UIL 4A AREA B 2025

[Gpk1968]

On 8/25/2025 at 7:13 PM, TexasStrangers said:

Do you have a 4A Area C and 3A Area C draw?

Area C’s website is not updated as timely as area b. 
 

pretty sure the directors already know their draw order. I think it’s done super early in the season. 

[rudy12]

Way too early predictions

1. Panther Creek

2. Gatesville

3. Richland Prosper

4. China Spring

5. Aubrey

6. Alvaredo

7. Krum

8. Robinson

IMHO this contest might legit be more tight than Area C

[Tubaplaya2011]

On 8/27/2025 at 7:50 PM, rudy12 said:

Way too early predictions

1. Panther Creek

2. Gatesville

3. Richland Prosper

4. China Spring

5. Aubrey

6. Alvaredo

7. Krum

8. Robinson

IMHO this contest might legit be more tight than Area C

ALVARADO, no “e”

[Samanthahowell]

Where do yall place Venus as of right now. We have been doing pretty good this year.

[tastiestbiscuit123]

15 hours ago, Samanthahowell said:

Where do yall place Venus as of right now. We have been doing pretty good this year.

I feel like this early in the season, 'doing well' is subjective. Thus far, I would think it's fair to say that no bands have been able to truly and accurately compare themselves to future competitors, just because contests haven't begun yet (and won't get started until next weekend), and bands are still learning movements, music, visuals, and more. In that sense, I believe every band is doing pretty well, given whatever circumstances they have faced.

This is why I don't necessarily like early predictions: because they're based on biases, preferences, hopes, what other people say, and previous years' results. That last one is always my biggest issue, primarily because of something my band director always used to tell me, "Last year's band is dead." It's true, the band that marched last year is entirely different from the band that is marching this year. You have lost some of your best players and gained some of your weakest links, and you have to put in the work and effort to bring everyone to the level of last year (and hopefully higher), but it doesn't always happen. What I love about marching band is that every year brings surprises; every year marks the fall of one band and the rise of another.

Take 4A Area D 2016, when Castleberry came out of nowhere and made State for the first time, blocking Robinson and Burnet, usual State contenders. Then in 2018, they made it again, and I like to point to them as the reason Robinson fell off until 2023. Or in 2020, when Taylor came out of nowhere and made it to State (and did pretty well there too), even if that was just momentary. Then, in 2021, when Alvarado jumped 4 whole places between Prelims and Finals, knocking Gatesville out of State (who they themselves had made Area Finals for the first time in over 5 years, AND was a State contender for the first time in over 10 years, also out of nowhere), making it for the first time. Then, in 2022, both Alvarado AND Gatesville jumped 3 places, knocking Fredericksburg AND Kennedale out of State, which was HUGE at the time because Kennedale had made it to State every year for SIXTEEN consecutive years, and State Finals for EIGHT consecutive years, and Fredericksburg has always been off and on, but they were still a usual State contender and Gatesville and Alvarado were new to the stage (and I point to this for the decline in Kennedale's program, although I'd love to see their return one day). Then, in 2023, when Venus and La Grange made Area Finals for the first time (I believe), and Gatesville and Alvarado showed their dominance, and Springtown dropped down significantly, and Robinson and Castleberry both came to fight, and China Spring and Alvarado had their highest Area finishes (2023 Area D was such a cool contest, dude). Then, in 2024, Fredericksburg returned and SWEPT the contest, straight 1s in Prelims AND Finals, and Marble Falls shot up and shocked people by making it when they hadn't even been making Finals in previous years, or La Grange slipping into State. Or at 2024 Area B (since that's where Venus is now), China Spring winning the contest over Panther Creek, Aubrey making State for the first time, and Alvarado fighting for 8th-10th Place in Prelims AND Finals with Castleberry and Springtown, all of whom had been in their heyday within the previous two years.

In my opinion, predictions will not have validity until the week of Region, because that's the point when almost every single program has the whole show on the field and has been able to compare themselves to other programs at contests. For example, I went against my judgment and made a deep analysis and prediction months before the 2024 season started for Area D based on that year and previous years, and only a few of my predictions came true (like, honestly, 4 or 5 out of almost 12 bands). Until Area (and even during Area), the only thing that should matter is not being better than other bands, but being better than the 2024 Venus High School marching band. Last year was a rough year for Venus. You guys had your worst finish since 2018 (didn't advance to Area in 2018, skipped the 2020 season, 16th in 2021, 13th in 2022, 10th in Prelims in 2023, 9th in Finals, 17th in 2024), and even if you hadn't switched to Area B, you were still beaten by 10 other old Area D bands, which, put together with the bands still in Area D, would've kept you around 17th Place (or maybe even lower) if the realignment hadn't happened. That should be the band's goal: to be better than last year and beat last year's scores. Perhaps your goal should be to finish 15th at Area, or maybe a little higher, like 12th. It's the small wins that count and propel you forward. If you work hard enough, and everyone puts in the time and effort, who knows? Maybe you'll be that dark horse that shoots up and makes Finals again, or even better.

You can't expect anything, though, because that's when you get nothing. I'm rooting for you guys 👏

[Bulldog1]

On 9/11/2025 at 4:46 PM, tastiestbiscuit123 said:

I feel like this early in the season, 'doing well' is subjective. Thus far, I would think it's fair to say that no bands have been able to truly and accurately compare themselves to future competitors, just because contests haven't begun yet (and won't get started until next weekend), and bands are still learning movements, music, visuals, and more. In that sense, I believe every band is doing pretty well, given whatever circumstances they have faced.

This is why I don't necessarily like early predictions: because they're based on biases, preferences, hopes, what other people say, and previous years' results. That last one is always my biggest issue, primarily because of something my band director always used to tell me, "Last year's band is dead." It's true, the band that marched last year is entirely different from the band that is marching this year. You have lost some of your best players and gained some of your weakest links, and you have to put in the work and effort to bring everyone to the level of last year (and hopefully higher), but it doesn't always happen. What I love about marching band is that every year brings surprises; every year marks the fall of one band and the rise of another.

Take 4A Area D 2016, when Castleberry came out of nowhere and made State for the first time, blocking Robinson and Burnet, usual State contenders. Then in 2018, they made it again, and I like to point to them as the reason Robinson fell off until 2023. Or in 2020, when Taylor came out of nowhere and made it to State (and did pretty well there too), even if that was just momentary. Then, in 2021, when Alvarado jumped 4 whole places between Prelims and Finals, knocking Gatesville out of State (who they themselves had made Area Finals for the first time in over 5 years, AND was a State contender for the first time in over 10 years, also out of nowhere), making it for the first time. Then, in 2022, both Alvarado AND Gatesville jumped 3 places, knocking Fredericksburg AND Kennedale out of State, which was HUGE at the time because Kennedale had made it to State every year for SIXTEEN consecutive years, and State Finals for EIGHT consecutive years, and Fredericksburg has always been off and on, but they were still a usual State contender and Gatesville and Alvarado were new to the stage (and I point to this for the decline in Kennedale's program, although I'd love to see their return one day). Then, in 2023, when Venus and La Grange made Area Finals for the first time (I believe), and Gatesville and Alvarado showed their dominance, and Springtown dropped down significantly, and Robinson and Castleberry both came to fight, and China Spring and Alvarado had their highest Area finishes (2023 Area D was such a cool contest, dude). Then, in 2024, Fredericksburg returned and SWEPT the contest, straight 1s in Prelims AND Finals, and Marble Falls shot up and shocked people by making it when they hadn't even been making Finals in previous years, or La Grange slipping into State. Or at 2024 Area B (since that's where Venus is now), China Spring winning the contest over Panther Creek, Aubrey making State for the first time, and Alvarado fighting for 8th-10th Place in Prelims AND Finals with Castleberry and Springtown, all of whom had been in their heyday within the previous two years.

In my opinion, predictions will not have validity until the week of Region, because that's the point when almost every single program has the whole show on the field and has been able to compare themselves to other programs at contests. For example, I went against my judgment and made a deep analysis and prediction months before the 2024 season started for Area D based on that year and previous years, and only a few of my predictions came true (like, honestly, 4 or 5 out of almost 12 bands). Until Area (and even during Area), the only thing that should matter is not being better than other bands, but being better than the 2024 Venus High School marching band. Last year was a rough year for Venus. You guys had your worst finish since 2018 (didn't advance to Area in 2018, skipped the 2020 season, 16th in 2021, 13th in 2022, 10th in Prelims in 2023, 9th in Finals, 17th in 2024), and even if you hadn't switched to Area B, you were still beaten by 10 other old Area D bands, which, put together with the bands still in Area D, would've kept you around 17th Place (or maybe even lower) if the realignment hadn't happened. That should be the band's goal: to be better than last year and beat last year's scores. Perhaps your goal should be to finish 15th at Area, or maybe a little higher, like 12th. It's the small wins that count and propel you forward. If you work hard enough, and everyone puts in the time and effort, who knows? Maybe you'll be that dark horse that shoots up and makes Finals again, or even better.

You can't expect anything, though, because that's when you get nothing. I'm rooting for you guys 👏

I want to say thank you for that! That was a honest and blunt post that was my daughter she is a trumpet player and I keep telling her that yall will get there with time and hard work and it is the little wins that matter but they have been working their tail off this year and so excited for Venus this year they have a pretty cool show this year and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy as much as I do! To everyone competing this year good luck and Go Bands! 

[tastiestbiscuit123]

Welp, needless to say, after the results of BOA Round Rock, I think we should be considering Krum for State.

For those not aware, Krum swept Class 1A over Gatesville, a State Finalist from last year. I'm truly curious about the implications of this and what'll come of it.

[cheeto2401]

3 minutes ago, tastiestbiscuit123 said:

Welp, needless to say, after the results of BOA Round Rock, I think we should be considering Krum for State.

For those not aware, Krum swept Class 1A over Gatesville, a State Finalist from last year. I'm truly curious about the implications of this and what'll come of it.

i literally came here to rant lmfao (not actual rant but yap) 

we've underestimated krum for sure

 

[tastiestbiscuit123]

9 minutes ago, cheeto2401 said:

i literally came here to rant lmfao (not actual rant but yap) 

we've underestimated krum for sure

 

Yap about what exactly?

[FormerWildcat]

45 minutes ago, tastiestbiscuit123 said:

Welp, needless to say, after the results of BOA Round Rock, I think we should be considering Krum for State.

For those not aware, Krum swept Class 1A over Gatesville, a State Finalist from last year. I'm truly curious about the implications of this and what'll come of it.

It's gonna be real interesting to see how they do at Melissa against CS and quite a few of the Area C heavy hitters.

[cheeto2401]

1 hour ago, tastiestbiscuit123 said:

Yap about what exactly?

i forgot lowk

[rudy12]

Does anyone know if there is videos yet?

[TmanTdog1981]

anyone got predictions for this area?

 

[tastiestbiscuit123]

7 hours ago, TmanTdog1981 said:

anyone got predictions for this area?

 

I think predictions are sure to come in the following weeks. The Melissa Marching Showcase is this weekend, which has 4 2024 Area B Finalists (2 of which were State Qualifiers, and 1 was a State Finalist), and there are other contests too (like the Wildcat Marching Festival that has 11 4A members of Area B, 8 were Area Qualifiers, 3 Area Finalists, and 1 State Qualifier).

While there were contests this past weekend, this is the first real weekend of competitions across Texas, so it's when we truly get to see how programs perform against each other.

[tastiestbiscuit123]

I went ahead and made a list showing which contests each band in 4A Area B will be attending this weekend. If they are under ?, it means that I couldn't find the contest, even after going to the band's or school's website, so if anyone knows, please let me know. I ordered the contests in alphabetical order, and next to the band's name, put the placement of the last UIL contest they competed in:

Blinn Buccaneer Marching Contest:

Connally (2 at Region)

Burkburnett Boomtown Revue Pre-UIL Marching Festival:

Burkburnett (21st at Area) and Graham (22nd at Area)

HEB Marching Contest:

Gainesville (2 at Region)

Mansfield Preview of Champions:

Kennedale (14th at Area) and Ranchview (2 at Region)

Melissa Marching Showcase:

China Spring (5th at State Finals), Robinson (20th at State), Krum (6th at Area Finals) and Springtown (9th at Area Finals)

Mesquite Marching Festival:

Ferris (2 at Region)

Plano East Marching Invitational:

Panther Creek (2nd at State Finals) and Richland (NEW SCHOOL)

USBands Saginaw Regional:

Sanger (11th at Area) and Eagle Mountain (24th at Area)

Wildcat Marching Festival:

Aubrey (14th at State), Alvarado (8th at Area Finals), Castleberry (10th at Area Finals), Brock (12th at Area), Godley (13th at Area), Venus (17th at Area), Glen Rose (25th at Area), Benbrook (26th at Area), Lake Worth (27th at Area), Life School of Waxahachie (2 at Region), Lorena (2 at Region) and Western Hills (3 at Region)

None:

Gatesville (8th at State Finals), Stephenville (7th at Area Finals), Lake Dallas (15th at Area), Southwest (16th at Area), Bridgeport (18th at Area), Brownwood (19th at Area), Decatur (20th at Area), La Vega (23rd at Area), Carter-Riverside (2 at Region) and Hillsboro (2 at Region)

?:

Mineral Wells (28th at Area), David W. Carter (2 at Region), Diamond Hill-Jarvis (3 at Region), Kimball (3 at Region), Dunbar (4 at Region), Wilmer Hutchins (4 at Region) and Eastern Hills (5 at Region)

[Gpk1968]

Did anyone else catch the Frisco showcase last night at the Star? It was a lot of fun.  I wasn’t able to get there until close to the end but I caught Panther Creek. I know it’s early in the season, but I’m not certain they are locked in for area champs. I think with the pressure from schools like Krum and Gatesville, we have the potential to see some fierce competition. I know PC lost the area championship to China Spring last year, but I’m feeling like it could be someone new this year. 
 

Their show is called Allusion and is set in a cemetery with tombstones for props. There was a wooden prop at the back. I’m not certain what the purpose was so I’m assuming it’s unfinished. It looked like a house. Their guard is really small, maybe only 3 or 4 members. They had some really nice sounds and maybe 5.5 minutes on the field. There was a lovely trombone solo in the ballad. It’s hard to judge this early in the season and I know they will get it cleaned up soon but, I don’t know. I wasn’t feeling it. Happy I got to see Panther, but I was only going to see Lone Star. Bummed out that I missed them. 
 

edit: got the show name wrong. It’s apparition 

[rudy12]

Has anyone seen Prosper Richland? That could end being a real wildcard. I am going  to head to Plano East to check out both PC and them.

[Walton]

20 hours ago, rudy12 said:

Has anyone seen Prosper Richland? That could end being a real wildcard. I am going  to head to Plano East to check out both PC and them.

My school has a game against them Friday, so I'll get a rough idea of where they are, but won't be able get a great view from the field. 

[Gpk1968]

2 hours ago, Walton said:

My school has a game against them Friday, so I'll get a rough idea of where they are, but won't be able get a great view from the field. 

I really want to see them too. Their new high school is beautiful. I cannot believe they are 4A. The school looks like a college campus. 

[Walton]

2 hours ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

I really want to see them too. Their new high school is beautiful. I cannot believe they are 4A. The school looks like a college campus. 

They should be 5A for the next cycle, from what I've heard they have a full freshman class, but people in other grades were given a choice of staying in their current high school or going to Richland, so their numbers are lower this cycle than they will be in the future. 

[cheeto2401]

16 hours ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

I really want to see them too. Their new high school is beautiful. I cannot believe they are 4A. The school looks like a college campus. 

well i went to an away game at McGregor and their school was MASSIVE, along with the full screen scoreboard they got. this was all because of SpaceX, however.

[Gpk1968]

From what I can gather, here’s how area B bands faired at their first contests. 
 

Melissa:

China Spring - 16th

Krum - 18th

Plano East:

Panther creek swept 4a in prelims and placed 3rd. Looks like they fell back at least one spot  in finals but I haven’t found a complete recap

Im not sure where the other bands ended up. 

[Walton]

11 hours ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

From what I can gather, here’s how area B bands faired at their first contests. 
 

Melissa:

China Spring - 16th

Krum - 18th

Plano East:

Panther creek swept 4a in prelims and placed 3rd. Looks like they fell back at least one spot  in finals but I haven’t found a complete recap

Im not sure where the other bands ended up. 

Here's how some 4A Area B bands did at Godley (all based off prelims)

2. Alvarado 

3. Castleberry 

4. Aubrey

7. Brock

9. Glen Rose

10. Venus

12. Benbrook

14. Lake Worth

 

[Gpk1968]

12 minutes ago, Walton said:

Here's how some 4A Area B bands did at Godley (all based off prelims)

2. Alvarado 

3. Castleberry 

4. Aubrey

7. Brock

9. Glen Rose

10. Venus

12. Benbrook

14. Lake Worth

 

Man, I bet Aubrey is not happy with that result. 

[Tubalord11]

Krum better make state this year 🙏