TheBandStan

Sorry, genuine question but what specifically are you wanting comment on? D-Ville's US Bands score being higher than Sachse and Forney?

I agree with a lot of this lineup. With how close JJ Pearce and North Forney's scores were at MMI. I wouldn't be surprised to see some movement between those two. Aside from that, the biggest wild card I see right now is the RISD schools. I feel fairly confident in a Rockwall HS Top 4 for sure, but for Heath, it's way harder to place them. It's hard to picture Heath placing above D-Ville/Sachse for sure, but barely anyone saw a Heath finals at MMI (Me including.) and they showed up and showed out! I'm honestly surprised and they clearly have carried some real momentum as of late. Another thing to note is Heath also placed higher than even Rockwall in a few categories in both Prelims and Finals for MMI. (Could be chalked up to judging) But with scores so close, I'm really curious to see how Area C will end up!

Yes and no. (TLDR: BOA can definitely show a good idea of placement at UIL when the scores and placements are wide enough [5+ spots-ish] but when you get in that closer range, the difference in judging can make a real impact on placement between the two contests.) In general you can definitely make a claim that if you're more than 5 spots apart at a BOA, you'll most likely rank higher in UIL, but when you get within 5 spots of one another, it's less cut and dry. BOA emphasis GE and how impressive your show is from an audience standpoint. Whereas UIL emphasis more traditional ideals of perfect ensemble blend and visual execution with less emphasis on GE. (Which isn't to say BOA doesn't also have really high standards for ensemble blend and execution, BOA just prioritizes other aspects of a show instead of execution alone.) That difference in judging makes it difficult to determine placement for UIL based off BOA. For example, if a BOA show isn't performed it's best but there is a lot of unique music and visual GE, they can place pretty well, but a UIL judge watching that same show is more likely to rank them lower as GE is less of a priority in their rubric.

Thank you very much!

I've asked around a bit and I haven't seen any yet. Hopefully one good recording will come up soon. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed their show. Their opener was super enticing, their brass was truly engaging, and their theming was really well done (I even recognized some gears from Heath's show the year prior). Their placement at Waco was a little higher than I was initially predicting but it was a welcome surprise! I love to see more Area C schools showing up and showing out! I'll keep on the look out for any solid recordings!

(The Ultimate) Prelims Awards Recap: A Champion: Merididan AA Champion: Grapevine AA 2nd: Summit AA 3rd: Bastrop AAA Champion: Aledo AAA 2nd: Robert E. Hendrickson AAA 3rd: Burleson Centennial AAAA Champion: Cedar Ridge AAAA 2nd: James Bowie/Dripping Springs (Tie) Finalist Bands (In Random Order): 1. Sachse 2. Seven Lakes 3. Timber Creek 4. Cedar Ridge 5. Robert E. Hendrickson 6. Moe & Gene 7. Westlake 8. James Bowie 9. Dripping Springs 10. Aledo 11. Keller Central 12. Burleson Centennial Captions: AAAA Music: Cedar Ridge AAAA Visual: Cedar Ridge AAAA GE: Cedar Ridge AAA Music: Aledo AAA Visual: Aledo AAA Ge: Aledo AA Music: Grapevine AA Visual: Grapevine AA GE: Grapevine A Music: Meridian A Visual: Meridian A GE: Meridian Such an exciting and energetic prelims! I can’t wait to feel the energy in finals and see who brings it home! Good luck to everyone on their finals run!

Oh! You're most certainly right. I completely blanked on it since the bands in my area haven't gone to it. I'll post a revised list later.

I completely agree. Mesquite was a real eye-opener in regard to their placement. Here's my predictions: 1. James Martin 2. Mansfield 3. The Colony 4. Birdville 5. Fossil Ridge 6. Rockwall-Heath 7. North Mesquite 8. Little Elm 9. Lakeview Centennial 10. Panther Creek Honestly, I think 5-7 could be anything but the top 4 are pretty solid. I think captions will be a sweep except for percussion. Rockwall-Heath was only 10 points out of a thousand away from beating Herbon's percussion at Mesquite so I wouldn't be surprised if they get the caption here.

I absolutely couldn’t agree more, I truly believe we’re ushering in a new era of Texas marching band and I’m here for it! This year, from the few performances already seen, have been absolutely fantastic! Some really amazing openers. I’m very much looking forward to the new judging system and am readily awaiting to see how much improvement these bands will make with the five extra fundamental hours. I’m ecstatic for a phenomenal day of marching band!

Yeah, I definitely remember getting home much later than other contests. Around 1 AM if I recall correctly.

I'm genuinely looking forward to this contest this year! Melissa’s attendance will be missed but this is always one of my favorite contests to watch all year.