HHSBandMom225

Just a few things: In the three years I've been "involved" with marching band, this was Haltom's best show, and, I think, the lowest we've placed at BOA...so strange. Thank you, Daniel Sanchez, for your comments -- being surprised Haltom didn't make finals, etc. -- I assure you, the kids read them and it really helped boost their spirits. And a quote from one of our students: "When they announced the 14 finalists, and we weren't on it, I realized something...What matters is that we know we did our best and tried our hardest, not what 8 people think about it..." Haltom put their hearts out on that field yesterday, and I sat amazed and enthralled by such an awesome performance. In the end, it's how you FELT about your performance that matters the most...and that goes for every band in the competition yesterday and Friday. It's hard to make judgments on anyone, knowing that every band student played with everything they have, after grueling practices and such. Finally, Haltom dedicated their show in the memory of someone that this senior class is the last of the students to have known and remember. You, Pride of Haltom, made him proud yesterday. There truly is a "promise of living." Seniors: You will be missed next year -- more than you know! On a side note: I wish the best for those who were injured yesterday, both students and parents. There was some crazy stuff going on. Also, congrats to the Air Academy -- any band traveling that far deserves some props, and you did well!! Congrats to all the bands. Hope you have a great concert season!

Mine will be better. It will be made ONLY for marching bands' competitions and it will be right here at home.

Excuse me. It's not gossip. Did I say that they didn't have the props manufactured? I don't believe I did. I said that seven ferris wheels costs more than just a thousand dollars to make...whether that money actually comes out of someone's pocket or not...they are not cheap props. That's my point. They're not PVC. They're not made from scratch by someone in their backyard over many, many hours. Also, I was actually supporting Marcus' right to use props if they want to. I wasn't bad mouthing them in any way. I'm not sure where that whole "gossip" comment came from. It's not like two men are sitting up at work "gossiping" about their kids' bands. Seriously. If the props are manufactured, then it would only take 6 hours to build them, right? The difference being NOT PVC pipe being manipulated into a ferris wheel shape, and having to spend hundreds of hours to build them. Is there anything wrong with them being manufactured? Nope. Is there anything wrong with them costing more than a thousand dollars? Nope. I have said nothing but positive things about the use of props, including the fact that they do matter in contests. I do not agree with people who say that it's props that win...as if the band's talent has nothing to do with it. I also don't see anything wrong with calling a duck a duck. If they look like expensive props, move like expensive props, light up like expensive props, and cost money like expensive props...they're expensive props. Let's not insult Marcus and the fact that they choose to put money in their band programs by trying to make it look like it's a bad thing.

I used the word "excuses" and put it in quotes because the person I was talking to used the word "excuses." Good grief. Let's get that out of the way right off. I wasn't meaning it as an insult in any way. Okay? Good for you and your "facts." I was stating opinions and my personal feelings having been in the stadium many times myself. As for bands being "ready" for the pro hash marks...you wrote after that that there's tape used in the stadiums that DO have pro marks...so the bands don't have to be prepared to use the pro marks..they've got tape! Goodness gracious...I don't see why there's a need to basically insult my comment or bands that maybe didn't take tape to a playoff game and were 'unprepared" by the different hash marks. Like I said, it was a once in a lifetime thing. Our team made playoffs once three years ago. My opinion is still that Cowboy stadium could work if one wanted to make it work. But...AGAIN...it's not like anyone is actually talking about putting any marching contests there, so rest easy....unless I win the lottery and decide to host my own marching contest there. In that case, I guess I can count you out. <<Oh, and before someone gets upset. I'm joking.... These forums get a little too serious for my taste. Life is short. I try to keep things light, if possible. On a side note: Last time I checked there are NO football stadiums designed specifically for marching contests. Sure, there are some that are easier to get into than others, but they all have their problems...and none of them were designed for marching bands going in and out...at least, last time I checked. Just because some of them work, doesn't mean they were made for band. hmm Maybe when I win that lottery, after my marching contest at Cowboy stadium, I'll design my own place specifically made for marching contests...no football, soccer, etc. or non-high-school-band concerts allowed!! I'll just sit back and have one contest after another, and since I'm a multi-millionaire, I won't even charge anyone to participate. Just come out and perform your show and see who's best...and if a judge decides to be all whacky with his/her scoring, they're outta there! -- well, maybe three strikes and they're out. Oh, there I go with my sports talk again. And while I'm thinking about this, I think I'd make the scoring somewhat like the some of the Olympics' competitions...the lowest and highest marks are tossed. Oo! This sounds fun! Maybe I should actually buy one of those lottery tickets...

They cost more than that...sorry. That's based on a parent FROM Marcus that works with a family member of mine...they are friends with each other and talk about band a LOT. Why would he say it only took 6 hours to build them if they were built from scratch? The ferris wheels are identical. Even with a whole bunch of people working on them, 6 hours is nothing but a Saturday morning-afternoon. Anyway, it's not PVC pipe, and they cost more than a thousand dollars... and it doesn't really matter how much it costs if the parents are willing to pay and work in fundraising to get the money to put into the band. Let's not forget the tuxedos, gorgeous bright blue dresses, flags, umbrellas, etc. etc. that are also used in their show. Either way, props definitely serve a purpose and they do help with scoring...not that there's anything wrong with that.

Well, I'm a band nerd married to a high school football player, so here's the lowdown. Yes, the band should either not play or should stop playing when a football player is injured. That's just being respectful and only helps the player get help more quickly. Secondly, the band should definitely play when the other team has the ball, especially if they're right in front of the band. That's just part of the game. There's nothing wrong with being loud and "disrupting" the opposing team. The band should actually NOT play when their own team has the ball, especially if they're in front of the band. It's never a good idea to mess up your own team. The band should never assume that a touchdown has been made and start playing the fight song, until there's a signal that they scored and there's NO flag on the play. I can't tell you how many times I've seen/heard bands start playing because they thought the team scored and have to stop in the middle because there was a flag on the play that caused the score to be negated. Can you say...awkward? Our football coach and players LOVE the support they get from our band. The band is, by far, the best "cheer leaders" in or out of the stands!! On a non-football note: I think it's really disrespectful for a band to start playing when the other band is playing, except in the following cases: Your team has scored and you're playing the fight song, the other band has played one song after another and have not even given your band a chance to play anything, and/or the other band is just messing around with a drum cadence that's lasted forEVER. It's just my opinion, but I find it very rude when a band is playing and the other band just starts blasting away for no good reason.

Hmm...not sure about that. There are some pretty amazing bands performing on Friday. I believe we'll see a fair share of Friday prelim bands in finals. I know that there are judges who tend to "save" higher scores "just in case," though. I still don't believe in requiring that seven bands come from Friday and seven from Saturday. That takes away from the competition. Who wants to make finals just because they HAD to choose seven bands from each day?

I was answering to the "excuses" listed above by someone who didn't want BOA at Cowboy stadium. They didn't list the cost of renting it, which I'm sure, is expensive. They talked about the entrances/exits, noise, etc. That's why I posted what I did about those particular things. As far as the hash marks are concerned, I'm only speaking from experience of seeing bands march in Cowboy stadium...and that I've toured it and saw how easy it was for them to change the field out to whatever is needed. They had a rodeo, soccer game, and concert there just a few days apart. It's amazing what they can do in that place. Like I said, I'm sure it's expensive, but if the goal is to have GNs in Texas at some point, and the intent is for bands from out of state(in particular from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, etc.) to attend, DFW is still the best place to have it. San Antonio is another 6 or so hours from DFW. Not to mention the fact that several of the top winners in Texas are from DFW area as well...not to discount those from Austin, Houston, etc. The reason I suggested BOA Arlington at Cowboy stadium is because...well, Cowboy stadium is IN Arlington(that's a plus), and I do think more bands would participate in BOA Arlington if given the chance to play in such a venue, so there's no reason to make a definite conclusion that BOA wouldn't make any money from it. It also showcases just what Texas can do, which could possibly appeal to those making the decisions about where contests are held...such as GNs. All that being said, thanks to weather, the Super Bowl was a flop...not exactly the positive image one might want to portray. Then again, who knows? It was all just a thought, anyway. It's not like there's actual talk of GNs moving or switching around.

Yep. Can't imagine doing it the other way...forcing the judges to pick seven from Friday and seven from Saturday. That would be unfair. Just saying seven and seven, though, makes one realize how small finals actually is...IDK why but 14 finalists sounds like a lot to me.. but when you break it down, it's really not all that many bands. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!! Looks like the weather(for practice and all that walking lol) will be wonderful! Safe travel, everyone!

Okay. So it seems people are getting all bent out of shape over this issue of props. Let me tell you something. Marcus' show does not have props made out of PVC pipe as someone suggested in an earlier post. A family member of mine works with a Marcus band parent, and I quote, "It took us 6 hours to put those ferris wheels together." That does not sound like someone took some PVC pipe and decided to bend it into the shape of a ferris wheel. Let's gain a little perspective here, people. They bought those props, and yes, Flower Mound is an above-average income community. I have family that live there. I've been in that area many times. They have money and it's not all "from fundraisers" either. Believe it or not, there are schools that actually do charge their kids somewhere around $800-$1000 per band student as their band fees. If people are going to argue FOR those schools and try to make their argument that those schools are just "fundraising," then they need to wake up. They don't only spend that money on props, of course. They spend it on getting the best of the best to train their band students. I also believe that the judges DO like the props and that props DO help the band with their score. How many people just on this forum alone last year complained because they thought some bands' shows were "boring"...even though, as it turned out, they marched beautifully and played very difficult music AND did get some recognition in some contests where props play less of a role than say, BOA...when those bands didn't use props. I mean, get real, people. If props didn't matter, WHY WOULD THOSE BIG NAME BANDS USE SO MANY OF THEM? For fun? lol Yes, I'm sure it's fun to drag those darn things on to the field and back off at every game and competition. In fact, I remember reading a post on the live blog from an LD Bell parent after the BOA in Conroe that said something to the effect of "PROPS WIN AGAIN!!" I'm assuming that post was in frustration because Marcus beat Bell and Bell's not using props THIS year. I think that parent forgot about all those crosses last year when he or she said that Bell is an "old-school" band who doesn't need props. Props are used for a reason. They help the score. If you don't think they matter "at all," then I hate to burst your bubble. I'm absolutely certain they DO matter, because there's no way Marcus would be using them otherwise. However, if my kid went to Marcus and they were charging me a large amount of money for band fees, I would expect them to do something with that money. Why are people so mad about that? Let them use props if they want to...that's up to them. I'm in my third year as a Haltom band mom, and I've got seven years to go(my 10-year-old will be starting band next year and I'll have a freshman next year, too)...sorry brag moment...anyway, this is the first year since my daughter began that Haltom has used any kind of prop. It took several hundreds of hours to build it, weld it, etc. We are very proud of being able to have it in our show. Is someone going to tell me that the ONLY reason Haltom came in third at Duncanville was because of a prop? Really? I think not. They placed third because they have a very difficult show, both musically and marching(1st place in marching at TOC<<and that was before the prop was completed and ready to use.) Don't insult people by saying their band only wins because of props. I, unfortunately, hear that complaint a lot...and it led me to a sarcastic analogy that got me into trouble on another post. I know it's hard sometimes when the same bands win, but, when it comes down to it, I choose to congratulate those that win and encourage those who are still trying to get on that finals list...plus all those bands in between. So the point of my essay is this: Props serve a purpose. They do help in scoring, but they are not the be-all, end-all of a win in a contest. If Marcus sucked at marching and music, even with those props, they wouldn't win competitions. Get it? It's a middle ground kind of thing, people. Don't get so bent out of shape trying to argue that props don't matter at all OR that props are the only reason bands win. It just comes across as silly.

We had a playoff game(once in a lifetime...no, seriously...once in a LIFETIME) at Cowboy Stadium a couple of years ago. I don't remember any acoustical issues when the bands performed. It seemed no different to me than inside any stadium. After all, the Alamodome has its own echos and so forth. The biggest issue was the hash marks. They were not set up for high school football/high school marching bands. That would have to be changed. It's possible, since the field is just rolled out in strips with Velcro. As far as crowd noise, I also see no real issue there. I also don't see what the big deal is with coming on the field in the middle...just have them come in on one side and exit the other. Again, those types of things can be accomplished, and there's no denying that place is state-of-the-art. One way to "test" the possibility of an "every-other-year" GNs in DFW is to have BOA Arlington there. Smaller contest with great bands... could be interesting for sure. I suppose the only negative would be having to deal with Jerry Jones. *sigh* That might be enough to say, "FORGET IT!" lol sarcasm: You know Jerry Jones is a HUGE marching band fan. bwahaha

Okay. So that's how you work the locks, but I've seen people with lists a lot longer than four on here as "locks" followed by another list of bands on the "bubble." So not everyone is considering just four as locks. That's what I was referring to, but, as I said before, it's all just opinions anyway...even when it comes down to the judges...it's all opinions. That's why you'll see some judges be completely on the other end of the spectrum in their scoring than the rest of the judges. People just see shows differently. Anyway, I am looking for all the bands participating to have their best shows at BOA SA. Good luck everyone!

I think everyone has different views of what "lock" and "bubble" mean...as apparent from the comments on this forum. I think people see the past performances differently as well. Everyone on this website would not be wrong if Haltom makes the top 5 or so, because not everyone believes they're incapable of doing so...just an fyi. Also, I believe there are 14 bands chosen for finals...not 5. I was talking about finals. There are bands who stand out, for sure. All I'd like to see is a fair competition. Honestly, it's all just opinion anyway. So I'll say this...GOOD LUCK TO ALL BANDS AT BOA SA! ---and leave it at that. .

I think you took me too literally. I was being sarcastic. Of course, no one feels that any band plays music that simplistic. I have seen Marcus' show, twice. I was sick when we played Bell, so I haven't seen their show. I know they play two of the songs we played last year, and I know how difficult Shostakovich is to play. I haven't had the privilege of seeing Bowie's show, yet. I congratulate them on placing 2nd in Atlanta. Nothing makes me prouder than hearing of TX bands that place in out-of-state competitions. If you read what I wrote again, you'll see that I do NOT feel like my silly, sarcastic analogy. I choose to believe that all bands have a shot. I apologize if my comment insulted someone. It was not to be taken seriously. There are people who feel as if some bands will win no matter the circumstances, but I don't feel that way. I wish nothing but the best to ALL of the bands participating in BOA SA on Friday & Saturday. Safe travel, too. I know Cedar Hill missed out on Duncanville because of bus issues. I was very sorry to hear of that. I can't imagine how disappointed they were that day. So I hope that everyone makes it safely and has no issues for BOA. Looking forward to seeing and hearing great bands!

LOL! We were saying the same thing. What a trophy! haha It sure got cold last night, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything! Very proud of all three of the Birdville ISD bands yesterday. Ya did GOOD!

Haltom's show has changed a bit recently. I'm sticking with my feelings from before. I simply can't put a band in a "lock" unless I've seen their show live and am in love with it. On a side note: I'm going to add my agreement with a band dad on here who made the comment that every band in the competition has the ability to make finals...if they compete, they have the chance. Good luck to ALL bands! Keep the Spirit!

Bubbling could be considered a compliment, but not when it comes after someone is truly complimenting a band by saying they'll make finals -- in other words, if someone says "so and so, in my opinion, will definitely make finals" and someone else quotes them and says "I wouldn't say they're a lock for finals. They're more of a bubble." <<<< that's not a compliment, IMO. Anyway, the only way I could lock a band is if I either saw their show and really liked it OR I played the obvious, which is to say there are some bands that could play tiddly-winks, three blind mice, and all around the mulberry bush --in the most simplistic fashion -- march in lines back and forth across the field and still win the whole thing....aka "Hey. They always win, so they'll win again" attitude. As hard as it is not to get into the mood of the latter, I choose the first way --that is, to actually see and enjoy the show and decide after that which I like best. I agree with what one dad said on here -- the only way to NOT make finals is to not be in the competition. That's a great way to look at it. Everyone has potential. Every band works very hard on their shows. Every band deserves to be recognized for their efforts and not to be labeled an "impossible choice for finals." So I hope ALL of the bands are able to put their best show on the field next Saturday. I hope they end their marching season feeling proud of their accomplishments. Every band should know that in the hearts of their directors, parents, and school peers, they are a LOCK for finals. GOOD LUCK TO ALL BANDS PARTICIPATING IN BOA SA!!!

You forgot two North Texas Power House - Haltom and Richland... they will definitely make finals. I'd put Haltom in bubble rather than lock, but I agree about Richland, and would also add the Woodlands to your locks Based on the past or have you seen both Haltom's and Richland's shows? I've seen both, and I wouldn't be too quick to "bubble" anyone. I also wouldn't put anyone in a lock or bubble unless I'd seen this year's show. There's too many people on here making "lists" based on how a band has done in the past or by word of mouth. I think this competition is too close to call just yet. Anyway -- GO PRIDE OF HALTOM!!! I'm proud of you no matter what! I BELIEVE! Good luck to all bands participating today. Keep the Spirit!!

--quote removed per request-- Sounds like you're very excited about your program, and that's great. Unfortunately, I wasn't at Arlington. I do remember last year when y'all played through that crazy weather at UIL Area, though. I was truly impressed. I would love to see more bands that haven't "always won everything" place well in competitions. I'm ready to see some new names up top. Of course, I'm hoping one of those names is Haltom. I wouldn't mind seeing a preview link, but I enjoy the shows live so much more. Looking forward to seeing your band in competition. Good luck to Plano East!

Haven't seen Plano East's show this year. They were very impressive last year, so it wouldn't surprise me if they do very well! Arlington was still pretty early in the year...at least the midway mark. I'm sure most of the bands that were in that competition who are going to SA will look very different. It's amazing to see how the shows change and improve over just a few weeks.

There's a rivalry between Haltom and Richland, although I think it came down a notch or two when the bands traveled with each other and Birdville HS to the Rose Parade last December. They are still rivals, but they also seem to cheer for each other. It's all about representing Birdville ISD...which, I have to say, all three bands do very well. Good luck to all the bands in all competitions, but a special shout out to Haltom, Richland, and Birdville! Keep the Spirit!

Well, I suppose I should've tried to catch them at UIL then. I can't help but find it odd that there are different versions of a show, but whatever directors feel they need to do to try to impress and win competitions. I understand making changes. All bands make changes as the year goes, but actually having two different "versions" seems odd to me. Seems it would be a more balanced competition if there was a more specific time limit than "between 7-11 minutes long." I wanted to add that Richland also has a very nice show this year. Trinity sounds very good, as well. They are definitely improving. Even under the shadow of their State champ football team, they stand out. I'll get to see Colleyville Heritage's show the night before BOA, and I'm looking forward to seeing it. Nothing beats getting to see the bands perform at competition, though. I can't stand the rudeness of the crowds at football games. I wish all the bands the very best! May all the performers be able to calm their nerves and put their best show out on the field. Good luck!

Very glad to see Haltom in the final spot! What a great finish for prelims! I don't mind one bit seeing Haltom left off of several people's "lists." Nothing would please me more than to see Haltom blow every last person in the audience AND the judges away with an outstanding performance. They've got it in them. The show is great. If they perform it solidly and polished(as I expect that they will), there will be jaws dropping all over the place. I'm really looking forward to it...and yes, I'm biased...but I'm also a former marching band member. I've never seen anything like what Haltom is doing this year. There are several shows I haven't seen yet, and I'm looking forward to finally getting to see them! Mansfield's show is very cool, although I'm interested in seeing how they're cutting out two minutes of it.(At TOC it was right at 10 minutes long) Someone said the last block on Saturday looks amazing, and I agree. However, every block seems to have some pretty awesome bands in it. This is going to be quite the competition, and I don't envy the judges at all. Good luck to ALL bands participating in BOA SA(and DMI, too). Keep the Spirit!

What a nice surprise to read this! Thanks! We're very proud of our show this year! Looking forward to seeing all the shows I haven't gotten to see yet! Anyway, had to say thank you for the vote of confidence!

I have noticed that there is noise at games during halftime. However, we band parents are adamant that people be quiet and will say so. The only real incident we've had so far this year -- and we haven't played our rivals yet(although we don't usually have any problems from them) -- is when we played against a football State champ. Someone in the crowd had one of those "horns" that you usually hear at baseball games. During our show, the quietest part, they sounded the horn. Also, we have "the" grim reaper in our show and when he left the field, the same crowd with the horn was SCREAMING at him...loud enough that we could hear them across the field. Unfortunately, those kind of things can't really be helped. What are we going to do? Run across and tell them to be quiet? lol It's why I enjoy the contests so much. For the most part, you've got band parents who all know how to be quiet and keep the kiddos quiet during the performances. It's SO nice! WAY back in the day when I was in band, we used to have the band officers go over and meet the band officers from the other band and then vice versa. When I was going with the officers to one of our rival's side, the mascot grabbed me! It was a huge Viking! lol Well, it scared me and freaked me out at the time, but it just makes me laugh now.