UIL 6A Area J 2025

[dfwhorn]

With the new Area judging, who do you guys think will benefit from specific captions, and who might fall? I think it could be an interesting discussion especially considering how close a lot of bubble bands are in this area.

[SharksAreCool]

2 hours ago, dfwhorn said:

With the new Area judging, who do you guys think will benefit from specific captions, and who might fall? I think it could be an interesting discussion especially considering how close a lot of bubble bands are in this area.

I think for this area it will definitely show the real strengths and weaknesses between these bands. It’s probably also gonna help people to show what needs improvement. If anyone benefits from this it will probably be FloMo and also Braswell and McKinney

Edited July 5, 2025 by SharksAreCool

[dfwhorn]

1 hour ago, SharksAreCool said:

I think for this area it will definitely show the real strengths and weaknesses between these bands. It’s probably also gonna help people to show what needs improvement. If anyone benefits from this it will probably be FloMo and also Braswell and McKinney

I agree with your takes. I think that Flomo and Braswell could definitely benefit and McKinney too. I think this new system could possibly push Braswell to state which year which would be really sick, they were a fan favorite last year. Im interested to see the percussion caption specifically this year, Area J is one of the great percussion areas as of late, with Midwest and Pasic invites from some of the school, I'm really curious to see how it goes for not just our finalists, but our underdog bands too. This year I bet that there will be some dark horses sneaking to finals in this area.

[lemme cook]

8 hours ago, dfwhorn said:

With the new Area judging, who do you guys think will benefit from specific captions, and who might fall? I think it could be an interesting discussion especially considering how close a lot of bubble bands are in this area.

I think I'm out of the loop. Could you elaborate on the new judging? A source if you got it.

[dfwhorn]

15 hours ago, lemme cook said:

I think I'm out of the loop. Could you elaborate on the new judging? A source if you got it.

For some areas (I think 4A-6A but correct me if I'm wrong), captions will be similar to SMBC. Visual Individual, Visual Ensemble, WW, Brass, and Percussion. Check this link out for the judging sheets that should be usage for this year.

[lemme cook]

9 hours ago, dfwhorn said:

For some areas (I think 4A-6A but correct me if I'm wrong), captions will be similar to SMBC. Visual Individual, Visual Ensemble, WW, Brass, and Percussion. Check this link out for the judging sheets that should be usage for this year.

So rather than 3 music, 2 visual, there's going to be a WW, a brass, and a percussion judge for music, and then visual ind. and visual ens? I still might be misunderstanding but I think I like this change and the chance for captions to be awarded. 

[SharksAreCool]

27 minutes ago, lemme cook said:

So rather than 3 music, 2 visual, there's going to be a WW, a brass, and a percussion judge for music, and then visual ind. and visual ens? I still might be misunderstanding but I think I like this change and the chance for captions to be awarded. 

Nope your spot on

[JFNDOWBFAN]

Braswell taking 1st this year. Heard it here first. I know Hebron is expected to return to state but they may not make finals of J. 
 

*Siri, define click bait*

[JustAnOldBandMom]

Does anyone know where Area J is taking place yet?

[BugWub24]

37 minutes ago, PSHSMom said:

Does anyone know where Area J is taking place yet?

Same as last year I believe, McKinney ISD Stadium.

[JustAnOldBandMom]

23 hours ago, BugWub24 said:

Same as last year I believe, McKinney ISD Stadium.

Thanks!  I was hoping that was the case!

[KingSousa4Life]

Does someone know how many schools they are taking to state, because I’ve heard talks about them taking 5 due to the fact that Hebron medalled at state last year? Not sure how true that is though.

[BugWub24]

35 minutes ago, KingSousa4Life said:

Does someone know how many schools they are taking to state, because I’ve heard talks about them taking 5 due to the fact that Hebron medalled at state last year? Not sure how true that is though.

It’s referring to a proposal that would allow for additional bands to advance to state from a single area for every group that medaled at state. In this case, since Flower Mound and Hebron medaled, the rule would’ve allowed 2 additional bands to advance to state the next season.

I wouldn’t count on the proposal passing, though. Unequal representation at state, especially when the state runs through one school district. It’s a tough issue to combat.

[dfwhorn]

1 hour ago, KingSousa4Life said:

Does someone know how many schools they are taking to state, because I’ve heard talks about them taking 5 due to the fact that Hebron medalled at state last year? Not sure how true that is though.

That is if that rule were to pass that was proposed at UIL's meeting. Don't count on it because like  said in the last post both FloMo and Hebron medaled this year, which would bring it up to 6. Saying if the rule doesn't go through which may be likely, we will probably see the top 4 advance to state as there's no new schools opened this year in 6A J, and everyone in this area typically will receive sweepstakes and that will probably continue.

[DrummersEcho]

Literally one of the hardest Areas and I gotta be honest based on BOA and State Scores

1. Hebron/Flomo (Hebron Most Likely
2. Flomo/Hebron (Flomo Most Likely)
3. Marcus
4. Prosper/Braswell (Prosper Most Likely)
5. Braswell/Prosper (Braswell Most Likely)
6. Mckinney

There could probably be a tie between Prosper Braswell and Flomo Hebron, The area is Kinda rigged if you wanna make state because your competing with literal 6a State medalists lol. The 4th Place Spot could maybe be possible for Mckinney, Their show had flaws and was to easy get 4th but i can see it being Possible but probably not lol

[SharksAreCool]

6 hours ago, DrummersEcho said:

Literally one of the hardest Areas and I gotta be honest based on BOA and State Scores

1. Hebron/Flomo (Hebron Most Likely
2. Flomo/Hebron (Flomo Most Likely)
3. Marcus
4. Prosper/Braswell (Prosper Most Likely)
5. Braswell/Prosper (Braswell Most Likely)
6. Mckinney

There could probably be a tie between Prosper Braswell and Flomo Hebron, The area is Kinda rigged if you wanna make state because your competing with literal 6a State medalists lol. The 4th Place Spot could maybe be possible for Mckinney, Their show had flaws and was to easy get 4th but i can see it being Possible but probably not lol

I feel like Marcus could compete for top 2, especially with the SMBC type scoring. Could definitely secure a possible 1st with how god their percussion is.

[DrummersEcho]

Dunno abt 1st but 2nd is possible.

[bandboy521]

I heard that McKinney Boyd’s music is really good this year. I’ve also heard Mckinney’s is good too. I know Boyd’s show is called Suite Dreams and I think mckinney’s is metamorphosis if I’m not mistaken. I know both bands are pretty good, and I love watching both of the bands perform. I know when it comes to area j it’s very hard to place high cause of the really good bands like Flo mo and Hebron and Marcus and others, but based on the show music I heard from both schools, I think they might do a lot better this year cause there music is really good, it just depends on if they can execute it good. I know I’m talking a lot about 2 specific bands, but I go to Boyd and am in the band so yes, this may be a little biased, but I’m trying not to be cause I know what the music sounds like, same with high cause I have friends who are go to high and are in the band and I think there show is awesome too. I don’t know any other bands music, but I’m just trying to say that Boyd’s music is way better than last years and I think McKinney’s is too. I’m saying all of this just for the fun of saying my opinions, if I’m going on predictions based on last year than hear it is:

 

1.Hebron/flomo

2. flomo/hebron

3. Marcus

4.prosper/braswell

5. Braswell

6 - 10:

Wylie, Wylie east, McKinney, McKinney Boyd, Rockhill/plano east

[WanderingTraveler]

Every time I look at this area I am reminded how brutal this zone has become. I haven’t noticed a ton of off season shifts that would left me to believe any crazy upsets here, but I am always here for a new challenger to the LISD tenure.

[TrenBS]

20 hours ago, bandboy521 said:

I heard that McKinney Boyd’s music is really good this year. I’ve also heard Mckinney’s is good too. I know Boyd’s show is called Suite Dreams and I think mckinney’s is metamorphosis if I’m not mistaken. I know both bands are pretty good, and I love watching both of the bands perform. I know when it comes to area j it’s very hard to place high cause of the really good bands like Flo mo and Hebron and Marcus and others, but based on the show music I heard from both schools, I think they might do a lot better this year cause there music is really good, it just depends on if they can execute it good. I know I’m talking a lot about 2 specific bands, but I go to Boyd and am in the band so yes, this may be a little biased, but I’m trying not to be cause I know what the music sounds like, same with high cause I have friends who are go to high and are in the band and I think there show is awesome too. I don’t know any other bands music, but I’m just trying to say that Boyd’s music is way better than last years and I think McKinney’s is too. I’m saying all of this just for the fun of saying my opinions, if I’m going on predictions based on last year than hear it is:

 

1.Hebron/flomo

2. flomo/hebron

3. Marcus

4.prosper/braswell

5. Braswell

6 - 10:

Wylie, Wylie east, McKinney, McKinney Boyd, Rockhill/plano east

Just for confirmation McKinney High is using all their music from Symphonic Metamorphosis, and yes both groups have definitely made very large improvements going into this year. I think either of them making state entirely depends on Prospers and Braswells strength (if they hold their ground, 6-10 is a Wylie/McKinney brawl, if it ends up like 2021 and 2022 for Prosper and Braswell I believe 4-5 will open up to just about anyone down to the 9th place group), but regardless both schools are absolutely way ahead of where they were last year, so I expect both of them to be competing in the 5-7 range, maybe 4th if Prosper has an off year which is unlikely.

I think regardless of what happens, this year will be the best year for area J in terms of sheer density of talent and accomplishment, every group is firing on all cylinders and we have 2 groups going to Nats and the previous winner for UIL, its to the point to where theres a solid 3-4 bands who given they went to finals along with the current top 10 could absolutely steal particular captions and surprise everyone with their shows.

2026 realignment will probably see an end to the current form of area J considering how top heavy this area is, EVEN comparing to area B who at least has 2-4 up for grabs with the top 5-8 depending on the year, and area C being the weakest DFW area by a long shot. WHICH IS NOT A JAB AT THE BANDS IN THAT AREA. Its simply a fact that they didnt have a state finalist last year while area J had the winner and two in the top 6, and B had 7th and 12th with Timber Creek only being 5 points behind Waxahachie, who given a different music ensemble ranking likely couldve passed. All of this to say this year for area J is going to be absolutely brutal top to bottom, and Im really excited to see how this contest and the future of the DFW area develops.

 

[TrenBS]

19 hours ago, WanderingTraveler said:

Every time I look at this area I am reminded how brutal this zone has become. I haven’t noticed a ton of off season shifts that would left me to believe any crazy upsets here, but I am always here for a new challenger to the LISD tenure.

Only group I can see this occuring with is Prosper, but I have literally nothing on them so we will have to wait and see haha

[imarchedcrown]

Rockhill to state this year 🥺

[TrenBS]

Ive seen some of the intros this year, and I dont want to make a prediction, so Im going to say something I like about each group so far

Hebron: Visually and musically much more interesting than the past 2 years, feels very fun and lighthearted even in the more intense moments, VERY HIGH demand in the drill.

Flowermound: Very similar to last year, going to be an extremely strong year for them and will probably win visual.

Marcus: Holy percussion, and very entertaining music all around.

McKinney Boyd: Definitely their strongest start ever, visually engaging and musically more intense, feel confident with my earlier prediction of 5-7.

Wylie East: I like this show theme and execution much more than last year, brass have a strong book.

McKinney High: Only saw visuals, but was a step up from last year, music being from one source could go well or poorly for them.

Denton Guyer: Really liked the music, I dont keep up with them much but they look and sound pretty good.

Little Elm: Really entertaining show and a major step up in content all around, could maybe see them in finals in the 9-10 slot.

Plano Sr: I like the visuals this year a lot, and could definitely move up some spots in WW and percussion

[JFNDOWBFAN]

On 8/30/2025 at 3:02 PM, TrenBS said:

Ive seen some of the intros this year, and I dont want to make a prediction, so Im going to say something I like about each group so far

Hebron: Visually and musically much more interesting than the past 2 years, feels very fun and lighthearted even in the more intense moments, VERY HIGH demand in the drill.

Flowermound: Very similar to last year, going to be an extremely strong year for them and will probably win visual.

Marcus: Holy percussion, and very entertaining music all around.

McKinney Boyd: Definitely their strongest start ever, visually engaging and musically more intense, feel confident with my earlier prediction of 5-7.

Wylie East: I like this show theme and execution much more than last year, brass have a strong book.

McKinney High: Only saw visuals, but was a step up from last year, music being from one source could go well or poorly for them.

Denton Guyer: Really liked the music, I dont keep up with them much but they look and sound pretty good.

Little Elm: Really entertaining show and a major step up in content all around, could maybe see them in finals in the 9-10 slot.

Plano Sr: I like the visuals this year a lot, and could definitely move up some spots in WW and percussion

Some of these bands sound familiar. 🤔 

[TrenBS]

17 minutes ago, JFNDOWBFAN said:

Some of these bands sound familiar. 🤔 

Its hard to do without spoiling to be fair, plus I want to keep it positive since it IS just HS band game 1 haha

I think if I were to be more specific, visuals have improved across the board besides 2 groups who are either performing lighter books or are about the same. The big captions going into area will definitely be visual ensemble and brass since theyre the most improved and the most uncertain respectively.

The top 3 groups so far in regards to improvement from the year before would probably be Hebron (visually on another level at least in the opener so far, and more integrated music) McKinney Boyd (At this time thy only had 11-13 sets on the field with the rest standstill, this year they have 31 with choreo with much higher levels of difficulty, which is night and day from last year) and Little Elm (show design is a lot better than the past few years, I could see them becoming competitive in finals in the coming year or so)

Cant really comment on FloMo or Marcuses improvement, theres limited recordings of them and its not something I can comment on in regards to improvement objectively, but theyre still in the top 3 contenders not like thatll change anytime soon