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

[utee94]

4 minutes ago, lost said:

This is how most band competitions of a high caliber are judged around the country? 

 

Just now, GarbagePatchKid said:

Yes. I mean, who else is going to do it?? If you want marching band experts, seems like that’s the pool you pull from. 

Yup, I trust the professionalism of the judges to understand the difference between UIL score sheets and BOA or DCI score sheets, and to score appropriately.  This isn't new.

[natertater21000]

33 minutes ago, KickSomeBrass said:

You do have valid points but I wanted to correct one thing: Area was just 1 week ago for this group so that is 8 hours of rehearsal time (plus minus football games and BOA if they did that).

Ah, got my 6A and 5A area weekends mixed up. Closer to 12-13 hours though. I was including class time. Most of these bands meet for an hour or more during the school day as well as after school. Lots of time to clean and refine things. 

[clarinetistkai05]

I haven’t been on properly to make a post in a WHILE, and I knew I had to upon seeing the results. I have a few points I want to make, and most definitely things will shift today depending on the final touch ups the directors do.

1. I feel like it is very weird to compare Area results with State results. A lot can happen in between area and state. Bands can make visual, musical, or even clean up parts that are dirty. It happens with every competition, no show is going to be the same every performance. Something is always going to get improved or changed, so that’s why it always is never good to compare results from other comps (in general, it’s a good baseline but shouldn’t be the main weapon of attack). I know in between Bedford and Prosper my senior year, Forney added a whole lot of choreo, and our show was genuinely not finished being produced until the day of state finals. Everything we did was never truly set in stone (even our music changed several times), and I feel like this goes for all schools in general. Things can change in a week, and it certainly isn’t super reliable to reference Area scores in relation to state scores due to the difference in judging as well.

2. I mean this with love when I say I do not agree with some of the judging that happened last night. I am happy with who made finals (more on this later), but I feel like a lot of these results are very surprising, especially with the live reviews I’ve seen being posted in this forum. Of course, I’m not a judge, so I do not see what they see. However, I feel like this season has had some of the weirdest judging to date. I love unexpected results and surprises, but I do not love looking at the score sheets & being confused as to how a band got placed xyz in zyx category. Again, I don’t get paid to judge, so I do not know what entirely goes into the process of judging these competitions.

3. If you are a performer (whether your ensemble made finals or not) at this competition: please watch what you are posting & putting out there in the forums or your social media. I saw something negative being said about another band (will not name this group for privacy reasons), and I genuinely do not understand why we feel the need to put down other ensembles. I remember talking a while ago about something like this with a few friends, and what you say about another ensemble reflects back onto you and your ensemble. You actively represent your band when you’re online or in public, so when you say negative things about another group; you are actively giving your ensemble a bad reputation.

4. This is my last point before I go back to lurking till Grand Nationals: I just want to give a shout out to Friendswood. Seeing you guys miss finals genuinely made me upset & I wish you guys could’ve gone all the way. I have had nothing but positive interactions with the members and parents when my school competed against you guys in past, and you guys are always one of the top names I mention when I talk about positive interactions. I wish the best for you guys this next season, and I hope you don’t let the results yesterday undermine the amazing season you had.

Before I truly go, I just want to say good luck to every finalist band performing today! You all genuinely did incredible and deserve the chance to perform one last time. Make the most of this and soak in the moment before leaving it all on the field! I cannot wait to watch finals later on stream to see what happens. Good luck to everyone performing!

[Gpk1968]

6 minutes ago, clarinetistkai05 said:

You actively represent your band when you’re online or in public, so when you say negative things about another group; you are actively giving your ensemble a bad reputation.

I want to reiterate this. There is a 4A band with an absolutely NASTY group of parents, and that attitude sometimes spills over to the students as they repeat what their parents say. The things I’ve seen posted have been shocking and so uncalled for and it makes it really hard for me to get behind that band. I’m shocked their directors dont put a stop to it because that’s a negative culture to stand behind. I love band and I want to root for everyone. Don’t make your bad attitude turn people against your program! Hold your head high and know you are in the upper echelon of Texas bands. Be proud!

[BandDad74]

Maybe I'm getting 5A UIL rules confused with 6A rules - or BOA rules even - but what is the tiebreaker rules for advancing to finals?  I thought if you had a tie, they both went and that Judges preference didn't come in until finals.  

 

Looking at Poteet and McCallum tying for 12th/13th....

 

 

[clarinetistkai05]

32 minutes ago, Gpk1968 said:

I want to reiterate this. There is a 4A band with an absolutely NASTY group of parents, and that attitude sometimes spills over to the students as they repeat what their parents say. The things I’ve seen posted have been shocking and so uncalled for and it makes it really hard for me to get behind that band. I’m shocked their directors dont put a stop to it because that’s a negative culture to stand behind. I love band and I want to root for everyone. Don’t make your bad attitude turn people against your program! Hold your head high and know you are in the upper echelon of Texas bands. Be proud!

This is exactly why when I went to Forney and was on here, I stayed positive because what you post and say REFLECTS onto your ensemble. My director always gave us this talk during the summer and during the start of the fall semester that you represent your program the minute you put on your uniform, and even when you’re around town. Of course, I always like to see the positive in the activity, so I do that even now. I genuinely wish the directors would do more to prevent their program from becoming so toxic because the nastiness I have seen in the past from both members and parents is INSANE.

[Justhereforthebands]

Hello Band World!

Last night was tough for so many. As a proud mom of Lone Star kids — and a chaperone who helped dry some of those tears — I saw firsthand how deeply our students felt it. But I also know we weren’t alone. Many incredible bands with amazing track records felt that same heartbreak.

Today, though, is about resilience. It’s not about placement (though that would be nice!) — it’s about heart, grit, and the love of performing.

Today’s performance is for every band — those who achieved their goals and those who came up just short. Because today, we stand together in the spirit of never stop believing.

If you’re able, come celebrate all bands, and maybe lift up Lone Star with some extra cheers. Let’s make today about the journey, the growth, and the music that brings us all together. 
 

thank you to all the kind words and productive suggestions.
 

  

[astronautika]

Anyone keep fun statistics like the largest ever placement jump between prelims and finals?

[astronautika]

6 minutes ago, Justhereforthebands said:

 

Hello Band World!

Last night was tough for so many. As a proud mom of Lone Star kids — and a chaperone who helped dry some of those tears — I saw firsthand how deeply our students felt it. But I also know we weren’t alone. Many incredible bands with amazing track records felt that same heartbreak.

Today, though, is about resilience. It’s not about placement (though that would be nice!) — it’s about heart, grit, and the love of performing.

Today’s performance is for every band — those who achieved their goals and those who came up just short. Because today, we stand together in the spirit of never stop believing.

If you’re able, come celebrate all bands, and maybe lift up Lone Star with some extra cheers. Let’s make today about the journey, the growth, and the music that brings us all together. 
 

thank you to all the kind words and productive suggestions.
 

  

Well said! I appreciate this reminder! 

[Anthony V]

5 minutes ago, astronautika said:

Anyone keep fun statistics like the largest ever placement jump between prelims and finals?

Might put together some stats like that here in a few.

[CDLune VA]

Best of luck to all of our 2025 UIL Texas Conference 5A State Marching Band Finalists:

 

Aledo H.S. — Aledo, TX (Aledo I.S.D.)

Argyle H.S. — Argyle, TX (Argyle I.S.D.)

Burleson Centennial H.S. — Burleson, TX (Burleson I.S.D.)

Cedar Park H.S. — Cedar Park, TX (Leander I.S.D.)

Jack C. Hays H.S. — Buta, TX (Hays Consolidated I.S.D.)

Leander H.S. — Leander, TX (Leander I.S.D.)

Lebanon Trail H.S. — Frisco, TX (Frisco I.S.D.)

Lone Star H.S. — Frisco, TX (Frisco I.S.D.)

McCallum H.S. — Austin, TX (Austin I.S.D.)

Richland H.S. — North Richland Hills, TX (Birdville I.S.D.)

Rouse H.S. — Leander, TX (Leander I.S.D.)

Wakeland H.S. — Frisco, TX (Frisco I.S.D.)

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyone and everyone who sees this, give every single one of these bands a standing ovation when they're coming on and off the field! They truly deserve it for all their hard work, and the more energy they get from the crowd, the more energy they'll channel into their performance!

[anotherbandmom]

As a senior mom I am absolutely beside myself. I've put in hours and money as a parent, but it doesn't hold a candle to what these kids and directors have done. When my kiddo asked to be in band in the 6th grade I had no idea what we were getting into. Now I can't imagine my life without it and we'll still be lingering in the stands and sidelines as fans and volunteers. I'll be on my feet for every band tonight and going forward. 

[ClutchATX]

As a parent in LeanderISD, I can say that the band directors never focus on winning, but only on working hard and having every performance be better than the last performance. I expect all the Leander ISD bands to have the best performance of the year tonight. All the kids in the finals have worked amazingly hard all year to get to this point and all deserve a standing ovation. 

[ClutchATX]

I want to give a shout out to all the parents that volunteer tons of hours to allow the kids to have this experience. None of the bands in the finals would be there if it weren't for the support of volunteers. Someone has to raise the money, someone has to load the trucks, someone has to drive the kids to school and practice, someone has to keep the kids fed during the long 16 hour days between competitions, football games and school, and someone has to keep them safe.  

[ClutchATX]

11 hours ago, euph67 said:

Consistency doesn’t matter. The run you had is the run you get. The judges could care less about your past performances. They judge how THAT performance was not what you’ve done in the past or the legacy your band has.

Exactly. Two years ago Rouse pretty much beat CP in every competition including the preliminaries. CP won it in the finals with an epic run. None of the scores leading to this point, makes any difference other than confidence. Tonight will be about how well the kids lock in and have the best run of the season.  

[BaritoneBallah]

Just now, ClutchATX said:

Exactly. Two years ago Rouse pretty much beat CP in every competition including the preliminaries. CP won it in the finals with an epic run. None of the scores leading to this point, makes any difference other than confidence. Tonight will be about how well the kids lock in and have the best run of the season.  

In 2023 Rouse frankly, destroyed Cedar Park at every competition EXCEPT 5a State, Cedar Park steamrolled them in both prelims and finals just like the previous year. 5a State has always belonged to Cedar Park.

[ClutchATX]

13 minutes ago, BaritoneBallah said:

In 2023 Rouse frankly, destroyed Cedar Park at every competition EXCEPT 5a State, Cedar Park steamrolled them in both prelims and finals just like the previous year. 5a State has always belonged to Cedar Park.

The band directors at CP really know what the judges are looking for and every program is tailored for what they are competing for that year. Last year when they were going to BOA Nationals, their program was drastically different than this year's program.  

 

[Tubalord11]

Wanted to reflect on what I said last night. As many people are saying, while pass results do you have some implications, each run is its own thing and at this level, you have to remember that you’re bringing in more bands, which is something I didn’t have in mind when making my comments. And to be honest, there have been many times where I’ve watched live, but I’ve heard that in person it’s completely different. And at the end of the day, I’m just another enjoyer of this activity, and while we might disagree with results, each band gave it their all and should be proud of their season. Super excited for this afternoon to see these bands final runs. 

[Band Dad 2021]

I’ve been out of the “band parent thing” for a while. It’s a really exciting and emotional thing seeing your kid strive for perfection. The hours they put in still boggles my mind.

By now you’ve memorized every note and step. Heck, you’ve probably memorized most of the competitive shows as well!

Try to sit back and enjoy the ride. It passes so fast. 
 

 

[jetliner]

1 hour ago, BaritoneBallah said:

In 2023 Rouse frankly, destroyed Cedar Park at every competition EXCEPT 5a State, Cedar Park steamrolled them in both prelims and finals just like the previous year. 5a State has always belonged to Cedar Park.

The transformation between BOA and 5A State, in TWO DAYS, was one of the most unbelievable things I've seen as a spectator. The show went from just good to incredible. I still have no idea when they managed to rehearse such a drastic difference. 

[OGFISD99]

1 minute ago, clarinote said:

Are the judging assignments the same in finals as prelims? Can ochran please not judge Leander in content and design again please...

I'm Lone Star feels tge same about the music judges...... lol..... glasses and hearing aids might be needed for today's finals...... Just saying this as a spectator..... 

[DrumLine]

This is the hard part of it all -- that it IS subjective. While it might be judged one way at UIL area, it might not be judged the same way at state. And while it's hard for us, as observers, to digest that, it's got to be even tougher for the kids. The scores on Lone Star's music yesterday -- after being praised all along the way to this point -- has to be mind-blowing for the instructors, but even moreso for those kids. I know they'll step up and knock it out of the park on their Finals run, no matter what the judges think about it.

[clarinetistkai05]

24 minutes ago, Band Dad 2021 said:

I’ve been out of the “band parent thing” for a while. It’s a really exciting and emotional thing seeing your kid strive for perfection. The hours they put in still boggles my mind.

By now you’ve memorized every note and step. Heck, you’ve probably memorized most of the competitive shows as well!

Try to sit back and enjoy the ride. It passes so fast. 
 

 

I will say this as a former band kid (yes I have “retired”):

My senior season when I didn’t have my mom by my side is when I realized how much band meant to me. Marching Band gave me a family that I wanted and needed during that time, especially within the forums when it was all I talked about with my friends. Walking out of the dome for the last time to the tears of so many (myself included) was bittersweet. It felt like everything I had went through and all the work I had put in was paying off, and I felt as ease knowing I can graduate knowing the program will be okay.

My point is to make the most of the memories you make with the performances. The four years you have as a high school marcher go by so quick, and you truly never feel ready for the four years to be over. Be proud of the hours you spent dedicating your time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears to perfecting your show.  Leave the dome with no regrets, only pride of what you have accomplished this season.

[Anthony V]

Alright, here’s some fun numbers, firstly on our finalists and then on conference 5A state championships since 6A was added in 2014.

Let’s start with state advancement numbers, which are how many times the program has previously advanced from area to the state marching contest (in any classification).
Lebanon Trail - 3
Burleson Centennial - 4
Lone Star & Rouse - 5
McCallum - 6
Hays, Richland, & Wakeland - 9
Aledo – 10
Argyle - 12
Cedar Park - 13
Leander – 15

All of today’s finalist programs have also made it to state finals before. Here’s their finals appearances (in any classification):
Lebanon Trail - 2
Lone Star & McCallum - 3
Burleson Centennial & Hays - 4
Rouse & Richland - 5
Aledo – 8
Wakeland - 9
Cedar Park & Leander - 11
Argyle – 12

Finally, three of our finalists today have won UIL state at some classification:
Richland - 1
Cedar Park - 8
Argyle – 8 

Next, some stats on UIL 5A state marching contest. 
-There is one band in finals today which was a finalist and bronze medalist in the very first 5A state finals in 1980 – McCallum.
-FYI: From 1980 to 2014, 5A was the largest classification. 
-Moreover, until 2023, state contest was not held for all classifications; thus, 5A state contest typically took place every other year. Although the sixfold conference system had its inception in 2014, the first 5A state contest in that system did not occur until 2015.

Here’s the layout of six 5A state contests that have occurred from 2015-present. Today is the seventh 5A state contest in this system. I also list the names of today’s finalists if they were a state advancer and 5A in the given year:
2015 – Cedar Park (1st), Leander (3rd), Wakeland (5th), Aledo (10th)
2017 – Cedar Park (1st), Wakeland (4th), Richland (6th), Aledo (8th), Rouse (9th), Lone Star (12th), McCallum (23rd)
2019  - Cedar Park (1st), Wakeland (3rd), Rouse (4th), Burleson Centennial (5th), Lebanon Trail (8th), Aledo (9th), McCallum (14th)
2021 – Cedar Park (1st), Rouse (2nd), Leander (3rd), Wakeland (4th), McCallum (6th), Aledo (7th), Lebanon Trail (15th), Lone Star (16th), Burleson Centennial (17th)
2023 – Cedar Park (1st), Rouse (2nd), Wakeland (3rd), Leander (5th), Burleson Centennial (6th), Lone Star (7th), Richland (9th), Lebanon Trail (12th), Aledo (13th)
2024 – Cedar Park (1st), Rouse (2nd), Leander (3rd), Wakeland (4th), Aledo (5th), Lone Star (6th), Argyle (7th), Burleson Centennial (9th), Richland (15th), Hays (18th).

Some highlights: Since 2015…
-Cedar Park is the undefeated 5A champion.
-Wakeland is the only program besides Cedar Park present at all six 5A finals. 
-Aledo has advanced to state every 5A year.
-When advancing to 5A state, Leander has never missed the top half of finals.
 

[WanderingTraveler]

Good afternoon 5A! Good luck to all the 5A bands competing in finals today. Hope all the bands have a great season ending performance, and that these seniors have an enjoyable final run! Super excited to watch how this unfolds and hope everyone has fun.