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***Part 3 (of 3)***

 

2005 Bands of America Regional Championships presented by Yamaha

Alamodome

San Antonio, TX

November 4-5, 2005

 

The anticipation made you want to scream bloody murder. The performances in prelims were INCREDIBLE, and now that the best of the best were "sifted" out, we were ready for a major battle royale. This was like a freak show: people wanted to see the carnage! (And why not, with THIS all-star cast of Texas greats here?) Making finals was not a piece of cake for all the bands. In prelims, I laughed when the bands that made finals were announced in "random order." Random order??? Get out of here! You could hear a pin drip before the last two bands to make finals--Coppell and Hebron--were announced. Okay, truly, the bands were announced in random order (right?)...but wouldn't it be funny if BOA took a peek at the scores and said, "Hmmm, let's really get the crowd going!" Ha ha! You gotta love it.

 

People lined up to get in the Alamodome as soon as they left the Alamodome. You could swear than some were lined up before prelims were even over! (Was dinner even an option? I guess not!) Since I did not hold a "reserved" seat ticket, I had to get my place in line quick, too, with the rest of the crazies. Fortunately, I was smart before I left the Alamodome and bought a hotdog. Yes, ladies and gentleman, a hotdog is part of a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner when you are at a band show all day...NOT! (Of course you can always choose a healthy alternative, like pizza, pretzels, or peanuts...) As I stood in line I could feel the heat, not from the air, which was not bad, but from the folks in line who were extra territorial (not extra terrestrial, although...we could argue this) creatures. To protect the names of the guilty, and, the guilty, let me tell you about some band boosters who were cutting in line because they were wearing the same band booster t-shirts as the t-shirts of those who were already in line. (Not just one or two, but a LARGE group.) Well, the band boosters behind me were livid, and even went so far as to tell it like it is. Whooo! I almost had to play "ref." Calm down, people! Calm...down. The show had not even started, and the fights were just beginning...

 

 

FINALS PERFORMANCES

 

EXHIBITION: Roma High School

Roma, TX

Repertoire: "Convergence" including "With Heart and Voice," "Stained Glass," and "Concerto for Winds and Percussion" by David Gillingham

Comments: Fooled you! This band declined to do an exhibition performance. So I will take this time to do a little rant. This band had a show that hangs with the big boys. Why did they decide they could not do an exhibition, but furthermore, why did they decide they could not even stick around for prelims awards? BOA ought to start cracking down on bands that want to bail out early, especially the ones THAT WIN ALL THE AWARDS! What is up with that? Would Roma have stayed had they made finals? Also, what are we teaching, here, when we pull the kids out of huge event like this? A commitment is a commitment. Just like I was disappointed I was not able to see Harlingen at all in prelims, I was disappointed I was not able to see Roma in finals exhibition. I don't think this was just a slap in the face to BOA, but a slap in the face to all the bands that worked hard to be here. Dan Potter, the announcer for the awards, sounded kind of awkward when he announced all the Class AA awards to Roma and had to inform us that "unfortunately" Roma could not be with us. Was Roma "too good" for everyone, or something? These are great bands, just very poor leadership decisions...and a let down. Sorry, that's how I feel, and I'm sure others felt the same way, too. Now, do they have any response in their defense? Please, let us know.

My Score: N/A

Actual Score: N/A

My Placement: N/A

Actual Placement: N/A

 

Coppell High School

Coppell, TX

Repertoire: "Symphony No. 3" by Camille Saint-Saens

Comments: Three sets of pipes resembling the pipes of a pipe organ hid the center section of the pit. As this goliath of a band entered the field, a synthesizer player produced some gorgeous organ music. A gradual bringing up of the horns soon led to an echoing chord, and movement from long (vertical) oval shaped forms into single lines. Pods of woodwinds did some body movement while halted. (Nothing elaborate, but...in time.) No forms were straight for some time. The dominance of the curve held them back some. Boy did the low brass in this band blow hard as one. Excellent! The responsibility of each player and marcher was great, and they fit the bill. The ballad seemed way too simple with the intervals perfectly done...because they were hardly moving! This big band fumbled the ball when it came down to above average step sizes and tough drill moves. Growling trombones and trumpets had your feet tapping to the pompous melody exchanges. In no time, the rest of the band got into this moment. The auxiliary pulls out huge see-through blue flags to increase the super presence of this already super band. The last few drill moves, which had some swiveling lines of marchers going vertical was a grand sight to see. (They should do more of that!) This show got from start to finish with relatively few (if any) flaws, and...that was the problem. Nothing was risky enough. Nevertheless, you cannot knock fine execution. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

My Score: 77.60

Actual Score: 83.40

My Placement: 14th

Actual Placement: 13th

 

Ronald Reagan High School

San Antonio, TX

Repertoire: "You Never Know" featuring "Profanation" from "Symphony No. 1" by L. Bernstein, "Symphonic Metamorphosis" by P. Hindemith and original music by Aaron Guidry

Comments: This band is something else. They had the crowd in a spell before their show even started. The synthesizers enliven this theatre ensemble, with the audience buzzing in total awe. The woodwinds are everywhere musically, and dyn-o-mite! The guard, in classy "street" garb, worked as one well-oiled machine. The hip swivel by the guard during the clarinet saxophone riffs were attractive. I love how some of the woodwinds take hold of a rifle and toss it either behind or in front of them to a ready-to-catch auxiliary gal. After a stand-up jazz "improvish" solo, a dorky sounding "Do chickens have large talons?" narrative is let loose, and catches you off guard. Brilliant. Two-step pinwheels in a smooth jazz transition brought about by the trumpets looked great. Now the guard is in a different costume, a light purple outfit that matched the half-pyramid props that were used for hiding (and changing costume). Gloves that turned into orange and yellow ribbons were spiritually manipulated by the guard, and provoked gasps. These were the music makers...these were the dreamers. A block that bent into a rhombus form by all was oh so crisp. If anything held this fine group back it was non-movement by the winds during the ribbon segment in the ballad. This group never failed to be spectacle, nevertheless. They really turn it up a notch on the G.E., and then do it some more. Fabulous job, guys!

My Score: 91.80

Actual Score: 93.75

My Placement: 1st

Actual Placement: 1st

 

Richland High School

North Richland Hills, TX

Repertoire: "Inside Out" including "Aloft" by Jack Stamp, "Bells for Stokowski" by Michael Daugherty, "Incantation" by Jutras Benoit, "Sleep" by Eric Whitacre, and "Inside Out" by Mark Higginbotham

Comments: A low, long backdrop of black covered the front sideline, hiding some of the guard tools. The voice of a small child talks about spelling his name. Another narrator, this time older, speaks of individuality. Rapid-fire trumpet notes cram their stuff down our throats. I am under their control. The red and orange flags contrasted significantly against the whiplashing blue and black uniforms. Teenage gossip and stuff about trying to fit in leads to the "anger" segment of the show. The field drummers are scattered within tossed rifles by the guard. Ah yeah, that sax solo has supreme attitude, amped just right, also. "Desire, desire. desire for an inner peace" is our next theme, and I could not help but think of the moving sounds of Hans Zimmer from "The Thin Red Line" at the start of the segment. The sound this group had was unbelievable. Two female vocalists from the pit are sensational, bringing out the best in this band. And who could forget the one-handed sabre-catch. (Not only that sabre, but other sabres later, right with the most impact-full musical parts. Claps into the microphone go far as the narrator cries, "Inside out." Uh! Too good! The solo sax guy, the DM apparently, returns! And then he descends from his stage (a raised podium), and the crowd was on their feet before the show was over. People did not just get up for them, they jumped up for them. This was an awe-inspiring show.

My Score: 91.50

Actual Score: 89.20

My Placement: 2nd

Actual Placement: 5th

 

Hebron High School

Carrollton, TX

Repertoire: "Fused" featuring "Concerto for Orchestra" and "Music for Winds and Percussion" by Bela Bartok

Comments: The cymbal players seem to form a dagger with their cymbals. Thuds of menacing nature take this pit on an adventure, baby, and me too! The jazz running slinky forms, followed by turn-jumps with legs in crouch style brought back together was amazing. Whoops, trombonist, who lost his balance and almost fell into another trombonist. This show is burning rubber. I am elated. After a flute solo comes a sax quintet with major skills. The chords played backfield were varied enough, and caused great listening enjoyment. Yeah! Way to go! The hand dip and swoosh back led to a more furious part of the show. Pods of woodwinds made a slight stage for a solo rifle dancer who, in the end of course, tossed her rifle and grabbed it. A sketchy form becomes clear, and then lots more become clear. It became clear to me these kids were great. The last form was a bit of a dull point to this show, which was a plain box that just had the horns snapping down. I want to be left with something that will leave me smiling and thinking. The end was a bit of a-- (yes, abrupt). Okay, so this was a red-hot show. How they kick it off is intriguing. The drum roll offs were no ordinary drum roll offs, and that "jump turn" was a classic for these kids...something that would make the highlight reels.

My Score: 84.80

Actual Score: 82.15

My Placement: 10th

Actual Placement: 14th

 

Westfield High School

Houston, TX

Repertoire: "Wake From Your Sleep" including selections from "Final Fantasy VI, VIII and IX" and "I Thank You God for this Most Amazing Day" and "Hope, Faith, Life, Love," by Eric Whitacre.

Comments: In an eerie synth aura, the marchers face backfield, the ones closest to the audience on the ground, and the ones furthest from the audience on their feet. A daunting pipe organ sound, along with a syncopated chant from the speakers was quite a pressure point. Great work by all! The flute soloist aced her time to shine and the rest of the band seemed to give it up for her. A new age chant, again from either the Kurzweil or the Korg, were penetrating. A scatter that seemed to last a very long time then got to block-like forms that revved up with an "aaaaaAAAH!" and jump. A horizontal line "unzipped" from each end to the 50, as drummers beat their things. Oh yeah, man! The robotic precision gave your heart a tug. Feel as one with the line! Four sets of clarinets mixed with bass clarinets were delicate with their parts, a little less so with the high brass facing backfield. The creepy sounding, "Wake!" was increased in drama and volume, and, as intended, was disturbing. This cutting edge band showed me the terror of being unable to wake from a dream. A lunge step to an earth-shattering drum beat, followed by another, consumed me. And then at last a scatter across the field ends in collapse. This was a mind bending, heart stopping, all mighty show. My thanks to you!

My Score: 87.70

Actual Score: 86.75

My Placement: 6th

Actual Placement: 10th

 

Winston Churchill High School

San Antonio, TX

Repertoire: "E/fx" by Mark Higginbotham and John Pollard

Comments: All hail the full "X" form, and red and black spotted guard holding lime green flags! The four points of the "X" and the middle of it rotate within each other, and then do all kinds of other funky drill moves. The auxiliary is a hit, making each catch loud and clear and same. I was not as impressed with the music. Holy cow, a jazz running insane fold in fold out form had a flute player tripping but getting sorted out quick. The sassy guard twirls rifles within the drumline in a straight vertical leads to two vertical guard lines, and an electro, "Do it, do it, do do it do it." Those hidden platforms behind the black backdrops up front were great stages. A mello does his thing with a style all his own. Again, that balanced guard...such finesse. Hello?! Did you see that split, and that graceful catch by the male guard member? The trombones divert my attention away from everyone else, so what makes them special? No, what makes them extra special? Crack a pose, or do SOMETHING! (The execute was excellent, though, right?) These "X" men do their thing with the "X" like they did in the beginning. Been there, done that. Now change it up a bit. Again, the music was not the end all be all. I have heard these kids rule the notes before. The auxiliary stole the show

My Score: 89.50

Actual Score: 89.10

My Placement: 3rd

Actual Placement: 6th

 

Brazoswood High School

Clute, TX

Repertoire: "Icarus" by Key Poulan including "Daedalus (The Inventor), "With Wax and Feathers/Departure from Crete" and "Too Close to the Sun"

Comments: Every other person in a vertical line lunges left or right, then brings it back to mine. My, my, my, that was a looong crescendo. Way to work the dynamo dynamics of the song. Technique person-to-person, was a slam dunk. The criss-crossing set of blocks of two sizes locked flawless. The auxiliary used those guns well, but the limbs they did not. Running or standing is boring. The pillar props in the backfield sent me back in time. Myths melted my thoughts, as did the piercing brass. Way to blare, horns! Jazz run one way, then jazz run the other way...that was tricky, changing direction. The cymbal rack on the rolling sunset/sunrise stand was utilized superbly. The show has meaning, it appears: nice touch to have the "wings of Icarus" lifted above the giant sun prop by a guard boy. I was a bit disappointed with the predictable moves. The thrill was mainly with the sound, somewhat with the moves. And auxiliary, take a look at Churchill's guard! You were not sophisticated, but I liked your stuff at the end the most. Overall, this show puts you through the wringer. This band was drama squared! Excellent, excellent work.

My Score: 84.00

Actual Score: 87.85

My Placement: 11th

Actual Placement: 8th

 

Cypress Falls High School

Houston, TX

Repertoire: "Lines" featuring music by Key Poulan, Richard Saucedo, Mark Higginbotham and Shawn McAnear including "Mvt. I Blurring the Lines," "Mvt. II Toeing the Line" and "Mvt. III Crossing the Line"

Comments: A dream state desired by a sax solo has ritualistic four-man dances being done around each guard gal. Get those blatant white poles synching. Aaah! Surprise! White poles elasticized into triangular props. Dah dee-dee dhut dee-dah. Those were some full notes, brass line. A squad of four sabres and a bow drawing motion from one of the stretchy holders is magical, as the flute solo engulfed. The bell part sounded like something out of the movie, "The Exorcist," at first, and then is twisted into something else. These kids were something else. I like how a few sets of white elastic bands are stretched way far to a guard point in the field, danced with as held together, then released like a few giant rubber bands. The thundering synths send your mind into a sci-fi labyrinth. There are those haunting bell rings again, and the band ends their show the opposite way they started, with the guard standing and the winds laying. This was a top-notch show, with a touch of innovation here and a touch of innovation there...and they performed it great!

My Score: 86.00

Actual Score: 85.55

My Placement: 8th

Actual Placement: 12th

 

Westlake High School

Austin, TX

Repertoire: "Symphony No. 9" by Ludwig Van Beethoven and "Toccata and Fugue" by Johann Sebastian Bach

Comments: A beige tarp with fancy, swirly dark brown sketches act as a stage for this ensemble, and is situated on the front sideline with the pit section situated on the curved border of it. First one guard with a flag, and then a string of trombones use it. The pit bordering the stage has just enough space between their equipment for folks to pass through in and out. The leg lift, then down, by one of the trombonists, was swell. Boom click, boom click went a bass drum and a many faceted wood block device got this group rolling like a steamroller. "Stanley Kubrick's Clockwork Orange," anyone? Actually, this music brings a lot to mind. Oh, the classics! The multi-parentheses and circle form were right on. Lots of standing around, brass. Standing around, hum dee dum, right? The "stage" becomes more occupied by a kneeling brass section towards a draped prop. The prop is revealed after a heart-smashing series of organ notes is all too familiar. The prop is, yet again, a set of organ pipes. Did they steal this pipe organ idea from Coppell, or the other way around? (Just kidding!) The pipe organ music and props seem to be quite the trend at this Regional. The show ends in triumphant stance...that's triumphant STANCE. Ah, bah humbug. This show is good enough to give a lot of national super bands some heartache. I am pleased with how they took music from back whence it all began, and made it fresh, superb, and absorbing. Their show selection would not be my personal recommended route, but they did it anyways and did a yeoman's job at. Cheers to you!

My Score: 82.40

Actual Score: 85.95

My Placement: 12th

Actual Placement: 11th

 

Stephen F. Austin High School

Sugar Land, TX

Repertoire: "Dance Symphony" with selections from "Medea's Dance of Vengeance" and "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber and "Grohg" by Aaron Copland

Comments: The red from the dancer costumes was red enough to last a lifetime. The blackness of the uniforms were black black, enough to draw you in like a black hole. Mostly circles of winds were around the field. The auxiliary were scattered about. Esoteric sound was gradually bounced out from the pit. Trombones backfield seem to leap into action at breakneck pace. Whoa, take that sound into your hands, baritones (or was it mellophones?). I just heard some over blowing. Copland's "Grohg" is here, and arm and hand movement is maximized by the fluid dancers. (I like how the dancers made their way through that razor sharp marcher form.) Barber's "Adagio for Strings" is translated incredibly well by the woodwinds, and yes, the deep dark synth. Sections of dancers go down and up from hand and knees during the climax of Barber's gem. Oh, trumpets, those notes seemed to get ahead of you ugly. Intervals in rectangle work! Fish form by dance crew to three lines, yes! Man, how can you think of denying these guys? The rush of air power and step power was...quite a rush. The dancers made the most of their dance. Could the dancers play with the big guys and dolls of guarddom? They are close. Still, if they only had something...even a piece of string! I was speaking to one of their band parents about this (a long time parent who has been "in and out" of the band with his kids...very, very nice guy), and he too wonders why the dancers do not use equipment. Apparently, the dance team is one of the best dance teams out there, sans the band. I guess this is somewhat of an untouchable tradition, and I respect that. But when it comes down to comparing and contrasting marching band units, I think it does matter. But it does take impeccable skill to move the body as these girls do as one. I think what is more "bothersome" about this show is, like last year's show, they cannot seem to break away from music that is simply nothing new, despite the fact they do it ten times better than anyone else. I would to see this band break the mold...mix tradition with innovation. For example, maybe have the dancers dance all season long with no equipment, but secretly practicing with some equipment. Then at a huge show like BOA San Antonio, just at the right moment in their show, they break out the equipment! The crowd would go bananas. Just that one time only, mind you. I think it would be great, and kind of an "in your face" sort of thing, or "we can do this, too" sort of thing, you know? Alright, that's enough. REMARKABLE show, SFA. You guys set the bar high for the powerhouses.

My Score: 89.20

Actual Score: 90.10

My Placement: 4th

Actual Placement: 4th

 

Haltom High School

Haltom City, TX

Repertoire: "La Nouba" including "Once Upon a Time," "Porte," "Urban," "Reve' Rouge" and "Tordue"

Comments: Accordion music set the mood for this magnifique show! The front of winds, way to lurch at me and tear the place down. Get those arm motions in time, sousies and trombones. A sound of wind follows a sickly sweet flute solo. Top job, all. A shaking back and forth low brass and woodwind meeting goes wild. Each part of this show did not have the ultimate transition. I am not the biggest fan of "stop and go." Ooh, trumpets during that tuba and bass clari high step part was obnoxious. Get in tune or drop out! Again, a jerk of a "next phase," all. Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap, next! I tried to love the constant high brass smacks, but...nope. Too much glitch. Hey, how about those vertical lines that drifted? Nope. Again, too much glitch. Oh baby, now THAT sounds right! A folksy sort of dance to the voice of a male vocalist (who dances, too!) just fits this awkward piece into the puzzle. Yeeeah! The audience is "in." I can dig those bicycle hop steps with the heads down and the arms tight to the chest. That unique mystique defeats. This marvel of a band went all out at the end. Outstanding show.

My Score: 82.00

Actual Score: 86.95

My Placement: 13th

Actual Placement: 9th

 

The Woodlands High School

The Woodlands, TX

Repertoire: "Competition" featuring the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, Leonard Bernstein, and Georges Bizet

Comments: I could not help but glance at the auxiliary practicing their rifle tosses and nailing them. You do not show off like that before the show unless you mean business (and intend to catch every practice toss). That was a super intimidation tactic. A "Starting Line" banner is erect. As soon as the fanfare hits the ears, the guard appears to be juuust warming up. There you go again. Razor sharp catches, though so, so nit-picky I am right now with it being out of time. Turn around with arm extension by the winds is accented by one-by-one rifle tosses, and chants of "ha!" by each gal at the catch. The second to last catch, though, drop. (That's nasty when cocky, no?) Boxing rings are formed with bright orange ropes (which was a GREAT choice of color, because it catches your attention!). The auxiliary beef up the "competition" by putting on red boxer shorts over their skin-tight blue, green, and silver costumes. A bell rings of defeat, as a guard girl holds out a cloth that reads, "Defeated." A sigh is heard from the audiences. Get that rifle toss exact! Superior cut-off of sound, then horns down snap which was sooner than later. Do not jumble those notes too much now, band. The music is tough, very tough...but they manage alright. (The sign of a great music program.) The "Finish Line" banner is raised to the cries of victory by the auxiliary. Ribbons that are shot out like fireworks dazzle you. The rest of the band sprints towards the banner and go through it like champions, with a lap around the field for good measure.

My Score: 85.20

Actual Score: 88.30

My Placement: 9th

Actual Placement: 7th

 

Marcus High School

Flower Mound, TX

Repertoire: Foul Play...Music for the Birds" including "I. Aviary at Morning," "II. Birds of a Feather," "The Chick Hatchery," "IV. Swan Song" and "V. Birds of Paradise"

Comments: Bird chirps are heard in the pit. A group of guard dressed slick, like birds, go nuts (or, perhaps more appropriately, "cuckoo") near the 30 (side B). Shaky plumes seem to be activated by a shaky synth two-note minimal melody. The total sound from all zooms in on you. This group was like stereo sound, no...THX sound! A+! Simple swirl drill is done at a slow and steady pace...but does it win the race? The piccolo trumpets bring much color to this avian production. Bicycle jump steps soon lead to a yellow guard "chick" besides her companions of blue. A step-by-step guard toss and catch is well done, and more well done by the catch by the "chick" on the money with the music. (Plus, that catch needed to happen. Way to get the job done!) Fanned tail feathers of what appeared to be a swan prop was a nice background to the pods of wind players around the field. Awe-inspiring sounds, band, awe-inspiring. Now the fanned feathered props are reversed on the swan props, which now appear to be peacock props. Resphigi, man. Talk about major brass mojo. Yeah! This was a happening show.

My Score: 88.00

Actual Score: 91.80

My Placement: 5th

Actual Placement: 3rd

 

James Bowie High School

Austin, TX

Repertoire: Music by Samuel Barber including "Essays Part I, II, and III"

Comments: Ruffles galore, guard...nice. A thunderbolt of red on the white half of the chest and all else...refined. Let us get this show on the road. A trumpet soloist stands apart from vertical lines that dissolve. That was masterful. There is a long standstill (which does not sit well.) But my crave for the made was made. Whoa, what an advancement. Memories of Westfield '95 coming back, ha, no memories of Bowie '05 in the making, yes. Someone give that oboe soloist a cookie. There is no doubt at all that he got the job done, no doubt...and he did the job marvelously. The rays of woodwinds up front start a note, and then proceed to bend notes in ways that feel good. They went swelling to gentle. Amazing the things you can do with a horn. These kids rivaled the best sound in the house. Spacing around the curves, woodwinds...get with it. Also, a little more timely "get there" would be helpful. A block of thunderous sound is tops, as double flags are whipped out and dazzle on demand. Now, time to catch my breath after all these utterly spectacular band performances. Bowie brought it. They sure can play when motionless. Also, the last form of the show was a bit bland. However, and this is a big "however," they lit up THEIR field with music, glorious music. A half-and-half show? We shall see. Fantastic performance, everyone.

My Score: 87.00

Actual Score: 91.85

My Placement: 7th

Actual Placement: 2nd

 

EXHIBITION: Hidalgo High School (Class A Champions)

Hidalgo, TX

Repertoire: "COOL!" featuring music from "West Side Story" including "Maria," "Cool," "America" and "Tonight"

Comments: I like how the guard effectively hides behind marchers that are moving. A speedy intro to this all-time classic, "West Side Story," ends with care. The auxiliary let out a yell to kind of give us a sense of old time gang warfare...or at least kind in the movie, ha ha! The swinging blinging sound was put to the test by three knowledgeable drum kit cats. Good! This show had all the right stuff. Less of a break between movements might improve. The percussion feature was moving, literally. A bounce-jump-bounce dance step by all the culprits works! Even that high kick made especially seen by one of the marching drums, was hot. It's ssssshowtime! Thanks for changing things up with the volume near the end. All in all, a fine performance. Congratulations on your tremendous accomplishment, today.

My Score: N/A

Actual Score: N/A

My Placement: N/A

Actual Placement: N/A

 

END OF FINALS PERFORMANCES

 

 

Post-Show Thoughts: I sat next to an ENTHUSIASTIC Coppell band parent, who I plan to e-mail this review to when I am done. He admitted his band was not a "BOA" band, but that they were sort of testing unknown waters. Obviously, Bands of America has had a HUGE affect on Texas. This gentleman took notes on bands like Ronald Reagan, to gauge what his band was doing "right" or doing "wrong." I am amazed at the dedication and skill some of the band boosters in Texas have, and no doubt they are a monumental contributing part of what makes the bands out there so great.

 

My Results:

 

14. 77.60 Coppell H.S., TX

13. 82.00 Haltom H.S., Tx

12. 82.40 Westlake H.S., TX

11. 84.00 Brazoswood H.S., TX

10. 84.80 Hebron H.S., TX

9. 85.20 The Woodlands H.S., TX

8. 86.00 Cypress Falls H.S., TX

7. 87.00 James Bowie H.S., TX

6. 87.70 Westfield H.S., TX

5. 88.00 Marcus H.S., TX

4. 89.20 Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX

3. 89.50 Winston Churchill H.S., TX

2. 91.50 Richland H.S., TX

1. 91.80 Reagan H.S., TX

 

Actual Results:

 

14. 82.15 Hebron H.S., TX

13. 83.40 Coppell H.S., Tx

12. 85.55 Cypress Falls H.S., TX

11. 85.95 Westlake H.S., TX

10. 86.75 Westfield H.S., TX

9. 86.95 Haltom H.S., TX

8. 87.85 Brazoswood H.S., TX

7. 88.30 The Woodlands H.S., TX

6. 89.10 Winston Churchill H.S., TX

5. 89.20 Richland H.S., TX

4. 90.10 Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX

3. 91.80 Marcus H.S., TX

2. 91.85 James Bowie H.S., TX

1. 93.75 Ronald Reagan H.S., TX

 

Outstanding Music Performance - Marcus H.S., TX

Outstanding Visual Performance - Marcus H.S., TX

Outstanding General Effect - Ronald Reagan H.S., TX

 

Post-Show Thoughts (Continued): Holy guacamole, macaroni, and any other word that is four syllables and edible! (I guess the hotdog didn't "do it" for me, grumble, grumble.) Reagan won, and who did not see that coming? Well...I think a lot of people were concerned when Marcus won the first two caption awards announced, heh heh! But Reagan pulled it off with their "general" effective show (and a fine display of music and motion to boot). Now, Marcus...where did these guys come from? I remember I saw this band a few years back and thought, "Hmmm, not bad, but not finalists," and, nope, not finalists. Not any more! "Big time, they're on their way and making it. Hooah!" (Gotta hand it to Peter for those nice lyrics.) Okay, now that I am on the subject of Marcus, what's up with BOWIE? (Not "Bowie" like David Bowie, but "Bowie" like "buoy.") 2nd Place by five one-hundredths of a point? Close one, close one. I am not going to discredit Bowie, because they had everything you would want to have in a fine performance. I thought they would come in 7th (or maybe 6th, 5th, or 4th)...but that's just me. I guess they just did not stick to my mind as much as the other bands did. I am glad the judges recognized them, because I sure did not recognize them! (In this case, thank GOODNESS I am not a judge, huh?) Great work, Bowie! This band has come a long ways from being a bubble band (the last time I saw them) to a band to bash heads with. They were contenders, contenders all the way. Speaking of contenders, did you notice how the judges did a lot of pairing up? Bowie and Marcus, Richland and Churchill, Haltom and Westfield, and Westlake and Cypress Falls were all in their little boats, and could have tied or swapped placements very easily. Indecision, you say? Maybe. But YOU try to decide who is better than whom when every band is at the top of their game! (Hey, at least it was not close to being an 8-way tie!) And for those of you who are counting Richland out at Grand Nats because of their supposed "bad" 5th place finish, mark my words: I am dangerously close to moving them from a "near-lock" as finalists to a "lock" as finalists in my crystal ball. Expect big things from Reagan AND Richland...and oh my lord I almost forgot L.D. Bell! Don't mess with Texas!

 

I close out this review with a big thanks to all who were involved with this event. You think that going to the theatre or seeing a symphony perform is exciting? Try this show out for size. It sure won't cost as much! Have a great week, and I will see you all in Indianapolis for the Bands of America Grand National Championships. 30 years of "Positively Life-Changing Experiences." Unbelievable.

 

I'm outta here.

 

***END OF PART 3 (of 3)***

 

Alan Irons

Fountain Valley High School Marching Band 1993-1996

Pacific Crest of Diamond Bar 1997

Nashua Spartans 1998-1999

UCSB Class of 2002

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