Musicnerd

Actually, there is something that could have been done about it. They could have started early without the synth. They would have finished their show in time and kept their 1’s. It was a gamble the director took (if he really was planning on starting during announcements, which I still don’t believe since the drum majors and kids weren’t told they were going to start early) and he lost. It is what it is at this point. I’m just sick of the “there is nothing that could have been done” narrative. It’s not true. But, I digress…

You are right that the show isn’t always 8 minutes 20 seconds. When they performed at BOA the same day, it was 8 minutes 30 seconds. They would have needed to start their show nearly at the start of the announcement in order to fit it in. It is not the fault of our kids. It doesn’t matter if there is a malfunction with some equipment. The director chose to wait to start at the time they did, so yes, it is his responsibility. He could have started without whatever equipment they say was failing. (And don’t even get me started on all that electronic stuff they use now. 😆) I’m not trying to be ugly to anyone. I’m just stating facts and having a little fun with the meme. If we don’t laugh, we might cry. Have a good night!

None of our kids were told they would be starting during the announcements. They have never once practiced that way. They never planned to start early. The show is just too long and the director started it too late to fit in the allotted time. Equipment malfunction is not a legitimate excuse. They should have started without the synth if it really wasn’t ready in time. Directors should make sure their shows are short enough to allow for a few seconds of issues anyway. It’s a dangerous move to make the show longer than that. Hopefully something was learned, but it sounds like it’s just being swept under the rug of excuses.

That’s why I said life goes on. Everyone wants to make it all dramatic like someone got cheated. I’m also saying everyone should settle down. Hopefully the director will use it as a teaching/learning experience. I have watched the video back multiple times, so I know what happened. We went over time. We were penalized. Now life goes on. It’s not being rude. I have compassion for my kids feelings. It’s sad for them. But it’s not life-altering. That’s all I was trying to convey.

UIL rules are clear. They never should have given 1’s to begin with. Wakeland went over time. They get 2’s. The show is too long for UIL. There should have been cuts to make it compatible with the rules. The show is 8:20. The time allowed is 8:00. (Other times their show has been clocked at 8:45 if the tempo dragged.) It was poor planning.

It would be ridiculous if they let them go to area. The rules are clear. The director failed to make sure the show wasn’t too long. It’s a consequence of the decision to have a show that is 8:20 when the allotted time is 8:00. I’m sure kids are upset, but it’s a lesson for life. Things don’t always go like you plan. Sometimes leaders make mistakes. Life goes on.