UIL 6A Area C 2025

[bandsoflove]

  On 5/27/2025 at 6:59 PM, CosmicLimbo said:

Looks like the district is holding a meeting tomorrow about this. I know most people on here aren’t affiliated with Duncanville’s program but any support would be greatly valued and appreciated!

Expand  

If someone could update us on how the meeting went after today, it would help. So sad for Dville

[Tubalord11]

Any updates on D-ville?

[Xenon]

Hi, everybody!

As a deeply involved alumnus of Duncanville, I'd like to share with you the information that has been shared to the public (both the students/parents and community) so far in both the Mini Band Camp as well as at the Community Meeting with the Superintendent last night.

As was noted in the meeting notice above, Mrs. Paula Tagalos (the 2nd Director) is currently the Interim Director and all plans for the 2025 season are moving forward without any changes. No changes to Style, Design, Competition Schedule, etc.

During the Superintendent meeting, there were 120+ people that attended to hear what the district had to say and voice their own opinions, thoughts, and concerns. The general tone of the attendees was concern around the lack of transparency, suddenness, fear of the unknown future, and a demand for accountability in how the district has been treating the band program.

Part of the reality is that for legal reasons, any school district cannot discuss personnel decisions publicly, and so there is no way to help peoples' desire to know the full "why" of the situation. Another part of the reality is that the district cannot publicly discuss hiring decisions that have not yet been finalized, and so it is hard to help people with their fear of the future.

But, while discussing the future direction of the band and listening to the values that the students and parents want to see in the future Head Director, it became evident that the community and the district were aligned in who they both expect and want the future Head Director to be; Mrs. Paula Tagalos. The Superintendent could not come out and say it directly, but he was also unable to avoid hinting in that direction.

Again, nothing is changing and it is all but certain that there is no outside-hire coming in to take the Head Director position and change the band. The Drama has largely been due to the lack of transparency and poor and vague messaging about the situation that filled the students, parents, and community with fear, uncertainty, and doubt; and the Superintendent acknowledged and owned up to the districts errors in regard to the transparency and messaging.

[Tubalord11]

  On 5/29/2025 at 12:56 PM, Xenon said:

Hi, everybody!

As a deeply involved alumnus of Duncanville, I'd like to share with you the information that has been shared to the public (both the students/parents and community) so far in both the Mini Band Camp as well as at the Community Meeting with the Superintendent last night.

As was noted in the meeting notice above, Mrs. Paula Tagalos (the 2nd Director) is currently the Interim Director and all plans for the 2025 season are moving forward without any changes. No changes to Style, Design, Competition Schedule, etc.

During the Superintendent meeting, there were 120+ people that attended to hear what the district had to say and voice their own opinions, thoughts, and concerns. The general tone of the attendees was concern around the lack of transparency, suddenness, fear of the unknown future, and a demand for accountability in how the district has been treating the band program.

Part of the reality is that for legal reasons, any school district cannot discuss personnel decisions publicly, and so there is no way to help peoples' desire to know the full "why" of the situation. Another part of the reality is that the district cannot publicly discuss hiring decisions that have not yet been finalized, and so it is hard to help people with their fear of the future.

But, while discussing the future direction of the band and listening to the values that the students and parents want to see in the future Head Director, it became evident that the community and the district were aligned in who they both expect and want the future Head Director to be; Mrs. Paula Tagalos. The Superintendent could not come out and say it directly, but he was also unable to avoid hinting in that direction.

Again, nothing is changing and it is all but certain that there is no outside-hire coming in to take the Head Director position and change the band. The Drama has largely been due to the lack of transparency and poor and vague messaging about the situation that filled the students, parents, and community with fear, uncertainty, and doubt; and the Superintendent acknowledged and owned up to the districts errors in regard to the transparency and messaging.

Expand  

Thank you so much for this. While it’s unfortunate we won’t ever know, or at least not right now why Mr. Teal got let go, the least they can do is make Mrs. Tagalos the new head. Happy to hear it seems they’ll be staying as a corp style group. Thanks again to everyone for all the updates and for supporting this beloved program

[bandsoflove]

  On 5/29/2025 at 12:56 PM, Xenon said:

Hi, everybody!

As a deeply involved alumnus of Duncanville, I'd like to share with you the information that has been shared to the public (both the students/parents and community) so far in both the Mini Band Camp as well as at the Community Meeting with the Superintendent last night.

As was noted in the meeting notice above, Mrs. Paula Tagalos (the 2nd Director) is currently the Interim Director and all plans for the 2025 season are moving forward without any changes. No changes to Style, Design, Competition Schedule, etc.

During the Superintendent meeting, there were 120+ people that attended to hear what the district had to say and voice their own opinions, thoughts, and concerns. The general tone of the attendees was concern around the lack of transparency, suddenness, fear of the unknown future, and a demand for accountability in how the district has been treating the band program.

Part of the reality is that for legal reasons, any school district cannot discuss personnel decisions publicly, and so there is no way to help peoples' desire to know the full "why" of the situation. Another part of the reality is that the district cannot publicly discuss hiring decisions that have not yet been finalized, and so it is hard to help people with their fear of the future.

But, while discussing the future direction of the band and listening to the values that the students and parents want to see in the future Head Director, it became evident that the community and the district were aligned in who they both expect and want the future Head Director to be; Mrs. Paula Tagalos. The Superintendent could not come out and say it directly, but he was also unable to avoid hinting in that direction.

Again, nothing is changing and it is all but certain that there is no outside-hire coming in to take the Head Director position and change the band. The Drama has largely been due to the lack of transparency and poor and vague messaging about the situation that filled the students, parents, and community with fear, uncertainty, and doubt; and the Superintendent acknowledged and owned up to the districts errors in regard to the transparency and messaging.

Expand  

I'd like to express that regardless of why/how the transition came about; I know Mark Teal did try to give it his all in making the band what he envisioned.

Not to play devil's advocate, but before Mark had received the Head Band Director position there was many, many rumors that (and please take this with a grain of salt) allegedly the district had other head band director's in mind BUT ultimately wanted to give Mark Teal the position to see how his vision would shape the band's progress. They had a set number of years to give Mark Teal to "prove" he could take the band where it once was and where they wanted it to be compared to the bands in Hebron, Flower Mound, Vandegrift, etc. They favored Mark, because of his tenure with the band and being one of the only last band director's from the original glory days. Now, this was always up for discussion when the years went by...could he develop the band and make it what it once was or better...or would the band fade into the background?

Since, Mark had taken over the band they have slipped far below expectations from the district. They have missed competition finals due to low placements, the State Competition was missed for the first time since the 1980s under his direction, the smaller competitions that Duncanville has been attending have garnered them some Top Placements but at what cost? They are not competing against Bands of America competitors or UIL State Competitors and frankly it should’ve been easier wins but even in those categories it was lackluster.

Marching Band in Texas has improved significantly and I am not blaming everything on the direction of the head band director.

The district of Duncanville highly favors their sports teams such as Basketball and Football, but the wins in those categories prove their favoritism. If you want to be part of the District's budget, you have to prove that someone on the Dville Band Team can win... consistently.

This information was known before Mark Teal was hired as a head band director and the district's faith in Mark was weary because he had become the sole leader in developing the marching shows and commanding how the band looked on the field a few years before ever became Head Band Director and whether he knows it or not...the district was always watching since he began his creative directing in the band  

Prior to his direction, George Townsend (now passed away), was suppose to be the lead band director in charge of the future of Duncanville Band. He had many wins under his belt from small competitions to bigger competitions. His last show that he created was in 2016. Mark Teal created the programs from 2017 - Present, but ultimately what has happened now with the district pushing out Mark is what happened a bit with how the original set of band directors did with George before any changes came about.

I am hoping Mrs. Paula Tagalos is able to shape Duncanville Band into what the students and parents and former alumni can be proud of. Once again, I hope Mark can find his footing into another adventure and shape that band with a district that supports him fully. I think the time clock was running out for him ever since he started. It was more of a practice run and maybe Mrs. Paula Tagalos can lead this band into a great program and Duncanville will be in the discussions yet again.

***This information is not to be hateful or accusatory. Having information for years and seeing how it played out ultimately made me write this. I do wish the best for everyone.

[SharksAreCool]

The amount of director movement has been absolutely insane. The biggest bands it has impacted are Wax, Sachse, D-Ville, Pearce, and Berkner. 3-5 out of the ones I mentioned made state. This could lead to some interesting results.

[Tubalord11]

I do agree that it seems they have, especially post covid, other than 2022, have had shows that try to keep “traditional” marching band with the more “artsy” stuff we see today. And while the kids look and sound great, if they want to get back to their previous status, they will, at least imo, need to start heading in that direction. Again just a personal observation but some change was def needed to get back on top, so I do understand more now the reasoning, but still don’t like how they process with the situation.

[bandsoflove]

  On 5/29/2025 at 11:07 PM, Tubalord11 said:

I do agree that it seems they have, especially post covid, other than 2022, have had shows that try to keep “traditional” marching band with the more “artsy” stuff we see today. And while the kids look and sound great, if they want to get back to their previous status, they will, at least imo, need to start heading in that direction. Again just a personal observation but some change was def needed to get back on top, so I do understand more now the reasoning, but still don’t like how they process with the situation.

Expand  

Yes, the process wasn’t professional at all. I’m sure if they discussed this with the band families before the shake-up…it would’ve been taken well. Let’s hope for a future with Duncanville with lots of wins. 

[lost]

Duncanville stands as one of the most unique programs in Texas history. It’s good to hear they’re alright.

[Orangesandflowers]

  On 4/4/2025 at 8:25 PM, SaltySynth said:

Some big changes this year. That change shouldn't change to much unless the director is cracked and changes the culture of the band instantly. I see it more as a set back for Pearce this year but depending on who that is it could be worth watching out for them.

Expand  

Pearce’s new head director is berkners director 

[SharksAreCool]

  On 6/11/2025 at 2:42 PM, Orangesandflowers said:

Pearce’s new head director is berkners director 

Expand  

So you’re telling me….that Berkner and JJ Pearces’s directors just swapped?

[Tubalord11]

  On 6/11/2025 at 3:25 PM, SharksAreCool said:

So you’re telling me….that Berkner and JJ Pearces’s directors just swapped?

Expand  

Yep 😂😂

[Cosmo]

  On 6/11/2025 at 3:25 PM, SharksAreCool said:

So you’re telling me….that Berkner and JJ Pearces’s directors just swapped?

Expand  

Not 100%
JJ Pearces’ head director went to start a new program in Prosper ISD. One of their associate directors left as well  

Berkner’s head band director left for the head band director’s opening in Pearce. 
Berkner’s associate director stepped up to head band director. 

[SharksAreCool]

  On 6/11/2025 at 8:13 PM, Cosmo said:

Not 100%
JJ Pearces’ head director went to start a new program in Prosper ISD. One of their associate directors left as well  

Berkner’s head band director left for the head band director’s opening in Pearce. 
Berkner’s associate director stepped up to head band director. 

Expand  

Ah, makes more sense

[Hebronfan0191919]

  On 5/29/2025 at 6:37 PM, SharksAreCool said:

The amount of director movement has been absolutely insane. The biggest bands it has impacted are Wax, Sachse, D-Ville, Pearce, and Berkner. 3-5 out of the ones I mentioned made state. This could lead to some interesting results.

Expand  

 Richardson is losing their assistant director (he got a job at frisco liberty HS) and already have a new one hired, and one of Lake highlands assistant directors (who is his wife) is also moving schools to somewhere in frisco as well.

so all of RISD has director changes now as far as I’m aware 

[Hebronfan0191919]

  On 6/19/2025 at 4:33 AM, Hebronfan0191919 said:

 Richardson is losing their assistant director (he got a job at frisco liberty HS) and already have a new one hired, and one of Lake highlands assistant directors (who is his wife) is also moving schools to somewhere in frisco as well.

so all of RISD has director changes now as far as I’m aware 

Expand  

Oh and Richardson also got a new guard director who marched crown, phan, and bloo, and also was on bloo staff for the 2024 season.

[SharksAreCool]

Seems a little quiet over here now. Anyone got predictions after….whatever happened these two months?

[dfwhorn]

  On 6/24/2025 at 10:34 PM, SharksAreCool said:

Seems a little quiet over here now. Anyone got predictions after….whatever happened these two months?

Expand  

Probably like 20 more staff changes.... jk lol
Heres my top 10 for now
 

1. Sachse
2. Wax
3. Dville
4. Berkner
5. Forney
6. Rockwall
7. J.J Pearce
8. Lake Highlands
9. Rockwall Heath
10. Rowlett

I know Sachse has a large director change, but I have no doubt that they will have a good season still. As long as they can take what they learnt last year from one of my favorite Sachse shows if not 2024 shows, they will have another state year. I think that Berkner could have a good enough show to make state again and sneak in the Top 4. If they can match something similar to that 2023 show I'd love to see it. I think Rowlett could be a hidden gem this year, not sure what it is but I have a feeling they could be a sleeper this year, so keep an eye out for them. Richardson and Royse are also good picks for finals as well, excited to see how this area turns out.

[SharksAreCool]

  On 6/25/2025 at 2:36 AM, dfwhorn said:

Probably like 20 more staff changes.... jk lol
Heres my top 10 for now
 

1. Sachse
2. Wax
3. Dville
4. Berkner
5. Forney
6. Rockwall
7. J.J Pearce
8. Lake Highlands
9. Rockwall Heath
10. Rowlett

I know Sachse has a large director change, but I have no doubt that they will have a good season still. As long as they can take what they learnt last year from one of my favorite Sachse shows if not 2024 shows, they will have another state year. I think that Berkner could have a good enough show to make state again and sneak in the Top 4. If they can match something similar to that 2023 show I'd love to see it. I think Rowlett could be a hidden gem this year, not sure what it is but I have a feeling they could be a sleeper this year, so keep an eye out for them. Richardson and Royse are also good picks for finals as well, excited to see how this area turns out.

Expand  

Pretty good take on things. I think the most underrated out of all these bands is Lake Highlands. I feel like Lake Highlands is on the rise and could definitely make a statement for themselves next year.

 

1. Wax

2. Sachse

3. Forney

4. Rockwall

5. Berkner

6. D-Ville

7. LH

8. JJ Pearce

9. Rockwall Heath

10. Royce City

 

I think my question comes around where Duncanville will fall. I’m not saying I don’t have faith in the new director, far from it. I just think other bands will take it to heart. Also I really think Royce City could make it to finals next year. They weren’t far off last year. Also I’ve heard about their show theme and it seems really cool.

[dfwhorn]

  On 6/25/2025 at 3:09 AM, SharksAreCool said:

Pretty good take on things. I think the most underrated out of all these bands is Lake Highlands. I feel like Lake Highlands is on the rise and could definitely make a statement for themselves next year.

 

1. Wax

2. Sachse

3. Forney

4. Rockwall

5. Berkner

6. D-Ville

7. LH

8. JJ Pearce

9. Rockwall Heath

10. Royce City

 

I think my question comes around where Duncanville will fall. I’m not saying I don’t have faith in the new director, far from it. I just think other bands will take it to heart. Also I really think Royce City could make it to finals next year. They weren’t far off last year. Also I’ve heard about their show theme and it seems really cool.

Expand  

I agree on Lake Highlands being one of those schools that could sneak higher than they can. I remember seeing a clip of them early last year like September and I was impressed even then. Really wish I saw their show in person. I agree with Royse City too, they are one of those schools that I think anyone would love to make finals, would be really cool to see. For duncanville, I think they'll probably do fine but other schools can definitely take advantage (Berkner or Rockwall or maybe LH). I think Sachse will stay put at 1st though, the first time I heard their show last year I was in awe the whole time.

[TXBAND24]

  On 6/25/2025 at 2:36 AM, dfwhorn said:

Probably like 20 more staff changes.... jk lol
Heres my top 10 for now
 

1. Sachse
2. Wax
3. Dville
4. Berkner
5. Forney
6. Rockwall
7. J.J Pearce
8. Lake Highlands
9. Rockwall Heath
10. Rowlett

I know Sachse has a large director change, but I have no doubt that they will have a good season still. As long as they can take what they learnt last year from one of my favorite Sachse shows if not 2024 shows, they will have another state year. I think that Berkner could have a good enough show to make state again and sneak in the Top 4. If they can match something similar to that 2023 show I'd love to see it. I think Rowlett could be a hidden gem this year, not sure what it is but I have a feeling they could be a sleeper this year, so keep an eye out for them. Richardson and Royse are also good picks for finals as well, excited to see how this area turns out.

Expand  

Well sachse just lost an assistant director to a 4a school. I am curious to see how they will perform this year with all of the program changes. Hopefully they are not in their downfall.

[SharksAreCool]

  On 6/29/2025 at 5:26 AM, TXBAND24 said:

Well sachse just lost an assistant director to a 4a school. I am curious to see how they will perform this year with all of the program changes. Hopefully they are not in their downfall.

Expand  

I don’t think they will, at most their fall would place like 3rd or worst case scenario: 5th. But like I said, I don’t see why Sachse can’t still make state. Area champs may go to Wax or Forney now but Sachse will still have a shot. Or at least we can only assume.

[BugWub24]

  On 6/29/2025 at 5:26 AM, TXBAND24 said:

Well sachse just lost an assistant director to a 4a school. I am curious to see how they will perform this year with all of the program changes. Hopefully they are not in their downfall.

Expand  

Sachse was a program that for almost twenty years was in the state bubble, but could never take the next step. With two recent state appearances, that narrative has changed, and now they have a very decorated director leading the fort. I don't think they will have a hard time finding a good replacement. And with the level of talent coming up from their feeder middle school these next couple of years, I think this program isn't going anywhere, and is here to stay as a consistent state qualifier in both the marching and concert band worlds.

[Bbowman615]

  On 6/29/2025 at 5:28 PM, BugWub24 said:

Sachse was a program that for almost twenty years was in the state bubble, but could never take the next step. With two recent state appearances, that narrative has changed, and now they have a very decorated director leading the fort. I don't think they will have a hard time finding a good replacement. And with the level of talent coming up from their feeder middle school these next couple of years, I think this program isn't going anywhere, and is here to stay as a consistent state qualifier in both the marching and concert band worlds.

Expand  

I don’t think people understand how good hudson middle school band program is at teaching I know it’s just a middle school but you compare it to other middle schools Hudson will probably beat them and it’s right by Sachse  and the director of Hudson is always around sachse during rehearsals so she kind of knows what to expect 

[DallasFan]

  On 6/30/2025 at 3:42 AM, Bbowman615 said:

I don’t think people understand how good hudson middle school band program is at teaching I know it’s just a middle school but you compare it to other middle schools Hudson will probably beat them and it’s right by Sachse  and the director of Hudson is always around sachse during rehearsals so she kind of knows what to expect 

Expand  

Everything I've heard about Sachse's marching band is that their other assistant that's staying brought a lot to the marching band side of things there so if that's true and they hire another good assistant I'm sure Sachse will be fine even with all their changes!