UIL 5A State Marching Contest 2025 (Nov. 10 & 11)

[crown_glazer]

LC is making finals.

[Anthony V]

4 hours ago, lingram07 said:

We have all heard who we think is going to be 1-12 but I am very curious to see what people think of the 'bubble bands' and bands from 12-20. There is a lot of bands that are doing pretty well this year and considering area and other comps who do you think 12-20 will be?

It feels easier to me to predict 11-20 right now. I count about 10 provisional locks, just to start somewhere (in prelims performance order): Wakeland, Leander, Aledo, Lone Star, Burleson Centennial, Friendswood, Rouse, Argyle, Lebanon Trail, Cedar Park. I do think that other bands could beat these locks (i.e., locks in 11th or 12th place in prelims or finals), but I would just be surprised to see the locks out of finals. That leaves 2 spots open for finals (11th and 12th spot), and I have no idea how to choose some bands over others right now.

Here's my 11-20 list, in prelims performance order: Hendrickson, Midlothian, Roma, Lakeview Centennial, Lake Belton, Anderson, Poteet, Glenn, Richland, North Mesquite, McCallum. I don't know that my intuitions are informed enough to say who is more likely to be a finalist or nearer to being a finalist than others. 

[Texasenthusiast]

In case anyone was interested in watching Friendswoods recent performance. They seem stronger this year but can't really tell.

https://youtu.be/s7ASS1M02Gs?si=DDvk1iWuRk-S-XCr

[OGFISD99]

Here's my first shot at predictions will update on Sunday once I find videos of all of these bands from area competitions.... 

1. Cedar Park

2. Rouse /Wakeland 

3. Wakeland/Lone Star/ Rouse 

4. Lonestar/ Leander/ Wakeland 

5. Leander/ Lone Star 

6. Aledo 

7. Lebanon Trail 

8. Burleson Centennial 

9. Argyle 

10. Hendrickson 

11. Friendswood 

12. Poteet/Midlothian/ Roma

This is going to be just as crazy 6A..... I know i might be looking crazy on these predictions.... 

[Anthony V]

Will anyone be there in person?

Also, does anyone plan on commenting on bands? If so, from live performances or from the stream?

 

I'll almost certainly be out of pocket for prelims. (Mondays are my exhaustingly long travel/teach/grade day... 😱) 

I might be able to comment on finals for Tuesday via livestream if no one else is doing it in some capacity. But hopefully someone is because to me almost everything on livestream/video sounds like trash, and/or otherwise compressed beyond recognition, and/or obnoxiously picking up random pockets of sound from who knows where in the acoustic space -- the point here being not that I'm ungrateful for the streaming services 😅 but that I'll be characteristically unreliable for interpreting what's actually going on. 

 

I agree with others that this year is going to be crazy. I really think this year is going to be a high point for 5A. The pool of bands even in the top 16-20 or so is stupid good. 

[lost]

Looking to Midlothian to continue their groundbreaking season here.

[Tubalord11]

2 minutes ago, lost said:

Looking to Midlothian to continue their groundbreaking season here.

If they make finals I will cry tears of joy 

[lingram07]

11 hours ago, Anthony V said:

Will anyone be there in person?

Also, does anyone plan on commenting on bands? If so, from live performances or from the stream?

 

I'll almost certainly be out of pocket for prelims. (Mondays are my exhaustingly long travel/teach/grade day... 😱) 

I might be able to comment on finals for Tuesday via livestream if no one else is doing it in some capacity. But hopefully someone is because to me almost everything on livestream/video sounds like trash, and/or otherwise compressed beyond recognition, and/or obnoxiously picking up random pockets of sound from who knows where in the acoustic space -- the point here being not that I'm ungrateful for the streaming services 😅 but that I'll be characteristically unreliable for interpreting what's actually going on. 

 

I agree with others that this year is going to be crazy. I really think this year is going to be a high point for 5A. The pool of bands even in the top 16-20 or so is stupid good. 

I believe that WanderingTraveler always comments on every band that goes usually. You would have to ask if he is going to do it with 5A and if so ask if they are going to do it in person or over a stream.

[sdhjhgfertyygtvt]

1. Cedar Park

2. Rouse /Wakeland 

3. Wakeland/Lone Star/ Rouse 

4. Lonestar/ Leander/ Wakeland 

5. Leander/ Lone Star 

6. Aledo 

7. Lebanon Trail 

8. Burleson Centennial 

9. Friendswood 

10. Argyle

11. Hendrickson

12. Poteet/Midlothian/ Roma

[sdhjhgfertyygtvt]

On 11/3/2025 at 11:50 PM, Texasenthusiast said:

In case anyone was interested in watching Friendswoods recent performance. They seem stronger this year but can't really tell.

https://youtu.be/s7ASS1M02Gs?si=DDvk1iWuRk-S-XCr

Their brass is definitely way better than last year as well the the woodwinds the percussion is about the same. Yes they are stronger this year and could do some damage in finals.

[tubatoucher]

[123Tuba]

48 minutes ago, tubatoucher said:

Why did you post a AI generated picture of LT? Also I think their band has around 250 people in it

[Tubalord11]

22 minutes ago, 123Tuba said:

Why did you post a AI generated picture of LT? Also I think their band has around 250 people in it

At least it got the colors right 😂

Also, calling it now, Lone Star will be top 4 

[tubatoucher]

3 hours ago, 123Tuba said:

Why did you post a AI generated picture of LT? Also I think their band has around 250 people in it

nah this the real LT I took ts photo trust

[Herb]

He's not lying I was there

[tubatoucher]

thanks herb I always knew u were my day one

[LeanderMomma]

23 hours ago, Anthony V said:

Will anyone be there in person?

Also, does anyone plan on commenting on bands? If so, from live performances or from the stream?

 

I'll almost certainly be out of pocket for prelims. (Mondays are my exhaustingly long travel/teach/grade day... 😱) 

I might be able to comment on finals for Tuesday via livestream if no one else is doing it in some capacity. But hopefully someone is because to me almost everything on livestream/video sounds like trash, and/or otherwise compressed beyond recognition, and/or obnoxiously picking up random pockets of sound from who knows where in the acoustic space -- the point here being not that I'm ungrateful for the streaming services 😅 but that I'll be characteristically unreliable for interpreting what's actually going on. 

 

I agree with others that this year is going to be crazy. I really think this year is going to be a high point for 5A. The pool of bands even in the top 16-20 or so is stupid good. 

I am 90% sure I will be there in person. I usually post clips from each band so follow me on instagram if y’all don’t already!

[OGFISD99]

I'll be there.... for a little bit of tge competition.... on Monday  all day Tuesday. 

[WanderingTraveler]

 

On 11/4/2025 at 9:05 PM, Anthony V said:

Will anyone be there in person?

Also, does anyone plan on commenting on bands? If so, from live performances or from the stream?

 

I'll almost certainly be out of pocket for prelims. (Mondays are my exhaustingly long travel/teach/grade day... 😱) 

I might be able to comment on finals for Tuesday via livestream if no one else is doing it in some capacity. But hopefully someone is because to me almost everything on livestream/video sounds like trash, and/or otherwise compressed beyond recognition, and/or obnoxiously picking up random pockets of sound from who knows where in the acoustic space -- the point here being not that I'm ungrateful for the streaming services 😅 but that I'll be characteristically unreliable for interpreting what's actually going on. 

 

I agree with others that this year is going to be crazy. I really think this year is going to be a high point for 5A. The pool of bands even in the top 16-20 or so is stupid good. 

Ill be here in person, will probably do comments similar to last year, short-form for prelims, long-form for finals (how I did 6A this year).

[igarc349]

I see some people are predicting ROMA again this year but i looked at AREA G results their title almost got taken for area champs by Psja North and i got to watch their show from their finals performance and i love the theme to be honest i think they could place in finals this year or around there 

[igarc349]

So with what i said does anyone have opinions on PSJA North because of the new section for content and design that could help them place higher in prelims...???

[JeffryEpstein_REAL]

I'm feeling really confident that Burleson Centennial can come out of the woodworks, they've looked sneaky good this season 👀

[16teenthnotes]

it seems to see that everyone has talked about at least every Area F band. Aledo has been a state qualifier for years now and so has Cen10. Midlo had made 2024 and they placed 19th in prelims. Richland on the other hand has made state for the past 3 years. In 2023 they made state finals. 10th in prelims and 9th in finals. 2024 the got 15th just over Midlothian and just below Colleyville Heritage. Although CH has had quite a bumpy year they still made state! I'll be one to say that I do think Midlo AND Richland are definitely in the bubble for the 11-20th placements. I'm excited to see what will happen! congratulations to all the bands that advanced!!!

[lingram07]

1. Cedar Park - This is a big no brainer feels like we are really just going to compete for second this year. Their show is great and I am excited to see them on the state field. They also have a very preferable time slot for performance. 

2. Rouse - I feel that they are one of the only ones that can really even get close to beating Cedar Park. They have an amazing show this year, very well put together. They have a decent performance time mid day ish. 

3. Wakeland - I really have not seen much of this band going to be honest. So based on past years and what others are saying I feel that having them in 3rd is a safe pick.

4. Lone Star - Another band that has a good track record but I do not know too much about this year but again based on past years and you guys they are a safe pick for 4th.

5. Leander - I am going to be honest I don’t really like their show this year not to mention a gigantic screen at the front of the field, I feel that the screen draws more attention than the band does so it is almost more of a distraction to me than a prop. Overall still a good show but based on this year I cannot personally put them any higher. 

6. Aledo - This is a wonderful band. They seem to be having a very successful year so far again winning their area. I like what they are doing this year and I really enjoyed last year. But their performance time is earlier so I will see how that goes this Monday. 

7. Lebanon Trail - Another band that I really don't know too much about and without digging to find their show and rate it I am going to be lazy and go off what you guys are saying plus previous years. 7th is a safe spot for this band. 

8. Burleston Centennial - I like what they are doing this year. 8th feels like a safe spot for them but who knows how they will do on the state field. 

9. Argyle - Completely clueless about this band just know that they are good and based on past years and OGFISD99 this is a good spot to put them just behind Burleston Centennial. 

10. Hendrickson - Wonderful show this year with the butterflies and the wings at the end of the show really was a wonderful touch. They won their area again this year and are doing really great. I would love to see them place higher. I am just not sure if they can make it past Argyle or any other band above them, great show though. They also managed to pull the worst performance time in the books so I am curious if that will weigh them down this year. 

11. Friendswood - Based on past performance and their show this year they are a safe 11th spot pick. I just am not sure with this band but they are a very strong and powerful band. I will just have to see how they do this year. 

12. I really don't know there are so many good bands that I can put here. I am really curious who will sneak in and get the last finalist spot. But I do have some bands in mind that could make it. In performance order: Midlothian HS, Roma HS, Lake Belton HS, Poteet HS, A&M Consolidated HS, and lastly McCallum HS. I know there is a lot but they are all really good bands all fighting for the same spot in finals. 

 If you see something you really don't agree with I understand because there are some bands in here that I really don't know about. But I would love to know what you guys think about my list.

[OGFISD99]

19 minutes ago, lingram07 said:

1. Cedar Park - This is a big no brainer feels like we are really just going to compete for second this year. Their show is great and I am excited to see them on the state field. They also have a very preferable time slot for performance. 

2. Rouse - I feel that they are one of the only ones that can really even get close to beating Cedar Park. They have an amazing show this year, very well put together. They have a decent performance time mid day ish. 

3. Wakeland - I really have not seen much of this band going to be honest. So based on past years and what others are saying I feel that having them in 3rd is a safe pick.

4. Lone Star - Another band that has a good track record but I do not know too much about this year but again based on past years and you guys they are a safe pick for 4th.

5. Leander - I am going to be honest I don’t really like their show this year not to mention a gigantic screen at the front of the field, I feel that the screen draws more attention than the band does so it is almost more of a distraction to me than a prop. Overall still a good show but based on this year I cannot personally put them any higher. 

6. Aledo - This is a wonderful band. They seem to be having a very successful year so far again winning their area. I like what they are doing this year and I really enjoyed last year. But their performance time is earlier so I will see how that goes this Monday. 

7. Lebanon Trail - Another band that I really don't know too much about and without digging to find their show and rate it I am going to be lazy and go off what you guys are saying plus previous years. 7th is a safe spot for this band. 

8. Burleston Centennial - I like what they are doing this year. 8th feels like a safe spot for them but who knows how they will do on the state field. 

9. Argyle - Completely clueless about this band just know that they are good and based on past years and OGFISD99 this is a good spot to put them just behind Burleston Centennial. 

10. Hendrickson - Wonderful show this year with the butterflies and the wings at the end of the show really was a wonderful touch. They won their area again this year and are doing really great. I would love to see them place higher. I am just not sure if they can make it past Argyle or any other band above them, great show though. They also managed to pull the worst performance time in the books so I am curious if that will weigh them down this year. 

11. Friendswood - Based on past performance and their show this year they are a safe 11th spot pick. I just am not sure with this band but they are a very strong and powerful band. I will just have to see how they do this year. 

12. I really don't know there are so many good bands that I can put here. I am really curious who will sneak in and get the last finalist spot. But I do have some bands in mind that could make it. In performance order: Midlothian HS, Roma HS, Lake Belton HS, Poteet HS, A&M Consolidated HS, and lastly McCallum HS. I know there is a lot but they are all really good bands all fighting for the same spot in finals. 

 If you see something you really don't agree with I understand because there are some bands in here that I really don't know about. But I would love to know what you guys think about my list.

I have Lone Star's finals  run.. 

https://youtu.be/rO9AENw-esQ?si=LA0AZB3AOMiWWqYd