Origin

This competition is essentially a mini BOA. Same sheets and the judges panel is stacked. For whatever reason, it’s much harder to find videos of the DFW bands. I have managed to see/hear at least something from most of the heavy-hitters here, and everyone is looking really strong. Marcus’ show is seemingly a bit more edgy that what we would usually expect, so I’m excited for that. I know that their longtime color guard director left the program after this past winter guard season, so I hope that transition is going smoothly. Coppell is definitely building off of their successful 2021 season. Keller sounds as good as ever. It looks like they’re also trying some interesting things visually, I saw that they’re using Pride of Cincinnati’s props from this past WGI season. Timber Creek sounds really really good and I think they’re one to really look out for, especially at UIL.

Reagan is a lot to take in on first viewing. There’s just SO MUCH happening visually at all times that I can barely focus on what’s happening musically. The show has me really really excited though. Guard costumes are super cool too. CTJ is much more intelligible right now. The show is really coming along. I’m a big fan.

Brandeis was first out, but by a pretty decent margin.

Wow, Vista made up some serious ground over Round Rock.

Congrats Vandy!!!

Vista Ridge was solid. Maybe some minor timing issues here and there. They’re definitely playing the long game with this show, it’s got some difficult stuff!

I missed Vandy to watch The Woodlands. Did the light up stuff work?

I kindof have no idea what TWHS’ show is supposed to be about, but I don’t really care because the music is so dang enjoyable and the guard is spectacular. Also, it’s kinda iconic that they’ve been using those tiered stages for like 6 years straight.

Cedar Ridge: They’re the full package, every section of the band is so strong. The commitment to character is so admirable!

Rouse: The attention to detail in the design is always top notch! Everything is so perfectly tailored to the strengths of the band. The show flows extremely well for this point in the season.

Cedar Park: There’s not much I feel I need to say. Best Cedar Park show since at least 2017.

James Bowie: Nice horns and woodwinds runs to start the show off. There is so much going on in the second movement, wow. The drill is constantly circling and intertwining. The staging in the backfield playing in the ballad is so difficult. Can’t wait to see this show continue to evolve. Westlake: I love this show!! I can’t get enough of the music, it’s so so so well done. The clarinet solo and choir are *chefs kiss*. They do a lot of playing on the move. Like last year, I think they’ll peak later right when it really matters. Lake Travis: A gorgeous production all around. They don’t produce a single bad sound and also look super clean. They have the fundamentals locked down, so now they can work on maxing out the GE of the show.

Hendrickson: So nice to see them back in finals! There are so many sounds in the winds and percussion that emulate a train, it’s really immersive! They are performing with SO MUCH energy, I love it! This show really comes alive at night, all the props and flags really pop. Leander: Awesome attitude on the percussion feature to start the second movement. The brass then steadily builds into unrelenting power. I’m excited to see how this show grows in the coming weeks, especially as the guard gets more comfortable. Westwood: They are definitely developing an identity of bringing well known themes to the field, but with a twist. I love that I can hear those woodwind runs while they’re playing backfield at the beginning. When they bring the color back, I think it can be a bigger moment visually. Their brass is great, as always.

Usually for UIL competitions that happens. I don’t recall that ever happening for BOA.

No, they don’t get posted until after finals is over.

Good! I would've been very confused if they weren’t up there in the top half.

No surprises with the finalists. I had Vista Ridge in 5th and Round Rock in 7th so I wonder if Vista Ridge got bumped out of the top half.

Wow! Jordan!

I don’t even wanna try to predict captions or share my specific placements🤣. Although, I would like to see Vandy with 4A visual, and Cedar Ridge with GE. And I’m sure 3A captions will go to Cedar Park and maybe Rouse.

Even after watching prelims, this competition still feels impossible to predict. Cedar Ridge, Vandegrift, Cedar Park, Rouse, and Vista Ridge we’re the strongest to me (not in any particular order). I would be surprised to see any of them outside the top half of finals. As for other finalists, I’m thinking a combination of Westlake, Round Rock, Westwood, Leander, Bowie, Hendrickson , Lake Travis, and Dripping Springs (again, no particular order).

Vandegrift is easily one of the best visual bands in the country. They’re just constantly moving, taking big steps, all while playing difficult and often times exposed passages. The scale they create visually is unmatched here. I’m not fully in love with the show like I was in 2019 and 2021. Because of the insane visual demand, I can definitely hear some strain on the music performance that could definitely leave the music caption open for a number of other groups (but keep in mind I’m watching on the stream). Obviously, the props don’t work in daylight so I’m excited to see how they change things in finals.

Yessss Cedar Ridge!!! I love everything I just saw. They sound like bands twice their size, the guard is awesome, and the overall attention to detail is great. I feel like I fully understand the story their telling, which is rare at this point in the season. The wings and horns on the guard and pit are so cute too.

Round Rock. A show about a round rock. No, I actually think they sound good and look good considering how much drill they are marching. The opening set feels epic, especially with that backfield playing. The show ended in a bit of an awkward spot, but that’s to be expected this early. I don’t hate the uniforms.

Westwood! That was pretty great! The effect of taking away the color from the field was cool and something I don’t know I’ve seen before. Lots of great music moments throughout.

Really like this opening set from Leander. They move well and for the most part they sound really good! There’s a big lead up to the first hit, and the musical payoff is strong, but the visual doesn’t quite pack the same punch yet. The guard is attempting some great stuff, they just need a bit more time!