UIL 6A State Marching Contest 2025 (Nov 3-4)

[tubapop]

5 hours ago, Justabandchild said:

I'm always hesitant to mention this trend because I don't want to seem like I'm dunking on the programs for this, but I relate a bit to this. I speculate that it's a result of designing mainly for the (adjudication) sheets over the years (even though I'm sure many designers won't fully admit that). If you look at tons of shows from the mid-to-late 2000's to the mid 2010's, in general, you'll hear more cohesive music, more purposeful music selections with theme in mind, fewer section features, section features that fit into the context of the music, and demanding phrases for the full ensemble (sometimes with high velocity drill). That was happening with the old UIL sheets, which i think eventually led to placing a priority on designing for achievement. More and more, it seems to me, that designers are using formulas to maximize achievement and general effect and it has evolved show design to what it is now.  I see it in both drum corps and band. I don't hate it, but it's not usually my favorite flavor of show design.

Another part of it is that it's a lot to ask 250+ kids to learn hard drill while playing hard music. It's a lot to ask a drill writer to write for a 300+ member ensemble, especially when using the whole field is no longer the meta. And not every program can get students to buy into a super physically demanding show. I'm not sure a show like Spring 1993 will even happen again (As cool as it was, I'm not sure it should happen again), especially not with the 8-hour rule.

Spring 1993, legends. 

[Dave609]

Even though they had to go first today, The Woodlands came in and gave us a phenomenal show!! What a fantastic way to start off the State Championship festivities!!!!

[WanderingTraveler]

Good morning 6A! Already starting off strong this morning with The Woodlands! Seems the NFHS stream is up and the mic setup sounds good this year! Going to be a great day!

[Dave609]

Keller HS came to play! They just showed us why they are a consistent state finalist. Definitely a front runner with The Woodlands to make finals!

[slowbrass]

Keller brass is no joke! They definitely play like a finalist level band.

[hsbandnerd212]

+1 for Keller! I'm thinking they'll be in finals.

[WanderingTraveler]

I will definitely be busy all day so writing full recaps seems unrealistic…. Will try some one-word highlights for the day.

Keller: Staging. Uniforms. MELLOS! 

[utee94]

I can get NFHS through the website but the app on my TV and Roku aren't working.  Always something.

Anyway, fantastic show from TWHS.  Their energy is always so impressive.

Had to work for a second during Keller, but here we go with Vista.  What a way to start the morning!

 

[Dave609]

GOOD MORNING VISTA RIDGE!!!

[Dave609]

Alright, I definitely see why Vista Ridge is at the top of a lot of people's list to win the championship. Their performance was AMAZING!!! If they have this kind of performance tomorrow, then I wouldn't be surprised if they become a 2x State Champion. Thank you for that AMAZING performance Vista Ridge!!!!!!

[HagsTPT]

After seeing what vista can do I can see why they beat vandy at area holy moly 

[WanderingTraveler]

Vista Ridge: Jaw. On. The. Floor. BRASSSS!!!! BAC-2017(?) Reference. Beautiful writing. Definite medal contender.

[slowbrass]

What. A. Sound.

[TrebleMaker2]

Wow, Vista Ridge just blew me away! Beautiful! These first 3 bands are just amazing, going to be a great day.

[utee94]

Leander ISD bringing it! Way to go Vista, I really like this show and it's gotten so much better every time I've seen it.  They really do know how to peak late in the season.

 

[JFNDOWBFAN]

Welcome to the State Stage Rockwall Heath! First trip to state but won’t be the last!

[WanderingTraveler]

Rockwall-Heath: Welcome to San Antonio!  Dense Chords! Sax solo!!! Simple but effective. Ballad soloist great tone🫶. WW technique!

[Dave609]

Welcome to the state level Rockwall-Heath!!! Even though this is their first state apperance, they made it seem like they have been here everytime! That performance looked and sounded fantastic! Very interested to see where they place, because I feel they could be much higher than we could be thinking. Amazing run Rockwall-Heath!!!

[clarinetistkai05]

Good Morning yall! (sending this right before college classes, yes i have those on my bday i would skip but alas no)

Good luck to all 6A bands competing today! While I haven’t seen most of the shows (only Forney and Flomo’s), I genuinely do believe every program here has had a special season to get up to this point. I have specific words for 3 schools beyond this point, but genuinely good luck to everyone performing today!

Rockwall & RHHS: Congrats on advancing to state for the first time! I genuinely was so shocked finding this out, but I am so proud! This ties into every program having something special happen, you guys all made something historical happen to your school! Good luck to you guys!

Forney: My alma mater. This is your 2nd year to advance to state in 6A, and you’ve made me so proud with the production of the show. I do believe something special will be made out of your performance today, and regardless of the outcome you guys will continue to make me proud. Now, go blow the Dome’s roof off with pride, love you guys.

[Tailgate88]

Well that was my first time seeing Vista Ridge this year but I sure as heck won't miss it tomorrow night.  FloMo and Vandy might want to have a word, but right now I'm thinking there is no way they get out of here without a medal, that's for sure.

But there are a lot of bands to come....

[Dave609]

John B. Alexander HS with a beautiful performance this morning! That was definitely a great run from them! I really enjoyed the music, the theme, basically everything for this show! I haven't seen them since BOA McAllen, and it definitely feels they have improved even more over the course of the season! Thank you for that emotional performance John B. Alexander 🥹

[HagsTPT]

OMG I can feel Dickinson's chicken props stare into my soul 😭

[WanderingTraveler]

JBA: Tubas! Full field staging. Clarinet and Sax runs! Strong!

[Josegjr]

10 minutes ago, Dave609 said:

John B. Alexander HS with a beautiful performance this morning! That was definitely a great run from them! I really enjoyed the music, the theme, basically everything for this show! I haven't seen them since BOA McAllen, and it definitely feels they have improved even more over the course of the season! Thank you for that emotional performance John B. Alexander 🥹

They always have such emotional shows super proud of them as a former alumni!

[Josegjr]

39 minutes ago, WanderingTraveler said:

Vista Ridge: Jaw. On. The. Floor. BRASSSS!!!! BAC-2017(?) Reference. Beautiful writing. Definite medal contender.

What a show by Vista! That gave me goosebumps!