Indianamarchingfan
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Posts posted by Indianamarchingfan
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Yup. 2008 - Avon was beat out by Lawrence Central the entire year until Nationals. Then Avon came in in all their glory and posted the highest finals score ever. Don’t doubt ’em!
Avon will be ready for Grand Nats.
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Really look forward to seeing all of the Texas bands at Grand Nats next week. So much respect for those bands who always bring incredible performances. The Marcus performance from a few years ago is still one of my favorites and turned this Indiana band fan into a Marcus fan! Thanks for the synopsis of each of the bands attending, gives me a little history and what to look for when I am watching. Wouldn't be at all surprised to a Texas band take home the championship, but having seen Avon several times this year they will be difficult to beat. I'm sure Broken Arrow will also be right there at the top. Although Carmel hasn't been close to Avon (in scores) this season their sound is great and I think they will be in the mix. Best of luck to all of the Texas bands, look forward to a great Grand Nats.
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I really hope to see more Texas bands at the Grand Nats. this year. As a Hoosier band fan I always enjoy seeing the Texas bands in Indy, they are awesome. Also excited this year to see Homestead here in Indiana participating for the first time in many years. They have always been neck and neck with Avon in the Indiana state finals and I expect them to do very well at Grand Nats.
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you mention Carmel's crawling around on the ground as if it were a bad thing. It's part of their show, it's a spider themed show, of course they are crawling around on the ground. Their music is AWESOME, beating Avon at the Indiana state finals last week. I wouldn't overlook the marching Greyhounds if I were any GN band this weekend.
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Well as an Hoosier not an Indianaian , I will make a couple of predictions based on the results of last weeks ISSMA state finals. I'm sure a lot of you know by now Avon placed 3rd last week behind Carmel and Homestead here in Indiana. I think the crowd was in shock, or at least those around me were. I will say however that Carmel was the best band that night. They will certainly make their presence known at GN. Avon will have something to prove and unfortunately Homestead as usual won't be there to represent Indiana. Look forward to seeing Reagan and Bowie at GN along with all the other traditional powers. I think it's up for grabs, may the best band bring home the eagle.
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I would love to see a top 10 shoot out between Indiana bands and Texas bands. The best 10 bands from each state competing head-to-head. THAT would be a competition!
I agree! I think it would be a very good competition. Texas surely has MORE bands that may be considered "Top 10" just because of the size and population of Texas vs. Indiana. I think the Hoosier bands however would be very competitive if it came to a top ten competition however as Avon, Carmel, Homestead, Lawrence Central, Ben Davis, Lake Central, Penn, Castle and Center Grove could hold there own. I have to admit however that I have seen the Texas bands however at Grand Nats. several times and they are awesome as well. Although I'm a Hoosier I gotta say I love me some Marcus, IMO the best Texas band.
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They also met up at Semi-State.
Yup this is true the week before the state finals, but results are not shared with the public and only the top 10 bands in each class are announced. Avon and Homestead did not compete against each other at any weekly competition and usually do not meet until the state finals. This past Sat. was the first time I have saw Homestead this year and I was truly impressed. It's too bad that Homestead does not compete at BOA competitions, they may not have the "show" or "flash" that many BOA bands exhibit, but as I mentioned in my previous post they are great musicians and marchers. Gotta give 'em props for beating Avon that's no easy feat.
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Especially interesting when you notice that Avon was beat by Homestead multiple times this year.
Just curious when was Avon beaten by Homestead multiple times this year? They have only competed against one another once and that was this past Sat. at the state finals. Homestead has a great show this year and deserved to win, they are what marching band is all about great music and marching.
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I agree that Indiana bands and Texas bands are amongst the best in the country. When you mention BOA results thought, I can't help but also think about the home field advantage that the Indiana elite bands enjoy at Grand Nationals...not only from a crowd aspect but also from a budget standpoint. None of the Indiana bands have to raise money to travel across the country every year for Grand Nationals like Texas bands do. In fact, band members of Indiana bands get to sleep in their own beds each night of the contest.
Which begs the question...how many Indiana bands would be able to afford to travel to Grand Nationals if they were held in DFW each year? Conversely, how many additional Texas bands would attend Grand Nationals if they were held in DFW? I think we would definitely see some different results.
I agree 100% with everything you mention above. Of course Indiana bands have a huge homefield advantage whem competing at Grand Nats. in Indy. That's why I admire the Texas and out of state bands so much because I do realize that it is very difficult to travel and compete hundreds if not thousands of miles from home.
Yea also you are right it would be very difficult for many of the Indiana bands to afford to travel to Texas to complete if Grand Nats. were there. Carmel, Avon, Center Grove would likely make it, but several other Indiana bands generally at BOA Indy would not. I think it would be great however to have the Grand Nats. held in Texas, I would like to travel as a Hoosier to Texas to follow the Indiana bands. I think it would be fair to alternate it every other year between Indy and Texas?
I thoroughly enjoy watching the Texas bands, and as I said was blown away by Marcus a couple of years ago at Grand Nats. I think it will be a great competition again this year, and look forward to all bands from across the USA.
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Clearly by size Texas has the most high quality bands in the country. I am clearly biased towards Indiana bands and think we can hold our own with anyone when it comes to the elite bands in the country. BOA results prove that as Indiana has fared well at the biggest competitions. Both states have great bands and it's always enjoyable to see the Texas bands each year in Indy. Marcus is amazing as is LD Bell, but look out for my Avon Marching Black & Gold as they will be back again this year looking for another championship. Good luck to all the bands!
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1. They don't always dominate. LD Bell lost to Hebron at Area, but regained their lead at State.
2. Look at the Composite Scores for the State finals: http://utdirect.utexas.edu/uilsmbc/lbw2_sc...;s_display_sw=R.
Marcus and LD Bell "dominate" as you say, and there's a drop right after them....but the remaining 8 finalists are all really close in score and the rankings are very subjective (just look at some of the differences in the judges' rankings, 3rd&9th for Coppell, 2nd&8th for Hebron, 3rd&7th for Bowie, 3rd&9th for the Woodlands). If the contest were held again, the 3rd-10th placements probably would have been entirely different. That's not indicative of a steep decline in ability.
Let me give you an example of what I'm getting at. I will rank the top 10 Texas bands and give them Ability ratings from 1 to 100 (100=Best) then do the same thing for the ISSMA results.
1. Marcus - 97
2. LD Bell - 95
3. Duncanville - 93
4. Bowie - 93
5. Coppell - 91
6. Hebron - 89
7. The Woodlands - 88
8. Berkner - 87
9. Spring - 85
10. Westlake - 82
1. Avon - 100
2. Lawrence Central - 94
3. Homestead - 92
4. Center Grove - 90
5. Lake Central - 85
6. Warren Central - 82
7. Lafayette-Jefferson -81
8. Ben Davis - 80
9. Penn - 74
10. Castle - 65
Do you see how I have Texas going from 97 to 82 and Avon from 100 to 65 in the same number of places? These numbers are relative too (Duncanville is a slightly better band than Homestead and Homestead is slightly better than Coppell). That's what I mean when I say the ability level drops very quickly in larger jumps once you get outside the top 4 in Indiana.
Well not quite sure how you arrived at the scores you listed above, but I can tell you their is NOT that much difference between 1st and 10th place at this years Indiana state contest. I do think that without a doubt Avon, Homestead and LC were a rank above, but they weren't as dominating as the scores you have listed below. Not sure how familiar you are with the ISSMA state contest this year, but there was MUCH talk about Castle and Penn's placement at 10th and 9th respectively. I certainly did not have either placed that low. Scores are scores they are subjective, and can be twisted or interpreted to fit anyone's viewpoint. I think you are greatly understanding how good some of the bands such as Castle are and have been in the past. They have on a few occasions been in the top 15 at nationals, so I don't think they are as lowly ranked as you seem to believe. Again opinions are opinions and I respect your's completely, and will agree to disagree on this topic. Really looking forward to seeing SFA as I see a lot of chat about them on this site and how they are preparing for Grand Nats. AND as much as we are discussing Texas and Indiana bands, neither should overlook other great bands as Broken Arrow, Tarpon Springs or one of those will be taking home the eagle.
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Sorry if my post sounds hostile (I don't really mean for it to be if it does...and we appreciate users from other states just as much as our own)....but it's no less bias than one would expect than if you were a Republican posting in a forum for Democrats or vice versa :/. Go Texas!
Btw, just to show some Indiana love, I really enjoyed Avon's show last year as well as Carmel's (not so much LC's or Center Grove's, though I like some of the shows that both of them have done in the past). Homestead 1994 is also one of my favorite shows. I love Avon's encore standstill GN performance that's on Youtube, which I just saw recently. Such incredible energy!
I didn't take your post as hostile at all. I thought you were just stating your opinion and I do agree again that Texas has a lot to be proud of with the number of quality bands. And of course I realize that you would naturally cheer for the Texas bands and support them. I do think the quality does drop some from bands such as Avon & Homestead to those finishing lower, but I think that hold true in Texas too, or why else would LD Bell and Marcus seem to dominate? Also Carmel doesn't even participate anymore in the ISSMA state finals contest (don't get me going on that!) anyway I do enjoy this site, and learning more about the Texas bands, it would be great someday to attend your UIL finals. Appreciate your comments on Avon, I think you will enjoy their show this year as well.
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Texas...The only state where a miltary band can make state finals, A BOA champion can fall to a "non-BOA" style band, and where the top music colleges in the nation are..Gotta love Texas.. Now I have no idea who the heavy hitters are in any other state other than the big names like: Broken Arrow, Avon, LC, PCEP, Carmel, but I do know here, on any given night if your band is not perfect, you miss finals. If your band doesn't perform better than perfect, you miss a medal. The depth here is unlike any other state. Look at the top 15 from 4A and 5A state, plus toss Cedar Park and Connely in there and tell me thats not a deep, and difficult contest to make finals in. 5A alone is cut throat from top to bottom. Thats just the top 15, some areas are so deep that some fantastic programs miss out on going to the big stage to compete. Band is just better in Texas
I would agree that Texas likely has more depth of bands than does Indiana, the population of Texas is 4 times that of Indiana and it only makes sense. Like you I am not familiar with all of the "heavy hitters" in Texas as I am with those in Indiana. You can be sure however that just as it is difficult to get into the finals in Texas and as you said many great bands don't make it, the same holds true in Indiana. 10 bands made the finals in each class in Indiana and the largest bands (4A) often have some great bands who don't make the top ten. Personally I think Texas and Indiana are the two best states in the nation when discussing marching band, and I think the competition is good between the states. Of course I will be cheering for my Marching Black and Gold of Avon this Sat. but will be applauding all of the Texas bands as well, not to mention Broken Arrow, PCEP, Marian Catholic, they all deserve support and applause. So while I agree that yes their are MORE quality bands in Texas, I wouldn't necessarily say it's better. Best of luck to all, may the best band win.
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Interesting conversation, and like TXredraider I don't have a dog in this fight as an Indiana band fan. I am really surprised that any fan could fault either Bell or Marcus for their performance as I think both are outstanding. I think they bring different strengths to the table, but the few times I have seen them they were great. I think the argument about marching versus music is universal as here in Indiana we have the same debate about Avon vs. Lawrence Central. One considered more musically inclined (LC) and one more visual (Avon), however both are great and I would not criticize either for their shows. When I've attended the Grand Nats in Indy I always see the Texas band fans supporting and cheering for each other, so I am surprised by the hate/love shown on this thread. Again no dog in this fight but I think you all should be proud of both bands, as they represent Texas admirably.
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I'm obviously pulling for the Texas programs a little more than everyone else. However, what I am on pins and needles for is how Avon and Tarpon Springs will stack up against each other.
Avon's show is stellar, as always. Great movement and music from them. They will be tough to beat visually. Tarpon Springs could actually challenge for the Grand National Title this year, if they can solidify their ensemble sound a little bit more. Tarpon's show might be the best show I have ever seen in my life, which is something I never thought I would say after seeing Plymouth Canton's Programme One show.
Wow, that's quite a compliment to Tarpon, haven't seen their show yet but can't wait based on your comments, I have been impressed by them in the past. As much as I am pulling for my Marching Black & Gold, I hope they do have some great competition that can really push them. I know that Broken Arrow has beaten Carmel at St. Louis and that in and of itself puts me on alert that they must have a very good show this year. Look forward to good competition, may the best band win.
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I wonder how Marcus would have placed in Grand Nats had they gone this year...
Living in Indiana I haven't seen Marcus this year, but did see this last year at Grand Nats. and I was VERY impressed by them, they were my favorite Texas band and felt they should have finished ahead of Bell. Musically they were outstanding and visual was great too. It's too bad they won't be back, hope to see them in the future though.
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Avon scares me. They're one of the few non-Texas bands out there with the same level of monetary ($$$) resources as the most well-funded, heavy hitting Texas bands (Bell, Marcus, the Woodlands)....except that they don't have to spend it all on traveling all the way across the country for a band contest, so as a result they spend it all on staff, and as a result; have a much larger staff than previously mentioned bands. This is aside from the fact that Avon practices 11-12 hours a week outside the school day, instead of 8 hours/wk which is the limit in Texas.
Rehearsal and Contest Calendar: http://avonband.com/wp-content/uploads/201.../October-10.pdf
Check out October 21st. Yeah, they had an 8-hour rehearsal during the first day of their Fall break. That's a whole weeks worth of before/after school rehearsals in Texas. With this kind of rehearsal schedule and the massive amount of visual staff, it's no wonder they keep winning the Visual caption these past few years.
Yup agree with everything you say. Avon has a very strenuous practice schedule and no doubt this contributes to their success. It just shows that hard work pays off. They are a few other schools (Carmel and Center Grove)in Indiana who also have the monetary resources you spoke about above. It is surely an advantage that Indiana bands are close to home for Grand Nats. and congrats to all of the bands from out of state who travel to Indy as I'm sure it's difficult to compete against in state bands. Like you I look forward to a great competition, I think it will be interesting and wishing the best to everyone.
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First don't wanna sound like I am talking smack or bragging about Indiana bands, as I realize there are some GREAT Texas bands, including Bell, Marcus, Cedar Park, Woodlands etc., but I have to say it is gonna be very hard to beat Avon at Grand Nats. this year. Saw them yesterday at the Indiana state championships at Lucas Oil Stadium and I think it is one of their better shows. Indiana has some fantastic bands Lawrence Central, Homestead, Center Grove, but none compared to Avon yesterday. Of course anything can happen and I look forward to seeing Broken Arrow, Kennesaw Mt. and of course the Texas bands, but they all better bring it, cause Avon is clearly aiming for a 3-peat!
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Yeah, I was there that year. It was close. Funny, though, because a lot of my TX friends are proud of their TX bands and even though they welcome out-of-state bands with welcome arms Carmel was not exactly received as well as, say, LD Bell. (And LD Bell had a GREAT show that year--fast, fast music and marching). And what's more funny, I think IN people feel the same way about TX bands when TX bands go up to Grand Nationals. TX and IN--two very proud marching states, and rightly so.
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As you said both TX and IN have great bands and of course fans from each state are more likely to cheer louder for bands from their state, it only makes sense. I do really enjoy and respect so many Texas bands however as they always amaze me. It's great to see other bands outside of the IN bands I see each week in competitions locally. At the Grand Nationals that I have attended I think the TEX bands are very well represented by fans and don't notice that much difference in fan bases supporting either TX or IN bands. Both states should be proud as they are always well represented.
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I know Avon will be ready come Grand Nat. time, but they are well aware that LD Bell and other Texas bands will be gunnin' for 'em. As an Indiana marching band fan, I hope they can three peat but I think they have their work cut out for them, with all of the quality Texas bands along with the other traditional Indiana powers like Carmel, Center Grove, Lawrence Central etc. Looks to be another exciting Grand Nat. finals.
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Agreed, very cool. Bell is a class act all the way!
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Not to sound biased towards the Indiana bands, but Lawrence Central as a bubble band in my opinion is stretching it. They have an awesome music program, always in the hunt for the Indiana state championship. Just my opinion but they are not a bubble band, they will be there for the Grand Nats. finals. I must say how impressed I was with Marcus last year, too bad they are not coming back once again?
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Wow, was hoping to see Marcus HS back at Grand Nationals this year. I was really impressed by them last year at the finals.
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Here were my personal placements after watching all of Finals:
1) Avon
2) Marcus
3) LD Bell
4) Lawrence Central
5) Marian Catholic
6) Broken Arrow
7) Carmel
8) The Woodlands
9) Centerville
10) Wando
11) James Bowie
12) Center Grove
In general, other than Lawrence Central, I was pretty close but with some general movement. I am actually quite happy in general with how the ranks ended up, especially since it was such a tight competition.
Was at the Grand Nat. finals last night and while I was very pleased my Marching Black and Gold took home the eagle, I must say that I agree very closely to your placings Xenon in fact I had the exact same top 7 that you did. I thought Center Grove should have placed higher but all in all I think the judging was fair as the top 5 all had great performances. I must say I was completely blown away by Marcus. The music was outstanding and I do now understand why they have earned so much praise on their music. LD Bell had a great GE and most of the Avon fans I was setting by were very impressed by all of the Texas bands. I thought Marian Catholic had a great show as well and demonstrate why they have been to Grand Nat. finals 27 times! I think both Indiana and Texas should be proud that each had 4 bands in the finals and speaks for the depth of band talent in both states.
2019 BOA Grand National Championships
in Past Contests, Events, and Festivals Archive
Posted
Can't wait to see the Texas bands this weekend! Was at the Indiana State finals on Saturday, and it will be a great GN final, of course I am biased towards Avon and feel they have one of their best shows in years, guard is unbelievable. Good luck to all bands and have to admit I am in awe of the number of great Texas bands each year. Hope you are welcomed well in Indy and enjoy our Hoosier hospitality, even if it's only 40 degrees.