drummerdad

Spring has been left out of this discussion. But they were the next least likely group to make finals in the prediction analysis, other that Westlake, and had the greatest spread on placements of all bands who made finals. I think that makes them very fortunate and helped out by this system.

Yes, Yes, Yes...I support a band that has a very similiar approach to their show design as RR, and it played very well at regional contests and BOA, but they got chewed up this year at Area. These shows look great, sound great, and get great crowd response, but you have to refer back to the UIL Area and State marching rubrics to understand where these judges are coming from. http://www.uiltexas.org/files/music/area-m...-descriptor.pdf http://www.uiltexas.org/files/music/area-m...-descriptor.pdf Though there are examples of inconsistent judging at UIL, I tend to view the bigger challenge to a program to be designing a show that both meets UIL Rubrics and can play well to a crowd with all the GE and accessory participation that creates success at BOA and most regional competitions. Haltom's show, as an example, had all the elements covered in the UIL Rubrics, almost to a science, and the music was compelling and well played. But I would not say it met as high of a standard in terms of GE, use of guard, percussion and field presentation, which was evident in how they ranked at San Antonio BOA. If I were a judge coming into this state to judge UIL, and was handed these Rubrics, I would probably watch a band like RR and say..."great show, really like the execution, love that the crowd responded...but there are some critical elements missing according to the Rubrics. Consider this element in the UIL State music rubrics:

Looking at 5a preliminary results, Marcus way out in front, but Hebron had strongest average placement after Marcus, though they were 4th in total score. It will be interesting to see how the new judges view these bands. Silver and bronze are totally up for grabs.

You are so right. Pflugerville was awesome at BOA Arlington. It seems, by experience, that being an early season surprise doesn't always translate to being a late season contender when it comes to UIL Area. Once again, judging at area, especially 5A, is remarkably unpredictable. I am shocked and sorry that Pflugerville did not make state, much less area finals. I truly thought they were a shoe-in.

Agreed...and age isn't necessarily the correct guide for suitability. But it only takes one "out-of-date" judge to completely skew a contest like UIL area or state. I realize for some this adds to the excitement, but I also think it takes away from it's credibility.

No...it just reflects on the kind of person you are...

Quite frankly, I disagree with this assessment. The true, unpredictable variable, is UIL judging...especially at area. The fact that all area contests are held on the same weekend, and that most of the most "up-to-date" judges are either directing bands or assisting bands in competition, means you end up with a lot of folks who have been out of the activity for awhile trying to judge an art that had changed and progressed. I also realize that UIL rubrics make it hard for a program like Churchill, who thrives on GE, to impress judges looking at criteria that does not reward many of the efforts programs like Churchill and SFA (Sugarland)...and others attempt to put on the field.

I think you have to include Mansfield in the "on the rise" category. TOC champs and two straight alternate finishes in the bloodbath that is Area B.

I am curious to find out if anyone knows what UIL rules are for conducting contests in the rain. Could an Area contest be "rained out" and if so how would it be rescheduled?

Looks like 4 bands from area B to state. Two bands did not make ones in 5a. But all performed great.

Let's help Statebound out here. Just to be clear, Marcus is the TWO time defending state 5a UIL marching champion. Using the exact formula they are using this year. Saw them at Birdville Saturday, they will definately be in the hunt again this year.

Finals Results: 1. Marcus 2. Hebron 3. Legacy 4. Wakeland 5. Summit 6. Saginaw 7. Keller Central 8. Byron Nelson 9. Holliday 10. Cisco Note: Cooper and Carroll chose not to perform in finals All finals captions went to Marcus 5A Prelims: 1. Marcus 2. Hebron 3. Legacy 4. Saginaw 5. Carroll 4A Prelims: 1. Wakeland 2. Summit 3. Byron Nelson 2A Prelims: 1. Holliday 2. Cisco Best Drum Major Salute: Cisco...Legendary!

Okay, at the risk of showing my age, let me say that I've had one kid go through a very successful and talented...and lets say more conventional style high school program; and now have one getting ready to graduate from a different and newer school (one you probably saw Saturday night) whose approach is along the lines of what you have expressed concerns about. I absolutely think both are fantastic in their own ways. I will also say that I am a major follower and fan of DCI and go to multiple events each year. That said, I can specifically declare that the kids I've seen in both styles of programs work equally hard, are equally talented and have equally ambitious goals toward success. So I am a fan because not only do I appreciate the musicians and directors and designers of the shows, but know how much work it takes to make them come together. I believe that at the high school level, where unlike DCI (with its very small number of corps with very elite talent) it is flooded with hundreds of schools with tons of talent, and at some point some directors and designers decided that they had to do things differently to set themselves apart from what has been the conventional (yet somewhat evolving) approach to marching band/corp style shows. Shows like L D Bell, Richland, Marcus and many, many others (Carmel (Indiana), Avon (Indiana), Broken Arrow (Oklahoma) put on the field today transcend the music into telling a story, usually with an introduction, content, and a conclusion. The music carries the story line and many times the props, the drill and the guard help push the story adding more emotion and meaning. I like to think of watching a movie that uses a song I know in it and suddenly the music has more meaning to me. Or how if I've seen a movie or show I really like, that I want the music so I can relive what I experienced while watching the movie...the production added to the musical experience and vise versa. I initially resisted this idea when first facing this phenomenon, but now that I've watched a program first hand work so hard to learn, execute and deliver the show, I have more appreciation for it. That said, when I watch a program like Mesquite Poteet, or Duncanville, and many others just go out there and march great and play great, I think it is fantastic.

...Thank you! You're self control is admirable...I'm sure this is merely the effect of weeks of practice on hot asphalt and the desire to actually play for a full audience of people who really want to watch a marching band show. Humility should always be advocated here.

This is a great topic... 1) I like the Alamodome in particular because it is pretty well dampened for a dome acoustically. Having watched a few college games in the new Cowboy Stadium, I can say there may not be a worse dome stadium for bands anywhere. The rebound of sound is excessive and you hear very little clarity. I believe that Reliant Stadium may be a good venue also. Problem with both these venues is cost, and as previously noted, location. 2) I'm good with the Alamodome as long as you are sitting inside the 30 yard lines and no higher than the second level. Past either of those locations, I feel the reverb of sound starts to break down the clarity and you lose the punch of big hits and phrasing of softer parts, especially in woodwinds. I agree that if you can be in the right spot, you get a great experience of both clarity and a perfect reverb effect. This is critical if your band does use extensive electronics, as the speaker locations don't seem to be as critical. I also like that there is a pretty healthy distance from the field to the stands. 3) Obviously, being in the right spot is critical regardless of where a band is playing, yet I feel that if you can guaranty 75 degree, 30% humidity, no wind conditions everytime that an outdoor venue is always a more enjoyable experience.

They've had all four grades since opening 4 years ago, but this is the first senior class with all four years at Legacy. Previous senior classes were smaller due to the campus choice option available when Legacy first opened. Additionally, Legacy moves to 5A this year. Region 5, Area B

Legacy High School, Mansfield, TX The Legacy Tree- Original Music and Arrangements by Mark Higginbotham 1. The Center of the World 2. Song of the Tree 3. Decension 4. (TBA) Hear a brief cut of the intro at the main page of Legacy's website: www.legacybroncoband.org

Agreed...Also, the list of participants for BOA Houston had The Woodlands and CP taken off the list when I did predictions. I noticed others had been able to choose them. Whats up?

Legacy's State Finals Performance: Nice view and it includes the preshow....

"Throw down"??? I know the UIL State trophy is well made, but my guess is that throwing it down would likely break it. I hope for their sake they didn't do that... I was at the contest, in support of another finalist band (who I am very proud of, by the way, for making it to state and to finals in only their third year of existence...go Broncos!!!...the journey has only just begun) But I can tell you that I could feel the true sense of joy in Dripping Springs when they were announced as Gold Medalists. It's not often that a band's (or any group for that matter) reaction comes from where no arrogance or overconfidence existed. They were confident, as any band at this level should be, but their excitement was so spontaneous and crazy that you could tell they were overcome by the moment. That's what it's all about. And as for Poteet's Army of supporters...and it is an Army...they were all on their feet as soon as they were announced as bronze medalists. I was right above them and I could tell they were proud, though they would have liked to have earned the Gold one more time...and I am sure that was tough. But for what it is worth, this was a fantastic contest from top to bottom. Both in prelims and finals. It was intense, as each band came out and laid it out for the crowd and judges. I can remember hearing and seeing bands over and over thinking..."wow, they are really good, we've got to worry about these guys." You know it's a great contest when the talent is so good, and until the very end you still don't know how it's going to turn out. Thanks to all the bands for making this a memorable event.

From what I've seen, Legacy's use of voice over is not as significant in this years show, titled "Signal to Noise" and for UIL it is being handled by members of the pit. Having seen their show before UIL when they used pre-recorded voices, the use of pit members doing the speaking for UIL has a far greater impact and draws the audience in more effectively. Unlike Legacy's show last year, which was more about the fun use of electronics with an "outer space" theme, this year it is all about the music. The theme comes from an interview with famous composer Christopher Rouse who is quoted as saying "the greatest addition to the orchestra in the 21st century will be electronics." The music selections include "Mathis Der Mahler" by Hindemith, "Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart as well as music from John Adams and original compositions by Mark Higginbotham. The use of electronic instruments in the show is integrated slowly from nothing during the opener to more as the show progresses. However, the electronic instruments are all musical, played on keyboards by band members, and integrated with the field instruments. There are no pre-recorded elements to the show's production. All elements of the band are featured throughout the show, including woodwinds, brass, field and pit percussion and color guard. Overall, what you hear is the band playing with occasional electronic accompaniment. It's pretty impressive and entertaining. (I might be biased)

No, they meant Legacy. Legacy opened in 2007, had three seniors that year, about a dozen last year (they did a great job helping to get things going). When Legacy opened (as is usually the case) all high school students had the choice to stay at their original school, and nearly all upper classmen did...and even this year's senior class is very small compared to the rest of the band. Next year, 2010, Legacy will have their first set of graduating seniors who have attended all four years at Legacy. That said, both the schools being discussed here have achieved great things in a short time...a testament to both the students and directors. Lets congratulate them and wish them and all those bands who are moving onto state the best of luck next week.

This topic just keeps on giving...Legacy opened in 2007 as a 5A school due to Mansfield ISD's guess on what enrollment would be. Legacy's band went to UIL in 2007 as a 5A non-varsity band. The actual enrollment at Legacy was below projections and they were immediately moved to 4A the next year...2008. The rest of the story is what happens next year. Rumor has it that conference moves may be in store for ALL Mansfield high schools next year based on this year's enrollment.

Since I started this diversion, I'll chime in again and say that I agree that Jagdad is correct, Legacy was designated 5a when it opened in '07, and the first year the band participated at UIL as a JV program. I had tried to point out only that Legacy was not an established 5a program. Also, thanks to Jagdad and borchnork for their efforts keeping us updated on the performances at area B. Those of us there in the lot really appreciated and closely followed all that commentary.

Just to clarify, Mansfield Legacy has not competed as a 5A band before. The school opened in 2007 with a JV band program, and has only competed as a 4A Band in 2008 and 2009. This is only their third year in existence, and Legacy's first year to be eligible for the UIL state marching competition.