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Yoursong

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Posts posted by Yoursong

  1. To be upfront, I am a Rowlett alum with two siblings who are/were in the program as well, so I'm plenty bias.

    But can anyone break down how Rowlett is not making finals at state when they consistently outperform others in their area who consistantly make finals? There seem to be lots of talk about how this particular band is old and developed and this other band made finals in years past, etc etc. Shouldn't they just judge based on what they see and hear on the field?

    I have not seen the scoresheets, only the summary posted on the UIL website. But I was at state starting around 1:30 and thought that Rowlett outperformed some of the bands that we saw that made finals. Rowlett plays for the majority of its show without any long drum or dance breaks to give everyone's chops a rest. They sounded like you we're listening to a concert hall, again, in my opinion.

    So can anyone enlighten me on how two of the judges can look at Rowlett's state performance and rank them 24th?? I do know that all kids in all bands play their hearts out, it's just disheartening to follow the Rowlett band for so long and see them improve as such a young program and never make finals. I joined TxBands just to ask this question, hope I wasn't too abrasive. I thought all the bands looked great, I just thought Rowlett knocked it out of the park.

    Any thoughts?

    Note to Daniel Sanchez - please come out to Area C for your next 5A podcast. I can promise you, it will be exciting (and nerve-wrecking). The GISD and MISD have a some goods bands that are progressing very well. (Rowlett mom)

  2. This brings forth the question, "what is the purpose of marching band ?" Coppell's shows appeal to the trained ear rather than the fans, but is that what they should really be pursuing?I was under the impression that band's play to entertain, if they win at competitions, then that's awesome, but to have a show geared solely towards the judge kind of bothers me.

     

    It's evident bands can be entertaining and successful. Look at the top bands, most compete and succeed on the BOA and UIL. It's definitely possible, so I don't understand why a band would jeopardize entertainment for a judge-pleasing show. Look at the last 5A state year, the intersection between BOA SA and State Finals was Bell, Marcus, Cedar Park, Bowie, Westlake, Churchill, Hebron, then Richland is usual a more BOA oriented band, and Berkner missed State Finals by one place.

     

    At the end of the day, congrats to the students for their hard work. At the same time, the band might receive critic for their director's choice in shows.

     

    Where's the "Like" button? Oh, yeah, this isn't Facebook. Bottom line (in my opinion), was it a learning experience for all and did the kids enjoy it? Did they put their best foot forward? And, they should never make excuses for their shortcomings. Just do the best you can and enjoy it. There's so many lessons the kids can learn. I love the fact that each band has a "personality" and while I understand the judging, I do prefer the entertainment factor. Another thing the kids get from bands is the relationships. Rowlett kids went back to Mesquite after the postponement and stuck together to watch the remaining bands perform and patiently waited (lol!) hear the ratings. It was cool to see how they interacted with everyone. They even cheered for the other bands. Kudos to Garland HS (it was their homecoming dance night, so you know kids had a lot on their minds). They did very well. Berkner was awesome!

  3. Yeah well think about it- if you were told at the last minute that this was your only shot to get into state, you'd be nervous and not do as well because of nerves.

     

     

    As I told my children, it might have mattered to them Saturday night what their placement was, but come Sunday morning, that slate is wiped clean and its a whole new ballgame. So, I'm happy with the outcome at 5A. I really felt that they should have stopped the competition after Rowlett got off the field and before Duncanville went on the field. Very dangerous, especially with that huge radio tower right next to the football field! It started raining exactly at the time Rowlett's drum majors instructed horns up and rained even harder (with lightening, for Duncanville's show). Hebron, Duncanville and Berkner are some of my favorite bands--glad they made it. I wish all 3A's and 5A's great success in San Antonio next week.

  4. area C had finals cancelled because of rain. Duncanville especially had a rainy performance that day. In prelims, sometimes bands don't give it their all and they get energized for finals. I am completely sure that if there were finals that day, the same 4 would be going to state but the order would have been different. (Nothing against Rowlett or any other area C band)

     

     

    So, if Duncanville didn't give there all, then Rowlett didn't give it there all? Then . . . just sayin' . . .

    I saw a blog where Coppell knew 1 minute before they went on that this was their shot, but Rowlett didn't know that and probably Duncanville (can't speak for them, though).

  5.  

    It was a fun (and wet) performance. As you can tell, it rained on Rowlett too and heard the kids did not find out that their prelim performance was what they would be judged on until around 3pm. Duncanville and Berkner were both awesome. It was a great day in Area C. I felt more energy from Rowlett and Berkner and was amazed with Duncanville. Job well done by all. Sachse has the talent, now they need a good show--not Christmas music. Would like to see playbacks of Berkner & Duncanville.

  6. Thanks for the explanations. I would not make a good judge then. I'm not a fan of huge props but enjoy the color guards and also drum lines. I love it when the quads and snares show off a bit. And, I also love it when bands have soloists. I'm happy to remain a fan instead of a judge. I don't want to take the fun out of watching all these kids show off their hard work. Thanks again. B)

     

    By looking at your post...I would say that your are either from Rowlett or a ex of Rowlett.

     

    Coppell is a band that really specializes in technicality of both music and drill. If you really listen to what they are playing...the demand and execution is at a very high level. The drill...while not flying all over the place...has some serious difficulty to it. Look at the block rotations...almost perfect. This year...they are using the huge props. They are getting credit for the originality of the use of these props. They are actually part of the drill and are truly used to enhance the show. They don't just sit in one place.

     

    You have to look at what is on the judges sheets. While credit is given to design...a majority of credit is given to achievement of the design. That is where Coppell truly makes a jump on other organizations. They have very high achievement.

     

    And you have to admit...every now and then...its nice to see a band that achieves what is being asked of them instead of watching bands who almost achieve, but don't quite get it. Its the difference between watching someone learn to ballroom dance and try advance moves versus watching a truly trained couple who can achieve those advanced dance moves with ease. While the beginning couple makes it look hard because they struggle through it...the advanced couple makes what they are doing look not quite as hard because of the ease of which they achieve.

  7. Of course, Berkner, Coppell Duncanville, Rowlett.

     

    Rowlett's show is difficult and they can either sell it (great music), or it falls apart. Hopefully, they will "sell" it!

     

    Dark Horses: Garland HS and Lakeview - both schools have increased the size of their bands and marching looked good. Lakeview left the crowd buzzing because they were so-o-o much better this year. Good for them! Saw them at Mesquite Competition.

     

    Anyway, I think the 4th spot will go to a Garland ISD school (Rowlett & Sachse are included in GISD). That will be cool for 4 different school districts to represent Area C.

     

    I hope my question isn't naive, but can someone please explain why the judges like Coppell so much? I tend to be a fan (not a judge) of the quicker marching speed and more challenging formations that gets the crowds excited. I don't know what exactly the judges are looking at. Thanks :rolleyes:

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