Texas 4A Area C 2025 marching band predictions.

[Trumpeter75]

4 hours ago, SETXgal said:

I'm looking for video of Paris & Pleasant Grove that isn't from that terrible audio stream, and video of Canton. After I see those, I think I'll have my predictions locked in.

Soccer one ops on YouTube has a good video of pg at Mineola. May also check pleasant grove band boosters FB page they may have one too

[SETXgal]

34 minutes ago, Trumpeter75 said:

Soccer one ops on YouTube has a good video of pg at Mineola. May also check pleasant grove band boosters FB page they may have one too

Thanks! I found a good stream video from Friday night. Now Canton is the only one left to find.

[Gpk1968]

Posting this in both threads as an fyi to those of you making plans to make the drive to Lindale. One of my buddies is basically going classroom to classroom today begging coaches to drive for her on Monday if it gets moved.

I’m hearing some rumblings that 4a area c could be moved to Monday but a decision will not be made until Friday morning-ish. Lots of BDs were grumbling about using the indoor since it simply would not work well for any band. Shallow sidelines, no place for judges, etc. I think it would be a good move but I’m glad I’m not a band director right now trying to plan logistics! What a headache. 

 

 

[Saxtastic45]

5 minutes ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

Posting this in both threads as an fyi to those of you making plans to make the drive to Lindale. One of my buddies is basically going classroom to classroom today begging coaches to drive for her on Monday if it gets moved.

I’m hearing some rumblings that 4a area c could be moved to Monday but a decision will not be made until Friday morning-ish. Lots of BDs were grumbling about using the indoor since it simply would not work well for any band. Shallow sidelines, no place for judges, etc. I think it would be a good move but I’m glad I’m not a band director right now trying to plan logistics! What a headache. 

 

 

You know if this was the Regional round of football playoffs, half of these schools would shut down to make it happen.

[Gpk1968]

1 minute ago, Saxtastic45 said:

You know if this was the Regional round of football playoffs, half of these schools would shut down to make it happen.

Oh absolutely. And the team would be sent on charter buses. 

[Rennat]

From what we were told today, is that they are checking the forecast for a final time at 10pm tomorrow night. If the competition is moved dates, they are also talking about moving area c to pine trees’ stadium. I’m hoping the weather can clear so we can still have area at the same time and location. 

[Crazybandkid08]

Idk about you guys but this area is hard to predict. What I can say is that I have Celina, SS, NL, BC, and Farmersville locked and going to state. Seeing their performances, I just can’t see how they aren’t making it. That 6th spot is gonna be tough though it can literally go to either Lumberton, PG, Canton, PT, and Paris. I haven’t seen a WP video and since they placed 12th last year, I don’t really expect much from them. Paris’ performance at RC was not great but I’m sure they cleaned their drill since then, still wouldn’t be surprised if they miss out again but they might have a chance. I have yet to see a Canton video but I got some pretty big expectation from them. Same can be said for PT.

[SETXgal]

5 hours ago, Crazybandkid08 said:

Idk about you guys but this area is hard to predict. What I can say is that I have Celina, SS, NL, BC, and Farmersville locked and going to state. Seeing their performances, I just can’t see how they aren’t making it. That 6th spot is gonna be tough though it can literally go to either Lumberton, PG, Canton, PT, and Paris. I haven’t seen a WP video and since they placed 12th last year, I don’t really expect much from them. Paris’ performance at RC was not great but I’m sure they cleaned their drill since then, still wouldn’t be surprised if they miss out again but they might have a chance. I have yet to see a Canton video but I got some pretty big expectation from them. Same can be said for PT.

I have the same 5 bands as set. I have found videos of all but Canton. Just trying to further narrow who gets the sixth spot. I hate to name projected 12 finalists when we don't know for sure they will get a finals round. Van Alstyne may be another. The video of *hjklykl* seemed to have a lot of flutter movements vs. the bands performing a number of what are considered higher difficulty marching maneuvers. 

[DarkNight7698]

2 hours ago, Crazybandkid08 said:

Idk about you guys but this area is hard to predict. What I can say is that I have Celina, SS, NL, BC, and Farmersville locked and going to state. Seeing their performances, I just can’t see how they aren’t making it. That 6th spot is gonna be tough though it can literally go to either Lumberton, PG, Canton, PT, and Paris. I haven’t seen a WP video and since they placed 12th last year, I don’t really expect much from them. Paris’ performance at RC was not great but I’m sure they cleaned their drill since then, still wouldn’t be surprised if they miss out again but they might have a chance. I have yet to see a Canton video but I got some pretty big expectation from them. Same can be said for PT.

You be surprised by WP this year they already beaten PG at a contest and scored on par with Farmersville at one point with visuals and content & design.

[Saxtastic45]

2 hours ago, SETXgal said:

I have the same 5 bands as set. I have found videos of all but Canton. Just trying to further narrow who gets the sixth spot. I hate to name projected 12 finalists when we don't know for sure they will get a finals round. Van Alstyne may be another. The video of Paris seemed to have a lot of flutter movements vs. the bands performing a number of what are considered higher difficulty marching maneuvers. 

I’d be interested to hear your ideas of what makes a high difficulty marching maneuver. I feel sometimes that this is the discussion that needs to be had. Some of our disagreements over this season I think have been more about this philosophy. 

For me, I think the hardest stuff to do is block rotations, gate turns especially with 5 or more marchers, and geometric expansions. The more velocity and bigger step size the better. This was something Canton used to do better than everyone. Maybe they are doing it again.  That’s what is putting Celina and NL over the bar for me that I don’t feel I’m getting from the rest of the field.  I also view the choreography while playing as high difficulty. Especially when it’s really complex. 
 

Fluttering isn’t hard the way most of these groups are doing it. But to flutter well like Celina is really hard IMHO.

I wouldn’t write off WP either bc of the programming. It’s a well put together show. 

[HSBandFan8024]

21 minutes ago, Saxtastic45 said:

I’d be interested to hear your ideas of what makes a high difficulty marching maneuver. I feel sometimes that this is the discussion that needs to be had. Some of our disagreements over this season I think have been more about this philosophy. 

For me, I think the hardest stuff to do is block rotations, gate turns especially with 5 or more marchers, and geometric expansions. The more velocity and bigger step size the better. This was something Canton used to do better than everyone. Maybe they are doing it again.  That’s what is putting Celina and NL over the bar for me that I don’t feel I’m getting from the rest of the field.  I also view the choreography while playing as high difficulty. Especially when it’s really complex. 
 

Fluttering isn’t hard the way most of these groups are doing it. But to flutter well like Celina is really hard IMHO.

I wouldn’t write off WP either bc of the programming. It’s a well put together show. 

After watching multiple bands of our area (specifically some of which would be in state contention) Lumberton does have a block rotation which has looked pretty clean and has drill which looks way better than their last shows. I wouldn’t put them out as proved last year when many people did. They were 4th in prelims last year before dropping to 6th in finals. I think them and bridge city will be the 4th and 5th spots.
1. Sulphur Springs
2. Celina
3. North Lamar
4. BC/Lumberton/Farmersville
5. Likewise
6. Likewise
I just think these bands stand out among other bands. So many bands in our area deserve a spot in the Alamodome, but that’s the way it is. I’d say if Sulphur can perform like they did in prelims last year (being 1st), they could beat Celina again this year. Celina is the one to beat, and if they did get second, like I predict, it would be a pretty big deal, but if they won, it wouldn’t be big news. North Lamar took a very slow approach (having only around 1-2 minutes on at their first game and finishing their show late). It is clean, which is why I have them up here, but I could see them dropping anywhere in the top 6. Bridge City had a breakout season last year, jumping to 3rd at the area (maybe the highest they’ve ever placed, don’t quote me). They look very clean and sound good musically, could even make a run at the state finals. Farmersville show doesn’t do it for me, I think it’s so greatly performed by the students, but if the soprano player has an off day, it could be a very sloppy rep. (Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player and I hope the best for him, but even the greatest can crack under pressure, but I hope he doesn’t.) Lastly, Lumberton, I think, is my dark horse this season. I think they have some of the hardest music in the state for the entire band (not just the soloist, as that would go to Farmersville). The soloists are very solid all around. Despite the most recent regional performance, their tuba soloist had a tiny bit of trouble finding the tempo, but their tone and abilities are very solid. The students play into the character very well, and if this isn’t the show that brings them further than ever, I don’t know what will. But that’s just my takeaways. Best of luck to all the bands this weekend or Monday. I’d also like to know everyone else’s opinions on Lumberton, as I talked a good bit about it!

[SETXgal]

1 minute ago, Saxtastic45 said:

I’d be interested to hear your ideas of what makes a high difficulty marching maneuver. I feel sometimes that this is the discussion that needs to be had. Some of our disagreements over this season I think have been more about this philosophy. 

For me, I think the hardest stuff to do is block rotations, gate turns especially with 5 or more marchers, and geometric expansions. The more velocity and bigger step size the better. This was something Canton used to do better than everyone. Maybe they are doing it again.  That’s what is putting Celina and NL over the bar for me that I don’t feel I’m getting from the rest of the field.  I also view the choreography while playing as high difficulty. Especially when it’s really complex. 

Fluttering isn’t hard the way most of these groups are doing it. But to flutter well like Celina is really hard IMHO.

I wouldn’t write off WP either bc of the programming. It’s a well put together show. 

Those are good examples. I wasn't saying fluttering is high difficulty maneuvers. My opinion was about how much fluttering was in one show (not WP). I wouldn’t agree with the faster & bigger the step sizes are, the better. Drill has evolved.

Yes, WP is a good put together show. It isn't the only one either. It's about the level the competition is performing at. It is said in here all the time, many of these bands that don't advance to state from Area C may be better than bands that do advance to state from other areas. Hopefully realignment balances things out with some of these big schools moving up. 

[SETXgal]

16 minutes ago, HSBandFan8024 said:

After watching multiple bands of our area (specifically some of which would be in state contention) Lumberton does have a block rotation which has looked pretty clean and has drill which looks way better than their last shows. I wouldn’t put them out as proved last year when many people did. They were 4th in prelims last year before dropping to 6th in finals. I think them and bridge city will be the 4th and 5th spots.
1. Sulphur Springs
2. Celina
3. North Lamar
4. BC/Lumberton/Farmersville
5. Likewise
6. Likewise
I just think these bands stand out among other bands. So many bands in our area deserve a spot in the Alamodome, but that’s the way it is. I’d say if Sulphur can perform like they did in prelims last year (being 1st), they could beat Celina again this year. Celina is the one to beat, and if they did get second, like I predict, it would be a pretty big deal, but if they won, it wouldn’t be big news. North Lamar took a very slow approach (having only around 1-2 minutes on at their first game and finishing their show late). It is clean, which is why I have them up here, but I could see them dropping anywhere in the top 6. Bridge City had a breakout season last year, jumping to 3rd at the area (maybe the highest they’ve ever placed, don’t quote me). They look very clean and sound good musically, could even make a run at the state finals. Farmersville show doesn’t do it for me, I think it’s so greatly performed by the students, but if the soprano player has an off day, it could be a very sloppy rep. (Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player and I hope the best for him, but even the greatest can crack under pressure, but I hope he doesn’t.) Lastly, Lumberton, I think, is my dark horse this season. I think they have some of the hardest music in the state for the entire band (not just the soloist, as that would go to Farmersville). The soloists are very solid all around. Despite the most recent regional performance, their tuba soloist had a tiny bit of trouble finding the tempo, but their tone and abilities are very solid. The students play into the character very well, and if this isn’t the show that brings them further than ever, I don’t know what will. But that’s just my takeaways. Best of luck to all the bands this weekend or Monday. I’d also like to know everyone else’s opinions on Lumberton, as I talked a good bit about it!

I think Lumberton works well, maybe even does their best cleaning & polishing, under pressure! They shouldn't be ruled out at all and have the experience to understand the level they need to be at. As far as if this doesn't bring them the farthest, it is also a new style & more choreo & things than their shows in the past. If they don't get as far as they hope this year, next year they would have most members familiar with this different formula. They will be ready to go at it! Plus, Celina will be gone...

[Gpk1968]

17 minutes ago, SETXgal said:

My opinion was about how much fluttering was in one show

Sulphur, right? I noticed that at Melissa. There are a lot of flutter moves in their show and IMO it makes a lot of the transitions sloppy and seems unnecessary. The formations get lost and it’s not to my taste. They play great, have lots of volume all the time, but this is one of many reasons why I’m ranking them third. 

 

33 minutes ago, HSBandFan8024 said:

I’d say if Sulphur can perform like they did in prelims last year (being 1st), they could beat Celina again this year.

I felt like Celinas early draw last year hurt their scores a bit. Classic case of judges under scoring early in a contest. They thoroughly defeated the pack in finals. 

 

35 minutes ago, HSBandFan8024 said:

Farmersville show doesn’t do it for me, I think it’s so greatly performed by the students, but if the soprano player has an off day, it could be a very sloppy rep

I feel a little weird about putting so much weight on one single soloist. In the grand scheme of things, the ensemble is much more important. I noticed a lot of issues with farmersvilles show last year and their placement at state didn’t surprise me at all. I know the kids were devastated but I think they ended up in the correct place. Once again, stellar soloists who won the crowd over, but lots of technical issues under the surfaces. Great concept and theming, though. 

[SETXgal]

2 minutes ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

Sulphur, right? I noticed that at Melissa. There are a lot of flutter moves in their show and IMO it makes a lot of the transitions sloppy and seems unnecessary. The formations get lost and it’s not to my taste. They play great, have lots of volume all the time, but this is one of many reasons why I’m ranking them third. 

Nope. 

[Gpk1968]

Just now, SETXgal said:

Nope. 

Interesting! So we have two flutter happy bands in area c. I’ll have to think on this!

[Saxtastic45]

23 minutes ago, HSBandFan8024 said:

After watching multiple bands of our area (specifically some of which would be in state contention) Lumberton does have a block rotation which has looked pretty clean and has drill which looks way better than their last shows. I wouldn’t put them out as proved last year when many people did. They were 4th in prelims last year before dropping to 6th in finals. I think them and bridge city will be the 4th and 5th spots.
1. Sulphur Springs
2. Celina
3. North Lamar
4. BC/Lumberton/Farmersville
5. Likewise
6. Likewise
I just think these bands stand out among other bands. So many bands in our area deserve a spot in the Alamodome, but that’s the way it is. I’d say if Sulphur can perform like they did in prelims last year (being 1st), they could beat Celina again this year. Celina is the one to beat, and if they did get second, like I predict, it would be a pretty big deal, but if they won, it wouldn’t be big news. North Lamar took a very slow approach (having only around 1-2 minutes on at their first game and finishing their show late). It is clean, which is why I have them up here, but I could see them dropping anywhere in the top 6. Bridge City had a breakout season last year, jumping to 3rd at the area (maybe the highest they’ve ever placed, don’t quote me). They look very clean and sound good musically, could even make a run at the state finals. Farmersville show doesn’t do it for me, I think it’s so greatly performed by the students, but if the soprano player has an off day, it could be a very sloppy rep. (Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player and I hope the best for him, but even the greatest can crack under pressure, but I hope he doesn’t.) Lastly, Lumberton, I think, is my dark horse this season. I think they have some of the hardest music in the state for the entire band (not just the soloist, as that would go to Farmersville). The soloists are very solid all around. Despite the most recent regional performance, their tuba soloist had a tiny bit of trouble finding the tempo, but their tone and abilities are very solid. The students play into the character very well, and if this isn’t the show that brings them further than ever, I don’t know what will. But that’s just my takeaways. Best of luck to all the bands this weekend or Monday. I’d also like to know everyone else’s opinions on Lumberton, as I talked a good bit about it!

I don’t think it’s going to turn out this way. And here’s why. Music matters more than visual. Celina is next level when it comes to music. It’s harder and played better than everyone. 
one of the reasons I think NL is better than SS is they just sound better. More balanced and more musical. I don’t think they are on Celinas level but they are closer to them than the rest of the field is to NL. 

[HSBandFan8024]

10 minutes ago, GarbagePatchKid said:

Sulphur, right? I noticed that at Melissa. There are a lot of flutter moves in their show and IMO it makes a lot of the transitions sloppy and seems unnecessary. The formations get lost and it’s not to my taste. They play great, have lots of volume all the time, but this is one of many reasons why I’m ranking them third. 

 

I felt like Celinas early draw last year hurt their scores a bit. Classic case of judges under scoring early in a contest. They thoroughly defeated the pack in finals. 

 

I feel a little weird about putting so much weight on one single soloist. In the grand scheme of things, the ensemble is much more important. I noticed a lot of issues with farmersvilles show last year and their placement at state didn’t surprise me at all. I know the kids were devastated but I think they ended up in the correct place. Once again, stellar soloists who won the crowd over, but lots of technical issues under the surfaces. Great concept and theming, though. 

How are we feeling about the schedule this year? Sulphur could place 2nd or maybe even 3rd in prelims because of their early preformance time. Poor Farmersville and Pinetree preforming between two giants being SS and NL. Bridge City might have won this draw in the sense that they don't preform in the same block as any other 2024 state ranked bands. I think Celina has the spot in prelims to come out with first. Based off this schedule i'd say the top 6 bands in prelims (preforming in the second half of finals) (and in no particular order). Celina, Sulphur, BC, Lumberton, NL, Farmersville.

[Gpk1968]

5 minutes ago, HSBandFan8024 said:

How are we feeling about the schedule this year? Sulphur could place 2nd or maybe even 3rd in prelims because of their early preformance time. Poor Farmersville and Pinetree preforming between two giants being SS and NL. Bridge City might have won this draw in the sense that they don't preform in the same block as any other 2024 state ranked bands. I think Celina has the spot in prelims to come out with first. Based off this schedule i'd say the top 6 bands in prelims (preforming in the second half of finals) (and in no particular order). Celina, Sulphur, BC, Lumberton, NL, Farmersville.

Celina def got a good draw. So did Lumberton and BC. Lots of heavy hitters in that early block. I wouldn’t want to perform then! Poor pine tree got an early slot last year too. With this many bands performing in prelims, I would really hate for there to not be a finals. I think a lot of magic happens in finals. 

[GD_57]

Seeing this list for area , do we have any full placement predictions?

[Skibslice]

I just want to see some placement that shakes things up, that surprises everyone in the area. Maybe Canton placing low, Quinlan-ford places higher than PG or someone like that, even a new band making finals or a normal finalist not making finals, and of course, a new first time state band is always welcome, or even a comeback of a underdog, Just something that shakes the game.

[DarkNight7698]

5 minutes ago, Skibslice said:

I just want to see some placement that shakes things up, that surprises everyone in the area. Maybe Canton placing low, Quinlan-ford places higher than PG or someone like that, even a new band making finals or a normal finalist not making finals, and of course, a new first time state band is always welcome, or even a comeback of a underdog, Just something that shakes the game.

Honestly, I agree, it’d be awesome to see something unexpected happen this year. It keeps things exciting when a smaller or newer band surprises everyone and makes a big run. Seeing an underdog rise or a new group hit state for the first time would definitely shake things up in the best way

[Skibslice]

I mean WP hasn't gone to state in 4 years now, Farmersville has been on it lately, Things in Canton are shaky but they're still in it to win it, same as PG, Community, VA, NL, and Lumberton, Pine Tree and Paris are out there too, Quinlan-Ford has some talks, and can't forget BC. I mean anything is possible, especially with the war for those two bottom state spots between 9 bands. It's really anyone game this year in the last two state spots, of course the top four are basically decided but of course, anything can happen! I just the ones in the early spots can get a equally good run as others, if not a second chance in finals.

[SETXgal]

2 hours ago, Skibslice said:

I mean WP hasn't gone to state in 4 years now, Farmersville has been on it lately, Things in Canton are shaky but they're still in it to win it, same as PG, Community, VA, NL, and Lumberton, Pine Tree and Paris are out there too, Quinlan-Ford has some talks, and can't forget BC. I mean anything is possible, especially with the war for those two bottom state spots between 9 bands. It's really anyone game this year in the last two state spots, of course the top four are basically decided but of course, anything can happen! I just the ones in the early spots can get a equally good run as others, if not a second chance in finals.

Which 4 do you think are set? 

[Skibslice]

Celina, farmers, Sulpher, NL, Lumberton, WP, 6th: BC, Pine, Paris, Canton, Quinlan, VA, PG, Community.

me and a guy one bets for WP to make a come back. Soooo