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I only caught the final block this evening, but I was blown away! I was particularly surprised with Poteet; they sounded great and had such a fun show. I also thought that Pflugerville was quite clearly visually well-trained. The Wakeland show grows more and more on me each time I see it and is absolutely poised to upset the LISD medal sweep. To me, Friendswood’s greatest strength lies in their marching technique. It’s so unique and their red uniforms really make their bent-knee pop. It seems there are quite a few groups from tonight’s final block that may make finals appearances from tomorrow. How exciting! And Good Lord the UNT Mean Green Machine… one of the best college marching bands out there. What an incredible opening statement.

Just personal taste- it’s not for me! I feel that (again, personally) that there is a big part of GE that is more successfully conveyed with silks and weapons-lines. Sure, the dance team provided a sense of elegance to Vandegrift’s show, but once the activity catches back up to them, I don’t think the dance team over traditional guard trend will be enough to keep top groups at the top.

It was a banner weekend for SO many bands! Here’s some honorable titles I just did my research on: Vandegrift: Highest ranking in their history Marcus: Highest ranking in 11 years Rouse: Highest ranking in their history Bell: Highest ranking in 11 years Bridgeland: Highest ranking in their history Westlake: Tied their highest ranking in 11 years Wakeland: Highest ranking in their history Timber Creek: Highest ranking in their history Cy-Woods: Highest ranking in their history Forney: Highest ranking in their history

1: TWHS 2: Marcus 3: Vandegrift 4: Vista 5: LD Bell 6: Reagan 7: Rouse 8: Cedar Park 9: Wakeland 10: Bridgeland 11: CTJ 12: Round Rock 13: Leander 14: Westlake

It’s based on the pointillism painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette” and they put dots everywhere! On the costumes, on the flags, on the props, and in the drill! It’s also about the journey of growing as a performer

Bell has not placed in the top half here since 2012. Way to go! Being a finalist bubble band in conversation to top half is shocking. Wonderful redemption from state (maybe speaks a bit more to that AM judging).

Finalist strong?👀

Though I am personally quite fond of the Wakeland show, it would seem that their show is typically less well received in prelims than in finals (3rd in Prosper Prelims, 2nd in Area Prelims.) It may be more on the bubble than many would currently think, though I am unsure. Cedar Ridge has a show--while excellently performed--that lacks a certain "it" factor for me. They may be closer to the edge of finals than previously thought. After such a great UIL Prelims run with disappointing results, I'm really hoping Bell pulls into finals here. It would be so nice to see Leander back in finals here though! And I'm sure Bowie is looking to make some noise before Nats. Lake Travis is another one to not overlook!

What an emotional show! I actually think Marcus had a stronger run than yesterday. First is a complete toss-up right now.

Flomo just had the cleanest run of the afternoon so far! I think the Lewisville ISD sweep is quite possible 👀

Considering how hard UIL was on Lovejoy this year and Wakeland last year, I’m very surprised at the alleged leniency for Waxahachie. As many others have stated above, what is the point of having the rule if you’re going to allow a 2-second grace period? If it had been 5 seconds over, would there have been a 5-second grace period? One can’t help but wonder.

Very sad to hear this. Even 20th place for that show would have felt criminally underscored! Regardless of placement, Wylie students gave one of the best runs of the day, and definitely inspired many on these forums. They should be proud!

Really shocked at the placements for the AM bubble bands who had EXTREMELY good runs. I really thought Bell was going to be a lock after a run like that and hearing many of the afternoon groups, and was very surprised to see Wylie and Timber Creek so low! Hoping they fare better at BOA SA on Saturday.

Bell hasn’t been in the UIL State Finals for YEARS. Them making it would effectively be ‘new’

Keller had a beautiful run! Hoping to see them again tomorrow with Bell and Coppell representing Area B. Way to go! They’ll be in great shape for Nats.

I don’t see their musical performance taking on Bell, Wylie, or Bridgeland, but they may just!

I know Marcus had incredible success under Drinkwater, but the aesthetics of The Missing Piece and Above the Noise are absolutely unmatched. Best ballad of the day! I hope to see them pick up a medal tomorrow.

Way to go Bridgeland! I have them right in line with Wylie. Could spoil something for a perennial finalist!

The Woodlands just pulled out the best visual run of the day. They are on track to become the first band to medal at UIL, BOA SA, and Grand Nats since LD Bell in 2010. Well done!

I have Bell over Coppell, with Wylie hot on their heels. For Bell, I was FLOORED! I believe we'll see their first state finals appearance in years here. Good for them! Coppell as a perennial finalist should not have anything to worry about in terms of finals advancement. Below that, it gets a bit scary. Has anyone started the argument for State Semis yet? Really hoping we get to see a 6A D1 and D2 for marching band soon, or at least a 7A conference. Too many finalist-caliber bands! Given many of the absences at BOASA, this very well may be the most difficult contest in the country this year. With last year's bronze medalist Cedar Ridge already out, anything could happen!

Coppell has the most innovative and unique show of the day so far! Their design score should be through the roof, rightfully so. Tuning in the ballad seemed to suffer more than most groups, but they’ll get another run at this tomorrow.

While this is true- if you’re the top 5 in the state you should be undeniable. It shouldn’t matter when you perform. If you’re the best, you’re the best regardless of when you go on.

WOW LD Bell…. what a beautiful show!! Minor tuning in the soloists at the beginning, but as soon as the full band came in, they cemented their place in the top of that finals bubble, if not locked in-just my opinion. Well done!