GarbagePatchKid

Watching from home! I think I may go watch 4a next week. Excited to see if Mineola can pull it off!

I follow their band on Facebook and I feel confident the directors did a workshop either at tmea or tba. I don’t feel like going back through the page but I’m positive it was them. interestingly enough, their show designer also designs for North Lamar, and I think maybe Kaufman, wakeland, Ranchview, and Melissa. Maybe a few more big schools? I cannot remember. It definitely starts with a solid show design but is also about the band leadership, instruction, and execution.

They did and for a darn good reason.

Thank you for your service 🫡 might want to check out the state thread and the area b thread. It’s getting wild over there.

Happy for you! and yes, that stadium is a beast to walk around!

Very happy for you! The Farmersville parents were wonderful to sit around at the contest. The joy on their faces when they knew you were advancing was beautiful to see! I know you are upset about your spot in prelims. There are rules that determine the order. They are pasted below: Qualifying bands are assigned a draw order using the randomize tool of FileMaker Pro. Then, these bands will be divided into three equal groups based on one-way mileage to the contest site. Group I: closest 1/3 competitors Group II: middle 1/3 competitors Group III: farthest 1/3 competitors Using the following method, a Prelim performance order will be determined. Bands will be scheduled based on the draw order, with the following allowance for mileage from each school to the contest site using Google Maps. Group II Bands: Performances will not be earlier than 1/2 way through Group I. Group III Bands: Performances will not be earlier than 1/2 way through Group II. the performance order will include only the bands 1) that checked “Area Intent - Open” on their Region Entry, 2) that are certified at their Region Marching Contest, and 3) have contacted Mike Bullock indicating their intent to advance.

So I’m assuming you are from a school who didn’t place as high as you wanted. That’s ok. There’s always next year! I would say Sulphur is the epitome of park and bark. I’m going to say it: I really do not like the SS show. The theme has been done over and over again and it is not as challenging. They are loud and a crowd pleaser, but it’s still sloppy. I was surprised to see them place so high. They actually came in first in prelims. We disagree AND THAT IS OK! I know that a lot of you (especially students from competing schools) do not like shows like what Celina and maybe even Panther creek do. You need to sit down and listen to the intricacy of the music and watch how much they move. A lot of you are claiming judging issues in area c and area b but that is your bias shining through. Both of those shows have a huge number of sets and the music is dang hard. Both of those schools have incredible uniformity in their movement and rich colors in their sounds, dynamic contrast, and the exact opposite of park and bark. They barely stand still. As a disclaimer, I have no connections to any of these bands. Im just an old man marching band nerd who lives in Collin county and sees them a lot. This forum is currently dominated by students and emotions are high. Not here to argue with anyone. I’m just asking you to put your bias aside and take a neutral, objective look. fyi - the schedule is out! https://www.uiltexas.org/files/music/4A_Prelims_2024.pdf

That makes no sense because with the addition of the bands from region 25, MORE schools advanced. Last year this area sent five bands. This year they sent seven and were super close to sending eight. Only two of those bands are former region b bands.

I saw the judges sheet for finals. Panther Creek got all ones for visual. It was music that hurt them.

I was at C. The results are accurate. Maybe move Farmersville up a spot or two and move Bridge City back a spot or two. Very accurate judging IMO

Supposedly panther creek scored high in visual but was butchered in music.

No disrespect to that program because it has been amazing (and I have a personal connection to it), but I’ve been expecting this for a few years.

Canton was 8th. They just missed it.

And it’s raining nice work bridge city. You stayed cool even though it started in the middle of your show!

I should’ve included pleasant grove in that mix as well. They looked good too.

I would say Celina and Farmersville are way at the top, followed by a cluster including VA, Sunnyvale, Community, PT, and Wills point. I could not tell you who is ahead of who from that cluster. They all had good runs but Farmersville and Celina are a step above in both show complexity and execution. This was my first time seeing Celina’s full show and it was dang good at the end. First time hearing the high acclaimed sax solo from Farmersville too.

Celina and Farmersville are not playing around. Two incredible runs.

I was wondering that as well. I would maybe consider them possible dark horses but not definite contenders.

The weather is looking slightly better. Still probably going to be a wet one here and there but the chance of severe weather has diminished.

Noooo. Not Area A too! Come commiserate with us in areas b and c.

Yes, their assistant director went to North Lamar. This is his second year.

Anna also went to a four day schools week which hurt the band program considerably due to some scheduling issues.

Schools using lots of electronics will be at a disadvantage if they have to perform in the rain. Schools with the ability to practice this week indoors will be at an advantage.

Here are some photos of the Lindale indoor for those interested https://jacksonconstruction.com/portfolio/lindale-high-school-indoor-practice-facility/ https://www.tylerbuilding.com/projects/lindale-indoor-field

I just looked up their indoor facility and the pictures I found do not show a balcony viewing area like other schools have. I’ve seen it done in the past with judges on the field with the students. It was a mess. A few bands advanced that year who should not have advanced. I believe it was 3a Area C maybe 2015? Schools without indoor facilities are at a huge disadvantage in preparing for this contest.