flute

I agree completely. Like I think somebody mentioned before, a lot of the bigger 5A bands are working to appeal to the judges rather than the casual observer. The slower parts can be the ones that show off a band's overall tone. With practice, it's not that difficult to play and march at a fast tempo. But with even MORE practice, you can develop a glorious brass or woodwind sound. Also, I think it's difficult for bands to have "big" moments in their music, the kind that will win them state, if their ENTIRE show is fast paced and "exciting".

I'm not at all saying that their show is fast. I'm just saying it's not the typical "slow" 5A they've been doing. The music is extremely difficult too, it's not like it's just quarter notes and whole notes either.

That's only for their opener, and it's not that fast, I know. But comparatively, it's significantly faster than their past shows.

Quick random question, what time signature is your show in? Unless I'm completely off, I thought Asphalt Cocktail was written in 7/8, and I don't it's possible to march that, haha. I was REALLY impressed with your music, by the way.

Only one movement is around 120, and it's in 6/8 time. The other 3 are at least 144 and have tempo changes to an upwards of 172. And then there's the slow movement.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Coppell is more of a traditional, conservative marching band. They want to show off their talent through marching and music, not with extravagant props. Their simplistic moving pictures this year were considered a big leap for them.

It's not even just Coppell, Duncanville is performing extremely well this year, with difficult drill.

Of Coppell's 5 part show, 4 parts go at a minimum of 120 BPM. Their show is challenging this year, with extremely challenging music. Both their drill and music are harder than they were in 2008.

Musically, Coppell has an EXTREMELY gifted program, easily one of the best in the state. The hype is more regarding Coppell's playing on the field rather than their marching. Marching-wise, in past years they have been known for not having the most challenging drills, but they perfected them. This year, however, their drill is much harder than they have had before, and they're working twice as hard to get it as clean as they have been able to before, while maintaining their musical ability. Coppell was not at all satisfied with their area performance. The kids watched the video of their performance before hearing results, and were convinced that they had not made it to state. If you want a better idea of Coppell's talent this year, you should watch their UIL region performance. It was a much better and cleaner show.

I think these predictions are underestimating the power of Duncanville and Coppell. Both are known for seriously stepping it up before state. As big bands, their musical aspects are generally better than their marching aspects, and I know for a fact that both bands have their music down. With some necessary cleaning up marching-wise before Nov. 2, and I think either band could have a good shot at making top 3.

I can promise you that Coppell will be stepping it up before the 2nd, they are SO grateful for advancing.

My prediction is that Marcus and LD Bell will be fighting for 1st, as usual, with Duncanville and Coppell as the top contenders for the 3rd medal. Both have EXTREMELY impressive music.

You can't really make very accurate predictions for state using area rankings, especially in areas B & C where the finals round was completely eliminated. Most bands don't "give it their all" during prelims. They go home after performing and have a rehearsal then return with lots of energy for finals. I'm almost entirely certain that the rankings for B & C would be nothing like this if they had finals.

In Coppell's defense, their band director told them that there wasn't going to be a finals round literally 1 minute before they entered the field for prelims. This really psyched them out. But then again, that's not much justification, that is probably the worst they've performed their show at any of their contests up to their point, and they are aware of this as well. They are MORE than thankful for even advancing at all.