VinoGirl

I agree with you. I am also a big fan of Coppell’s show. I know some have said it’s not their favorite, but I just love it. I think they really deliver across the board. Of course I’ll also be cheering for my hometown Highlander Band to have a good run as well…just happy to be there!

I just adore Coppell’s show. You feel like if you don’t intentionally look around and listen carefully then you’ll miss something. I have also seen Hebron’s show and … swoon. It’s just so fun. Yacht Rock and marching band had a baby and…amazing. i can’t wait to see Cedar Park’s show in person (mirrors are genius) and CTJ. Plenty of other amazing bands too. I have never seen Cedar Ridge or Vandy live, so can’t wait for that! I’ll be cheering for Highland Park in their first super regional. Cannot wait to see it all!

I think HP’s music was solid. Yes, I’m an HP parent but I do try to be objective and I’m a band nerd like everyone else here. This show has been a challenge all season long. Not really of the caliber that matches what the kids can do. Not enough interesting or complex drill. I could go on. I think given their move to 6A, and having the entire band staff change over the summer they have had a respectable season. It was fun being on the field with these programs today, and onward we go!

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m just ready to get this contest done! So many great bands and programs. I have a bit of anxiety about how it will turn out…mostly because I know how hard ALL these kids have worked. I absolutely believe that the UIL rubric will make for an interesting contest. I think we may have some surprises. I think we’ll debate the results. But, my God, I’ll be glad when this Area contest is finished. GOOD LUCK TO ALL. I truly will be cheering for every band tomorrow. ❤️❤️❤️

From what I can see from the weather forecast, it looks like the rain will stop in the early morning on Saturday. Weather Channel says 24% chance of rain and a high of 64 degrees.

I think someone else asked this earlier: How do we see who is judging Area contests?

It’s UIL. Anything can happen. I am not even going to venture predictions beyond maybe the first two bands. Saturday will be interesting. I literally have no expectations - just gonna see what happens!

I will say that HP ended up besting Aledo at BOA last weekend, which won Mansfield, so I'm not sure Mansfield is a super good barometer. That being said, I think Lake Ridge is having a great year, and I expect to see them in finals and in the hunt for the state bid for sure!

I think after BOA last weekend, Martin has to be in this mix too!

@Tubalord11you have now been on site for about 15 hours. How are you holding up?!! 🤪😘

I just love how Wakeland has been building every year. This year’s show - in my opinion - is far more ambitious than in years past and they have proven that they have the chops to compete at a high level. I’m so happy for them, and I think this is a really defining moment for their program.

I really want to see their show! Great for them. That’s awesome.

Just want to hop on and say HP is feeling pretty OK about finishing third in AAA. First BOA ever, full director change over the summer, having a band parent pass away unexpectedly last Sunday…it’s been a lot and the kids have pushed ahead. Lots of polishing to do but I think they played well today, the soloists did well, and it was a great experience. Back to work on Monday! Congrats to all. Great day of outstanding band! Good luck in finals!

There will be tears, there will be cheers and I think there will be some surprises. Go cry about it! LOL. What we know for sure is that it's going to be an incredible day of band!

Marcus, Coppell, Keller, Wakeland…that’s what sticks with me. Great job by all bands. But these really stood out to me.

HP will also be participating in the BOA SA Super Regional.

A few observations: Aledo has a great, balanced show with probably the most complexity in music and drill than the other shows. And just an incredible feature saxophone soloist. Three state finalists in the second block of five finalists for this contest - definitely a competitive finals! I thought HP looked and sounded great and was quite clean. There is some cleanup to do musically, and more to be added to the show, which will help. They also had a full staffing change over the summer. Very fun finals to watch! Lots more to come!

I don’t think so…

Could be an interesting year! Can't wait to see how the season plays out.

The Mansfield Preview of Champions will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield. I haven’t seen a schedule yet, but will keep looking!

I was looking at this very helpful spreadsheet. Remind me what the colors mean. Green means advanced to State in 2021. What about the others? Thanks for putting this together!!

It was great! Happy 1st Day of Band Camp to all. Stay cool...

I kind of wonder if there is a revenue driver at play here. I'm sure the state contests bring a ton of revenue to San Antonio. I'm sure they want more of it. My daughter's band just moved from 5A to 6A, and when she learned that the coming year would be another UIL state year, she had mixed emotions. Aside from the grueling work that all band kids put in on the road to state, there is pressure to succeed, conflicts with academics, and the cost. It's a lot. I'm landing in the every other year camp. BOA provides annual competition and having UIL state every other year makes it something to really look forward to when it arrives.

Thank you so much! I appreciate the information.