UIL 5A Area B 2024

[Mike McBandiel]

This area is a bloodbath and with the same regions in this area this year, all signs point to it being a bloodbath again this year. There are legit 5, maybe even 6 bands that could make state finals from this area, but only 4 can make it. There will be many interesting storylines in this area this year. Northwest and Princeton are going up to 6A, Lake Dallas is going down to 4A, and Anna is moving up to 5A which means they will be joining this area. The top 6 scores last year were EXTREMELY close last year (Also I know that it's very late to ask lol but does anyone has the raw scores from this area competition last year? I've looked everywhere but can't find them lol, hopefully the UIL starts posting raw scores again this year) and I would imagine the same is gonna happen this year. Also bands like Emerson, Walnut Grove, and Memorial have been getting better and better and I'm very intrigued to see what things they could do this year. Also Lone Star beat Wakeland in prelims last year and if it would've rained more and finals getting canceled, Lone Star would've won area so I'm very interested to see if Lone Star can build on that momentum and potentially take the area crown away from Wakeland. Here would be my WAY too early predictions:

1. Wakeland (one of the best bands in the nation and could win state this year)

2. Lone Star (this band just keeps on getting better and better and always had one the funnest shows last year)

3-7. Argyle/Lebanon Trail/McKinney North/The Colony/Lovejoy

Argyle has been one of the most impressive bands to come up from 4A over the past few years and were very close to making state after being 4th in prelims but then coming in a close 5th in finals. Their success in UIL competition has been very impressive with 8 state championships (currently the state record even though Cedar Park could tie with them this year if they win state again) and once their size gets bigger, they could potentially be a force to be reckoned with if they keep their momentum up. They will also be going to Grand Nationals for the 1st time ever so that'll very exciting for that program. 

McKinney North had one of the funnest shows last year which had them make state for the 1st time in a while. Many people were expecting them to move up to 6A for the next realignment but missed the cutoff by literally 2 students which makes them the biggest 5A school in the state with Aledo and Leander being around their size as well. If they have another amazing season this year, they will easily be in that mix to get into state and maybe even make state finals if they qualify for state.

Lebanon Trail has always been very consistent in this area. They dodged a bullet last season with area finals potentially getting canceled which would've had them come up just short behind Argyle and miss state but area finals ended up happening which led to them getting a redemption from prelims and making state by passing up Argyle in finals for that final state spot which led to them making state finals and getting 12th. I'm very interested to see what Lebanon Trail does this season and if they can run it back to state.

The Colony has been on the rise lately and had one their best seasons to date last season. They went from being 1 spot short of finals to a threat to make state all in the span of a year. Based their momentum lately, they could certainly make state which would be a huge accomplishment for that amazing band program.

Lovejoy has always been a consistent area finalist and have been very to making state a few times. They had a rough end to their season last year with getting a 2 at region by a timing penalty which led to a very unplanned to the end of their season. I think Lovejoy is due for redemption year this year and if they have a great season like they had in 2022, they could easily be amongst the bands that could make state.

8-10. Memorial/Centennial/Emerson/Walnut Grove/Reedy/Independence/Liberty/Frisco (it could honestly be any of these bands)

[Tubalord11]

19 minutes ago, Mike McBandiel said:

This area is a bloodbath and with the same regions in this area this year, all signs point to it being a bloodbath again this year. There are legit 5, maybe even 6 bands that could make state finals from this area, but only 4 can make it. There will be many interesting storylines in this area this year. Northwest and Princeton are going up to 6A, Lake Dallas is going down to 4A, and Anna is moving up to 5A which means they will be joining this area. The top 6 scores last year were EXTREMELY close last year (Also I know that it's very late to ask lol but does anyone has the raw scores from this area competition last year? I've looked everywhere but can't find them lol, hopefully the UIL starts posting raw scores again this year) and I would imagine the same is gonna happen this year. Also bands like Emerson, Walnut Grove, and Memorial have been getting better and better and I'm very intrigued to see what things they could do this year. Also Lone Star beat Wakeland in prelims last year and if it would've rained more and finals getting canceled, Lone Star would've won area so I'm very interested to see if Lone Star can build on that momentum and potentially take the area crown away from Wakeland. Here would be my WAY too early predictions:

1. Wakeland (one of the best bands in the nation and could win state this year)

2. Lone Star (this band just keeps on getting better and better and always had one the funnest shows last year)

3-7. Argyle/Lebanon Trail/McKinney North/The Colony/Lovejoy

Argyle has been one of the most impressive bands to come up from 4A over the past few years and were very close to making state after being 4th in prelims but then coming in a close 5th in finals. Their success in UIL competition has been very impressive with 8 state championships (currently the state record even though Cedar Park could tie with them this year if they win state again) and once their size gets bigger, they could potentially be a force to be reckoned with if they keep their momentum up. They will also be going to Grand Nationals for the 1st time ever so that'll very exciting for that program. 

McKinney North had one of the funnest shows last year which had them make state for the 1st time in a while. Many people were expecting them to move up to 6A for the next realignment but missed the cutoff by literally 2 students which makes them the biggest 5A school in the state with Aledo and Leander being around their size as well. If they have another amazing season this year, they will easily be in that mix to get into state and maybe even make state finals if they qualify for state.

Lebanon Trail has always been very consistent in this area. They dodged a bullet last season with area finals potentially getting canceled which would've had them come up just short behind Argyle and miss state but area finals ended up happening which led to them getting a redemption from prelims and making state by passing up Argyle in finals for that final state spot which led to them making state finals and getting 12th. I'm very interested to see what Lebanon Trail does this season and if they can run it back to state.

The Colony has been on the rise lately and had one their best seasons to date last season. They went from being 1 spot short of finals to a threat to make state all in the span of a year. Based their momentum lately, they could certainly make state which would be a huge accomplishment for that amazing band program.

Lovejoy has always been a consistent area finalist and have been very to making state a few times. They had a rough end to their season last year with getting a 2 at region by a timing penalty which led to a very unplanned to the end of their season. I think Lovejoy is due for redemption year this year and if they have a great season like they had in 2022, they could easily be amongst the bands that could make state.

8-10. Memorial/Centennial/Emerson/Walnut Grove/Reedy/Independence/Liberty/Frisco (it could honestly be any of these bands)

Great breakdown! I think your predictions are spot on, and with programs on the rise, it will be very fun to see how things shake up, but my predictions are in line with yours 

[TubaBoi123]

On 3/25/2024 at 8:39 PM, Mike McBandiel said:

This area is a bloodbath and with the same regions in this area this year, all signs point to it being a bloodbath again this year. There are legit 5, maybe even 6 bands that could make state finals from this area, but only 4 can make it. There will be many interesting storylines in this area this year. Northwest and Princeton are going up to 6A, Lake Dallas is going down to 4A, and Anna is moving up to 5A which means they will be joining this area. The top 6 scores last year were EXTREMELY close last year (Also I know that it's very late to ask lol but does anyone has the raw scores from this area competition last year? I've looked everywhere but can't find them lol, hopefully the UIL starts posting raw scores again this year) and I would imagine the same is gonna happen this year. Also bands like Emerson, Walnut Grove, and Memorial have been getting better and better and I'm very intrigued to see what things they could do this year. Also Lone Star beat Wakeland in prelims last year and if it would've rained more and finals getting canceled, Lone Star would've won area so I'm very interested to see if Lone Star can build on that momentum and potentially take the area crown away from Wakeland. Here would be my WAY too early predictions:

1. Wakeland (one of the best bands in the nation and could win state this year)

2. Lone Star (this band just keeps on getting better and better and always had one the funnest shows last year)

3-7. Argyle/Lebanon Trail/McKinney North/The Colony/Lovejoy

Argyle has been one of the most impressive bands to come up from 4A over the past few years and were very close to making state after being 4th in prelims but then coming in a close 5th in finals. Their success in UIL competition has been very impressive with 8 state championships (currently the state record even though Cedar Park could tie with them this year if they win state again) and once their size gets bigger, they could potentially be a force to be reckoned with if they keep their momentum up. They will also be going to Grand Nationals for the 1st time ever so that'll very exciting for that program. 

McKinney North had one of the funnest shows last year which had them make state for the 1st time in a while. Many people were expecting them to move up to 6A for the next realignment but missed the cutoff by literally 2 students which makes them the biggest 5A school in the state with Aledo and Leander being around their size as well. If they have another amazing season this year, they will easily be in that mix to get into state and maybe even make state finals if they qualify for state.

Lebanon Trail has always been very consistent in this area. They dodged a bullet last season with area finals potentially getting canceled which would've had them come up just short behind Argyle and miss state but area finals ended up happening which led to them getting a redemption from prelims and making state by passing up Argyle in finals for that final state spot which led to them making state finals and getting 12th. I'm very interested to see what Lebanon Trail does this season and if they can run it back to state.

The Colony has been on the rise lately and had one their best seasons to date last season. They went from being 1 spot short of finals to a threat to make state all in the span of a year. Based their momentum lately, they could certainly make state which would be a huge accomplishment for that amazing band program.

Lovejoy has always been a consistent area finalist and have been very to making state a few times. They had a rough end to their season last year with getting a 2 at region by a timing penalty which led to a very unplanned to the end of their season. I think Lovejoy is due for redemption year this year and if they have a great season like they had in 2022, they could easily be amongst the bands that could make state.

8-10. Memorial/Centennial/Emerson/Walnut Grove/Reedy/Independence/Liberty/Frisco (it could honestly be any of these bands)

I did see that Lone star did win in prelims this last year but I have heard that is becuase of the scheduling and because lone star had one of the latest times it put them much more easy to compare to othe programs compared to wakeland which had a earlier perfomance time. This is a such competative top 5 that it will probably always be wakeland to win but the effort that the programs like lone star and mckinney north put in could some day in the far future get them to the level that wakeland puts out year after year.

[Mike McBandiel]

7 hours ago, TubaBoi123 said:

I did see that Lone star did win in prelims this last year but I have heard that is becuase of the scheduling and because lone star had one of the latest times it put them much more easy to compare to othe programs compared to wakeland which had a earlier perfomance time. This is a such competative top 5 that it will probably always be wakeland to win but the effort that the programs like lone star and mckinney north put in could some day in the far future get them to the level that wakeland puts out year after year.

Yeah Lone Star for sure got a better time in prelims which really boosted them prelims. Wakeland got a better time being 2nd to last (performance time) in finals and they are on a whole new level, especially finals which helped them earn a judge’s sweep and an area championship. I do think that Lone Star and McKinney North will eventually reach the levels that Wakeland has been at since their results have been for sure getting better year over year.

[Dave609]

16 hours ago, Mike McBandiel said:

Yeah Lone Star for sure got a better time in prelims which really boosted them prelims. Wakeland got a better time being 2nd to last (performance time) in finals and they are on a whole new level, especially finals which helped them earn a judge’s sweep and an area championship. I do think that Lone Star and McKinney North will eventually reach the levels that Wakeland has been at since their results have been for sure getting better year over year.

I can't wait to see how McKinney North and Lonestar do this year! Area B is always fun to see the scores after because of how close each band is to each other

[Dave609]

so it seems like Melissa ISD's stadium will be the home of this contest once again!

[BassoonSOLO5456]

On 3/25/2024 at 8:39 PM, Mike McBandiel said:

This area is a bloodbath and with the same regions in this area this year, all signs point to it being a bloodbath again this year. There are legit 5, maybe even 6 bands that could make state finals from this area, but only 4 can make it. There will be many interesting storylines in this area this year. Northwest and Princeton are going up to 6A, Lake Dallas is going down to 4A, and Anna is moving up to 5A which means they will be joining this area. The top 6 scores last year were EXTREMELY close last year (Also I know that it's very late to ask lol but does anyone has the raw scores from this area competition last year? I've looked everywhere but can't find them lol, hopefully the UIL starts posting raw scores again this year) and I would imagine the same is gonna happen this year. Also bands like Emerson, Walnut Grove, and Memorial have been getting better and better and I'm very intrigued to see what things they could do this year. Also Lone Star beat Wakeland in prelims last year and if it would've rained more and finals getting canceled, Lone Star would've won area so I'm very interested to see if Lone Star can build on that momentum and potentially take the area crown away from Wakeland. Here would be my WAY too early predictions:

1. Wakeland (one of the best bands in the nation and could win state this year)

2. Lone Star (this band just keeps on getting better and better and always had one the funnest shows last year)

3-7. Argyle/Lebanon Trail/McKinney North/The Colony/Lovejoy

Argyle has been one of the most impressive bands to come up from 4A over the past few years and were very close to making state after being 4th in prelims but then coming in a close 5th in finals. Their success in UIL competition has been very impressive with 8 state championships (currently the state record even though Cedar Park could tie with them this year if they win state again) and once their size gets bigger, they could potentially be a force to be reckoned with if they keep their momentum up. They will also be going to Grand Nationals for the 1st time ever so that'll very exciting for that program. 

McKinney North had one of the funnest shows last year which had them make state for the 1st time in a while. Many people were expecting them to move up to 6A for the next realignment but missed the cutoff by literally 2 students which makes them the biggest 5A school in the state with Aledo and Leander being around their size as well. If they have another amazing season this year, they will easily be in that mix to get into state and maybe even make state finals if they qualify for state.

Lebanon Trail has always been very consistent in this area. They dodged a bullet last season with area finals potentially getting canceled which would've had them come up just short behind Argyle and miss state but area finals ended up happening which led to them getting a redemption from prelims and making state by passing up Argyle in finals for that final state spot which led to them making state finals and getting 12th. I'm very interested to see what Lebanon Trail does this season and if they can run it back to state.

The Colony has been on the rise lately and had one their best seasons to date last season. They went from being 1 spot short of finals to a threat to make state all in the span of a year. Based their momentum lately, they could certainly make state which would be a huge accomplishment for that amazing band program.

Lovejoy has always been a consistent area finalist and have been very to making state a few times. They had a rough end to their season last year with getting a 2 at region by a timing penalty which led to a very unplanned to the end of their season. I think Lovejoy is due for redemption year this year and if they have a great season like they had in 2022, they could easily be amongst the bands that could make state.

8-10. Memorial/Centennial/Emerson/Walnut Grove/Reedy/Independence/Liberty/Frisco (it could honestly be any of these bands)

I agree your predictions are accurate I feel like Argyle has the ability to pull it off this season their show is going to better from what I have heard and they can potientally be 3rd or 4th in finals at state.

[Tubalord11]

2 hours ago, THAATONESYNTHANDBASSOONKID said:

I agree your predictions are accurate I feel like Argyle has the ability to pull it off this season their show is going to better from what I have heard and they can potientally be 3rd or 4th in finals at state.

I wouldn’t jump to any big conclusions just yet. It’s possible, but they aren’t anywhere close to the level of Leander ISD or really any of the top 9 from finals last year. Ik they are going to Nats but we definitely need to wait till areas over tbh bc first they have to make it out which won’t be easy. 

[BassoonSOLO5456]

23 hours ago, Tubalord11 said:

I wouldn’t jump to any big conclusions just yet. It’s possible, but they aren’t anywhere close to the level of Leander ISD or really any of the top 9 from finals last year. Ik they are going to Nats but we definitely need to wait till areas over tbh bc first they have to make it out which won’t be easy. 

Yes, I agree we will have to wait, but I'm saying this could be a breakout year for them based on what I have heard. I wouldn't say like top 9 but maybe top 4-5 they are kind of underrated. You are right that they aren't better than Leander has a bigger school district if you think about it. 

[clarinetistkai05]

In my humble opinion, here’s my top 4 / 5 predictions (depending on area numbers, but I’m not knowledgeable in that department):

 

1. Wakeland

2. Lone Star

3. Argyle

4. Lebanon Trail

5 (if they send 5). McKinney North

[BandNerd07]

3 hours ago, clarinetistkai05 said:

In my humble opinion, here’s my top 4 / 5 predictions (depending on area numbers, but I’m not knowledgeable in that department):

 

1. Wakeland

2. Lone Star

3. Argyle

4. Lebanon Trail

5 (if they send 5). McKinney North

Yeah, I agree with your top 5, but this area actually only sends 4 bands to state, anyways here’s my 6-10

6. The Colony

7. Lovejoy

8. Walnut Grove

9. Centennial 

10. Anna

[Tubalord11]

14 minutes ago, BandNerd07 said:

Yeah, I agree with your top 5, but this area actually only sends 4 bands to state, anyways here’s my 6-10

6. The Colony

7. Lovejoy

8. Walnut Grove

9. Centennial 

10. Anna

I’m really hoping Anna makes finals here! Would love to see Melissa in, and of course there’s a chance one of the other Frisco schools had a crazy year.

[clarinetistkai05]

On 8/17/2024 at 4:04 PM, BandNerd07 said:

Yeah, I agree with your top 5, but this area actually only sends 4 bands to state, anyways here’s my 6-10

6. The Colony

7. Lovejoy

8. Walnut Grove

9. Centennial 

10. Anna

I thought the numbers were the same as last year, but maybe I’m wrong. Idk, I did a top 5 just in case 😭

[BandNerd07]

So I made a top 10 prediction list earlier but I decided to make one of the entire area. Man, this area is a bloodbath with so many area finals level bands, like probably the top 16 can make a statement for finals, and every top 10 can make state at ANY other area, but unfortunately we can't make everyone happy so for this area, here's my predictions:

1. Wakeland

2. Lone Star

3. Argyle

4. Lebanon Trail

5. McKinney North

6. The Colony

7. Lovejoy

8. Walnut Grove

9. Centennial

10. Anna

11. Memorial

12. Emerson

13. Reedy

14. Frisco

15. Melissa

16. Liberty

17. Independence

18. Heritage

19. Sherman

20. Ryan

21. Denton

22. Denison (may or may not advance)

[TrenBS]

My prediction, which to be clear Im not familiar below the top 7 so Im basing 8-10 on previous years and other predictions lmao:

1. Wakeland

2. McKinney North (Music over Lone Star)

3. Lone Star (Visuals over North)

4. Lebanon Trail

5. Argyle

6. The Colony

7. Walnut Grove

8. Love Joy

9. Centennial

10. Anna

[jamminsalmon_]

5A Draw order for AREA B 5A Marching Contest 2024-2025.pdf

Heres the official draw order for this contest

[ATSSBoT]

On 8/17/2024 at 4:19 PM, Tubalord11 said:

I’m really hoping Anna makes finals here! Would love to see Melissa in, and of course there’s a chance one of the other Frisco schools had a crazy year.

Really don't think that anna will push through to finals..

 

they had a really sloppy first act of what they do have on the field at the moment

Melissa consistently being a finalist in 4a state finals and then going to 5A with a show that was way more advanced than anything they'd played and still not make finals.. I just don't think it'd happen

 

I do think that Melissa will push through though 

[BassoonSOLO5456]

This area is one of the most interesting areas in the state considering the fact of how competitive it is and the results of area last year. I can't wait to see the rise of the band in this area

Here are my early top 5 predictions for this area

1.Wakeland(one of the best bands in the whole state of Texas)

2. Lone Star( Had a very good show last year and I'm excited to see what they can bring to the table this year

3. Argyle/Lebanon Trail/

4. Argyle Lebanon Trail/

On 8/14/2024 at 8:46 PM, THAATONESYNTHANDBASSOONKID said:

I agree your predictions are accurate I feel like Argyle has the ability to pull it off this season their show is going to better from what I have heard and they can potientally be 3rd or 4th in finals at state. This area is very tough and that was proven at area last year. I think Wakeland and Lone Star is an exciting matchup and I can't wait to see how well this area does this year.

 

[ATSSBoT]

Hot take.. I think Argyle will be 3rd this year

 

They’re playing Photograph by cody fry and Agape

[JustaTuba]

On 9/3/2024 at 4:43 PM, ATSSBoT said:

Hot take.. I think Argyle will be 3rd this year

 

They’re playing Photograph by cody fry and Agape

Although i think they will do great, i dont think they could break past 2 of the 4 state qualifiers from last year. I think lebanon trails show will be a much bigger step up from last years with their much better music and show design. i cant see them beating mckinney north or lone star. Though obviously its still way too early to tell.

[BassoonSOLO5456]

45 minutes ago, JustaTuba said:

Although i think they will do great, i dont think they could break past 2 of the 4 state qualifiers from last year. I think lebanon trails show will be a much bigger step up from last years with their much better music and show design. i cant see them beating mckinney north or lone star. Though obviously its still way too early to tell.

Yes I agree I think Wakeland and Lone Star could be top 2  but as you have said we will not know who is really gonna make so we don't know about Mckinney North, Argyle, or Lebanon Trail. I feel like lebanon trail is going to be good but I don't know how good as I haven't yet seen them in person but I think Mckinney North will be better than Lebanon Trail as that will take a lot of effort although Mckinney North is good. 

 

48 minutes ago, JustaTuba said:

Although i think they will do great, i dont think they could break past 2 of the 4 state qualifiers from last year. I think lebanon trails show will be a much bigger step up from last years with their much better music and show design. i cant see them beating mckinney north or lone star. Though obviously its still way too early to tell.

 

[MyHornIsFrench]

10 hours ago, goga said:

i went around and watched some of the preview shows for these area b 5a bands and i have to say the one that surprised me the most was lebanon trail - they sound great like usual but it seems like they're finally straying from their typical classical-type show and playing a more intense and aggressive opener. its too early to tell how the competition will play out (especially since i watched lone star and mckinney north too and they also sounded great) but at least for this point in the season LT sounds much more promising than previous years with their current show👍 if i had to make a prediction based solely off what i saw, i would bump lt up a little compared to what other people here tend to predict

How were you able to watch them?? Are there videos on youtube already?! Because I'd love to see what the other schools are up to!

[Troreo]

4 minutes ago, bow_nerd said:

I have a video of Lonestar at their community preview performance from August 17th if anyone's interested.

Can I have it pretty please! 🙏 

[TrenBS]

32 minutes ago, bow_nerd said:

I have a video of Lonestar at their community preview performance from August 17th if anyone's interested.

Ill be the 3rd on that one lol

[crunchycookie3]

8 hours ago, bow_nerd said:

I have a video of Lonestar at their community preview performance from August 17th if anyone's interested.

I’ll pile on 🫣