UIL 5A Area B 2025

[cheesecurd21]

On 7/15/2025 at 12:21 AM, FormerWildcat said:

My Way Too Early Predictions (Not to be taken as a perfect model in any sense of the word):

1. Lone Star [97.5% Finals, 95% State, 60% Win]

2. Wakeland [97.5% Finals, 90% State, 20% Win]

3. Argyle [90% Finals, 65% State, 10% Win]

4. McKinney North [85% Finals, 60% State, 5% Win]

Remaining Field: 5% Win

5. Lebanon Trail [75% Finals, 30% State]

6. Reedy [70% Finals, 25% State]

7. Walnut Grove [60% Finals, 10% State]

8. Heritage [60% Finals, 10% State]

9. Liberty [55% Finals, 5% State]

10. Memorial [45% Finals, 2.5% State]

11. Emerson [45% Finals, 2.5% State]

12. Melissa [35% Finals, 2.5% State]

13. The Colony [35% Finals, 2.5% State]

14. Lovejoy [30% Finals, 2.5% State]

Remaining Field: 2.5% State

14. Independence [25% Finals]

15. Frisco [25% Finals]

16. Anna [20% Finals]

17. Centennial [20% Finals]

18. Ryan [10% Finals]

19. Denton [10% Finals]

20. Sherman [5% Finals]

21. Denison [5% Finals]

That statement seems highly inflammatory. The overwhelming support he has received in response to his apparent resignation definitely seems to contradict you. When most of the surrounding districts produce well-below average or flat-out nonexistent band programs, simply making area finals is an impressive feat. Although the Duncanville program is not at its absolute peak, it is still consistently competitive with bands that have far greater resources, & Mr. Teal deserves credit for at least maintaining a standard of excellence during his tenure. I will say I put Memorial a bit low just because I was not that impressed with their finals performance last year & the tragedy that happened at the track meet a few months ago could put a damper on the school in general.

Honestly I just don't see Heritage and Liberty keeping up the momentum from last year. Both bands had great performances but I think it's most likely to see them in the 10-12 range. Memorial seems like they could keep that top 10 spot, and I feel better about having Colony and Emerson (and even Independence) higher up this year despite not having the best showing last year 

[LoneStarLover123]

On 8/16/2025 at 3:31 PM, OGFISD99 said:

I just went Lone Star High School parent preview..... This show seems like it's going to be amazing...... WOW..... Just WOW!!!!!.... I can see how they are improving the program.... 

I just know something MASSIVE is coming for them at state !!!! This season is going to be quite a... Journey.

[Mike McBandiel]

Early Predictions:

1. Wakeland (it'll be close between them and Lone Star, but I think Wakeland will still get the slight edge)

2. Lone Star

3. Argyle (will be close between them, LT, MN, and potentially others, but I feel like Argyle would get a better result with the new judging system, considering they placed 7th at state with a very similar system in place)

4. Lebanon Trail (they will be out for revenge after missing state by 1 point last year, and I think they will be back at state)

5. McKinney North (one of the most consistent bands in this area, but I feel like LT might get the slight edge, but it's going to be extremely close)

6. Walnut Grove

7. Reedy (ik they lost their director to Wylie, but I think they will still have great momentum)

8. Liberty

9. Memorial

10. Emerson (could be any Frisco band in this part of the results tbh)

[TrenBS]

I dont think Ive made a prediction for this thread with the new captions in mind, so I will make a quick prediction with a small note for any particular outlier captions

1. Wakeland (Visual sweep, percussion as well most likely)
2. Lone Star (WW and Brass will likely be theirs, unless the ensemble/content aspects go in Wakelands favor)
3. McKinney North (Visual individual will be the strongest caption, but will be trading with Argyle in the music captions)
4. Argyle (Read above, if there was any year for them to beat North in area its this year tbh)
5. Lebanon Trail (They may get captioned out, maybe percussion breaks into state qualifier range but Id need to see it after them being beat out by two other bands with generally more momentum)
6. Walnut Grove (Might be all sixes, they have potential but they need to use it)
7. Reedy (Same boat as Walnut)
8. Emerson (Lots of momentum, could pull ahead in WW and Brass captions)
9/10. Liberty/Memorial

 

[trumpetfunny]

Wakeland’s parent preview is this weekend, wonder how they’re gonna open their season. 

Allegedly Cedar Park’s director has been mentioning them the past few weeks…

[cheesecurd21]

How do we think the new judging system will impact the results? Last year had some pretty significant changes in results compared to the previous years. I still think Colony has a decent chance of placing over some of the Frisco schools like Memorial and Liberty

[cheesecurd21]

On 8/18/2025 at 12:55 PM, TrenBS said:

I dont think Ive made a prediction for this thread with the new captions in mind, so I will make a quick prediction with a small note for any particular outlier captions

1. Wakeland (Visual sweep, percussion as well most likely)
2. Lone Star (WW and Brass will likely be theirs, unless the ensemble/content aspects go in Wakelands favor)
3. McKinney North (Visual individual will be the strongest caption, but will be trading with Argyle in the music captions)
4. Argyle (Read above, if there was any year for them to beat North in area its this year tbh)
5. Lebanon Trail (They may get captioned out, maybe percussion breaks into state qualifier range but Id need to see it after them being beat out by two other bands with generally more momentum)
6. Walnut Grove (Might be all sixes, they have potential but they need to use it)
7. Reedy (Same boat as Walnut)
8. Emerson (Lots of momentum, could pull ahead in WW and Brass captions)
9/10. Liberty/Memorial

 

I agree with walnut being up there in sixth, but I think there's a possibility they pull even higher up to maybe 5th and if super lucky 4th with some serious work this year

[opiniondropper25]

These are my early season predictions... if i offend your band dont take it to heart :)

1. Wakeland/Lone Star - Wakeland has been dominating this area for a while now but Lone star is entering this season with a lot of ambition to beat Wakeland. In my opinion Lone Stars show theme from last year was way better then wakelands and I think it'll be the same thing

2. Lone Star/Wakeland - honestly both interchangable this season.. they're both insanely good bands

3. Argyle - great season last year and will stay great, they can only improve

4. Mckinney North - you can only do the same thing so many times before people get tired of it... I wasn't a fan last year or the year before that. It doesn't feel like "Marching Band" to me. Obviously still a great band with very talented students, but they gotta switch it up. 

5. LT/Reedy - Lebanon Trail is a great program and last years show was fun, but Reedy is entering this season with a lot of momentum, anything could happen and Reedy placing over LT is nothing close to impossible. 

6. Reedy/LT - Both very solid programs, just depends on who's cleaner when it's time for area. LT has a history of cleaning up very well when area time comes. 

7. Walnut Grove - I'm not too sure about what all the hype is... they weren't that great last year, it's going to take them a little longer to get higher up in the rankings. 

8. Emerson - I believed that they were great last year and hope to see them in finals

9/10. Very open pool.. could be Liberty/Memorial/The Colony. Too early season to be sure. 

Please let me know y'alls thoughts!

[TrenBS]

5 hours ago, opiniondropper25 said:

These are my early season predictions... if i offend your band dont take it to heart

1. Wakeland/Lone Star - Wakeland has been dominating this area for a while now but Lone star is entering this season with a lot of ambition to beat Wakeland. In my opinion Lone Stars show theme from last year was way better then wakelands and I think it'll be the same thing

2. Lone Star/Wakeland - honestly both interchangable this season.. they're both insanely good bands

3. Argyle - great season last year and will stay great, they can only improve

4. Mckinney North - you can only do the same thing so many times before people get tired of it... I wasn't a fan last year or the year before that. It doesn't feel like "Marching Band" to me. Obviously still a great band with very talented students, but they gotta switch it up. 

5. LT/Reedy - Lebanon Trail is a great program and last years show was fun, but Reedy is entering this season with a lot of momentum, anything could happen and Reedy placing over LT is nothing close to impossible. 

6. Reedy/LT - Both very solid programs, just depends on who's cleaner when it's time for area. LT has a history of cleaning up very well when area time comes. 

7. Walnut Grove - I'm not too sure about what all the hype is... they weren't that great last year, it's going to take them a little longer to get higher up in the rankings. 

8. Emerson - I believed that they were great last year and hope to see them in finals

9/10. Very open pool.. could be Liberty/Memorial/The Colony. Too early season to be sure. 

Please let me know y'alls thoughts!

All I can say about North is that you better learn to love the ramp until they get some more funding haha

[cheesecurd21]

8 hours ago, opiniondropper25 said:

These are my early season predictions... if i offend your band dont take it to heart

1. Wakeland/Lone Star - Wakeland has been dominating this area for a while now but Lone star is entering this season with a lot of ambition to beat Wakeland. In my opinion Lone Stars show theme from last year was way better then wakelands and I think it'll be the same thing

2. Lone Star/Wakeland - honestly both interchangable this season.. they're both insanely good bands

3. Argyle - great season last year and will stay great, they can only improve

4. Mckinney North - you can only do the same thing so many times before people get tired of it... I wasn't a fan last year or the year before that. It doesn't feel like "Marching Band" to me. Obviously still a great band with very talented students, but they gotta switch it up. 

5. LT/Reedy - Lebanon Trail is a great program and last years show was fun, but Reedy is entering this season with a lot of momentum, anything could happen and Reedy placing over LT is nothing close to impossible. 

6. Reedy/LT - Both very solid programs, just depends on who's cleaner when it's time for area. LT has a history of cleaning up very well when area time comes. 

7. Walnut Grove - I'm not too sure about what all the hype is... they weren't that great last year, it's going to take them a little longer to get higher up in the rankings. 

8. Emerson - I believed that they were great last year and hope to see them in finals

9/10. Very open pool.. could be Liberty/Memorial/The Colony. Too early season to be sure. 

Please let me know y'alls thoughts!

Competition wise and scoring wise Walnut has done super well especially considering how short of a period they've been open. I still feel like they'll beat out Reedy despite what we might think differently from the judges...

[opiniondropper25]

24 minutes ago, cheesecurd21 said:

Competition wise and scoring wise Walnut has done super well especially considering how short of a period they've been open. I still feel like they'll beat out Reedy despite what we might think differently from the judges...

seems like you go to walnut Grove... no hate though Lone Star Alum here

[cheesecurd21]

33 minutes ago, opiniondropper25 said:

seems like you go to walnut Grove... no hate though Lone Star Alum here

Nope not Walnut but I do know some kids there! But I'm pretty sure they scored very well last year, right?

[cheesecurd21]

36 minutes ago, opiniondropper25 said:

seems like you go to walnut Grove... no hate though Lone Star Alum here

Just checked area from last year, mixed Reedy and Walnut up, oops...

Although now that I think about it Reedy really does have a serious chance at getting 5th or maybe even 4th

[FullRetreat]

7 minutes ago, cheesecurd21 said:

Just checked area from last year, mixed Reedy and Walnut up, oops...

Although now that I think about it Reedy really does have a serious chance at getting 5th or maybe even 4th

I think the main concern with Reedy this year will be that they have a new director. That can take a toll on bands, but I guess we’ll see as the season goes on if they are able to keep their momentum.

[cheesecurd21]

17 minutes ago, tubaplayer12 said:

I think the main concern with Reedy this year will be that they have a new director. That can take a toll on bands, but I guess we’ll see as the season goes on if they are able to keep their momentum.

Didn't one of the other top 10 schools get a new one? Besides North, and he was already the assistant prior to being head anyways

[FullRetreat]

1 hour ago, cheesecurd21 said:

Didn't one of the other top 10 schools get a new one? Besides North, and he was already the assistant prior to being head anyways

Yeah, I think Memorial also has a new director this year 

[cheesecurd21]

14 minutes ago, tubaplayer12 said:

Yeah, I think Memorial also has a new director this year 

Oof. Hopefully Memorial doesn't take a hit and they can keep up the finals placements

[Marchingbandlover]

On 8/20/2025 at 6:30 PM, cheesecurd21 said:

Competition wise and scoring wise Walnut has done super well especially considering how short of a period they've been open. I still feel like they'll beat out Reedy despite what we might think differently from the judges...

I won’t add anything to the argument other than a few points to back up some of the word that’s going around. For context my son goes to Walnut Grove and my other goes to Prosper High. 
 

Walnut is in their second year with their director Reagan Brumley who was the president of the bandmasters association and has been shown to be one of the best directors in the state. For example he built up highland park high school to placing 1st in state prelims in 2019. Furthermore in concert band they outscored Lebanon Trail in honor band and had an astounding 3 ensembles make the music for all national concert band convention in Indianapolis. On top of that it’s their first time having a designed show because both prior years there was no head band director to help start design in February. And from what I’ve seen they’re going to bring the heat this year… if it’s executed correctly. Any school has a chance and that’s the awesome part about where we live. Every single kid is so talented and that’s what makes the band world so entertaining. So good luck to everyone but especially good luck to the prosper fam!

[bassboneman]

On 8/19/2025 at 12:11 AM, cheesecurd21 said:

How do we think the new judging system will impact the results? Last year had some pretty significant changes in results compared to the previous years. I still think Colony has a decent chance of placing over some of the Frisco schools like Memorial and Liberty

I still have yet to hear about the new juddging system. Do you mind explaining the changes to me?

[kingVon]

On 8/18/2025 at 10:01 AM, Mike McBandiel said:

Early Predictions:

1. Wakeland (it'll be close between them and Lone Star, but I think Wakeland will still get the slight edge)

2. Lone Star

3. Argyle (will be close between them, LT, MN, and potentially others, but I feel like Argyle would get a better result with the new judging system, considering they placed 7th at state with a very similar system in place)

4. Lebanon Trail (they will be out for revenge after missing state by 1 point last year, and I think they will be back at state)

5. McKinney North (one of the most consistent bands in this area, but I feel like LT might get the slight edge, but it's going to be extremely close)

6. Walnut Grove

7. Reedy (ik they lost their director to Wylie, but I think they will still have great momentum)

8. Liberty

9. Memorial

10. Emerson (could be any Frisco band in this part of the results tbh)

Lone Star and Mckinney north are beating Wakeland this year wait and see

[cheesecurd21]

13 hours ago, bassboneman said:

I still have yet to hear about the new juddging system. Do you mind explaining the changes to me?

I belive its changed from a one judge for multiple aspects system to a one judge for brass, woodwinds, visual, ind visual, and ge. Last year there were lots of odd varying and "inaccurate" results from judges because they were maybe not qualified to judge as much as they were assigned or just couldn't properly judge it. This explains some pretty surprising results last year, which is why I think a good portion of the schools who really jumped up may not be able to maintain it this year, but who knows. They by all means earned the score they got, so no hate to anyone.

[cheesecurd21]

9 hours ago, kingVon said:

Lone Star and Mckinney north are beating Wakeland this year wait and see

I think LS may beat Wakeland. I think North will likely be either a huge hit or miss since they're continuing the jazz trend....

[TrenBS]

1 hour ago, cheesecurd21 said:

I belive its changed from a one judge for multiple aspects system to a one judge for brass, woodwinds, visual, ind visual, and ge. Last year there were lots of odd varying and "inaccurate" results from judges because they were maybe not qualified to judge as much as they were assigned or just couldn't properly judge it. This explains some pretty surprising results last year, which is why I think a good portion of the schools who really jumped up may not be able to maintain it this year, but who knows. They by all means earned the score they got, so no hate to anyone.

The new judging system is woodwind, brass, and percussion for music and visual individual and visual ensemble for visual, and it was done in order to reduce the amount of variables the judges were having to judge, along with placing a stronger emphasis on content and guard in particular, while still staying very achievement heavy.

It was never about judges being unqualified, it was about judges being overloaded with poorly designed sheets having to judge the woodwind brass and percussion content, individual and ensemble cleanliness and difficulty, the content itself and how appropriate it is for the band, and recovery for the entire band for a single music judge

These new sheets will absolutely be better and especially for this area now that groups can accurately be compared in the judging sphere and be actual indicators for the SMBC rather than meaning general ideas of being cleaner and more difficult over other groups

[cheesecurd21]

10 minutes ago, TrenBS said:

The new judging system is woodwind, brass, and percussion for music and visual individual and visual ensemble for visual, and it was done in order to reduce the amount of variables the judges were having to judge, along with placing a stronger emphasis on content and guard in particular, while still staying very achievement heavy.

It was never about judges being unqualified, it was about judges being overloaded with poorly designed sheets having to judge the woodwind brass and percussion content, individual and ensemble cleanliness and difficulty, the content itself and how appropriate it is for the band, and recovery for the entire band for a single music judge

These new sheets will absolutely be better and especially for this area now that groups can accurately be compared in the judging sphere and be actual indicators for the SMBC rather than meaning general ideas of being cleaner and more difficult over other groups

^^^^ said it a lot better than I did

 

With that change being put in place, will the bands like Liberty, Heritage and Reedy that jumped up pretty high realistically keep it up? Will the schools like Colony Emerson (and maybe Independence/Centennial) likely score higher than we think, more similar to 2023?

[astra593]

Did anyone get a chance to go to the wakeland parent preview?