UIL 6A Area G 2025

[LoneStar69]

BOA was fun! JBA wow what a show. Just clarity in the sound, the woodwinds match the energy of the brass it’s just phenomenal! Out of all the bands that had BOA competitions around the country they placed 11th in the country based on scores. ( I saw that on instagram don’t quote me on that.) Alexander is the Harlingen of the 2020s I think their spot is set in stone for state. As great as the production is I wasn’t able to grasp the concept/show theme that’s my only thing. Man Los Fresnos was so clean and in time. All their visuals were executed perfectly and wow what a great sound! I saw a video of them in the warm up lot and wow their woodwinds sound fantastic let’s go flutes! Edinburgh looked and sounded great! I can’t wait to see the final product once cleaned it’s gonna rock the house. Harlingen high was good. They’re play big for a band their size and I think there was a music change? They sound and look good but that doesn’t reflect in their scores. Once they clean and have their whole show maybe things will change. I can’t wait till we see more Area G 6A bands!

[LoneStar69]

On 9/24/2025 at 4:04 PM, LoneStar69 said:

BOA was fun! JBA wow what a show. Just clarity in the sound, the woodwinds match the energy of the brass it’s just phenomenal! Out of all the bands that had BOA competitions around the country they placed 11th in the country based on scores. ( I saw that on instagram don’t quote me on that.) Alexander is the Harlingen of the 2020s I think their spot is set in stone for state. As great as the production is I wasn’t able to grasp the concept/show theme that’s my only thing.

[RainTower57]

On 9/24/2025 at 11:02 AM, UnduePizza26 said:

Pun intended 😂. BOA definitely gave us a good look at how area will play out this October. Alexander is on a whole other level of production this year, state is pretty much locked for them if nothing major happens. Los Fresnos was super clean- definitely a solid contender and could go for a state run. I have not heard Hanna in a while, either they could surprise us and defend their title or could be a miss this year from what others on this thread have said- still excited to catch them at a comp this season! The Edinburgh schools are bringing lots of energy as well, more clarity in the sounds and footwork they could both be serious contenders at finals this year! Not 6A, but WOW, Roma and Harlingen South. Incredible production and sound from both schools. I can see South moving far up at the 5A contest and Roma defending their champion title. As for the other 6A bands, didn’t get to hear PJSA or Economedes at the contest, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on them. Surprised not to see Harlingen High at the finals round, they’re putting out some good stuff this year! As of right now, them and PSJA are neck-to-neck to snag a spot at the Area finals. Both are recent state qualifiers in ‘22 and ‘23 respectively so it’ll be an exciting race.

Hanna isn’t it this year, I feel and I don’t know if they make finals

[enderplayz17]

On 9/24/2025 at 4:04 PM, LoneStar69 said:

BOA was fun! JBA wow what a show. Just clarity in the sound, the woodwinds match the energy of the brass it’s just phenomenal! Out of all the bands that had BOA competitions around the country they placed 11th in the country based on scores. ( I saw that on instagram don’t quote me on that.) Alexander is the Harlingen of the 2020s I think their spot is set in stone for state. As great as the production is I wasn’t able to grasp the concept/show theme that’s my only thing. Man Los Fresnos was so clean and in time. All their visuals were executed perfectly and wow what a great sound! I saw a video of them in the warm up lot and wow their woodwinds sound fantastic let’s go flutes! Edinburgh looked and sounded great! I can’t wait to see the final product once cleaned it’s gonna rock the house. Harlingen high was good. They’re play big for a band their size and I think there was a music change? They sound and look good but that doesn’t reflect in their scores. Once they clean and have their whole show maybe things will change. I can’t wait till we see more Area G 6A bands!

What are they feeding the woodwinds at LF? They sound insane for this early in the season, and very nice brass sounds. JBA’s show is about the Japanese art of fixing broken things with gold (I believe) hence the name “Beyond the Break” and a ton of gold lines. Edinburgh’s show is super fun to me, I’ve only seen it once and hope to see it again somewhere before I go to pigskin, great program top to bottom. I felt like Harlingen should’ve made Finals for BOA, but I wouldn’t stress too much, BOA is scored differently than UIL (that pesky general effect score…). They have a great and intriguing program this year and can be taken a long way! Keep up the amazing work everyone, this year is amazing already!!

[LoneStar69]

On 9/27/2025 at 2:01 AM, enderplayz17 said:

What are they feeding the woodwinds at LF? They sound insane for this early in the season, and very nice brass sounds. JBA’s show is about the Japanese art of fixing broken things with gold (I believe) hence the name “Beyond the Break” and a ton of gold lines. Edinburgh’s show is super fun to me, I’ve only seen it once and hope to see it again somewhere before I go to pigskin, great program top to bottom. I felt like Harlingen should’ve made Finals for BOA, but I wouldn’t stress too much, BOA is scored differently than UIL (that pesky general effect score…). They have a great and intriguing program this year and can be taken a long way! Keep up the amazing work everyone, this year is amazing already!!

Lol right LF woodwinds are killer! That’s a cool theme very interesting ties in well with their music and props. I want to see more of Edinburgh soon as well hopefully this Saturday at San Benito marching. I feel the same way about Harlingen they sound great we’ll see more from them this weekend.

[LoneStar69]

On 9/27/2025 at 12:24 AM, RainTower57 said:

Hanna isn’t it this year, I feel and I don’t know if they make finals

The same thing happened last year they peaked late. It isn’t too late for them and they have a great sound. Last year their show was my favorite of the Area G schools if they build off what they did last year i think they’ll be just fine.

[MarchingBandNerd805]

Okay so United has stepped it up this year!

At the USbands Austin Regional they placed 1st in “Group lV” and they tied for 3rd overall at prelims (4th with tie breaker). And at finals they jumped up to 2nd Place Overall!! They were only behind Louis d Brandeis which is a very good band on the rise.

I had the pleasure of watching United’s show and it’s an overall just amazing show which notably includes Caravan as a musical selection which sounds super cool. The show was not complete with the ballad being the last mvmt. Ballad still needs work, but wow it was just a super fun show to watch.

Was anyone else there ?

[enderplayz17]

18 minutes ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

Okay so United has stepped it up this year!

At the USbands Austin Regional they placed 1st in “Group lV” and they tied for 3rd overall at prelims (4th with tie breaker). And at finals they jumped up to 2nd Place Overall!! They were only behind Louis d Brandeis which is a very good band on the rise.

I had the pleasure of watching United’s show and it’s an overall just amazing show which notably includes Caravan as a musical selection which sounds super cool. The show was not complete with the ballad being the last mvmt. Ballad still needs work, but wow it was just a super fun show to watch.

Was anyone else there ?

Wish I could’ve heard them, but that’s great hearing how well United has been doing with the situation. Nobody expected them to be doing good and they come out swinging when everyone keeps doubting them. Love a good underdog story and would like to see them make a run for state!

[LoneStar69]

Scores from US Bands Austin Regional

[LoneStar69]

1 hour ago, LoneStar69 said:

Scores from US Bands Austin Regional

How different are the scorings for BOA and USbands? That’s quite the gap between JBA and United even if a week apart. If anyone knows fill me in I don’t know how their scoring works.

[MarchingBandNerd805]

5 hours ago, LoneStar69 said:

How different are the scorings for BOA and USbands? That’s quite the gap between JBA and United even if a week apart. If anyone knows fill me in I don’t know how their scoring works.

From what i’ve seen, the scoring is definitely different with USbands! Bands tend to score higher at USbands vs at BOA.

However, I recommend to never cross compare scores with high school marching band scores, even if all the scores come from different BOA events 😅I’ve tried numerous times and it’s never come out accurate for me. 

[RainTower57]

Can we have a discussion about Hanna and the La Dama de la Rojo? Watch their most recent performance and you will see that they haven’t finished their ballad yet (and what they did play, tore apart pretty badly), the opener and 2nd movement feels really dirty still, lots of visual issues, and Area is in less than a month. Can anyone tell me what’s going on there? I’ve been thinking there’s a staff change, but again no confirmation on that. Feel bad for the kids putting in all their effort for that show.

[LoneStar69]

5 hours ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

From what i’ve seen, the scoring is definitely different with USbands! Bands tend to score higher at USbands vs at BOA.

However, I recommend to never cross compare scores with high school marching band scores, even if all the scores come from different BOA events 😅I’ve tried numerous times and it’s never come out accurate for me. 

Lol thank you for sharing! I agree it’s hard to determine anything with high school band scores.

[LoneStar69]

1 hour ago, RainTower57 said:

Can we have a discussion about Hanna and the La Dama de la Rojo? Watch their most recent performance and you will see that they haven’t finished their ballad yet (and what they did play, tore apart pretty badly), the opener and 2nd movement feels really dirty still, lots of visual issues, and Area is in less than a month. Can anyone tell me what’s going on there? I’ve been thinking there’s a staff change, but again no confirmation on that. Feel bad for the kids putting in all their effort for that show.

Can you send a link? I hope for their sake it was a bad run we’ll see this Saturday at San Benito marching. As for the staff nothing i know of has changed. Perhaps their production/drill writer was changed who knows. But i wouldn’t count them out just yet.

[MarchingBandNerd805]

22 minutes ago, LoneStar69 said:

Can you send a link? I hope for their sake it was a bad run we’ll see this Saturday at San Benito marching. As for the staff nothing i know of has changed. Perhaps their production/drill writer was changed who knows. But i wouldn’t count them out just yet.

I 100% agree we shouldn't count Hanna out at all. They always have major improvements in overall sound and cleanliness when they need it most(area). I remember last year they looked and sounded a lottt stronger at area than at any other prior comp! 

Very excited for the San Benito Festival. Is anyone here going? I would love to have someone give results when they're out. I always struggle to find the results of the valley hosted competitions.

UISD Marching Festival is also this Saturday. I think I can keep track of that. The big Matchup there is JBA and United.

[RainTower57]

16 minutes ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

I 100% agree we shouldn't count Hanna out at all. They always have major improvements in overall sound and cleanliness when they need it most(area). I remember last year they looked and sounded a lottt stronger at area than at any other prior comp! 

Very excited for the San Benito Festival. Is anyone here going? I would love to have someone give results when they're out. I always struggle to find the results of the valley hosted competitions.

UISD Marching Festival is also this Saturday. I think I can keep track of that. The big Matchup there is JBA and United.

there’s a video on Hanna on YouTube just look up Hanna band 2025 and it pops up. their ballad is very unclean and seems like it tears (synth plays while the drum major is still conducting, don’t know if it’s intentional) and it just feels off. there’s people stepping off at random and hitting visuals just to hit them again and timing is everywhere. 1st movement was much cleaner last week and the sound actually had me a little hopeful for them (they sounded pretty good and more Hanna-like) but this past performance was 5 steps backwards. Can someone tell me what’s really going on? Any issues that can be messing with them this year? Would be really sad for a known contender and strong program to go out like this, I hope there isn’t any drama and this is as people say just part of the process. just am not used to Hanna being this bad this late. it’s getting a little too late at this point to trust the process

[enderplayz17]

32 minutes ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

I 100% agree we shouldn't count Hanna out at all. They always have major improvements in overall sound and cleanliness when they need it most(area). I remember last year they looked and sounded a lottt stronger at area than at any other prior comp! 

Very excited for the San Benito Festival. Is anyone here going? I would love to have someone give results when they're out. I always struggle to find the results of the valley hosted competitions.

UISD Marching Festival is also this Saturday. I think I can keep track of that. The big Matchup there is JBA and United.

Yep, I don’t get why people are suddenly hating on Hanna this year, it’s kind of unfair to them. They have a great shot at making state this year and will be fine.

For the San Benito festival, the 6A bands performing are: Harlingen, Hanna, Veterans, Edinburgh, Econemedes, Weslaco, and San Benito. My predictions are

1. Los Fresnos 
2. Weslaco
3. Hanna
4. Harlingen
5. Edinburgh  
6. San Benito
7. Veterans
8. Econemedes. 

Should be a fun Saturday to kick off Bandtober, good luck to all bands competing! 

[UnduePizza26]

Well everyone, we’re right on the doorstep of the “Bandtober” competition season! Really excited to see some good bands in San Benito this Saturday, it’s going to be a great showcase of talent from over half of the 6A Bands!

As for my predictions for this contest, I can see Los Fresnos winning big, their show is phenomenal this year! Weslaco and Edinburg will both be in the matchup for 2nd or 3rd place, anything could happen with those two bands, really looking forward to see where they stand. Likewise, I also wouldn’t count Hanna out just yet, they usually level up big time in the road leading up to area, trust the process, they always a very talented group and I have no doubt they want to defend their silver medal, however as of now, I would put them for 4th or 5th at the SB comp. As for Harlingen, I heard their most recent run and WOW! Way to go. I also wouldn’t count this group out of finals, I can see them making 4th at San Benito, but they could potentially sneak into that 3rd spot. At UISD, it’ll be close matchup between JBA and United, I can see a rivalry growing between these groups as they get more neck to neck in their productions! What are y’all’s thoughts? What bands do y’all see making an “upset” at area this year? It’s going to be a fun season!
 

[enderplayz17]

5 hours ago, UnduePizza26 said:

Well everyone, we’re right on the doorstep of the “Bandtober” competition season! Really excited to see some good bands in San Benito this Saturday, it’s going to be a great showcase of talent from over half of the 6A Bands!

As for my predictions for this contest, I can see Los Fresnos winning big, their show is phenomenal this year! Weslaco and Edinburg will both be in the matchup for 2nd or 3rd place, anything could happen with those two bands, really looking forward to see where they stand. Likewise, I also wouldn’t count Hanna out just yet, they usually level up big time in the road leading up to area, trust the process, they always a very talented group and I have no doubt they want to defend their silver medal, however as of now, I would put them for 4th or 5th at the SB comp. As for Harlingen, I heard their most recent run and WOW! Way to go. I also wouldn’t count this group out of finals, I can see them making 4th at San Benito, but they could potentially sneak into that 3rd spot. At UISD, it’ll be close matchup between JBA and United, I can see a rivalry growing between these groups as they get more neck to neck in their productions! What are y’all’s thoughts? What bands do y’all see making an “upset” at area this year? It’s going to be a fun season!
 

Harlingen is for sure my underrated pick for this year. How do they get their band to sound that whole with small numbers? Great program and great show. I think LF and Weslaco will be very close at this competition, Weslaco percussion is a little off the rails (in a good way!) this year and LF winds are cooking ridiculously good. I think it comes down to whoever scores higher visually. Maybe even Hanna (please!!!) and Edinburgh could sneak in and take a few captions 👀, can totally see Hanna taking some music categories.
About the UISD, I thought JBA was performing at some BOA with Vandegrift and some other big names? Are they going to 2 or did I mix up the dates?

[LoneStar69]

4 hours ago, enderplayz17 said:

Harlingen is for sure my underrated pick for this year. How do they get their band to sound that whole with small numbers? Great program and great show. I think LF and Weslaco will be very close at this competition, Weslaco percussion is a little off the rails (in a good way!) this year and LF winds are cooking ridiculously good. I think it comes down to whoever scores higher visually. Maybe even Hanna (please!!!) and Edinburgh could sneak in and take a few captions 👀, can totally see Hanna taking some music categories.
About the UISD, I thought JBA was performing at some BOA with Vandegrift and some other big names? Are they going to 2 or did I mix up the dates?

Harlingen is phenomenal can’t wait for more of them on Saturday rooting for them! I have LF over Weslaco. LF sound is fantastic and they’re very clean visually but I can see Weslaco giving them a tough fight. Hanna and Edinburgh for captions I could definitely see as well. JBA and Edinburgh North will be at Texas Marching Classic October 11th (thank you flomarching) with our friends up north. As far as i know they’ll be there for the UISD competition this Saturday as well as Edinburgh N (i think. They aren’t on the schedule for SB marching) 

[SpudMuffin]

21 hours ago, RainTower57 said:

there’s a video on Hanna on YouTube just look up Hanna band 2025 and it pops up. their ballad is very unclean and seems like it tears (synth plays while the drum major is still conducting, don’t know if it’s intentional) and it just feels off. there’s people stepping off at random and hitting visuals just to hit them again and timing is everywhere. 1st movement was much cleaner last week and the sound actually had me a little hopeful for them (they sounded pretty good and more Hanna-like) but this past performance was 5 steps backwards. Can someone tell me what’s really going on? Any issues that can be messing with them this year? Would be really sad for a known contender and strong program to go out like this, I hope there isn’t any drama and this is as people say just part of the process. just am not used to Hanna being this bad this late. it’s getting a little too late at this point to trust the process

Okay, okay so check it out...  I  have a friend who talked to a director that used to work there.  Here's the inside story.  No staff changes. The HBD has been there forever and real successful. he decided to let the assistants take over alot of the teaching cause maybe there might be a retirement and they gotta be ready. As everyone can see it tanked.  Story is the HBD has taken control again and is trying to fix what was messed up. IDK if he can, but i bet you'll see a big difference by region contest and beyond.  The HBD has gobs of experience

 

I watched the video - Hannah has their signature sound - just wait and see.  As far as the other schools I think JBA and LF will be killer.  I saw Edinburg - wasn't like they were last year. Weslaco is always meh in my opinion. Everyone else will just be very very mid.

[RainTower57]

1 hour ago, LoneStar69 said:

Harlingen is phenomenal can’t wait for more of them on Saturday rooting for them! I have LF over Weslaco. LF sound is fantastic and they’re very clean visually but I can see Weslaco giving them a tough fight. Hanna and Edinburgh for captions I could definitely see as well. JBA and Edinburgh North will be at Texas Marching Classic October 11th (thank you flomarching) with our friends up north. As far as i know they’ll be there for the UISD competition this Saturday as well as Edinburgh N (i think. They aren’t on the schedule for SB marching) 

I agree I like Harlingens show it’s pretty interesting the concept. I didn’t know Edinburg north was going. I didn’t know UISD was this week?? 

[MarchingBandNerd805]

Here is the schedule for San Benito festival: https://www.region28band.org/2025 San Benito MB Contest Schedule (Updated).pdf
San Benito HS appears to be an exhibition performance.

My San Benito Marching Festival Prediction: 

1. Los Fresnos
2. Edinburg
3. Weslaco (haven't seen)
4. Hanna
5. Harlingen
6. Veterans
7. Economedes


Hot take: I can see Edinburg possibly winning if they make some nice improvements. Yes, Los Fresnos placed significantly higher than Edinburg at BOA Mcallen, however if you exclude the General effect scores, then Edinburg gains the upper-hand in scoring over Los Fresnos. Just something to think about!

[LoneStar69]

11 hours ago, SpudMuffin said:

Okay, okay so check it out...  I  have a friend who talked to a director that used to work there.  Here's the inside story.  No staff changes. The HBD has been there forever and real successful. he decided to let the assistants take over alot of the teaching cause maybe there might be a retirement and they gotta be ready. As everyone can see it tanked.  Story is the HBD has taken control again and is trying to fix what was messed up. IDK if he can, but i bet you'll see a big difference by region contest and beyond.  The HBD has gobs of experience

 

I watched the video - Hannah has their signature sound - just wait and see.  As far as the other schools I think JBA and LF will be killer.  I saw Edinburg - wasn't like they were last year. Weslaco is always meh in my opinion. Everyone else will just be very very mid.

How interesting that makes sense. I think they’ll be okay this season but if what you’re saying is true the successors of the hbd have some big shoes to fill. I agree with JBA and LF maybe United as well. Edinburgh was good as well as Weslaco Lol very very mid is a strong opinion but I think it will still be closer than we think. The finalists at area will be pretty neck and neck especially the top 5 I think the difference in scores will be small. That 3rd spot is the hardest spot rn imo. JBA has 1st on locks unless LF does a lot of improving which I think they will or united. Both can give JBA a run for their money. Area is going to be absolutely cutthroat as more and more bands improve like Hanna or Harlingen could definitely steal a finals spot or a state spot with enough work. But if I’ve noticed anything progression isn’t exactly linear. Bands who have been consistently scoring high all season get cold feet at area or peak early and other bands come in and take their place.

[LoneStar69]

11 hours ago, RainTower57 said:

I agree I like Harlingens show it’s pretty interesting the concept. I didn’t know Edinburg north was going. I didn’t know UISD was this week?? 

Yes! Harlingen’s show is great I love their music sounds amazing and their colorguard wow! Can’t wait for more of them on Saturday. UISD is this Saturday October 4th!