[Area B marching contest]

I just have to interject a minute about Haltom. I'd heard a few things on this board and elsewhere about this being possibly being an "off-year" for them. Well, I just watched the video of them from UIL Region and I was blown away. They are making an extremely difficult Shostakovich music book sound amazing. Berkner's 2000 show has always been my standard for Shostakovich No. 10, but I think Haltom just might replace that this year. I know Xenon mentioned the great brass sounds in his reviews yesterday and I concur. There's very nice bassoon and clarinet solos featured as well. Anyway, I just want to say to the Haltom kids, great job! I am looking forward to seeing this show in person at BOA SA and State.

I completely agree. A lot of people are shocked that they advanced but I'm not. Haltom is proving they deserve it right now. Good luck to Haltom at BOA SA and State!

[2010 UIL State]

Don't get me wrong, Haltom is great, but i was surprised to see them advance to state. Even getting alternate would have surprised me. Their show just isn't up to par with where they have been. BUT, they are still a great band. Personally, I thought it'd be Marcus, Bell, Richland and Plano East with Hebron and Mansfield as alternates. SO, basically, i'm saying i would be quite surprised if they pulled off finals.

 

All I'm saying is anything can happen. Its anyones game. I don't like how everyone expects L.D. Bell and Marcus to take the top two. (not that I'm saying they aren't good cause they are great)

[2010 UIL State]

I don't know about you but I saw Haltom perform yesterday and they were quite spectacular. I think personally they are a very good possibility for state finals this year. Although, they haven't made state finals since 2004.

[BOA Arlington who do u think will make finals]

Ok, I will post my opinions on the finalist. Again, these are only my opinions.

 

Mansfield: The colorguard stoled the show. They were on fire in their finals performance. I only saw maybe two-three drops compared to prelims where there were maybe 15. The band did well. There were some nice moments. And there were obvious moments when they were some distorted sounds and cleaning still needs to be done. The visual seems okay so far. A little messy in some areas. But overall, you all did good. You for sure deserved your final placement.

 

Haltom: I really enjoyed the visual aspect of your show. There were some cool parts. Even with that, there were some parts that were boring. I wasn't as excited about your show this time around as I usually am. The music was just okay for me. Maybe there were way too many solos?? I hope to see you in the top (top 5) again where you belong and make north texas proud. Unfortunately I don't see that happening this year. But you never know - right?

 

Colleyville Heritage: I liked your props. There were some nice moments in your show. Congrats on finally making finals again. I think your show still needs some cleaner playing. Some areas were weak, but overall you all did good.

 

Wakeland: Wow, I was very surprised to see you all in finals. And then you all beat Haltom. Wow. But I do have to admit, I loved Carmina Burana. My favorite part of the show. The whole queen and the dying thing seemed a little amateur for me. Hopefully you all can make that more exciting.

 

Richland: You all produce some very nice sounds throughout your show. There are a few distorted sounds - hopefully you can improve on that. I love the colorguard direction. I'm glad Mike is there at Richland now. Yes, the whole show is very, very similar to Churchill's style. The colorguard seemed very inexperienced and scared - especially in prelims.

 

Marcus: I love your sound. You all create such beautiful moments. I'm not sure if your standstill during the Wedding March hurt you score wise. I know the show is not all out there yet, but it is boring to me. Good thing you all play well. I'm a big fan and I hope you spice it up. I don't like the guy with the yellow shako. You all try to bring back last years drum major outfit change thing and it worked - last year. But this year, it just seems dumb. I can't wait to see your complete show at GN.

 

Hebron: Wow, you all have improved musically so much. I love your sound this year. You all did an amazing job. Keep it up Hebron and you might break into the top three at SA. Keep on cleaning.

 

Berkner: You all can play well. Great sounds. You have improved visually for sure. But still, far from the top three bands.

 

Bell: I love your visual package. When it is all cleaned up, you are unstoppable visually. Well, at least here in Texas. Maybe Texas will finally win a Visual caption award at GN Finals!!! I really enjoyed it. Musically, you all sounded really controlled and good. However, your sound was only p-mf. I am assuming you were all holding back like you all have done in the past. And then, at SA you are super loud. I hope that is the case this year. But, you all can play. And for sure give Marcus a run for their money - musically. I am a huge fan I wish you all the best of luck this year.

 

Coppell: You all can play LOUD. I love your sound. The tempo of your show was way too slow. And I also thought your show was very boring. Good thing you all can play. Spice it up - please.

 

So I'm not trying to be rude but why on some descriptions must you be so cruel? Besides alot of people know that alot of bands break out of their shell later than others so we can't exactly judge right now. Like the yellow shako deal may just sell Marcus' show. Like I said it's too early to judge.

[BOA Arlington who do u think will make finals]

So any comments on Haltom's performance?