Review: BOA Towson (Prelims)

[airons0678]

NOTE: I know this is not really a "Texas-related" topic...but I felt I should share this with you anyways, because some of these bands will be competing against the Texas bands going to the BOA Grand National Championships (most notably West Johnston). Enjoy!

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

2006 Bands of America Regional Championships presented by Yamaha

Towson University

Towson, Maryland

October 22, 2006

 

I was in a meditative state. Here I was, high in the sky, all is calm, on a jet plane.

 

My flight was to Washington, D.C. where I would see my best friend, Albert Shimabukuro. Albert and I were in the Fountain Valley High School Marching Band together (Fountain Valley, CA)--he a tuba player and a grade level below me. When I finished high school, we adventured into the realm of drum corps with the Pacific Crest (Diamond Bar, CA). He and I then went our separate ways when I went to New Jersey for school and he stayed in California with other goals. When I came back to California, he and I were still far apart, as I lived in Santa Barbara and he lived in Fountain Valley. He quickly departed confidently this state after becoming disillusioned with LIFE with dad and mom and ex and foes and more. Now, in Washington, D.C., and living with Chuck Swain--another friend of ours who played percussion in the same band we were in--he was steadfast; content.

 

As I sat in my comfy leather seat I stared at the screen ahead. JetBlue Airways reigned supreme. I looked left. I looked right. I looked straight. I was bored. But not quite. As I flipped through channels I was entranced by a program that caught interest--Madonna's Blonde Ambition Tour, which was caught on tape, documentary style, and here on VH1 Classic. Now, let me warn you that I am not a fan of Madonna or her art...but this art; this art SHOCKED. People seem to think that Janet Jackson flashing her breast at Super Bowl (wardrobe malfunction, right?) went too far in taking art to the next "level." But Madonna was far, far ahead of J.J. when it came down to pushing, or rather, blasting envelopes. I came to find out that in 1990, during her "Blonde Ambition Tour," Madonna was threatened to be put under arrest in Toronto for her "Like a Virgin" act which had a simulated **** routine in which two men in cone bras sexually touch her. At the time Madonna said that she would rather not perform the show than alter the content. Interesting. Has all been said and done? I thought this over...and then I took out my iPod to hear the sweet sounds of Boxcutter's "Oneiric," Philip Glass's "Symphony No. 8," and Plaid's "Double Figure." There is more yet to come. When you are stuck on a plane you are, in a way, forced to be CREATIVE. You are with you, you are with you, you are with you, you are with you, you are with you...and I am with I. Then it perhaps is no surprise that I busted out my notebook to write fiction. I had to write about a man in a bunker. Yes, this "man in a bunker" thought, indeed, is STRANGE. However, a co-worker and I somehow reached that idea, and therefore we challenged each other to create a story with topic in focus. We shall see if mine tops his--we have until Thanksgiving weekend, heh heh! Oh the joys of our words.

 

While in the United States capital, I walked for miles and miles to see the White House, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memoria1, the Korean War Memorial, the D.C. World War Memorial, and the Capital Building. I have seen all this in textbooks and on television, but when you are there the experience is overwhelming. The Lincoln Memorial, I think, affected mostly here. The words of Lincoln linger--words like "freedom" and "insurgent" which are used to this very day.

 

On the day of the Bands of America Regional Championships, long sections of highways were driven. Towson University was not hard to get to. As always, I was way too early. The sun crept up on Johnny Unitas Stadium. I briefly gazed upon the field. It was carved out of the earth, this cement structure, and had plenty of seating, a pale green field, and banners hung snugly. It was cold out, so I dressed warm. When I got my seat I thought back to my days in Jersey City. "I'm back."

 

PRELIMINARY PERFORMANCES

 

New Milford High School

New Milford, CT

Repertoire: "Channel One Suite"

Comments: With pride, the New Milford High School Marching Band took the field with the wind players in a few horizontal lines to warm up. Their uniform tops were white above a silver sparkly "sash" which divided the above from the green lower portion and black pants. The auxiliary struck various Fosse-like poses, they wearing purple, grey, and black. A tympani roll, plus some rolling wind notes onwards got this story on the forward. There seemed to be several pulse problems, and I so wished for some more speed. This show demands speed. Wow, auxiliary, those twirling sabre tosses to kick off the ballad were fine. Hmmm, slightly shaky trumpet solo, buuut he got the job done. Most of the step sizes for this group were 6-to-5, and a few drill moves were above average. I noticed one sax player miss the direction change. The percussion feature--lackluster. Was there a bass drum player (or two) missing? Ha ha! Yeah, I like that this band lets loose and seems to enjoy themselves during the big, loud times of their show. (They'll get points for that, for sure.) Oh, did you have to end your show in a crissy cross basics block? All right, not a bad show. However, this show was too timid; too cautious. The forms were not the cleanest, either. The big thumbs up goes to the guard, who seemed to have all their chores done.

My Score: 52.70

My Placement: 25th

 

West Springfield High School

Springfield, VA

Repertoire: "Industrial Strength" featuring music by Paul Hindemith, including "Symphony in B flat for Band" and "Symphonic Metamorphosis"

Comments: The auxiliary maintained golden cogs. In concave and convex horizontal arcs that do not touch, the wind players were called to attention, and snapped. I was jolted by a low brass smack and a trumpet arc with the players kneeling or standing at different heights (with the tallest in the middle and those around him ascending downwards on both sides). My, my...these kids put out the sound. I was chilled by the warmth of the brass, and the sweet of the woodwinds. Lots of good stuff happened with the drill. I could see those white toes from a mile away. Some spacing was askew. That triangle portion was not spiffy enough, but I liked the rotation in slow-motion running-man style, with the final bout of visual moves rendering horns on the ground and both arms extended forward and clasped somewhat. I like the cream and orange tops of the unis, with the navy blue (or black) pants that had an orange stripe. Great guard moment up front with a ripple move of flags to the ground as a trumpet soloist does his thing within this stage. I really, really like the "final approach" of this group from the backfield forward with funky, thunderous beating drums. Those ending rotations in rhombus and bigger rhombus forms were messy. The end of their show had might. Not too much magic was going on visually, but lots of magic was going on musically. Because this show was not "balanced" in terms of G.E., I was thrown off balance. I must write, though, that there were several specks of excellence, here.

My Score: 58.60

My Placement: 18th

 

East Irondequoit School District

Rochester, NY

Repertoire: "No Good Deed Goes Unpunished," "No One Mourns The Wicked," "The Water Is Wide" and "The Awakening"

Comments: Several black backdrops made an arc around the marchers. The marchers were dressed in what appeared to be long black coats, and white pants. Ah ha! After a snappy narration, the wind players get in a right triangle form and play with might, balanced. Lots of punchy notes going on! Trumpets, woodwinds, and low brass have their own special feature, and they pulled it off. The auxiliary broke out of their black jumpsuits to reveal costumes of different colors. ("Colors of the rainbow," or so says the narrator, more or less.) The brass dropping out for a bit so the woodwinds could have some time in the sun was just a LITTLE awkward. Hmmm, we went from "Wicked" to "Copland." Ok-ay. Now the marchers were wearing their traditional white uniforms, complete with helmets and baby blue capes. (They did a costume change.) Hold those rotations steady, everyone. First we have lines that break apart to rotate, most rotating better the second round, and then multiple arcs puff outwards. This show was one to hum, and contained some smooth rhythms. The costume changes were tricky...however, I did not think this greatly enhanced the show. (Routine, routine, routine.) They painted a decent picture, though.

My Score: 56.50

My Placement: 22nd

 

James Madison High School

Vienna, VA

Repertoire: "King Lear" including "Act I, Scene i;" "Act III, Scene i" and "Act V, scene iii"

Comments: A vertical line of black and red trailed up the 50-yard line, and a spear of players horizontally cut through this line. The auxiliary wore magenta, orange, black, and red costumes. The edges of the horizontal line busted apart, woodwind notes erupting. Neato! I like how the center line splits into a circular form, and then a band "spread" form is increased in architectural bliss with a simple few steps by some. Woodwinds pin wheeled around each other, and sections of brass followed suit, all marking their territory with lucid, regal sounds. Good. Good snap at the end of the first movement. The woodwinds strike different poses and play luscious stuff, while the brass forms a circle, facing inwards, and ground their horns to bend and flex and pose their way to fame. The formations are so nice at the end of that tune. I feel like I am back at Medieval Times with those ancient-sounding woodwind riffs. Four rifles were dangerous tossed over one another in a four-man horizontal line, and one seems to drop and bounce off a flute player's knees! (Ouch!) Giant, soaring purple flags with yellow fluorescent streaks ripped through a locked geometric form. The end notes paralleled the start notes, and...wow. This was a strong, strong show.

My Score: 69.90

My Placement: 10th

 

Powhatan High School

Powhatan, VA

Repertoire: "Ritmo Vivo" including "Caipora," "El Corazon del Pueblo" and "Isle de Flores"

Comments: This smallish band warmed up in a brief way. A slash of white divided the grey and black of their tops, and the black of their tops melded with the black of their bottoms. Two diagonal lines of players had guard folks within. (The auxiliary were even within the straight drumline which attached the duo.) These kids moved around greatly at first, and then took "staccato" steps in reduced motion. Haaa! Good, trumpets and mellos--I love that confidence with your music and then you showing off some more by crossing your legs. One-by-one, the woodwinds and then brass break away from their form in sneaky fashion, slithering away and then rocking to the side and forward with some sneaky music. Hmmm, a little too much standing around, perhaps? Ugh! The third song is mushy. Rifle line, good catch (except for uno). Great showmanship from two trumpets, a mellophone, and a saxophone precede a clunky drum feature. This show was both hit and miss. Their routine was bold, sooo...I polished them up. They went to rags at the end of their show, but they will make up for it in time (I think). Solid effort, y'all.

My Score: 55.00

My Placement: 23rd

 

Chantilly High School

Chantilly, VA

Repertoire: "Sandscapes" including "I. Desert Journey," "II. Village Celebration," "III. Mirage" and "IV. Escape"

Comments: A right triangle form of purple and black paralleled an opposite right triangle of tan--these were the musicians and the auxiliary. In the center of the field and facing backfield, separating the two corners of triangles, was a trumpet player. An auxiliary soloist in her flowing, tan dress, faced forward. "That's kinda cool," blurts out the band mom next to me, as the band triangle left corner rushed forward and then morphed with some fancy schmancy moves. The brass stream of sound was pretty firm. Oh my ears! A trumpet trio seemed to get off on the right foot, and then let the squeals REALLY squeal. Pods of marchers break and travel, and the heads snap sideways as other wind players embrace some cutesy moves. The music was groovy. I loved the jumpy dance moves with the arms that extend forward. The winds faced the back stands to let the sound ricochet off the cement block back to us. The company front from out of the blue (still faced back, now front) was not exactly grasped. Use all the counts to get to the 40, piccolos. The toilet flush into the block form was pretty decent, but the lines soon go down the toilet, afterwards. Ooh, now I like how the end of their show sorta reflects what they did at the start, except the auxiliary triangle is where the winds triangle was, and the winds triangle is where the auxiliary triangle was. This show, I am proud to write, was tight. They were good to go.

My Score: 62.50

My Placement: 15th

 

Oswego High School

Oswego, NY

Repertoire: Selections from "Gettysburg"

Comments: This ensemble rolled out 8 large, white tent props, and 3 larger ones of the same color. When some of the marchers faced the audience to their left, I saw blue, and when some of the marchers faced the audience to their right, I saw grey. (I think I have seen this concept used somewhere else before. Hmmm.) The auxiliary wore a patriotic (and vibrant) red, white, and blue. A six-piece woodwind ensemble does their thing with grace, then gracefully slides into a block. (Ah! This band did some of the same music West Genesee used in 1995, when West Genesee went to Grand Nationals. Great music!) The block was loud and boisterous, but not much else. Blend, balance, blend. Okay, another block to block off the first tune. Spacing was somewhat clean during the backfield fun. Both a trombone and trumpet player were spread too far, though. Interesting! A call to arms is made when the side tents come closer to the 50, and then they are opened up to reveal racks of flags (like weapons?). Two "sides" pick up the flags and slowly, yet aggressively come towards each other, with some guard "victims" falling to the ground. We then have some flagwork from the wind players that ends with a flag-snap to the ground with the foot, and a proud salute. What fine SHOWMANSHIP! A domino of rifle tosses are done right, except for the second to the last. A worrisome moment came about when the wind carried some of the tents away. Okay, this show got the picture across. There were some rough moments, but they came through.

My Score: 60.40

My Placement: 16th

 

Calvert Hall College High School

Baltimore, MD

Repertoire: "Gotham," including "Intro. Aerial View of Gotham," "I. A Closer Look at Greed and Corruption," "II. Innocence" and "III. Purification of Gotham"

Comments: Supreme! I was quite, quite impressed by the composure of these performers. In a scattered formation, facing the rear in their black and red, were the uniformed ones. Those in costume wore classy vests, with shirts and ties. A teasing 360-degree turn, along with some pit gusto, moved this marvel right along. Some sketchy trumpets sounds ensue. Snare drums, that was right on the money. Great work! Trumpets, do not drop any more gasoline into this perfect glass of wine. Okay, the melody is a LITTLE more secure, guys. The brass mesh into the arc was not bad, except for some stragglers who were moving during the still. The folding triangle form that retreated--a treat. Are those crutches I see twirled? (Interesting, those grey handle pipe props). I hear a lot of bounce in the sound...clean it up with some better technique, all. Auxiliary, way to grip that flag toss preceding the move to the triangle form. This group mixed up the sight and sound with passion, but were a bit on the flub side of things. They should scrub the living daylights of the parts that require music and motion combined. Basics block warm-up exercises on the move, anyone? Keep up the good work.

My Score: 57.30

My Placement: 19th

 

West Allegheny High School

Imperial, PA

Repertoire: "Black, White, and Red All Over"

Comments: Red, White, and black cloth cubes made a stage around the ensemble. I like how the pod of wind players moves as one when they are supposed to, and branch out at other times. Keep the initial line rotations straight, now. (No curves allowed.) The flute solo, amplified, was so pure. Though I was fond of the first tune this band played, I felt some more power was needed. They did not have the strength in numbers, of course, but I could hear some really, really nice stuff from the few. You! Flute! Brave! She had the marvelous sound AND the moves, all right. Yes, another arc to the max, this time the ripple winner with sound tacked on (for a neat effect, yes.) Grey tops with red sparkle sashes criss-crossed to a double company front which merged into a single company front. The last few forms of their show had an Oswego parent crying, "Yes!" I could not agree more. West Allegheny had the edges of their show beveled and sanded down. They were "in touch" musically and visually, and with some slick tricks up their sleeves without going too far they had my vote for a fine show. Good going, crew.

My Score: 64.70

My Placement: 14th

 

Cypress Creek High School

Orlando, FL

Repertoire: "Grimm: Twisted Tales of a Dreadful Journey" including "Into the Forest," "Lost," "The Spell," "Nightmare" and "Rescue"

Comments: This band literally had enough tree props--which were quite detailed--to create a small forest on the field. With horns held in front at the waist, the wind players waited...silently...steadily. Uh-oh! Some of the trees, which were on rollers, started to roll off the field with the wind. Some of the kids broke and scattered to save their eye candy. Fortunately, all were secured in time. An aura of mystery was created, as the low brass bopped their way to stardom. "Red Riding Hood" girls emerged from the trees to dance, and dance they did with super flagwork despite the windy weather. Some band parents collected a fell tree. (Penalty?) The auxiliary, in stylish plaid pants, brown coats, and sailorish neckties (bowed), operated sabres and "air" with charismatic beauty. When the trees are turned around, evil faces appear. Ooh! Scary! Ha ha! A gal playing the sole "Red Riding Hood" appeared to be dead in the middle of the field. I appreciated the rifle staging, in which one guard gal aims her rifle at one who catches a high rifle toss. The music and marching of these kids were pretty spot on. There were a lot of nail-biter moments with trees skidding off this way and that way. These confident performers, however, did not seem to let this bother them! (They worked around the speed bumps, reduced from severe to mere.) This band knew their stuff, and then some. Way to work the crowd!

My Score: 73.30

My Placement: 8th

 

Wakefield High School

Raleigh, NC

Repertoire: "I Believe" including "Imagination," "Unicorns," "Dragons," "Ghosts," "Santa," "Mermaids," "Leprechauns" and "Do You?"

Comments: A storybook with the title "I Believe" was on the back 50, and large enough to read. Full-sized medieval towers stood on the front far side corners of the field. Scattered about were huge flowerpots with multi-colored flower props. Different voices narrate the fairy-tale-themed show. It was a show which seemed rushed. (So much to cover, perhaps?) Lock the beat, band, yeah? Some of their linear rotations were spun well, and some not. Much of their sound...subdued...but they went straight away, despite this. Excellent crouch to the side move that ends with feet together, upright. (Everyone should come up at the same time, though.) After the fun, festive Christmas tune, some zapping noises came from the pit, which were unsavory. (Feedback of sorts.) Oh yeah! Give me that wondrous sound, band! The wind players are rocking on water--on the water (mermaid) tarp, that is. Some in the audience had a chuckle with the Irish accented boy who announced his belief in "Leprechauns." Wow! What a stellar rifle toss and CATCH! (Juuust barely.) The finishing touch on this show was tame, with ho-hum criss-cross box-box drill, but they redeemed themselves somewhat with the jazz run to the far reaches of the field, some open-ended narration, and an almost-picture-perfect turn of the storybook page. "Do You?" Uh-huh. Ha ha! Well done.

My Score: 65.50

My Placement: 13th

 

Westminster High School

Westminster, MD

Repertoire: "Wood, Glass and Metal" including "Kaval Suiri" by Petar Lyondev, "Heroes Symphony" by Philip Glass and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica

Comments: The first form of this band was textbook--perfect form and spacing throughout. The snare drummers tap wooden blocks together, and soon some flutes throw down a spurt of sound. The brass gets in line, too. Ooh! That rifle catch was not exact, but nice attempt. The march-halt-march-halt taking of turns that molds into joyous sounds is special. Ha ha! That was delicious. The curved form dominos from one end to the other, activating the end person with a block device who ends the song with a gallant pose. The Philip Glass music is interpreted with magnificence with window props and solis. The quiet comfort of this tune is soon broken, though. A loud metallic beat intervenes. Angular props are brought out with strong grip. Guard, you are on the mark time and time again. Wow! If there is any "little band that could," this was IT! (Did they prove their critics on the BOA forums wrong, or what? Heh heh!) They played and marched their butts off. Whew! Awesome, awesome work.

My Score: 78.80

My Placement: 6th

 

Scotland High School

Laurinburg, NC

Repertoire: "Stained Glass" including "Cathedral One," "Nimrod" and "Cathedral Three"

Comments: The audience gasped at the garb of these folks. "They're cool looking, aren't they?" said one man. "Wow!" said one woman. Indeed, they wore fancy Scottish garments, complete with caps and kilts. I was seeing red plaid, with a splash of black and a touch of white. Emerging backwards from the vertical lines of musicians was the auxiliary (with excellent erect posture). The "ding dong ding dong" notes of the winds, which descend, were shaky. Okay, really work on that sound on the move. At times, it seemed as if some were not playing their horns? (And this was a pretty large unit, too, so...) I admired the complexity of music, and admired the adherence to spacing. They lingered too long in one spot while they played their slow, lush tune. Then they moved. Then they halted AGAIN! Puh-leez. Okay, the engines get going once again, and I cannot help but spot a fine mesh up front with the tubas. That was a primo catch of the rifles, guard (during the drummers' feature). This group got in a tight block form at the end, and increased their volume a little. Still, lots of little botches hurt them. An interesting fact: This band has worn the same style of uniform since 1956. Talk about tradition!

My Score: 57.00

My Placement: 20th

 

Herndon High School

Herndon, VA

Repertoire: "Chain Reaction" featuring music from "El Cid" and "Ben Hur" by Nickolas Roza

Comments: A long horizontal line was skewered with some vertical lines...integrated in these lines were the guard in clashing-colored costumes. Some hurried music and motion was slowed to get some gallant Roman era music flowing. Wow! Sitting in Indian style were the woodwinds who had hand gestures going, and with red gloves! Trumpets, you had some sweet double-tonguing action going on. Ooh, make sure you snap those horns up to the box, one and all. A skinny rhombus form bows to the drumline, as one person at the end leaps with gusto! Woo-hoo! The folks sitting behind me are greatly impressed. Forms seem to be quite accurate. Some spacing issues, especially noticeable in the flute section when they face the back of the field, are concerning me. These kids are fearless in motion. At times, this non-stop si-ren goes at a whiplash pace. The only "ifs" and "buts" are the flawed forms. If they could clean up their act a bit more they could become scary good. The music was raw and and wrenching and rough. I could feel their passion from here all right. I tip me hat to ya, sires.

My Score: 69.00

My Placement: 11th

 

Susquehannock High School

Glen Rock, PA

Repertoire: "Life/Time" including "I. Time," "II. Duty," "III. Passion" and "IV. Life"

Comments: Black backdrops were set up in arc form, each one with a word. There was "Time," "Urgent," "Stress," "Duty," "Passion," "Heart," "Journey," and "Life." (All the words were scripted different.) Out of nowhere popped out music ones who carried their sound simply. The tuba and electric bass guitar combo worked pretty well. (The booming sound sufficed here.) I liked the bell tones banged out by the winds at the beginning of the second movement. Hey, that was quite a pleasant surprise, folks! I like the way the timid sounds were dented with some ruckus. Effective contrasts, everyone. Nowhere to be found were visuals that got your jaw to drop or anything. The step size here and there was small to medium. (I mean, no wonder they sounded so super.) A banner that reads, "Live the life you imagined," is unwound. The end of their show had some push, but I need to be pushed harder. This is Bands of America, not some local circuit show. If you make my heart race, you make my bones chilled, you make me stand up and cheer, you WILL be rewarded...you did not do this, but you had a swell show. Be proud of what you just did, but be wary that the "others" are tough.

My Score: 56.90

My Placement: 21st

 

West Johnston High School

Benson, NC

Repertoire: "Declaration" featuring the music of Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin and Inspired by the Declaration of Independence

Comments: A tarnished-looking set of backdrops show the word, "Declaration." A militaristic tap of the snare drummer who walks with a guard gal precedes the show and stuns once the show starts, for the rifle is tossed high and slid into place! (For a moment I thought the drumming was coming from another band off the field. Nice attack of the senses, WJ.) Yee-aah! Immaculate is the legs, toes, and...whew! Can I call these kids the unofficial "Cadets" of North Carolina? The music, at moments, is stunning. Runs here and runs there give me that warm and fuzzy feeling. Watch the slop, trumpet or trumpets, right at the tail end of that spectacular drill move. My goodness, a spine-tingling mello soloist, then brass ensemble, then vocalist, then everyone...I am more than satisfied, here. I was clapping during that gorgeous cut-off. Yeah, these kids were that good. This band was Quality with a capital "Q." Ha! This is a classic moment: after a flautist does super a tuba "blows" her away, making her flutter off. This act goes all out, man. It's not over 'till it's over, and these kids put a spin on the end of their own show with a group pose that can only be described as "as pretty as a picture."

My Score: 82.60

My Placement: 3rd

 

Norwin High School

North Huntingdon, PA

Repertoire: "Day and Night"

Comments: This band had a wild and crazy cheering section of fans here. L.J. would be proud. The trumpet section seemed a bit off kilter. Things settled in, though, in no time at all...and I was taking delight in their music. A light speed morphing block, full of searing music, never failed. From left to right, the field went breaking. I gawked at the accuracy, here. Look at the arm raise to the side from every other person, with intervals so beautiful. Aaah, a gentle ending with backs turned away from us and then the changing of the guard as the drums make their mark. A long cymbal rack is bullied, but not so much so as I would have liked. (When you bring those things out, really use them, really use them.) There were some minor glitches that stuck out, like a rifle drop front and center, and a group of wind players that leaned into a big step-off. This band was conservative with their nice synthesizer, and it paid off with total balance, I think, but not enough with the effect (which, perhaps, could have enhanced their percussion feature to a greater degree). I did not think their show was in the right slot at most if not all the right times. They have a talented team, nevertheless. Norwin, to this day you still rock 'em sock 'em.

My Score: 81.90

My Placement: 4th

 

Briar Woods High School

Ashburn, VA

Repertoire: "Reflections of the Imagination" featuring the music of Serge Prokofiev including "I. Fun and Games," "II. Romance," "III. Nightmare" and "IV. Heroic Adventure"

Comments: An extended "S" form which contained the uniform colors of white and black and a hint of orange slinked and winked. One trumpet solo comes in, the soloist standing on platform of side B. Besides a brief snag, both of the players sounded same. Notes did not seem to be lining up in time, and it was even more evident at times with wind in conjunction with percussion. A baritone soloist on the bright green platform on the right 40 wins with his solo. Hmmm, do I detect a mark time move? (Please cut that out, somehow, and put in something else--anything--please.) This was a stagger show. Start segment. Stop segment. Start segment. Stop segment. And you get the point, I hope. (This had the tendency to be quite annoying.) Yes, the drummers are guilty of being involved with stoppage, too. Yeah, this show rolled right along. There were some parts that gleamed bright. Overall, though, there was not much to make you really remember them. I suppose they could be given some credit for their break-play routine. Congratulations to them for being invited to play at Carnegie Hall next year, by the way!

My Score: 54.90

My Placement: 24th

 

Kiski Area High School

Vandergrift, PA

Repertoire: "Viva Las Vegas"

Comments: A strip of shiny gold atop white on the left breast was a mark of class for this classy, prime-time band. Smokin'! The drum major pulls this giant lever next to him on the podium, and the sounds of the casino spray out from the pit. Low brass, way to get on one knee and do your thing. Cool jazz, dudes. I love the stylin' trumpet line, marching with teasing toes. The last form, which was an arc with a divot, was on fire. With a slight hole or two, I call "blemish." Oh yeah, these kids were the kings of cool! I fell head-over-heels in love with their groundwork. The kids get on the ground to a razor sharp sax routine, bop their heads, snap their fingers, and are so sooo relaxed. A sexy auxiliary gal seems to flirt with the romancing sax prodigy. Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. The synth man kicks his machine into high gear with blips and fast-paced sample starts and stops as the field drums slap into place a groovin' beat. Now that's a wonderful pin wheeling drumline in that circle of wind players, and this depicts a roulette table with the narration declaring, "We have a winner!" We do, indeed, thus far! "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," says a female narrator. Heh heh!

My Score: 85.90

My Placement: 1st

 

South Brunswick High School

Monmouth Junction, NJ

Repertoire: "Opposing Forces" featuring "Push" by Rob Smith

Comments: A drum cadence gets this monster of a unit on the field. Three mass arrow forms point to the center of the field where three guard ladies are showing off their flexibility in nice poses. I like the little tug-o-war match up front behind the pit in which the narrator emphasizes, "For every action is an equal or positive reaction." This band had strength in numbers, for sure. I was a little disappointed with flute angles, during a slide. (Get those elbows across!) The colored rifles caught in sequence were exact exact now. Keep this phenomenal work up! The differences in man/woman, male/female are stressed, and in a shade of ballad we see a double-layered heart form. Faster and faster we go, it seems. I was on the lookout for the speed craze, but could not find it, and was not quite thrilled. I did see a fair move where some ducking action catches the eyes. This show had a bundle of mesmerizing moments. Sure, this show was not a back breaker to groups, but it will be "in the hunt." MY hearty congrats to this squad, and my hopes that they will hit the big time some day soon.

My Score: 72.00

My Placement: 9th

 

McLean High School

McLean, VA

Repertoire: "Tribute to Malcolm Arnold, The Dance" including "English Dances (set one) Mvts. II, III, and IV" and "Scottish Dances Mvt. II"

Comments: Every 5 yards, from 30 to 30, were vertical rows of wind musicians now. Flags of different oranges were pointed down and sideways and then brought up same. This giant block of sound shrinks and shrinks to a squished block, then expands. These kids had a handle on their music. It is hard to go wrong with Sir Malcolm Arnold if you do it right. I thought the "arm burst" move (with arms making a circular motion outwards, like a breast stroke) when the last notes of the first tune were played was wicked wicked. Hee hee! What were those sounds that flew out of the fit during the goofball segment? Hey, we have a bagpiper! The man on the pipes was strict and stern, and that was the way it was! (He played his part well!) Okay band, during that power blow--super foot angles and bending. I am glad to see this was not a stationary band. Ah ha! Well, now. These kids pop in some glitzy vis moves when you least expect it. Good. Very good. Trumpets, keep those sustained notes firm. Air, air, air. The end of this show was the toughest for them. Did these kids do Sir Malcolm Arnold right? I think so.

My Score: 68.00

My Placement: 12th

 

Central Bucks High School West

Doylestown, PA

Repertoire: "The Cloud Nine Express" including "I. Industrial," "II. Journey," "III. Winters Edge" and "IV. Arrival"

Comments: Some glittery, wintry cloth backdrops rounded out the right rear portion of the field. Some flutes and clarinets pointed their instruments outwards...some attention to space could be used with these folks, though. Uh, narration? Louder please, louder. The pit sounds were more noise than melody at times, it seemed. (Yeah, I know it may have been INTENDED that way, but still.) Things to get better and better. Middle horns, those notes are sketchy, but okay I suppose. Ewe! Hmmm. (I don't know.) Moving on...drumline, way to set the rhythm with that small ensemble in front of the pit. Be gentle with that block rotation, now. A pleasant trumpet solo has the auxiliary taking out boards with a picture of it snowing outside from behind the backdrops. I smiled at how that wedge form approached the soloist and made the soloist the tip of the form. (Clever writing, here.) The percussion feature MAGNIFIED. This band was certainly a contender. I was surprised to hear less over more in drumming, and my laser ears go to the pit. Please, please, please turn up the narration (or have your band director invest in a bigger or better sound system!) This show was well rounded, I think. Good stuff, good stuff.

My Score: 59.00

My Placement: 17th

 

North Penn High School

Lansdale, PA

Repertoire: "Voices of Genius" including "Mishima" by Philip Glass, "The Canyon" by Philip Glass, "That Next Place" by Thomas Newman and "The Chairmen Dances" by John Adams

Comments: The words "Voices" and "Genius" were in bold on backdrops on the front sideline. My eyes were glued to a hypnotizing set of moves that made the most of their blue front and grey back uniforms. Some thrilling narration of greats such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. were mixed with awesome music. The piano part was played up near the end of the first tune, the repeating chord laced with narration on the theme "practicing" and OOH...it was good! A mostly bass clarinet and clarinet soli ballooned these kids to the extreme. These kids had no shame in the way they used other people's voices, but they used their "own" just as much, and this tag-team relationship really, really worked. "The Chairmen Dances" was relentless in sight and sound, and the dynamic duo of a single uniform was just striking. Good...good, good, good. They did Adams justice by finishing the tune with a trailing keyboard sound, as the wind players quietly escaped. Perfect.

My Score: 79.50

My Placement: 5th

 

King Philip Regional High School

Wrentham, MA

Repertoire: "Roman Festivals" by "Ottorino Resphigi"

Comments: The wind players played in a scattered form until, in brief, the visual is resolved. And sweet, sweet resolution it was! More stunning, perhaps, is the trumpet section. Trumpets, trumpets, trumpets. (They met the task at hand like all-stars.) Nice tondu, rear of triangle form. They took the east coast style of marching to the extremes...so, so good. A curly metallic percussion toy in the pit created slush-ush-ing sounds. This band pinpointed all! My oh my. And do not let the size of this group fool you, for their sound was just as big as the big guys here. Ha! A mesh is about to happen and then doesn't. (Thanks for the tease!) The percussion is maniacal in percussion. Just try to do what their snares do. Some drifting melodies are nailed, and you can't help but think, think, think when you see what these kids can do. Two block forms attach onto each other, and then rotate, and then zooooom! This band books it, and then puts the cap on their sheer run of breathtaking excellence. The audience was in shock, and so was I.

My Score: 85.00

My Placement: 2nd

 

Croatan High School

Newport, NC

Repertoire: "The X Factor" including "I. The X Factor," "II. X Marks the Spot," "III. The X Generation," "IV. X=" and "V. The X Factor"

Comments: This was, perhaps, the one of if not the smallest bands of the day. Huge strips of blue marked an "X" on the field, with the winds and guard riding each other like playing cards. Now taking up space on the tarps, the winds engage in some dance moves, and then they take gock blocks of differing size to make neat musical sounds. These kids hold themselves to very high standards, I could tell. Musically, each one of them gives their all. Though there is no drumline, a rhythm section near the back 50 and the pit up front can do not wrong, it seems. (And, oh yes, they do more than enough to accommodate, I think.) The "unmotivated" acts pokes fun at the "Generation X" label to the "X-treme." (Ha ha! I had to have some fun, here.) Great starts and stops from all make this band one to watch out for. You gotta love those baby blue and black unis. Whoa! Did you see that rifle catch in one click? Beautiful. A soprano saxophone solo begins so so perfect, but then, aaaaaah, shrillness results. HOWEVER...not all is lost, here. A recovery, along with some stunning dance moves (thanks, winds!) makes this show just a slightly dirty gem.

My Score: 75.00

My Placement: 7th

 

Exhibition: Towsen University

Towsen, MD

Repertoire: (Not Listed)

Comments: The band parked themselves on the track right in front of the audience. "Okay, Blue Devils, forte!" yelled their band director. Ha ha! Of course, the band performed the famed Blue Devils progression chords. After that they played a warm-up with some more interesting chords, much louder. It took a while for this group to get all set up, but it was worth the wait. A steamy, jazzy trumpet soloist is joined by his buddies with music that just grows and grows in might. A guy in the guard tossed his rifle sky high, struck a one-legged pose with arms folded, and then nearly caught the rifle with one hand, but it caught it with both hands. No doubt, this band was full to the brim with skills. The band hoots and hollers at a trombone soloist who takes his sweet time with his solo. Soon, the band joins in with fervor. An exchange between the trombone soloist and trumpet soloist occurs. Next we have some handclaps and other audio-visual moments. Ha ha! Good times. And last but not least, here come the sounds of Queen. Need I write more? Yes! Here comes the sounds of Tower of Power, too! These guys don't know when to quit, and that is just fine by me.

My Score: N/A

My Placement: N/A

 

Mid-Show Thoughts: East coast bands are unique in that they are mostly small in size but very strong in how they perform. Most of these squads are not shy when it comes to playing difficult music or marching difficult drill. (The woodwind sections are VERY ADEPT.) For the most part, the bands that used electronics used electronics for stabilizing, not modifying. (I think Kiski Area would be one of the few exceptions to this.) When it comes down to doing more with less the east rules...but I do think they could do more "with more" (for the sake of challenging more bands that are nationally recognized). On a bright note, I was very, very pleased to see such a DIVERSE crowd. Not only did we see bands that rarely compete against each other, we saw bands that shared their interpretation of what they thought was "good." Obviously, some bands were good, but some bands were better...and it is through this learning process all bands can get much better!

 

Now, here is the breakdown of my preliminary results and actual preliminary results:

 

My Division Ratings

(Note: Actual Division Ratings Not Announced)

New Milford H.S., CT - III

West Springfield H.S., VA - III

East Irondequoit School, NY - III

James Madison H.S., VA - II

Powhatan H.S., VA - III

Chantilly H.S., VA - II

Oswego H.S., NY - II

Calvert Hall College H.S., MD - III

West Allegheny H.S., PA - II

Cypress Creek H.S., FL - II

Wakefield H.S., NC - II

Westminster H.S., MD - I

Scotland H.S., NC - III

Herndon H.S., VA - II

Susquehannock H.S., PA - III

West Johnston H.S., NC - I

Norwin H.S., PA - I

Briar Woods H.S., VA - III

Kiski Area H.S., PA - I

South Brunswick H.S., NJ - II

McLean H.S., VA - II

Central Bucks H.S. West, PA - III

North Penn H.S., PA - I

King Philip Regional H.S., MA - I

Croatan H.S., NC - I

 

My Personal Preliminary Scores and Rankings

(Note: Actual Preliminary Scores and Rankings Found on BOA Website)

1. 85.90 Kiski Area H.S., PA

2. 85.00 King Philip Regional H.S., MA

3. 82.60 West Johnston H.S., NC

4. 81.90 Norwin H.S., PA

5. 79.50 North Penn H.S., PA

6. 78.80 Westminster H.S., MD

7. 75.00 Croatan H.S., NC

8. 73.30 Cypress Creek H.S., FL

9. 72.00 South Brunswick H.S., NJ

10. 69.90 James Madison H.S., VA

11. 69.00 Herndon H.S., VA

12. 68.00 McLean H.S., VA

13. 65.50 Wakefield H.S., NC

14. 64.70 West Allegheny H.S., PA

15. 62.50 Chantilly H.S., VA

16. 60.40 Oswego H.S., NY

17. 59.00 Central Bucks H.S. West, PA

18. 58.60 West Springfield H.S., VA

19. 57.30 Calvert Hall College H.S., MD

20. 57.00 Scotland H.S., NC

21. 56.90 Susquehannock H.S., PA

22. 56.50 East Irondequoit School, NY

23. 55.00 Powhatan H.S., VA

24. 54.90 Briar Woods H.S., VA

25. 52.70 New Milford H.S., CT

 

Class Championships Awards (Actual):

 

Class A

3rd N/A

2nd Briar Woods H.S., VA

1st Croatan H.S., NC

 

Class A Highest Achievement

Outstanding Music Performance - Croatan H.S., NC

Outstanding Visual Performance - Croatan H.S., NC

Outstanding General Effect - Croatan H.S., NC

 

Class AA

3rd West Allegheny H.S., PA

2nd King Philip Regional H.S., MA

1st Kiski Area H.S., PA

 

Class A Highest Achievement

Outstanding Music Performance - King Philip Regional H.S., MA

Outstanding Visual Performance - Kiski Area H.S., PA

Outstanding General Effect - Kiski Area H.S., PA

 

Class AAA

3rd North Penn H.S., PA

2nd Westminster H.S., MD

1st West Johnston H.S., NC

 

Class A Highest Achievement

Outstanding Music Performance - North Penn H.S., PA

Outstanding Visual Performance - Westminster H.S., MD

Outstanding General Effect - West JOhnston H.S., NC

 

My Finalists (In Random Order)

West Johnston H.S., NC

King Philip Regional H.S., MA

Kiski Area H.S., PA

Cypress Creek H.S., FL

Westminster H.S., MD

Croatan H.S., NC

Norwin H.S., PA

James Madison H.S., VA

South Brunswick H.S., NJ

North Penn H.S., PA

 

Actual Finalists (In Random Order)

North Penn H.S., PA

James Madison H.S., VA

Kiski Area H.S., PA

King Philip Regional H.S., MA

Wakefield H.S., NC

Croatan H.S., NC

West Johnston H.S., NC

Westminster H.S., MD

Norwin H.S., PA

McLean H.S., VA

 

Mid-Show Thoughts (Continued): One word; two syllables: DOGFIGHT. Yes, the splitting of captions in the "class means nothing" classes of Class AA and Class AAA (because of a certain band from Pennsylvania and a certain band from Massachusetts) led me to believe that it this regional was ANYONE'S to win. I felt that the it would come down to the wire between Kiski Area, West Johnston, and King Philip Regional. As for the rest of the bands, I was pleased to hear who made top 10. I was 8 for 10 on my predictions of who'd make the dance at this regional. (Not bad.) I was not surprised South Brunswick did made it in, but I was surprised Cypress Creek did not make it in. I was not surprised McLean made it in, but I was surprised Wakefield made it in. Many parents expressed the concern that their band would be hurt by the fact the wind took down some of their props, and I told them that I did not think so. Now, I might be wrong in this about Cypress Creek, because I did see NON-STUDENT get a prop off the field (likely for safety reasons). Did the Timing and Penalties judge give him the right to do this? (I do not know.) Nevertheless, I doubt the wind (or a penalty, if registered) would have much effect on those "hurt." It seemed like each kid out there gave it their all, and that made this show a good one in or not in the top 10.

 

Alan Irons

Fountain Valley High School Marching Band 1993-1996

Pacific Crest of Diamond Bar 1997

Nashua Spartans 1998-1999

UCSB Class of 2002

 

***COMING UP NEXT: FINALS (WITH GUEST REVIEWER ALBERT SHIMABUKURO!)***