2025 BOA Shenandoah (Sept. 27)

[Jarredondo19]

This is my finals prediction after seeing some of the products on the field so far

 

Bridgeland 

College Park/ North Shore 

North Shore/College Park 

Cy-Woods 

Cinco Ranch

Cy-Fair 

Friendswood 

Clear Brook 

Dickinson 

Fulshear 

Shadow Creek 

JET

[foeyamod]

On 9/10/2025 at 9:06 PM, Jarredondo19 said:

This is my finals prediction after seeing some of the products on the field so far

 

Bridgeland 

College Park/ North Shore 

North Shore/College Park 

Cy-Woods 

Cinco Ranch

Cy-Fair 

Friendswood 

Clear Brook 

Dickinson 

Fulshear 

Shadow Creek 

JET

I've seen a lot of Cinco being placed WAY above much more consistent programs. Do we actually think a band can go from barely placing in finals to being a top 5 contender in one year? It seems a little crazy to me.

Also their show seems very poorly designed. Videos I've seen of it don't give me a great impression and it doesn't seem like a show that can do very well in a BOA context.

[Sideswiperr]

9 hours ago, foeyamod said:

I've seen a lot of Cinco being placed WAY above much more consistent programs. Do we actually think a band can go from barely placing in finals to being a top 5 contender in one year? It seems a little crazy to me.

Also their show seems very poorly designed. Videos I've seen of it don't give me a great impression and it doesn't seem like a show that can do very well in a BOA context.

I’ll just say the director there is infamous for shooting bands up really fast!

[foeyamod]

2 hours ago, Sideswiperr said:

I’ll just say the director there is infamous for shooting bands up really fast!

Sure, but it just seems extreme and unrealistic to me considering the show content and videos I've seen. Seems like they haven't even gotten their first two movements on the field as of last week?

[bassboneman]

2 hours ago, foeyamod said:

Sure, but it just seems extreme and unrealistic to me considering the show content and videos I've seen. Seems like they haven't even gotten their first two movements on the field as of last week?

I know their is a hype train for them and all. But I have to agree with this. The video isn't honestly that really impressive to me. 

 

Not to hate i like the lemons show design but I didn't think it was as clean as it's placed. 

[Sideswiperr]

1 hour ago, bassboneman said:

I know their is a hype train for them and all. But I have to agree with this. The video isn't honestly that really impressive to me. 

 

Not to hate i like the lemons show design but I didn't think it was as clean as it's placed. 

I do agree! I the new show isn’t too impressive to me relative to how lemons was, still nice though. I think the lemons show wasn’t really as clean as it was effective and I do think that was present in the captions last year at this regional, really strong in terms of how well they were performing the show ie: good energy, depth, excitement and thrill; just a bit behind in terms of the cleanliness of how the music and visuals were executed.

[TooInconsistent]

8 hours ago, foeyamod said:

Seems like they haven't even gotten their first two movements on the field as of last week?

From what I've heard they had the second movement ready to perform, but couldn't due to timing issues. I'm excited to see where they take the show, hopefully it can do as well as lemons.

[CincoRanchNerd67]

On 9/13/2025 at 1:39 PM, foeyamod said:

Sure, but it just seems extreme and unrealistic to me considering the show content and videos I've seen. Seems like they haven't even gotten their first two movements on the field as of last week?

At the Cinco vs 7lakes game we were going to do both movements one and two but ran out of time, we had 8th grade night, but this week we will have both of them on the field.

[CincoFan27]

On 9/13/2025 at 4:01 PM, bassboneman said:

I know their is a hype train for them and all. But I have to agree with this. The video isn't honestly that really impressive to me. 

 

Not to hate i like the lemons show design but I didn't think it was as clean as it's placed. 

I kind of agree it seems like they're being a bit overhyped cause they're definetely improving from last year but that big of a jump seems a bit absurd

[bassboneman]

29 minutes ago, CincoFan27 said:

I kind of agree it seems like they're being a bit overhyped cause they're definetely improving from last year but that big of a jump seems a bit absurd

Your name makes this really funny

[CincoFan27]

3 minutes ago, bassboneman said:

Your name makes this really funny

I may be a fan but I know what's realistic

[foeyamod]

On 9/15/2025 at 8:15 PM, CincoFan27 said:

I may be a fan but I know what's realistic

I can agree they had a good season last year, I enjoyed the show at some parts. But a program like Cincos where half the band was under a different director for two years takes time to change and adapt to the new one which I just don't see happening within 2 years. I hope the best for them and all the other band fellas, but I think most of us can agree they're being VERY overhyped.

[foeyamod]

On 9/15/2025 at 8:03 AM, CincoRanchNerd67 said:

At the Cinco vs 7lakes game we were going to do both movements one and two but ran out of time, we had 8th grade night, but this week we will have both of them on the field.

I hear ya lol

Halftime can be very hectic 😭

[bassboneman]

10 hours ago, foeyamod said:

I can agree they had a good season last year, I enjoyed the show at some parts. But a program like Cincos where half the band was under a different director for two years takes time to change and adapt to the new one which I just don't see happening within 2 years. I hope the best for them and all the other band fellas, but I think most of us can agree they're being VERY overhyped.

I wouldn't say very over hyped I would just a a little bit,  there will  be some growing pains for the next few years.  

[Baritone Enjoyer]

Finals Predictions based on the leaks/news I've seen:

1. Bridgeland 

2. Cy-Fair

3. College Park

4. Cy Woods

5. Dickinson

6. North Shore

7. Clear Brook

8. Friendswood

9. Cinco Ranch

10. JET

11. Shadow Creek

12. Churchill Fulshear

----------------------------

13. Klein Cain

14. Spring/Oak Ridge

IF Woodlands attends finals, they'd be first, sliding everyone down a spot. IF Tomball ends up attending finals, I'd put them at that 6th spot, sliding everyone else below down. 

I think the last 3-4 spots could genuinely be anyone's.

[Chippy]

Does anyone know if parking at this event is cash only, and how much it is?  I haven’t been able to find that info. Thanks! 🎶

[Tubalord11]

All I know is that I think Bridgeland will win. I've seen Cinco Ranch and NSS and have been very impressed with both. I'm sure both CYs are cooking as well but I agree with the lists ya'll have been making in terms of finalist, how no idea how placements will fall except probably 1 Bridgeland and 2 Cy-Fair. Super excited to see how this one goes, best of luck to everyone this week! 

[BrassMomof2]

20 hours ago, Chippy said:

Does anyone know if parking at this event is cash only, and how much it is?  I haven’t been able to find that info. Thanks! 🎶

Cash or credit card, $10 to enter

[Rubisco]

It's cool to see Spring back here. I don't think they competed at either Houston regional last year. It always takes me back when I see them. Oh, the good ol' Spring ISD days... We used to be... Well... yeah... 

Bridgeland looks very strong again. Somebody shared a soundless video, so I can't comment on the music. It was from backfield. I couldn't tell you what's on the backfield screens. Lots of blue from the band. The guard pulls out some blue fabric from the marching members' sleeves, sort of like a magic trick, creating a nice aesthetic pop. At first, the show struck me as a bit dirtier than usual for their early season, but I've figured out it's mostly just because the guard is doing harder stuff. They're not as uniform, but I'm impressed and think they're going to "get there." The work is definitely a step up, maybe thanks to David Duffy, which makes me excited for winter season. I was not terribly impressed by the guard's winter show last year, to be honest. Now, that silver medal world-class drumline show... 👀

Bridgeland is the easy pick for first in finals, because they've just about established themselves as a consistent late-season finalist, and they've impressed me more and more each year. But I'd be remiss to ignore the strong possibility of a Cy-Fair or maybe even Cy-Woods win. I have seen neither. Cy-Fair won this regional a couple years ago, and was only a point down from TWHS last year.

Huge prelims time gaps notwithstanding, I'm genuinely curious to see if any of those three can eat into TWHS' likely win in that round. The Woodlands is strong, but also quite behind, vis-à-vis everyone else, really. Their approach is unique, and the show's a party, again, but it remains to be seen if they can add the necessary emotional and intellectual depth to put them in contention for their first major championship in over 10 years. Obviously they're great, but I'm not 100% sold yet. They've revealed so little. I don't even really know what the show is about!

Tomball Memorial is another that's skipping finals, but that food show they did last year was such a visual feast that I can't help but be excited to see what they bring in prelims. Another visual spectacle? That's what we like in this activity!

I have not seen College Park yet. They have a great music program, as evidenced by their concert band success, but they haven't quite figured out how to translate it to the marching field. Last year was a definite step up. Will this year be the same? Dawson is in a similar boat. The talent is there for them to be truly great, but it's going to take the staff (both design and instructional) to figure out how to get them there. The same old won't cut it.

Now, it's time for me to shamefully admit that I won't even be able to watch this regional! But I'm still curious to see how it plays out! 😅

[TypicalBandNerd]

1 hour ago, Rubisco said:

Bridgeland is the easy pick for first in finals, because they've just about established themselves as a consistent late-season finalist, and they've impressed me more and more each year. But I'd be remiss to ignore the strong possibility of a Cy-Fair or maybe even Cy-Woods win. I have seen neither. Cy-Fair won this regional a couple years ago, and was only a point down from TWHS last year.

I've seen Cy Woods, and musically, they sound fantastic! They've taken on a much more challenging music book compared to last year, and they're handling it pretty well. I could possibly see them running for the music caption. Visually, they are a tiny bit dirty, mostly on the individual side, but it's still early season so I'm not worried. The Colorguard is doing really well so far (especially rifles). Their work is much more difficult than last year's, and I'm really excited to see their progress throughout this season.

From a design perspective, I'm really enjoying the show. I like the overall elegant and classical feel with the rich reds and golds, and baroque-style patterns on the costumes and flags. The concept is pretty much easy to follow, and I find the overall staging to be pretty effective. Personally, I see them placing around the 3-6 range, but wouldn't be surprised if they snag a win. I see their show as more of a late bloomer, but I'm really looking forward to seeing how they'll do here!








 

[Ninelets]

 

Finalists prediction (minus TWHS and Tomball Memorial)

Bridgeland 

Churchill Fulshear 

Cinco Ranch 

Clear Brook 

College Park

Cy-Fair 

Cypress Woods 

Dickinson

Friendswood 

James E. Taylor

Klein Cain

North Shore Senior

[Rubisco]

Just stumbled on a soundless drone view of TWHS from a couple football games ago. I think this is the last one I saw from them? Not a great run from what I recall. They didn't start in time and didn't fully pull it back together. That said, that opening drill sequence is killer. It's cool how the arc disassembles and then reassembles. Very layered moment. Overall, I see the intention and visual balance more clearly.

It makes me want to see drone views of everyone. I think it would probably be illuminating!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FaG4UAPGJ8g&pp=ygUOV29vZGxhbmRzIGJhbmQ%3D

[WanderingTraveler]

Any update on The Woodlands here?

[tubapop]

3 hours ago, Rubisco said:

It's cool to see Spring back here. I don't think they competed at either Houston regional last year. It always takes me back when I see them. Oh, the good ol' Spring ISD days... We used to be... Well... yeah... 

Bridgeland looks very strong again. Somebody shared a soundless video, so I can't comment on the music. It was from backfield. I couldn't tell you what's on the backfield screens. Lots of blue from the band. The guard pulls out some blue fabric from the marching members' sleeves, sort of like a magic trick, creating a nice aesthetic pop. At first, the show struck me as a bit dirtier than usual for their early season, but I've figured out it's mostly just because the guard is doing harder stuff. They're not as uniform, but I'm impressed and think they're going to "get there." The work is definitely a step up, maybe thanks to David Duffy, which makes me excited for winter season. I was not terribly impressed by the guard's winter show last year, to be honest. Now, that silver medal world-class drumline show... 👀

Bridgeland is the easy pick for first in finals, because they've just about established themselves as a consistent late-season finalist, and they've impressed me more and more each year. But I'd be remiss to ignore the strong possibility of a Cy-Fair or maybe even Cy-Woods win. I have seen neither. Cy-Fair won this regional a couple years ago, and was only a point down from TWHS last year.

Huge prelims time gaps notwithstanding, I'm genuinely curious to see if any of those three can eat into TWHS' likely win in that round. The Woodlands is strong, but also quite behind, vis-à-vis everyone else, really. Their approach is unique, and the show's a party, again, but it remains to be seen if they can add the necessary emotional and intellectual depth to put them in contention for their first major championship in over 10 years. Obviously they're great, but I'm not 100% sold yet. They've revealed so little. I don't even really know what the show is about!

Tomball Memorial is another that's skipping finals, but that food show they did last year was such a visual feast that I can't help but be excited to see what they bring in prelims. Another visual spectacle? That's what we like in this activity!

I have not seen College Park yet. They have a great music program, as evidenced by their concert band success, but they haven't quite figured out how to translate it to the marching field. Last year was a definite step up. Will this year be the same? Dawson is in a similar boat. The talent is there for them to be truly great, but it's going to take the staff (both design and instructional) to figure out how to get them there. The same old won't cut it.

Now, it's time for me to shamefully admit that I won't even be able to watch this regional! But I'm still curious to see how it plays out! 😅

Nice in-depth analysis. The backfield screens are just solid props, but the props this year are quite pretty and go with the  blue, aqua, water theme. The music is reminiscent of what I'd call "Disney magic." Whimsical, fun, articulate, some big chords, with a fourth movement that stands out as very different from the rest - big minor chords. There is so much happening on the field all at once - there's a big push for visual scores. I've been critical of the brass in recent years, but I am impressed at how improved they are. The sounds coming from the field are just much more beautiful than in years past. 

[youraveragebandkid]

So my biggest question is how is this going to work if the Woodlands won’t attend finals? Will they even place in prelims? I’m not sure how this works…