Origin

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

Did he say “Texcellence” 🤣

Always hoping that there’s a tie that forces an extra band into finals like what happened at Nats in 2016.

Amazing performance by Waxahachie to conclude an unprecedentedly amazing prelims competition!

Both Wylie schools were so good!

TWHS guard is insaneeeeee

Cy Fair’s show is too short! I wanted it to keep going! Everything is working for them with this show. It just flows seamlessly. However, I think other bands in the bubble showcased stronger technical brass playing. Still a strong finals contender though.

Cypress Woods was great. Very clean! The visual demand felt very light to me though. They really didn’t march that much until the closer.

Flower Mound is always one of my favorites. Just so consistently creative. The drill lacked a bit of variety for me (a bit too blocky) but I’m nitpicking! Guard is still fantastic after their director change.

Keller!! Still a solid contender for finals! Love that bicycle set with wheels that actually rotate (great attention to detail). And wow do they know how to end a show.

Magnolia and CTJ giving me some deja vu 😂

Timber Creek was great! Very clean! Big UIL vibes, but I could definitely see them top 20 here.

Reagan’s visual program is probably unmatched here. It’s crazy what they are attempting! There are a lot of noticeably unrefined moments but the content is through the roof.