BlastFromThePast

I know, I know, different performances, different set of judges. Scores can't be compared directly between semis and finals. STILL, interesting to see the shifting.

TW went in 2006 (where they were class champs but placed 4th in finals, after drawing 1st performance slot). They went again in 2007 and have alternated years since then as to not conflict with UIL State. Wonder how UIL State being every year now will affect TX representation at Grand Nats.

Seems Hebron & Carmel will be duking it out at the top, and Avon & TW just under them. Agree we should probably (?) see a captions split, but there are always surprises. Amazing level of accomplishment by all these bands.

Yes, this show had me a little confused. Some visual parts didn’t seem to complement the music very well. Nice color effects though.

Pearland, what a striking show. I like the traditional symmetric design punctuated by key moments of asymmetry. Their program has come a long ways competitively these last few years. Looking forward to their finals performance.

Go TWHS! (my hometown). Love the tight design and focused energy of this show, been really fun to watch it develop over the season. Wondering if the relative sparseness of the music will be an issue in scoring.

Avon had eye-popping visuals with those uniforms and frames but I think they will be held back a bit musically.

Nothing like a concert hall performance while doing insane marching. Amazing Carmel.

Agree, I hear Carmel is incredible this year and there are other serious contenders this afternoon. Hebron was amazing but nothing is a given at this point.

Incredible. Nobody blows the top off the stadium like Hebron. I regret not being there just for this. #nevermissagain

And just like that, another top-level marching band from TX arrives on the scene. Is this their first GN? Amazing the support for bands in this state.

Wondering if I can get one of those Morton set pieces for my backyard (before they put the covers on). Nice contrabass clarinet, don't hear that often in marching band!

Playing that soprano sax solo with such expression would be very nerve wracking in that huge suspended silence! Excellent.

Here's a visualization of the finals scoresheet (data taken from finals recap PDF posted by BOA). I'll post one after Indy GN finals too.