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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

I guess I’ll start this off with my predictions for Area Finals this year

1 - Laredo Alexander 

2 - Laredo United

(State ^)

3 - Weslaco 

4 - Edinburgh 

5 - Brownsville Hanna

6 - PSJA 

7 - Los Fresnos 

Some honorable mentions that could make it are Harlingen, Edinburgh North, or Veterans making finals. I see this as a wildcard year where a lot of bands have potential to make finals, but I do think only Alexander United are the top for me

 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 7/4/2025 at 12:34 PM, Andres R III said:

Edinburg or Weslaco comeback???

hey area g forum is back! anyways I see Weslaco making state this year. my personal prediction is 

1. hanna

2. Weslaco 

3. Alexander 

All 3 make state this year I feel. also I may be just a tiny bit biased as someone who went to Hanna… 

Posted
On 7/4/2025 at 12:34 PM, Andres R III said:

Edinburg or Weslaco comeback???

I feel like Edinburgh may surprise a lot of people this year. Weslaco is always on that cusp of just making it they have to make it one year!!!

18 hours ago, enderplayz17 said:

hey area g forum is back! anyways I see Weslaco making state this year. my personal prediction is 

1. hanna

2. Weslaco 

3. Alexander 

All 3 make state this year I feel. also I may be just a tiny bit biased as someone who went to Hanna… 

and LOL, there’s no way Alexander gets 3rd, especially over Hanna. I don’t see them making it to top 3 this year

Posted
10 hours ago, RainTower57 said:

I feel like Edinburgh may surprise a lot of people this year. Weslaco is always on that cusp of just making it they have to make it one year!!!

and LOL, there’s no way Alexander gets 3rd, especially over Hanna. I don’t see them making it to top 3 this year

Woah, that’s a little harsh. Didn’t you have Alexander in your top spot for your previous prediction? Did something come up that shook that perspective? 

Posted
18 hours ago, enderplayz17 said:

Woah, that’s a little harsh. Didn’t you have Alexander in your top spot for your previous prediction? Did something come up that shook that perspective? 

No, I think Alexander is getting first place sorry for my mistake. Hanna had a good year but I feel like they are going to be on off every year. Need to wait till shows start coming out. 

Posted

My current prediction as of now 

1.Laredo Alexander

2.Hanna(possible someone else could steal this spot, let me know who you think)

3.Laredo United/ Weslaco/ Edinburg???

4.Los Fresnos

5.???

6.???

7.???

 

Posted
8 hours ago, Andres R III said:

My current prediction as of now 

1.Laredo Alexander

2.Hanna(possible someone else could steal this spot, let me know who you think)

3.Laredo United/ Weslaco/ Edinburg???

4.Los Fresnos

5.???

6.???

7.???

 

Despite being biased, I feel like Hanna will hold onto their 2nd spot. Maybe not 1st but 2nd for sure. They have great leadership/drum majors and overall are just consistent. Alexander’s show looks extremely entertaining and I really can’t wait to see what they put out. “beyond the break” just has such a cool ring. I also think Harlingen will get back into finals this year. Good predictions!

Posted
33 minutes ago, enderplayz17 said:

Despite being biased, I feel like Hanna will hold onto their 2nd spot. Maybe not 1st but 2nd for sure. They have great leadership/drum majors and overall are just consistent. Alexander’s show looks extremely entertaining and I really can’t wait to see what they put out. “beyond the break” just has such a cool ring. I also think Harlingen will get back into finals this year. Good predictions!

Yeah I agree that Harlingen will most likely make finals since the last time they did in 2022. I also personally think maybe PSJA or La Joya might have a chance since especially last year these two bands and Harlingen were close to making finals!

Looking at last year’s area scores, PSJA needs to work more on music and somewhat visually. Harlingen actually barely beat PSJA in music but their visuals kept them back. Lastly out of these three bands I mentioned, La Joya had the lowest score in music and beat Harlingen in visuals but lower scores in music kept them from reaching finals like PSJA, so they need a lot of work but I think the potential is there for La Joya and the other two bands I mentioned.

Can’t wait to see what happens this year for Area G 6a Contest on October 25!!!

Posted
14 hours ago, Andres R III said:

Yeah I agree that Harlingen will most likely make finals since the last time they did in 2022. I also personally think maybe PSJA or La Joya might have a chance since especially last year these two bands and Harlingen were close to making finals!

Looking at last year’s area scores, PSJA needs to work more on music and somewhat visually. Harlingen actually barely beat PSJA in music but their visuals kept them back. Lastly out of these three bands I mentioned, La Joya had the lowest score in music and beat Harlingen in visuals but lower scores in music kept them from reaching finals like PSJA, so they need a lot of work but I think the potential is there for La Joya and the other two bands I mentioned.

Can’t wait to see what happens this year for Area G 6a Contest on October 25!!!

Another very competitive region! That 7th spot for finals is going to be a huge battle. There’s like 3 bands that could be on the cusp of making it and it’s going to be very tough. And again, Harlingen has been out of finals for 2 years in a row, I don’t doubt that they are really hungry for another finals/maybe state run. That’s mainly why I have them in finals. They do great for the amount of people in the band!

Posted
16 hours ago, enderplayz17 said:

Despite being biased, I feel like Hanna will hold onto their 2nd spot. Maybe not 1st but 2nd for sure. They have great leadership/drum majors and overall are just consistent. Alexander’s show looks extremely entertaining and I really can’t wait to see what they put out. “beyond the break” just has such a cool ring. I also think Harlingen will get back into finals this year. Good predictions!

I mean, they had a good year last year. That low brass and trombone feature at the beginning I think was really cool but Hanna did this the past 2 years where they made state and then didn’t. I’m excited to hear their low brass again but don’t see them making top 3. The Laredo schools will take the spots 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Hey guys!

 

Area G will be more of the same, except for who makes state.

Should be 3 bands advancing this year hopefully. I think the third spot could see an underdog advancing.

Alexander will be strong as usual. 

Hanna is always good. They haven't been on/off like someone said.  They've only missed state one time since 2006. (COVID year doesn't count LOL)

Los Fresnos sounded great last year - expect more of that to come.

United, Edinburg, Edinburg North, Weslaco - they're kind of lumped together. Depends on who gets it the cleanest and sounds good.

Everyone else - who knows.  Probably very average at best.  Harlingen ain't what they used to be.

 

No matter what happens and who advances - they'll all get screwed at State.

What do ya'll think?

 

Posted
On 7/23/2025 at 9:24 AM, SpudMuffin said:

Hey guys!

 

Area G will be more of the same, except for who makes state.

Should be 3 bands advancing this year hopefully. I think the third spot could see an underdog advancing.

Alexander will be strong as usual. 

Hanna is always good. They haven't been on/off like someone said.  They've only missed state one time since 2006. (COVID year doesn't count LOL)

Los Fresnos sounded great last year - expect more of that to come.

United, Edinburg, Edinburg North, Weslaco - they're kind of lumped together. Depends on who gets it the cleanest and sounds good.

Everyone else - who knows.  Probably very average at best.  Harlingen ain't what they used to be.

 

No matter what happens and who advances - they'll all get screwed at State.

What do ya'll think?

 

Exactly my thoughts about Hanna, that on/off comment was kinda weird, they are always consistently good. I’m really excited to see the competition for that #3 spot, ESPECIALLY if there are 3 bands that make it (would love to see that happen).
I do see Harlingen making a comeback though, they have the players just haven’t had the best design recently. I don’t doubt that they will come back strong and make finals this year, they are a pretty historically strong program! 

Posted
On 7/23/2025 at 9:24 AM, SpudMuffin said:

Hey guys!

 

Area G will be more of the same, except for who makes state.

Should be 3 bands advancing this year hopefully. I think the third spot could see an underdog advancing.

Alexander will be strong as usual. 

Hanna is always good. They haven't been on/off like someone said.  They've only missed state one time since 2006. (COVID year doesn't count LOL)

Los Fresnos sounded great last year - expect more of that to come.

United, Edinburg, Edinburg North, Weslaco - they're kind of lumped together. Depends on who gets it the cleanest and sounds good.

Everyone else - who knows.  Probably very average at best.  Harlingen ain't what they used to be.

 

No matter what happens and who advances - they'll all get screwed at State.

What do ya'll think?

 

 

On 7/28/2025 at 5:36 PM, enderplayz17 said:

Exactly my thoughts about Hanna, that on/off comment was kinda weird, they are always consistently good. I’m really excited to see the competition for that #3 spot, ESPECIALLY if there are 3 bands that make it (would love to see that happen).
I do see Harlingen making a comeback though, they have the players just haven’t had the best design recently. I don’t doubt that they will come back strong and make finals this year, they are a pretty historically strong program! 

As someone who also was in the hanna band 2017-2021, I am also a bit biased but Hanna is always great consistently. I am excited to see what they put on the field this year Hanna always has musically pleasing shows. I like JBA, United, Weslaco, Los Fresnos, Harlingen and the Edinburgh schools they have some really good show designs as well with a bit of improvement they can all compete even those bands that didnt make area finals. Always push your band better just because I didnt mention you doesn't mean you all don't have a great band program anything is possible.  The 1st and 2nd spot as well you never know. Los Fresnos has been improving really greatly musically lately thats what keeps pushing them higher every year. And remember band is supposed to be fun anyone can make state wish you all a great year! 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Let's talk about everyone's shows!  What's the theme? Music?  Is it interesting?

JBA - Beyond the Break

Edinburg - Circus

Hanna - La Dama de Rojo

Weslaco - Continuum

Harlingen - Valhalla

Vets - Sonidos de la Plaza

 

What are the others?????

Posted
8 hours ago, SpudMuffin said:

Let's talk about everyone's shows!  What's the theme? Music?  Is it interesting?

JBA - Beyond the Break

Edinburg - Circus

Hanna - La Dama de Rojo

Weslaco - Continuum

Harlingen - Valhalla

Vets - Sonidos de la Plaza

 

What are the others?????

I’d expect United’s show to be entitled Midnight Mirage and have a ‘synth wave’ styled show. Cool concept!

Another speculation but expect Los Fresnos’ show to be called “Wayfarers”.

PSJA announced their show to be “Transcendence”. I’d look out for them this year!

San Benito is performing “Snapshot” but that’s all I know right now. 
 

Best of luck to all of these bands, some awesome shows coming along this year!!

Posted
On 8/9/2025 at 6:09 PM, SpudMuffin said:

Let's talk about everyone's shows!  What's the theme? Music?  Is it interesting?

JBA - Beyond the Break

Edinburg - Circus

Hanna - La Dama de Rojo

Weslaco - Continuum

Harlingen - Valhalla

Vets - Sonidos de la Plaza

 

What are the others?????

Alexander’s show is mainly based on Standridge’s piece “UnBroken”. I’d expect it to be centered around mental health themes and overcoming them, as they also have “Fix You” by Coldplay, as one of their selections.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 8/10/2025 at 2:47 AM, enderplayz17 said:

I’d expect United’s show to be entitled Midnight Mirage and have a ‘synth wave’ styled show. Cool concept!

Another speculation but expect Los Fresnos’ show to be called “Wayfarers”.

PSJA announced their show to be “Transcendence”. I’d look out for them this year!

San Benito is performing “Snapshot” but that’s all I know right now. 
 

Best of luck to all of these bands, some awesome shows coming along this year!!

United and PSJA look really good with their themes. JBA and Weslaco also have very cool concepts. Still on the fence about Hanna and Harlingen. La Dama En Rojo feels like it’s going to be like their 2022? 2023? show Canciones De La Alma. And Harlingen also sounds like the warrior within show they did a few years ago. Are these perhaps part 2’s of the shows and will be expanded upon cause that would be interesting. Just my opinion

Posted

First shows for a lot of groups, I saw a few. First off, I saw Harlingen and Weslaco perform. 

harlingen’s show is much more entertaining and interesting than last years. it definitely is a good theme and I was wrong, and it seems to me they’ll sneak into finals. again, such a small band with a big sound I don’t know how they do it. another comment is they seem cleaner and more into the show then last year. selling it is everything. 

weslaco was great, I can say that I enjoyed it. they march a LOT more. they have been on the cusp with if I understand high achievement but low content. this show is well rounded. a little edgy brass sounds to me. Didn’t enjoy it as much as their joker show but I think top score better. I see them competing with Hanna for the #3 spot (yes I changed my mind…)

I also saw live videos of Veterans and Hanna perform. 

veterans was energetic and had some pretty clean movement and I think they’ll place higher then they did. just felt a little off to me, like it’s just sat for some time. decent brass sounds but felt a little scared to me. not much else to it, the show reminded me of stand tunes and was a decent crowd pleaser. Would like to see them sneak into finals one year. 

hanna was come and go, the show is extremely unfinished. the trumpets sound REALLY nice (i think i heard a screamer in there?? Awesome work whoever is doing that!) but the entire opening section feels a little bland. I watched the stream expecting to be blown away by the trombones but it felt weaker. I would assume a ton of senior trombones graduated I suppose (would love clarification on this) because the sound is very young/immature but has potential. Im still stuck on that ridiculous trombone feature at the beginning of their last year’s show, that was an amazing moment. I correct my statement about Hanna and think they have a shot at taking the #3 spot for state. 
 

any thoughts to anyone who saw? any contrary opinions to mine?

Posted
22 minutes ago, RainTower57 said:

First shows for a lot of groups, I saw a few. First off, I saw Harlingen and Weslaco perform. 

(I narrowed the message down so it isn’t too long) 

- I will agree that Harlingen is really good this year, I listened and they have a great flute soloist. Much better design I would agree. Definitely making finals this year. Weslaco also making improvements. I would agree with you on their issues. 
- Not mentioned was LF. They don’t sound as “clean” but have a much more difficult show and their sound is still really good and enjoyable. Couldn’t find a live stream with sound for Vets unfortunately.

- glad to see you’ve switched your mind on Hanna, (I saw the show live today). Yes, those trumpets are awesome. Secondly I feel you are a little harsh on the trombone/low brass section. they are working hard, and I get that the sound output is questionable right now but when has a band ever sounded the same first show to finals. (I would know, 2024 was my final year, and I’m flattered by your senior comment) and yes, the show is obviously very unfinished, just wait till you see the final product. They know what they are doing. 

Posted

Some comments over the weekend

Harlingen sounds great, they are making great sounds for such a small band. They definitely have a shot at making finals! Visually is kind of meh but the sound is great. Weslaco seemed more energetic I can’t lie, I love the show concept. Good shot at a state run? LF was okay, I like the brass but the show is not my taste. Vets was okay, the show is cool and will please the crowd, not sure how it’ll place. Hanna what happened here? They march for 20 seconds then stand and play for the rest of the show? Seemed dirtier than last weeks, but the brass was nicer. Finals? 

Any thoughts on these bands with competitions nearing very close?

Posted
23 hours ago, RainTower57 said:

Some comments over the weekend

Harlingen sounds great, they are making great sounds for such a small band. They definitely have a shot at making finals! Visually is kind of meh but the sound is great. Weslaco seemed more energetic I can’t lie, I love the show concept. Good shot at a state run? LF was okay, I like the brass but the show is not my taste. Vets was okay, the show is cool and will please the crowd, not sure how it’ll place. Hanna what happened here? They march for 20 seconds then stand and play for the rest of the show? Seemed dirtier than last weeks, but the brass was nicer. Finals? 

Any thoughts on these bands with competitions nearing very close?

A note on Hanna they dont like marching a show until its done so like the first movement is kind of long from what I’ve heard and thats the only stop they have until the end so by next week they will probably have the full first movement on the field. They might just have a few sets left of the first movement most likely and might even surprise and have most of the second movement on the field too by next week not likely but they always are slower then other bands they like having it clean before putting it on the field. 

Posted
19 hours ago, BandPerson1780 said:

A note on Hanna they dont like marching a show until its done so like the first movement is kind of long from what I’ve heard and thats the only stop they have until the end so by next week they will probably have the full first movement on the field. They might just have a few sets left of the first movement most likely and might even surprise and have most of the second movement on the field too by next week not likely but they always are slower then other bands they like having it clean before putting it on the field. 

This is the case I normally assume based on prior years that I’ve heard but don’t know how slow is too slow and where the panic button is for that. (For reference they marched for about like 50 seconds on the slow intro sections and stood and played like a minute and a half, which is what they did the last game.) my guess is the show was designed a little too difficult. Seems like a show where you either nail it and get top 2 or drop out design wise. I got told to trust Hanna and everyone had doubts about last year so. Still a little dissapointed at the brass sound, especially on the low end. 
 

anybody listen to the Laredo schools? opinions on those? 

Posted

Harlingen sounds fantastic! Lots of energy and their show design has improved drastically from last season (visually) and their music is written great they are clean! Finals this year for sure. Could they pull off another state run like in 2022? Why or why not? Hanna sounds great per usual excited to see their drill on the field. I think they can make state again. Weslaco is cooking up again this year they have a big sound! I can see them making state this year if they clean even more. I haven’t seen Edinburgh shows or Laredo shows sadly but if you guys have fill me in! Los Fresnos sounds nice very pretty! Excited to see more from them.  Area is going to be very very close this year I think all of these bands have a shot at a state run but what could make or break them? 

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