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No particular order: L.D. Bell H.S., TX9:30 Haltom H.S., TX10:30 Mansfield H.S., TX11:15 Coppell H.S., TX11:45 Leander H.S., TX12:45 Connally H.S., TX1:15 Berkner H.S., TX1:30 Hebron H.S., TX1:45 Richland H.S., TX2:15 Marcus H.S., TX2:45 My bubble bands: Martin H.S., TX1:00 Ronald Reagan H.S., TX2:00 (I think Reagan could very well be a finalist, but Im not sure how there going to respond in there 2nd year after the school split) North Shore Sr. H.S., TX9:00

...I like October "Concierto De Aranjuez" By Joaquin Rodrigo from Blue Devils 2003 is my favorite ballad of all time. We are using Nessun Dorma for our ballad this year. I love rehearsing that part.

Last year was Marshall's first BOA year since 96 (I believe) so it was our first appearance at Arlington and unfortunately we did not make a very big push for finals. We did fairly well at Houston regionals back in the 90s though =/ Back to the Martin discussion, my roommate is a tech and alum at Martin and he feels good about them this year. I don't want to say much because I don't want to skew his words. I have a feeling this is going to be a very good year for BOA and I can see some programs turning heads and breaking through. Especially after seeing Mansfield's performance.

How often is the Voxman studies used for Saxophone etudes? I only did state music on sax for one year with ferling etudes. Despite not being in High School anymore I think I will play them a few times anyways.

John Marshalls 2009 show is entitled "Chaos and Grace" with original music by Kevin Tabb. Kevin Tabb is one of the assistant directors at Marshall. I'm not sure about the other musical selections, I may get more information later on.

Albert Lo is a great director. I got to meet him once when he came to help us out during concert season. In that one day I could tell that he was a great teacher and truly loved what he was doing. Is there a reason out for him leaving yet? I hope this isn't related to their fall show, it would be a shame to lose two great directors for the same reason.

UT Arlington, Music Ed Major. I want to minor in Psychology, if I cant then Philosophy.

We're doing a mass band concert for the first time since our new directors took over two years ago. Its not that hard for us in the top band, but it's kind of blowing some of the freshman's minds right now. Robin Hood A Benny Goodman Tribute America the Beautiful Arm Forces Salute (Tradition of ours) Part 1 to our 2009 show And another piece that I cant remember. I wish I new the guys who composed them all, but I left my music folder at school. For the Jazz Band, Brazil Soon its Going to Rain Albequirky

Probably the later. Kids at my school see the swine flu as a joke and I cant imagine kids a little down the road think much different.

I heard part one today, and saw the score from my friend trying out for drum major (part of our tryouts is to conduct part 1), and it has tons of weird chords and some nice pit features. We are also going to play at least one movement at our spring concert, I'm excited to play one last show music, even though I wont march it.

Any show that uses Symphony no. 9 by Dvorak gets automatic interest from me.

I too don't want to reveal to much about it, but I think ours is going to be quiet intense too. I was talking to one of the Assistant directors about it and he said we may try and get original music for the show. Should be interesting, I'm looking forward to seeing them pull it off next year. We have no idea what the music is going to be, but the concept is becoming pretty solidified.

I do newspaper. Oh the fun times of getting out of band at 7, dragging myself back into a class room to finish a deadline and leaving at 10. We are actually one of the top newspapers in the state. Is there any rumors flying around your band about next years show? (Don't say it, but just if their there)

Hmm. It appears the Houston regional will be the "lighter" regional this year, like Arlington was last year. This year though Arlington is STACKED. They have 6 of the state finalist and The Woodlands who would have likely have been a finalist. I also noticed Lafayette HS is performing at the Houston regional. I would like to the see them as well.

To make up for the lack of cold during the actual Winter. Your thoughts on cake?

Wow, I was not aware of the severity of the problem. I know all the regionals make money, however I figured they would still put in whatever money they had into the initial cost to run some of the regionals, then profit later and hope for the economy to pick back up. I can't imagine how boring of a season it would be for 5A bands without UIL State and BOA.

Very true, they had some financial problems earlier this year that was threatening BOA. Although I don't think they were in danger of being bankrupt. If worst came to worst, I think they would have just cut some regionals, and take away some bells and whistles. However, they reached their goal of raising $250,00 for the upcoming year. This is an email that went out to all MFA/BOA newsletter subscribers. " Dear BOA Alumni, Parents, Teachers, Family & Friends: Greetings & Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that in 81 days Music for All's BOA family successfully raised $250,686. Gifts received prior to the close of the fiscal year (February 28, 2009) totaled $249,166. All of the donations received before the end of the fiscal year have been allocated to reducing the organization's projected year-end deficit. All donations received after February 28, 2009 are being allocated to the current year's annual fund. As we bring this campaign to a close, there are numerous people that I want to thank. I must start with thanking my tireless staff for staying committed during this time of unrest. To all the BOA alumni that held fundraising drives, reached out on our behalf and/or shared heartfelt testimonials of the joy that BOA has provided to them, thank you for your generosity and for making me smile (and often cry). To the parents of the 1.25 million BOA Alumni, thank you for your financial support and for teaching me that the impact of BOA resonates for generations. To Marty Albertson and Guitar Center, thank you for your final week challenge. To the Feldstein family, thank you for providing the last $30,000 gift. I am fortunate to have a board of directors that is committed, patient and generous; thank you Music for All Board of Directors. Finally, to the educators that are at the heart of all that we represent. If not for your leadership and commitment, there would not be a reason for us to exist. Please continue to visit the campaign website for updates on Music for All's progression to organizational solvency. In the mean time, perhaps we will see you at the upcoming Music for All National Festival or Summer Symposium 2009. Either way, let's celebrate this victory! Gratefully, Scott McCormick L. Scott McCormick President and CEO"

Ahh, Marching Band Director, I thought you meant head director in my post above. I just assumed you meant head because of the different systems we come from. I'm sure most directors aren't content with being assistants their entire career, no matter how successful the program may be. Eventually they want a program that they can call their own.

Its very hard to recover from both of those events. Unfortunately my school was never able to get back to where we were in the mid 80's-mid 90's after a school split. I can only imagine what adding a director change to that could do. However, I believe with time any program can get back to the top with the right direction. To the original topic I think Westfield can return to powerhouse status. It really all depends on how much trust the kids have in the new director.

Probably. Many directors that aren't going to Grand Nationals I think would like to extend the competitive marching season by a week. Its kind of a bummer that next years marching season won't go into November for most bands.

Brazil, Almost Like Being in Love, and Soon its Going to Rain. What about you guys?

Awesome. I'm glad to see some more established bands going. My director told me today that there will be 45 different 5A jazz bands, playing in two separate halls. I can't wait to listen to some of the other ensembles.

I'm going Saturday. I here that's when the swag is the cheapest. I'm hoping to get a nice stock pile of reeds. Whats your reed/mouthpiece of choice?

I picked up Piece Breve by Eugene Bozza for Tenor Saxophone today. It is hard, but it if very fun, plus being an unaccompanied piece is nice too. I'm going to try and get the second page clean for my University of Houston audition, and then learn the rest for TSSEC. I have about 4 lines to memorize on my current piece with 3 weeks left, so I think I'm doing well. Does anyone know if there's a transcription of the Creston Sonata for Tenor Sax? I don't want to spend $20 and transpose it to find out something is impossible to do on tenor, or just doesn't sound good. I know it wouldn't be on the PML, but just something to do for fun.