airons0678 Posted October 16, 2006 Posted October 16, 2006 What's all this? What's all this? A "band show"? --|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|-- ...oh go & send in the feathers firm, the shiny crest, the jackets crisp, the buttons fine, the proper pressed, the gauntlets sharp, the rolling feet, the afloat mind, the sweaty heads, the thumping heart, the flexing strength, the showy time, oh go & send in... --|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|-- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Hmmm... AbcdefghIjkLmNOpqRStuvwxyz Ah HA! A bcdefgh I jk L m NO pq RS tuvwxyz Yes. AILNORS bcdefghjkmpqtuvwxyz Now: AL NIRO S and, AL_NIRO_S insert; insert ALANIRONS Ready? ALAN IRONS a review by-- Alan Irons (and that's that.) --|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|-- 2006 Bands of America Regional Championships presented by Yamaha Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona October 14, 2006 I will never tire of this: Bands of America aka BOA aka Music for All, aaand aka the best band shows...oh (sorry), the best band shows PERIOD/./endofline Flagstaff. Last year I drove here; this year I flew here. To see what it's like here, read what I wrote last year. (It hasn't changed much.) j/k. I wouldn't do that to you now, would I? (Would I?!) To step off the plane and breathe the air here--and I do not exaggerate--is quite an experience. Trees, trees, and more trees. Arizona is not just a big fat desert, you know. No, not dessert...DESERT. (Git yer mynd owt o da gutah). Well, come to think of it, Arizona *is* a big fat desert...except for Flagstaff. Yes, it's beautiful here. This is the main pit stop for those who want to see the Grand Canyon. And to think I have been here twice and have not once seen the Grand Canyon. Ha! What's all this? What's all this? A "band show"? Ha! Indeed. Flagstaff. What do you say we get these thoughts on this band show of band shows on the road with words that will light up these kids to the max? Indeed. Flagstaff. Indeed. Okay. Here's how this is going to work. What you will soon read is an analysis of all the bands that came to this show. Uhm, all feedback is welcome, through this thread, PM (Private Message), e-mail, or whatever. Oh, and while we're at it I think I will mention that this review will be split into two parts, with "Part 1" covering prelims and "Part 2" covering finals. (FYI, this is Part 1.) I think that's about it. Yeah, I think that's about it. Enjoy. And now some "Pre-Show Thoughts": (The weather was nasty. Cold, rainy, cold. As I drove down San Francisco Street within the NAU campus, I was blinded by white--it was not the rising sun; it was the "rising" J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. This monolithic thing of wood will make you gaze in awe in that it is one of the oldest domed structures still standing and bearing the burden of being art. Oh yeah, this was it all right. I parked my tan car, was one of the first to be on site, and bought my day pass. Before you can think it I was in the dome, and got my seat, albeit an UNCOMFORTABLE seat, within the sea of blue and yellow which spelled "NAU." The Astroturf looked old and worn, but clear and stiff. Soon, people dressed in yellow t-shirts were around me--some naive, some excited, some forward-looking, and some sentimental. These people were, after all, from CORONA DEL SOL HIGH SCHOOL--the only Arizona band to make finals here last year (and placed 10th), and back with the hope they will make it once more. We shall see, we shall see. The famously on-time BOA crew got the first band on on-time. No beats were skipped, here.) PRELIMINARY PERFORMANCES Gilbert High School Gilbert. AZ Repertoire: "Sundance" featuring the music of Frank Ticheli Comments: Gilbert strolled into the left end zone in their cream and black tops. They were in two files. A snare drummer tapped them onto the field. The auxiliary, up front near the pit, wore skintight outfits that had shades of dark orange, orange, and yellow. The on-field winds and percussion warmed up in a spiral form, letting their warm-up tune echo off the rear cement. The spiral was then set up in direction of motion, with a nice ripple of horns up to attention position. Great, great trumpet solo to get things on track. Flutes, not bad. I like the sound. Clarinets, really match each other in posture and control (in forms). Yikes, flutes...use all the counts getting into that straight-line mesh that rotates upon lock. I hear a lot of unsteady air out there. I see a lot of hosed intervals out there. Wow, where did that sound come from? Excellent wake-up call in the ballad, followed by a sweet top to bottom release. Drumline, your parts were quite efficient, but not noteworthy. (The same goes for that percussion feature dance by the winds, though it was quite exact, quite exact.) The end of their show was scrappy, granted...but it worked, AND I liked the risks they took with those morphing rhombus and diamond forms. This group just needs a kick in the rear in individual and ensemble visual, and a show that intrigues (rather than a cardboard cutout). My thanks for such a super effort, though. They have improved big time over last year. My Score: 61.70 My Placement: 12th Desert Mountain High School Scottsdale, AZ Repertoire: "Gangsta Jazz" Comments: A black and white checkered tarp stretched along the front left 35 to 50 yard lines. A drum set was set up in the corner of this stage, with platforms all around. Ooh, wind players now...you have some big time holes in those diagonal forms. Ha ha! Yo, trumpet solo, yeah! We have some screamers in this org. Look at all the bouncing on each stride, and flutes--those horn angles are poor. Come on, come on, come on. Yowzers. Low brass, way to pump out that sound. This was a loud fest, for sure. Listen to each other trumpets, listen. (I am now referring to the crass second movement stroller.) The dueling trumpet players were showy, but classy? Eh! Man, you can't help but love the bravado. The steamy jazz bar this band seems to set up gets steamier with a sax quintet and the drum set groovy. Argh! Come in nice on those attacks, trumpets. Though basic, the field drums...well, I'd like some more precision first off, because the mud prevails. Is the trumpet section the only section playing, here? It sure seems that way at times. Ooh! The drill at the end of their show is horrible. The lines that intersect go to mush, and...what more could be written except that some major cleaning needs to be done? Give a hand to these kids, though, for their FEARLESSNESS. They go all out and then some. My Score: 57.70 My Placement: 17th Desert Ridge High School Mesa, AZ Repertoire: "Prologue," "Murder," "Insane," "Sympathy and Tenderness," "Board of Governors" and "Facade" Comments: Bright red tops with a "DR" insignia in a silver diamond symbolized this group's presence...and they shined with some morbid backfield notes. Okay, all folks have to halt at the same time. I have my eyes glued to that technique, and some things that should happen do not happen. Witness late horn snaps downwards, and some schlocky formations. Musically, there were some late attacks. Neat. I am hearing some vocal music (or chants, more like it) by the winds and drums. I have to admit, at times the marching technique member-to-member is, yes, crisp. Okay, a lot of dead time between the slowish movement to the fastish movement. (As the great Michael Cesario once said, "We are in the MTV generation." Your show should be on the move all the time.) Someone give the flag girls some work, please! (Right now they are just going spot to spot with their flags upright.) The fact this band covers the rest of their show at a halt is somewhat of a letdown, but they perform. Aye! Those final releases bit! Okay, they have some work to do. Their biggest strength was their technique and, yeah, GREAT. Now let us look at the big picture--all. Good work! My Score: 55.10 My Placement: 19th Jenks High School Jenks, OK Repertoire: "Exuberance" including "Noisy Wheels of Joy," "J'ai ete au bal" and "New Century Dawn" Comments: Here we have some clarified forms. Nice way to start things off, Jenks! Yes, that hand wave move after those short notes worked. Wow! Holy smokes! I love that flag toss over some of the marching members. I was instantly involved, now. Hmmm. One of those flutes up front missed the knee-bend move. These kids are nailing all their forms, and more so these kids are nailing all their notes. What a great start! A drum diddy here, and a marching fade-away there, and soon we have a tuba solo, a baritone solo, and a mellophone solo. These kids were quickly becoming a pure joy to see and hear. Go clarinets, go! Ha ha! They shook it like it was no one's business. The camaraderie on the field was extremely evident. Their final movement was shrill at first, and then got back to mine. Aaah, gorgeous flutes, gorgeous. I can not help but notice some blind pass-throughs and sweet complex forms on side B. And they go more and more gentle, musically, displaying UTMOST control. Watch the lean into the step-off, sax player. (Yeah, you know who you are.) This show was an all around delight. The highlight of their show is their dazzling mastery of sight and sound, especially near the end, when the quiet actually dominates the noisy. If only more bands took this approach. Indeed, sometimes less IS more. Congratulations on a fine, fine preliminary performance. My Score: 74.30 My Placement: 3rd William S. Hart High School Newhall, CA Repertoire: "Voyage of the Seven Seas" including "I. Setting Sail/The Kraken," "II. Song of the Sirens" and "III. The Cyclops" Comments: They began scattered, legs apart, tops waving. The sounds of seagulls and the sea, combined with super woodwind finesse...how could you not get goose bumps? Ugh, one flautist almost trips. (Nice recovery, there.) Geez, low brass! What a mighty, mighty statement! They may be small, but they make David look like Goliath with sound...and yes, ha ha, they DO NOT overblow! Nice rippling lean, mellos and saxes. I am stunned by their musical wizardry. If we were in a concert hall this would still suffice. Okay, now the kids are on the move, big time. The percussion feature is groovy, man! YES! You go on a ride with these kids, and yet these kids are not doing anything overly complex...they just do what they do VERY well. The traveling rectangle form at the end is a lame way to end things, but a spark of hope lies with the intersecting and outersecting lines from opposite sides to the middle. There was a bit of a scare with a wind player almost getting swiped at the legs with a flag, but all is well, all is well. Look out, Outstanding Music Performance award, because I think Hart will have their name on it. My Score: 77.00 My Placement: 1st La Cueva High School Albuquerque, NM Repertoire: "I. Hurricane 2000," "II. Wind of Change" and "III. Deadly Sting Suite" Comments: Ave Maria floated to the dome's rooftop. I liked the silver helmets and the curled plumes. The opening posture of the wind players was feet spread apart and backs hunched over until the Drum Major calls them to attention. Forte seems to be this group's forte, if you know what I mean. Forte, forte, forte. Hmmm, anything new? Nope. Great guard work atop those red, yellow, and blue car hood props. Ha ha! Cute lean into opposing directions, players, once in those sharp vertical lines. The kids are definitely making the drill flow smoothly. Spacing is obtuse in many spots. I do like this music in the ballad. It is loud and clear and sweet. The car hood props transform into Berlin Wall props, and are a nice touch. Some of the instrumentalists get some big silver flags and carry them onto the spread field. More work with those big suckers would be a welcome sight. Hmmm, the drill near the end of their show had some geometric intensity. Here we go again with the big, bad sound. Uh, yeah, some of the sound was "bad" in a good way and "bad" in a bad way. This group was full force! I'd love to see them exercise other dynamic options besides, loud, loud, and extra loud, because I think it would help them take a huge leap in maturity. My Score: 60.00 My Placement: 14th Onate High School Las Cruces, NM Repertoire: "Propelled by Wind" featuring the music from La Nouba including "Once Upon a Time," "Porte," "Distorted," "Reve Rouge," "Urban" and "La Nouba" Comments: Grey and black could be spotted in the distance--a blob form that is soon covered with a colorful circus tent tarp. And then they are revealed with spunk. A visual flourish, some mystery music, and then a sparkling mix of both overwhelm. The end of the first song is somewhat bland, and so is the end of the second song. The woodwind players sure have their parts down and I give them credit for their attention to detail during the raising and lowering of their bodies during that visual moment. The goofy leg swipe marching fits with the oom-pah-pah music and the soli by some wacky woody players up front. Really get those straight legs and high toes synched up when moving slowly, trumpets. Sub-di-vide. Yeah, the gentle backfield music amongst the windmill props is so good. What finesse! This group gets into a huge triangle form and boogie down with some fantastic dance moves. A kid up front on a mic chants with the motion, and too soon we are near the end of their show. The rectangle that crisses and crosses is prosaic. Please, humor me with something DIFFERENT. Aaah! Such a good show deserves such a good end. Something about those neat and tidy forms up front must be luring. Perhaps they can end their show like they started it? (Under the circus tent?) This Reagan-esque tactic really does provoke. Splendid work, Onate, despite this. Splendid work. My Score: 73.50 My Placement: 5th Corona del Sol High School Tempe, AZ Repertoire: "Strange Humors" including "Strange Humors" by John Mackey, "Concerto for Orchestra, Mvt. II Giuco della coppie" and "Concertino for Four Percussion and Wind Ensemble" by David Gillingham Comments: I noticed near flawless marching technique in pistol hold as the marchers entered the field. Lyrical sounds stretched forth, as the wind players, scattered, played to the hands of their lead. At the start of their show, saxes and mellos face forward. I was worried by the nervous sound to begin, but they soon regained focus. The melodies swept 'round and 'round. They were sticklers on technique. The blind pass-through in the first tune that was so obvious and so careful did not have the impact I searched for. Ugh! A clarinet player fell hard to the turn on side A, but got up in no time. (Excellent recovery.) Aaah yes, ensemble. I love that warm, balanced, precision sound. Vertical lines passing through the drumline, are those supposed to be vertical line? (I think so.) The complicated sound this band supplies is right on. Sure, there were a few glitches, but...I was still, still entranced. Ooh, don't drag, guys, don't drag. I clenched my fist as the band went into warp drive, steering this music with passion. Hooo! Nice, nice, nice. Whoa, there! (A saxophonist almost tumbles downwards, but regains balance quickly.) This band is reaching for the stars, but it not quite there, yet. Musically, they are phenomenal. Overall and visually, they leave some to be desired...but not a lot. Wonderful job, everyone. I was on my feet clapping before thier show ended. My Score: 68.40 My Placement: 7th Desert Vista High School Phoenix, AZ Repertoire: "Seated Perspectives" including "I. Arrival," "II. Compassion" and "III. Finale" Comments: I appreciated the auxiliary costumes--simple, yet effective, with distinguished white collar on the blue top, and black bottoms. Whoa! This band comes at you like a Mack truck. Thanks for sharing such a massive and bright pleasant sound, here. The folding chair props are cheap but serve their purpose well. A lone, old-time snare drum tapper rolls along with a well-tuned trumpet. Uhm, but later on--trumpets? In tune? (Really listen.) Yeah, I like how every other wind player stands on the chairs and there is a wind player in between them (on the turf)...the look is "seismographic." Come on, guys! Pull it together with that musical and visual prowess you showed me earlier. I see some uneven lines and curves, and marred rotations. They have a lesser grasp on what they are doing at the end of their show versus the start of their show. It was rushed, it was sloppy, it was moderate. (If it were not so obvious, I might have let it slide, but no.) My advice to them is to really polish the fine parts some more, and work, work, work the last 3/4 of the show. They have a lot of distinct moments working for them with this show, and I think they can kick it up a few notches. My Score: 65.90 My Placement: 9th Deer Valley High School Glendale, AZ Repertoire: "Shades of Autumn" including "October" by Eric Whitacre and "Ride" by Samuel Hazo Comments: A solo here, a solo there, clashing solos, and then a burst of energy from all and...okay. Uh oh, we have some gnarly pulse problems now. Smooth out some of those forms. Oh man, I hate to see the tearing, or more like it, shredding! Notes were punched too hard, drums were way too loud, and I just got the feeling that no one really cared about what they were playing. Sad. They had a majorette on side A performing some amazing moves with three batons, so it might not hurt to incorporate her more in the show maybe with other equipment or weapons. Okay, that collapsing block from near the rear of side B did not look too shabby. Good work, guys! Drumline, your feature was pretty on target. Watch those stick heights. Yeah, these kids were tripping over themselves with this book they were attempting. Ha ha! I must admit, as guilty as I feel writing this, that they've got guts putting this on the field with their skill level. Some more laps around the field might help them with ENDURANCE. Good effort, band. My Score: 51.10 My Placement: 22nd Mountain Pointe High School Phoenix, AZ Repertoire: "Ellipses" including "River of Life" by Reineke, "Lament" by Garcia and "Dragons Fly on Wings of Time" by Neeck Comments: There were likely at least three members not here to perform. Holes! I hate holes. (Maybe those in charge of the band can make the kids work for their spots by using shadow marchers.) Okay, these kids got off to a lively start. Do not jump the gun, trumpets. Watch. Waaatch. I was pleased to see they were painting the forms with some gentle brushstrokes. The single-time marching by the brass and double-time marching by the woodwinds was a treat for the eyes, and really complimented the music. There was quite a bit of lag going into the next part of their show. The folks in that rhombus form could be moving...somehow. (The possibilities of what they could do there is so much.) You have to love a band that makes the attempt to blend and balance the sound to the best of their abilities. Though there was a lack of hitting every note, and hitting every note in time, I could not complain about their oomph. This show was neither the sharpest nor the quickest, but it had a knack for the complete. They could gain an edge if they tighten the screws, and add, add, add. Way to sell your show. My Score: 52.90 My Placement: 21st Millennium High School Goodyear, AZ Repertoire: "The Hypar Effect" featuring the music of John Meehan including "Dome," "Sphere" and "Helicoid" Comments: Their shakos had no plumes, and yet the shakos could have plumes. Why not? The rain? I am not the biggest fan of mallet features before the big impacts (to get things rolling). Oh my, this music bears little emotion and resembles caution. Things are so MECHANICAL to this point and I...I just don't like it. How could you not compare this show to Ayala's show some years back? (Two way different things.) The circular flute form with flutes flaunting their stuff was a gleam of hope. The auxiliary made a bold statement during the ballad, with some graceful poses and hopping. (Those arm streamers are catchy.) Get in tune, mellos, or drop out. Argh! Okay, back to the show. The big, booming low brass made my 15 minutes. Aaand so did the trumpets. Hey, things are not looking too bad after all! Push, push, push to the end EVERYBODY. For these kids this show was quite a challenge, but they made it to the finish despite their struggles. I hope they keep practicing and keep not just the big things, but the little things, in mind, like recognizing intonation and making the necessary adjustments. My Score: 53.10 My Placement: 20th Air Academy High School United States Air Force Academy, CO Repertoire: "Area 51" featuring the music of Mark Higginbotham including "Beyond," "Area 51," "Mystic Rhythms," "Northern Lights" and "Warp" Comments: The synthesizers sting you with eerie futuristic music. What stands out the most right now is some strong melodies and skewed line rotations, as odd as that combination might be to you. So far, this was a mixed bag full of tricks. I chuckled at the playful visual display which was enhanced by the music of a contra bass clarinet player and a bassoon player amped to a tee. Great! Wow! These kids are rocking with a full on, relentless sound, and head-banging drum thwacks. Some flute players partake in ballet turns with nice balance. In a short while we reach a halted triangle form that directs their sound to the dome's right corner to bounce it and cook it well. Two right triangles meet side by side to form a box, and then the box rotates, and then we are back to what they do best, which is rock out. Ha ha! They are quite the entertainment. This was a strong show with some dents and scratches, but...look out for them! They will turn heads! My Score: 70.00 My Placement: 6th Tucson High School Tucson, AZ Repertoire: "The American Dream" featuring music by Robert J. Sanchez and J.D. Denton including "American Fire," "American Heart" and "American Soul" Comments: In a really, really tight pod, the wind players bow to the center where the guard raises their hands each time this happens. (It looks like a beating heart, and the red uniform tops really make this!) Soon, the winds disband and retrieve their horns, which are lying in a triangle formation. Saxophones, you are starting to bug me with those inconsistent horn angles, non-existent feet-rolling, and, yeah...this should be a wake-up call for you. The music is gelling. The moments of clarity are striking me. I like what I hear much more than what I see. Note: the ballad falls into place nicely. Now we are graced with some singing voices, and a lonely tuba fella. Interesting words are called out by the band (which I can't make out), and then we go back to horns. Very suave. Saxophones, in that pod you made your music special. Okay, this show had its moments. Again, dirty visually, decent musically. There were some moments in this show where I was pleasantly surprised. My Score: 56.20 My Placement: 18th Mesquite High School Gilbert, AZ Repertoire: "Sonoran Desert Holiday" featuring the music of Ron Nelson including "Homage to Perotin" from "Medieval Suite" and "Sonoran Desert Holiday" Comments: The opening symmetrical formation was soothing. I saw a wide range of deep blue. The auxiliary wore light forest green tops with black pants. A six-man team of middle horns and a sax perform. Yesss. I was floored by that awesome sound at a halt--this was their first big statement, and it was shaped well. "Medieval Suite" rang with joyous hollers by all. Special thanks need to go to the mellos. Some forms deteriorated too much, and for too long. Do not be a sight that is hard to watch! The ballad seemed to roll off the tongues with ease, but there was little pizzazz. Let us see some stuff that will make you not "just another band," like some unique ballet poses, or even some GROUNDWORK. (I haven't seen groundwork in a while, since...hmmm, BOA San Antonio and BOA Grand Nationals last year?) (Take a hint from some of the best guards in the biz.) This was a well-rounded and well-suited program. My Score: 61.00 My Placement: 13th Basha High School Chandler, AZ Repertoire: "Circuitry" featuring the music of Key Poulan and Shaun McAnear including "Electrons," "The Connection" and "Overload" Comments: The gold and black musicians contrasted with the silver and black auxiliary, yet the colors were classy all the same. The synthesizer and woodwinds sustain a note until the woodwinds change things up a bit. One member stumbles, but is not hindered for long. The electronic pit is fun to hear. They rule. Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's with all the moving when you're supposed to be at a halt? (That was just ridiculously obvious.) Okay, I can see some diagonals in that form at the first tune's end. The thumping, low range synth beat leads this onward-minded gang. Some of the sounds are scattered and deranged. Is head-bopping the only thing you can come up with during that super cool percussion feature, staff? Come ON! Geez. This show was not band. Whoever programmed the synthesized music knew what he or she was doing. I liked that this group seemed to want to be on the cutting edge with enhanced sounds...but the basics need to prevail. Where oh where was the glitz. If you are going to tempt me you had better follow through! These guys were missing something. Not a bad show by all means, but this could have been a great one. I think...I think they are on the right track. My Score: 59.50 My Placement: 16th Covina High School Covina, CA Repertoire: "Storm Horizon" featuring the music of Scott Hickey including "I. As the Storm Approaches," "II. Outflow Boundary" and "III. Storm Chasing" Comments: Snap those horns up together, all. While at a halt, in a scattered formation, the winds hum a few dull notes. I noticed some flutes not executing horn maneuvers at the right moments. Okay, these kids do not want to play with the big boys, because all I am seeing are these tame, cutesy horn flash moves. Where's the body? (Where's the beef?) Give that gal who tossed that flag within the circle of wind players a pat on the back. (That was her moment to shine, and so she did.) Most of the guard had their work down pat, they in their hodgepodge of sparkly blue and black tops. Great transition from fast to slow, band. Ooh. Did you hear that? I sure heard that. It was not good. Weed that stuff out. Excellent work at halts and step-offs...the timing was just about right each and every time. I really made the effort to get into this show, and that should not happen here. As their show progressed, it seemed to regress. Keep working hard. My Score: 50.30 My Placement: 23rd Palo Verde High School Las Vegas, NV Repertoire: "Fear-a-Phobia" featuring original music by Dr. Kyle Kindred Comments: I could make out some diagonals in a mass form of winds. Oh nice. They form zigzags and then straight lines and then repeat this. Ha! (Clever. The wind players brush the air around them in worried fashion.) The freaky deaky aura of this show sure came across as such. "Fear of flutes?" Again, a comedic element, as the other wind players run in panic from the flautists. Ooh, pretty steady body balance during that one-legged lift. I am digging this music. Auxiliary, those are some spooky fabrics you wave on those poles. (I am starting to think of the movie, "Beetlejuice.") Now match the rifle work, match it. A paranoid trumpet soloist, who stops every so often to "watch his back," has some fine moments, but some cracks, too. Is a snare drum tap necessary to start the next part? (It's like marking time!) Trumpets, way to sustain those high notes that repeat, and repeat, and repeat. I feel for you! I am smiling at the random spots of footwork, including sidesteps, shuffles, and pointing. My, my trumpets--again, you never fail to impress. This group goes to the end of the earth to succeed with their abstract show, and in many ways they succeed at this. But man, the heady moments are almost too heady. I could tell the audience really started to settle in with this show near the end, and it needs to happen much, much sooner. My Score: 65.00 My Placement: 10th Casa Grande Union High School Casa Grande, AZ Repertoire: "In Diversus Motus" including "I. Niagra Falls," "II. Sonata for Trumpet by Eric Ewazen," "III. Colchester Fantasty, Mvt. IV" and "IV. Niagra Falls" Comments: The double diamond form was not exactly sharp at the points, but I see it was not exactly intended that way when they moved by rotating it. Ear-splitting notes sort of catch you off guard. Nice peek-a-boo move, trumpets. Flutes and clarinets jazz run OKAY, but from up here I say get the forms in gear. Ah! Relentless. I like it. Boom tap-tap, boom tap-tap. (Simple, yet proper pit writing, and the rest of the band responds to it well.) I like the seasick sounding low brass, as the upper brass wail a seductive melody. The halts are a bit much, and when you do them be as clean as can be. (Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb for than halts that do not render a sparkling form.) Yeah, this band will be in the thick of things, here. They performed well. My Score: 63.20 My Placement: 11th Ayala High School Chino Hills, CA Repertoire: "Fear" featuring the music of John Meehan, Caleb Rothe and Ike Jackson including "I. Claustrophobia," "II. Aquaphobia," "III. Metallophobia" and "IV. Kinetophobia" Comments: Ayala's wind players got in a gigantic roman numeral two form. the pit generated some creepy effects before the "II" collapsed and thrashed us with menacing musical notes. The low brass had their time in the spotlight, and it was a good one. The brass and woodwinds stretch across the field, with the trumpets going fingering nuts. Excellent turn-'round rip-ple. Aaah, I now see the blank guard dresses with a flowing blue outer layer. Okay, that sabre toss once and again around those giant bouncy balls is decent. Eek! What's with almost everyone dropping? (This especially at "that" time.) The rifle work needs to lock more, too. Let us have some legitimacy, here! The percussion rage on with varying methods of sticking...that metal pole pounding was tasty. The end of their show was chock full of piercing strength. The theme of this show was secure, no doubt, but I got the feeling that this show was in pieces, all over, and sappy. I guess what I am searching for in this mad, mad, mad, mad world of theirs is some CONSISTENCY. The auxiliary, especially, has to shape up or ship out. Again, the "C" word. My Score: 74.70 My Placement: 2nd Coronado High School Henderson, NV Repertoire: "Attraction: The Music of Scheherazade" including "I. The Story of the Prince Kalendar," "II. The Story of the Prince and the Princess" and "III. The Festival at Baghdad" Comments: The low brass is supreme in their stance. The music and motion here go together like a horse and carriage. Well done. Almost every solo is nailed. (I know, it's tough!) Here is a show that has the concert quality, but not the marching quality. Yeah, the forms were not bad; in fact, the forms were not bad at all. But I'd be lying to you if I told you that any of what they were doing was not easy. The trumpet section handles purplish flags, and gracefully does a hand-off to the guard members. Flutes, flash those flutes together. The step-size is too small through much of this show, and the tempo is way steady, way steady. You could throw a rock at this band and they would not flinch. Their show got some polite applause, but man...WAKE ME UP!!! There was little to no velocity by the finish. Thank you for the brilliant musical performance. That's all. My Score: 59.80 My Placement: 15th Pomona High School Arvada, CO Repertoire: "Scale and Beyond..." featuring music by Richard Saucedo and Ray Ulibarri Comments: Three skeleton pyramid props, and a giant scale on which to weigh things on on the back 50, were awe-inspiring. A pyramid form of clarinets moves, sending out strings of beauty that was sound. This band builds, and builds, and builds. Good stuff. Way to get that stretched, curvy form of woodwinds on the move with that fleeing music, drill dude. A struggle for balance is played out with white versus black large ball props, and yes, it appears these things have the ability to change in color. The sweeping music is grand, yes. There is nothing overly spectacular, though. A snazzy 70's-ish tune gets the hands clapping. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"? I like the contrasting white clad and black clad guard gals who climb one of the pyramids on opposite sides. (The contrast was poignant.) Unfortunately, they had a lukewarm ending. My Score: 73.90 My Placement: 4th Victoria Memorial High School Victoria, TX Repertoire: "New World Dances" featuring the music of Martin Ellerby including "I. Earth Dance," "II. Moon Dance" and "III. Sun Dance" Comments: One of the guard members carried a white frame, and danced about with it. A heavy-sounding piano solo erupted. How about that solid sound? The drill forms went every which way, and all was standard from here on out. Yikes, auxiliary, I see you with those bright orange and purple flags. (Be as one.) The lovely sax solo was background to swelling chords. Steady trumpets...steady. That sax guy went to work on the serenading, wow! The ballad was concise. Was there something to be harkened to much later? I'd seriously debate that. Use those muscles to put the brakes on. Hmmm. An unfinished show? Oh man, these kids are going to be dead in the water, here. They stand and play for quite a long time. Oh sure, their music is joyous, soulful, and precise...but you have to get MOVING. This show will be a tough one to judge. They seem to be quite centered, but devoid of staying power or substance. My Score: 67.20 My Placement: 8th Exhibition: Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Repertoire: "Shout It Out Load: The Music of KISS" including "Shout it Out Loud," "Detroit Rock City," "Beth" and "Rock 'N Roll All Night" Comments: My jaw dropped upon seeing the majorette toss her baton so high, and catching it RIGHT on cue. The brass section was planted up front for one reason and one reason only--to blow your face off. Ha ha! (And the clarinets knew it, too. They stopped playing for a moment to clap along, and got the crowd clapping, too.) The rock ballad, "Beth," was hammered into something stunning by an outstanding baritone soloist. There was a good time to be had by all with this group. Nice direction of motion pass-through by the mellos who hurried aaand...got there. These kids need to be put out by a fire extinguisher, because they were on FI-AH! My Score: N/A My Placement: N/A Mid-Show Thoughts: Now, here is the breakdown of my preliminary results and actual preliminary results: Division Ratings (Note: Division Ratings Not Announced) Gilbert H.S., AZ - II Desert Mountain H.S., AZ - III Desert Ridge H.S., AZ - III Jenks H.S., OK - II William S. Hart H.S., CA - I La Cueva H.S., NM - II Onate H.S., NM - II Corona Del Sol H.S., AZ - II Desert Vista H.S., AZ - II Deer Valley H.S., AZ - III Mountain Pointe H.S., AZ - III Millennium H.S., AZ - III Air Academy H.S., CO - II Tucson H.S., AZ - III Mesquite H.S., AZ - II Basha H.S., AZ - III Covina H.S., CA - III Palo Verde H.S., NV - II Casa Grande Union H.S., AZ - II Ayala H.S., CA - II Coronado H.S., NV - III Pomona H.S., CO - II Victoria Memorial H.S., TX - II My Personal Preliminary Scores and Rankings (Note: Actual Preliminary Scores and Rankings Found on BOA Website) 1. 77.00 William S. Hart H.S., CA 2. 74.70 Ayala H.S., CA 3. 74.30 Jenks H.S., OK 4. 73.90 Pomona H.S., CO 5. 73.50 Onate H.S., OK 6. 70.00 Air Academy H.S., CO 7. 68.40 Corona del Sol H.S., AZ 8. 67.20 Victoria Memorial H.S., TX 9. 65.90 Desert Vista H.S., AZ 10. 65.00 Palo Verde H.S., NV 11. 63.20 Casa Grande Union H.S., AZ 12. 61.70 Gilbert H.S., AZ 13. 61.00 Mesquite H.S., AZ 14. 60.00 La Cueva H.S., NM 15. 59.80 Coronado H.S., NV 16. 59.50 Basha H.S., AZ 17. 57.70 Desert Mountain H.S., AZ 18. 56.20 Tucson H.S., AZ 19. 55.10 Desert Ridge H.S., AZ 20. 53.10 Millennium H.S., AZ 21. 52.90 Mountain Pointe H.S., AZ 22. 51.10 Deer Valley H.S., AZ 23. 50.30 Covina H.S., CA Class Championships Awards (Actual): Class A 3rd N/A 2nd N/A 1st N/A Class A Highest Achievement Outstanding Music Performance - N/A Outstanding Visual Performance - N/A Outstanding General Effect - N/A Class AA 3rd N/A 2nd Covina H.S., CA 1st Air Academy H.S., CO Class AA Highest Achievement Outstanding Music Performance - Air Academy H.S., CO Outstanding Visual Performance - Air Academy H.S., CO Outstanding General Effect - Air Academy H.S., CO Class AAA 3rd William S. Hart H.S., CA 2nd Pomona H.S., CO 1st Ayala H.S., CA Class A Highest Achievement Outstanding Music Performance - Pomona H.S., CO Outstanding Visual Performance - Ayala H.S., CA Outstanding General Effect - Ayala H.S., CA My Finalists (In Random Order) Jenks H.S., OK Desert Vista H.S., AZ Victoria Memorial H.S., TX Ayala H.S., CA William S. Hart H.S., CA Palo Verde H.S., NV Corona del Sol H.S., AZ Onate H.S., NM Pomona H.S., CO Air Academy H.S., CO Actual Finalists (In Random Order) Jenks H.S., OK Ayala H.S., CA William S. Hart H.S., CA Casa Grande Union H.S., AZ Victoria Memorial H.S., TX Onate H.S., NM Air Academy H.S., CO Pomona H.S., CO Coronado H.S., NV Corona del Sol H.S., AZ Mid-Show Thoughts (Continued): One of my favorite moments during a BOA event is the announcement of the 10 finalist bands. The SUSPENSE is such that you could hear a pin drop. Tonight was no different! One by one, the names of the bands that made finals were announced. Corona del Sol was one of those groups on the "bubble," meaning that they could make it or perhaps get knocked out of the mix. When band #9 was called, and their name was not "Corona del Sol," I could see some of the backers of the band gasp in fear. Heh heh heh! THE CORONA DEL SOL HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND, FROM TEMPE, ARIZONA! "Oh [expletive]," yelled one of their band moms. Alan Irons Fountain Valley High School Marching Band 1993-1996 Pacific Crest of Diamond Bar 1997 Nashua Spartans 1998-1999 UCSB Class of 2002 ***COMING UP NEXT: FINALS*** Quote
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