Origin

Prosper was excellent. I don’t see them out of finals here.

Love love love Avon! Especially that ballad.

Carmel could win if they keep performing like that. Seems like Brownsburg bit off too much this year. Or maybe I’ve just been spoiled by the level of execution the top Texas bands get to at the end of the season.

Vandegrift’s 6A State placements: 2016: 4th 2018: 3rd 2021: 2nd 2022: 1st So so so well deserved!!!

They tied for 1st again wow! Also a tie between Round Rock and Keller.

Congrats Vandegrift!!!!!

Devastated for Timber Creek.

Looks like the top 14 was actually quite definitive after prelims. The top 14 all scored over a 90 in prelims! I thought Westlake would be at least a few places higher. Keller top 4 in their panel over Marcus, wow! Incredible showing for all the Keller schools actually.

The Woodlands was so close omg

Love that after Vista’s maybe disappointing season last year they went and challenged themselves even more. That opening hit! Great dynamic contrast from the brass. I feel like they’ve created a really unique identity for themselves.

I’m not an expert on anything before like the mid 2010s, but Reagan had that old school vibe. Visual program is amazing as always.

Are those fireworks? Very distracting. Sorry Vista.

Congrats Hebron! I can’t comprehend that those soprano sax notes are coming from a human, let alone a high school student. The first hit reminds me of the Bluecoats or something. Much better run for the soloists. The ending is very reminiscent of last year with the rainbow colors being pulled out, I wonder if that’s going to be a signature for them.

I’m always so impressed with how clean Vandegrift gets all that high velocity music and drill.

Maybe it was just me, but I noticed a new level of energy and confidence from TWHS after prelims. I love their musical selections. I’m still kinda meh on some of the drill, but it doesn’t really matter if I’m just watching the guard the whole time. How cool would it be to see them win a WGI championship. I know it’s a big ask, but after the low scoring SW finals last year, it could be wide open.

Ughhhh Flower Mound is so good. The visual execution is top freaking notch. Always my favorite from a design perspective. I think I’ve said this before, but their guard has weathered their director change completely seamlessly. My only nitpick is that I think the fabric over the box is kindof an eyesore.

CTJ’s rifles really caught my eye! Such confident, powerful catches in the opener.

Yessssss Round Rock low brass. Thought they were really strong visually too. I don’t think I fully understand the perspective of the show, but there’s something about it that I find so intriguing. I hope they bring this kind of energy to Nats next year (assuming they go).

I think Pearland has definitely earned the “consistent finalist” title. It is even more impressive considering their staff changes before this season. I have my qualms with Cartwright shows, but I actually really enjoy this show. I love the cuteness of the props juxtaposed against the big Texas band sound. Maybe a tiny bit rough around the edges compared to what we’ve seen so far, but this show is meaty!

“Commitment to character”. That’s what I get from Cedar Ridge. It’s so cool to see everyone bought in like that! They’ve really figured out how to design aground the strengths of the band. Shoutout to that epic rifle solo toss in the closer.

I just love Coppell’s show, even more than last year. I had them top half after prelims. There’s not a single section in the band that’s less than stellar and that giant guard is so so so good! The ballad could have more oomph but I also appreciate the dynamic contrast. The closer music selection has grown on me exponentially now that I’ve heard the full thing.

I’m always impressed by the way Keller plays, but that was some great marching just then. I think learning the full show earlier helped.

Very bittersweet for Leander. Finishing 2nd in 3A after a rough start to the season, but missing finals for the first time since 2013. What an amazing streak that should be heavily celebrated.

Westlake 😥😥😥😥😥

Only 14 finalists. Lameeee