UIL 6A Area G 2025

[LoneStar69]

10 hours ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

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!

Thanks for the schedule! Not a bad list I agree for the most part. Honestly that isn’t a hot take at all I also agree. Now we’ll get to see how the Area G bands stand to each other on UILs scoring system. Does anyone know where to find a judge sheet to see what they’re looking for? It could be a good battle over each other I’d like to see that. I think LF will take over them they're making great sounds and their visuals are clean ( I haven’t seen Edinburgh recently) but we’ll see Saturday.

[UnduePizza26]

18 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?

I absolutely agree. I have no doubts that Harlingen wants it this year, they’ve been out of finals for two years and their 2022 state run still lives in the memories of the oldest members! From rewatching their 2023 and 2024 productions, they seem to really have leveled up in all aspects of performance. Possibly a staff or writing change? Those kids sound awesome. Weslaco and LF are the real deals this contest. I can see them displaying much higher levels of execution this weekend, after all it’s been almost two weeks since BOA, and Weslaco wasn’t present at that comp, who knows, they might surprise. They’ve been right on the doorstep of state for so long that they must all be real hungry for it. After reading the comments on Hanna, I hope they can level back up in time for area, and they usually do! Classic program with such a signature sound that I wouldn’t put out of the top 5 this year. Can’t wait to see Edinburg, last year they were absolutely dominating the early season but fell short at area. Like others are saying, it’s only really locked for JBA and possibly LF and United, but that 3rd spot could be anyone really. Area G is always fun because of how close the bands all are! For that spot it could honestly be anyone from Weslaco, both Edinburgh schools, Hanna, PSJA, or Harlingen. It’s all gonna come down to the smallest details. And yes, about JBA, I’m not exactly sure about their schedule, but they usually attend a contest or two upstate.

[enderplayz17]

4 hours ago, LoneStar69 said:

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.

Gonna add on to this/clear it up a bit as a Hanna alumni from last year. You all are correct, no staff changes currently happening at Hanna nor is there any that are assumed. We have been using the same processes every year pretty much and I don't think that any issues would be caused by staff, as they are all really good and know what they are doing. I think if there is issues this year, it'd go to the design of the show and not the people putting it in motion. Happened to us in 2023 when we had a pretty weak show design and missed state by a good amount just to get 2nd the next year. I trust in the program to pull off another state appearance and want them to do good! Hope that I get to see them in the dome if they make it who knows! This year is very competitive and very unpredictable. 

[enderplayz17]

15 hours ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

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!

Weslaco's show from my opinion seems to be about Infinity (but not in the same way that Vandegrift did). It's a much more emotional and original take on the idea. I will say out of all the show designs, they are up there. I will say Los Fresnos is probably the most entertaining to watch though. The woodwind runs add that shock value that pieces the show together. At this point, I feel like Weslaco can finally take state this year if they really work hard enough, they have the talent to do it and would love to see a new face mixed in with some of the old historic bands. Also hoping Hanna can take a medal (top 3) this comp! Always will hope for the best with them! Gonna be interesting with this being Hanna's first competition and Weslaco's first time competing with the rest. Also didn't know SB was gonna be an exhibition band but it makes sense. I really like them this year they have a neat little show!

[RainTower57]

My predictions for this upcoming contest

1. Los Fresnos

2. Weslaco 

3. Edinburgh 

4. Harlingen 

5. Veterans

6. Hanna

7. Econemedes

Haven’t heard Weslaco yet but I hear they are really good. Usually are better than Edinburgh but who knows, they might take 2nd? Harlingen will beat veterans, the sound is good. Vets also has a more complete and clean show then Hanna. 

[UnduePizza26]

1 hour ago, RainTower57 said:

My predictions for this upcoming contest

1. Los Fresnos

2. Weslaco 

3. Edinburgh 

4. Harlingen 

5. Veterans

6. Hanna

7. Econemedes

Haven’t heard Weslaco yet but I hear they are really good. Usually are better than Edinburgh but who knows, they might take 2nd? Harlingen will beat veterans, the sound is good. Vets also has a more complete and clean show then Hanna. 

These are some good predictions, although I would swap Hanna and Veterans in my opinion as Hanna may get the upper-hand musically, especially in a UIL-style contest where music is given a more generous cut of the points. Definitely looking forward to seeing where Harlingen is at, I haven't gotten around to see a more recent run of their show. If they show up on Saturday with a more complete product, I can totally see them beating out Hanna for now, as was the case for early-season last year. Visually, there is still some cleaning to be done with them, however. Not sure what the current status is with Hanna, but their most recent run was still with their traditional unis and no props. I have a strong feeling we will be seeing a different case on Saturday, same with all the other bands! I can't wait to see the (close to) final designs of these amazing shows. I haven't seen Bville Vets or Economedes, so I can't say much on them. We should be getting a much closer look at what the Finals lineup will look like on the 25th. Fingers crossed for all 15 bands to score a 1 at their regional contest, I'd love to see what band secures that bronze spot for state!

[RainTower57]

58 minutes ago, UnduePizza26 said:

These are some good predictions, although I would swap Hanna and Veterans in my opinion as Hanna may get the upper-hand musically, especially in a UIL-style contest where music is given a more generous cut of the points. Definitely looking forward to seeing where Harlingen is at, I haven't gotten around to see a more recent run of their show. If they show up on Saturday with a more complete product, I can totally see them beating out Hanna for now, as was the case for early-season last year. Visually, there is still some cleaning to be done with them, however. Not sure what the current status is with Hanna, but their most recent run was still with their traditional unis and no props. I have a strong feeling we will be seeing a different case on Saturday, same with all the other bands! I can't wait to see the (close to) final designs of these amazing shows. I haven't seen Bville Vets or Economedes, so I can't say much on them. We should be getting a much closer look at what the Finals lineup will look like on the 25th. Fingers crossed for all 15 bands to score a 1 at their regional contest, I'd love to see what band secures that bronze spot for state!

Heard a rumor out of nowhere that Hanna may not show up to the competition on Saturday due to unpreparedness. The head director or someone said how they want to take the band out because it would be a waste of time. Something to watch out for. 

[UnduePizza26]

1 hour ago, RainTower57 said:

Heard a rumor out of nowhere that Hanna may not show up to the competition on Saturday due to unpreparedness. The head director or someone said how they want to take the band out because it would be a waste of time. Something to watch out for. 

That's really strange. I would take that rumor with a grain of salt, I doubt they would drop out of a competition in the October season. Were they just taking it too slow these past two months with rehearsals/drill learning, or is something else going on? 

[RainTower57]

21 minutes ago, UnduePizza26 said:

That's really strange. I would take that rumor with a grain of salt, I doubt they would drop out of a competition in the October season. Were they just taking it too slow these past two months with rehearsals/drill learning, or is something else going on? 

I mean, just look at the video from last week. In the ballad there’s a form where people just start marching randomly and do random visuals out of time on both sides, not only that but either the band tore musically or the arrangement is weird. Not to mention, there was some collisions in the first 2 movements. 

[RainTower57]

21 minutes ago, UnduePizza26 said:

That's really strange. I would take that rumor with a grain of salt, I doubt they would drop out of a competition in the October season. Were they just taking it too slow these past two months with rehearsals/drill learning, or is something else going on? 

I mean, just look at the video from last week. In the ballad there’s a form where people just start marching randomly and do random visuals out of time on both sides, not only that but either the band tore musically or the arrangement is weird. Not to mention, there was some collisions in the first 2 movements. 

[LoneStar69]

2 hours ago, RainTower57 said:

Heard a rumor out of nowhere that Hanna may not show up to the competition on Saturday due to unpreparedness. The head director or someone said how they want to take the band out because it would be a waste of time. Something to watch out for. 

Oh man i hope that’s just a rumor that’s terrible. I think they’ll be okay a lot can happen in a week’s time in this activity. Best of luck to them.

[LoneStar69]

5 hours ago, RainTower57 said:

My predictions for this upcoming contest

1. Los Fresnos

2. Weslaco 

3. Edinburgh 

4. Harlingen 

5. Veterans

6. Hanna

7. Econemedes

Haven’t heard Weslaco yet but I hear they are really good. Usually are better than Edinburgh but who knows, they might take 2nd? Harlingen will beat veterans, the sound is good. Vets also has a more complete and clean show then Hanna. 

Not a bad list I agree. Weslaco and Edinburgh could switch spots its up in the air really. Both can give LF a good fight. I could possibly see Harlingen medaling if all cylinders are firing. Once they get going it’s hard to stop them lol (look at past years.) I haven’t gotten the opportunity to see Vets but best wishes to them and for Hanna i hope they attend  and do well. 

[LoneStar69]

31 minutes ago, RainTower57 said:

I mean, just look at the video from last week. In the ballad there’s a form where people just start marching randomly and do random visuals out of time on both sides, not only that but either the band tore musically or the arrangement is weird. Not to mention, there was some collisions in the first 2 movements. 

I just watched the latest run i could find and they aren’t weren’t bad at all. Their first movement was nicer than before visually they’re cleaner and their signature sound comes through sometimes. Lol who’s that tuba player going crazy? Thats all i heard movement one. Other than that their soloist are great and i like their music selection the maria maria part. There was some timing issues in the first movement in the woodwinds (i think thats the tear you’re talking about.) but for the most part i think they’re gonna be okay if they clean clean clean till area. Last year i heard they had finished their closer the week of city of palms which was a week or 2 before area but that was last year. Again its too soon to count them out completely depending how the others do and Hanna’s progression they could pull it off again but it comes to a point. At this point they got their work cut out for them.

[enderplayz17]

9 hours ago, UnduePizza26 said:

That's really strange. I would take that rumor with a grain of salt, I doubt they would drop out of a competition in the October season. Were they just taking it too slow these past two months with rehearsals/drill learning, or is something else going on? 

There is some truth to this. Yes, there was the prospect of maybe not going to the competition and dropping out, that’s true (how the first person knew that is beyond me) but I’m pretty sure they are still going, I mean it’s too late to just cancel? And I mean they are doing fine, it’s not like going to the competition will hurt them, I doubt they actually will miss. 
And for your second comment, I feel as if they took things a little slower this year but it shouldn’t matter, they should still place well with what they have it’s pretty decent.
Finally… YES there is multiple tears in the ballad but come on they just learned half of it last week we can’t be holding them to play it like amazing on the first performance of it lol. 

[MarchingBandNerd805]

Okay, the bands going to UISD according to txbands prediction forms:
JBA, UHS, Edinburg North, United South, LBJ, Nixon, Martin, Ciggaroa, and Hector J. Garcia ECHS(?).

I think

1. JBA
2. United
3. Edinburg North
4. United South




I assume JBA and United will perform their whole show on Saturday. I want to say United takes it, but JBA just looks and sounds soo good, it's hard to imagine them not getting 1st. JBA is significantly cleaner than the rest of Area G right now, so I say they take the win for UISD. However, I think United has a higher ceiling this year. 
I haven't been able to find a recording of Edinburg North. Does anyone have one?

Also! United South has gotten a new head director. The new USHS head director was the brass director for United for 12 years prior. Exciting!

[LoneStar69]

1 hour ago, enderplayz17 said:

There is some truth to this. Yes, there was the prospect of maybe not going to the competition and dropping out, that’s true (how the first person knew that is beyond me) but I’m pretty sure they are still going, I mean it’s too late to just cancel? And I mean they are doing fine, it’s not like going to the competition will hurt them, I doubt they actually will miss. 
And for your second comment, I feel as if they took things a little slower this year but it shouldn’t matter, they should still place well with what they have it’s pretty decent.
Finally… YES there is multiple tears in the ballad but come on they just learned half of it last week we can’t be holding them to play it like amazing on the first performance of it lol. 

I hope they go it’ll do more good than anything. It wouldn’t hurt to go imo. They’re progressing slowly but if they do it correctly they’ll be okay. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. 

[LoneStar69]

1 hour ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

Okay, the bands going to UISD according to txbands prediction forms:
JBA, UHS, Edinburg North, United South, LBJ, Nixon, Martin, Ciggaroa, and Hector J. Garcia ECHS(?).

I think

1. JBA
2. United
3. Edinburg North
4. United South




I assume JBA and United will perform their whole show on Saturday. I want to say United takes it, but JBA just looks and sounds soo good, it's hard to imagine them not getting 1st. JBA is significantly cleaner than the rest of Area G right now, so I say they take the win for UISD. However, I think United has a higher ceiling this year. 
I haven't been able to find a recording of Edinburg North. Does anyone have one?

Also! United South has gotten a new head director. The new USHS head director was the brass director for United for 12 years prior. Exciting!

I can’t find of Edinburgh North but that’s an interesting take on United and i don’t necessarily disagree but we’ll have to see more of them and face to JBA to get a better idea. I haven’t seen their show but i was able to see Alexander in person and their sound is great very clear. Great news for United South! Hopefully they’ll do good this season with their new director. 3 spots for state? Hopefully so. I’d also like to say i enjoy having these conversations in the forum it’s really interesting and great how everyone is so passionate about how Area G is doing. 

[enderplayz17]

6 hours ago, LoneStar69 said:

I can’t find of Edinburgh North but that’s an interesting take on United and i don’t necessarily disagree but we’ll have to see more of them and face to JBA to get a better idea. I haven’t seen their show but i was able to see Alexander in person and their sound is great very clear. Great news for United South! Hopefully they’ll do good this season with their new director. 3 spots for state? Hopefully so. I’d also like to say i enjoy having these conversations in the forum it’s really interesting and great how everyone is so passionate about how Area G is doing. 

Agree, area g needs much more attention than it gets and I’m glad to see it happening!!

[MarchingBandNerd805]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPSHHSeDcro/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Look at this Instagram post featuring United! Only clip I've been able to find of them.

[MarchingBandNerd805]

10 hours ago, LoneStar69 said:

I can’t find of Edinburgh North but that’s an interesting take on United and i don’t necessarily disagree but we’ll have to see more of them and face to JBA to get a better idea. I haven’t seen their show but i was able to see Alexander in person and their sound is great very clear. Great news for United South! Hopefully they’ll do good this season with their new director. 3 spots for state? Hopefully so. I’d also like to say i enjoy having these conversations in the forum it’s really interesting and great how everyone is so passionate about how Area G is doing. 

Yeah JBA's cleanliness is so hard to beat, I won't be surprised at all if they go undefeated against area g bands this year. Something JBA's show this year is far more enjoyable to me than their last few years. They're doing great! I would say United's show is my favorite this year, but I haven't seen all the Area G shows!

[LoneStar69]

16 hours ago, enderplayz17 said:

Agree, area g needs much more attention than it gets and I’m glad to see it happening!!

In about the next decade or two I think we’ll see a surge in success from Area G. Hopefully soon we’ll get our first 6A state finalist. As far as I know Harlingen was the highest ranked of Area G in 2014 (21st in the state) hopefully soon another band or maybe them again in years to come. Area G is an untapped gold mine of talent recognition will come soon.

[LoneStar69]

54 minutes ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

Yeah JBA's cleanliness is so hard to beat, I won't be surprised at all if they go undefeated against area g bands this year. Something JBA's show this year is far more enjoyable to me than their last few years. They're doing great! I would say United's show is my favorite this year, but I haven't seen all the Area G shows!

I agree their show is quite enjoyable and their sound is just killer! They’re a powerhouse for sure I wonder how the other bands stack against them. So excited for these upcoming competitions!

[SpudMuffin]

30 minutes ago, LoneStar69 said:

In about the next decade or two I think we’ll see a surge in success from Area G. Hopefully soon we’ll get our first 6A area finalist. As far as I know Harlingen was the highest ranked of Area G in 2014 (21st in the state) hopefully soon another band or maybe them again in years to come. Area G is an untapped gold mine of talent recognition will come soon.

Hannah finished 17th in 2006 (Ahead of Hebron and Cedar Park!)  All that info is on the UIL Music website.

Dunno why everyone is hyping Harlingen, not what they were.  JBA isn't all that amazing (but their good) - they just are real real big and hype.  They peak early and never really seem to continue to get better.

LF sounds crazy good. 

I agree there's a lot of talent down in Area G - we all just need to keep trying.

[enderplayz17]

26 minutes ago, SpudMuffin said:

Hannah finished 17th in 2006 (Ahead of Hebron and Cedar Park!)  All that info is on the UIL Music website.

Dunno why everyone is hyping Harlingen, not what they were.  JBA isn't all that amazing (but their good) - they just are real real big and hype.  They peak early and never really seem to continue to get better.

LF sounds crazy good. 

I agree there's a lot of talent down in Area G - we all just need to keep trying.

Yes!! Our director at Hanna would post those results up sometimes in the band hall to show that we beat Hebron before, great memory! I’m pretty sure that was when they had to march at Baylor if I’m correct!
Harlingen doesn’t have the numbers they used too, but they are still putting out quality sound, that’s impressive. The work they put in to achieve that isn’t going unnoticed! 
JBA is much better this year though, and with Area much earlier this year and a lot of shows still not done, I feel like a lot of the “Peak Late” bands will not be as strong due to scheduling unfortunately. AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY ON LF, they are amazing this year!!! I see them possibly taking the final state spot (3rd) at Area this year 👀 

[enderplayz17]

2 hours ago, MarchingBandNerd805 said:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPSHHSeDcro/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Look at this Instagram post featuring United! Only clip I've been able to find of them.

They sound pretty good, can’t lie. That new director has been doing great at United. Those uniforms and props looks awesome to me lol