionable about it, but after getting more details (I am not going to say anything out of respect for the band's privacy), It has grown on me. If everyone on the design team does their part, the show has the potential to be very entertaining. Regardless of the result, I am VERY stoked to see every band at this contest perform their hearts out and show a great display of music education in Texas!! Best of luck to all the bands at this contest. I'm very excited to see all the amazing shows to come!!