BOA GN Day 2 Highlights

[airons0678]

IN APPRECIATION OF 30 YEARS OF POSITIVELY LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES...

 

Bands of America Grand National Championships

November 9-12, 2005

RCA Dome

Indianapolis, IN

 

The Slough.

 

***DAY 2 PRELIMINARY COMPETITION***

 

I had no sleep. I just got up and went. When I was DOA ("Dozed" On Arrival) at the RCA Dome, I headed out of the frigid cold and went to the inner warmth. I got the seat I always got, lower deck, right on the 50 near the entrance tunnel. I thought, "Okay, mission is now ACCOMPLISHED." But in actuality, not quite. While I was doing my review for "Day 2," I started nodding off. I was afraid I might actually fall asleep beyond my control. So, I did what a sane human being would do...ready myself to bail. What a lark! But I did not want to leave! I had had it, though. I was tired, and my mind was fried. However, instead of leaving, I delayed. Sure, a bed sounded tempting...but I did not want to leave! Finally, I decided to drag myself up to the upper deck to see what the action was like from up there, and to meet with a friend I met last year in the same place. I found Wolfgang and company focusing on the performances, and said, "Hello." While conversing with them I found myself to be somehow "awakened." I could not finish my review, since I missed too many bands...BUT...I could include the bands I did review (before my sleep-attacks), as well as provide a summary of the day. I figure, better something than nothing, right? So I shall begin with here is what I have thus far (and I owe it to you all):

 

Union High School

Repertoire:

Comments: Cactus props dotted the background. An early start to this show is meant to be. This show takes a while to really sizzle. The "hick-hop" style of music is fully explored. The female rap artist has all her lines rolling off the tip of her tongue. There seems to be lots of "stop...then go, stop...," and this happened to the extent the blows softened. Don't go soft on me, Union! The woodwinds and brass teased each other with music that could not be more different. This group has abundant energy, and they really dig deep to secure the best ranking they could receive, being "on the spot" this early in the morning.

My Score: 78.20

My Placement: N/A

 

Etiwanda High School

Repertoire:

Comments: There's nothing like waking up to Union, Etiwanda, Tarpon Springs...waaait a minute. Waking up to Union, Etiwanda, and Tarpon Springs? Yep. Only in (Bands of) America! The guard pupmed their fists near the beginning of the show, showing that they are "on the move." I like the change-up in music style. Oh my, right before the sig alert signal is given, a few rifles are dropped hart. The tarp on the 50 is now more colorful, with a red "X" going through the majority orange. The show seemed to have a tacked on ending. The flow simply got a lot less smoother, but this band worked through that until the end. This show seemed on autopilot, which somehow dappened their spirit.

My Score: 80.60

My Placement: N/A

 

Tarpon Springs High School

Repertoire:

Comments: An electronic drum beat charges up this event of theirs. The gutsy forward marching ensemble gets closer and closer to the front, really working the technique 'till near death (it seemed). Woodwind players mesh on the 50, with a splinter running horizontally through it acts as a mirror image. The "Greed" segment of their show is wild, with momey symbols on the briefcases. The exit off the field in an organized way onto a diagonal placed tarp is magical as soloists remain behind.

My Score: 86.90

My Placement: N/A

 

Richland High School

Repertoire:

Comments: Problems with the front ensemble electronics was solved as soon as it could be by one of the Richland staff. Slide movement in place is a, "Yes." Ooh! A baritone player takes a spill and almost takes one of his comrades with him. He made a pretty swift comeback, and soon it was as if nothing happened. The lead sax soloist has a couple "henchmen" playing a shuffling behind him. The vocal duet was absolutely magnificent. The duet started, it appeared, without much certaintly (CONFIDENCE is key!). Now, if I could only get myself to somewhere else...

My Score: 88.20

My Placement: N/A

 

Owasso High School

Repertoire:

Comments:Some idiot in the audience had his two-way radio running. Breaker breaker! But yes, the audience told him to shut it off. (The ballad has an "epic" feel to it. Near the end of the ballad is a very audible clarinet squeak. Okay. OKAY. The moody slowly bringing in their slides soon transformed this group to "Waving a dogeball, and chasing the qirls." Naughty me.

My Score: 84.90

My Placement: N/A

 

James F. Byrnes High School

Repertoire:

Comments: A male and female recorded voiceover define what a "counterpoint" is. One of the first moves this group did is a long, shoulder to shoulder company front. Geez, these kids just come out swinging. The low brass has to have "the seal." Me, being a rental car drving...does carry some risk. Whoa, whoa guard! Everyone, including the pit, appears the box is full of stand. This band had a driving section leader. The guard is getting the later. The drumline causes...and then fade out. Whoa...I am getting...sleepy...zzzzz...

My Score: N/A

My Placement: N/A

 

At this moment in time I am ready for sleeping, but like I mentioned before...I did not yet give in. I reviewed one more band. I reviewed a California favorite for my fellow Californians, Thousand Oaks, which is a band later in the day, because I did not know if they would make semi-finals or not at the time.

 

Thousand Oaks High School

Repertoire:

Comments: 5 moon phases are presented by tarps. The uniformed member formed a tight pod with the instruments grounded. A child narrator asks, "What are dreams?" Flute angles are a bit off. The first part of their show is quick, and you could miss it if you don't think fast. The "Fun Dreams" segment has a trumpet duet skipping to their spot. The band sound seems a bit lost in the dome. The percussion plays way too loud. I love the "Boo!" surprise, in which one guard player acts suprised and ducks for cover. Now we know that this "playing around" was not for killers in the mist.

My Score: 79.30

My Placement: N/A

 

***END OF DAY 2 PRELIMINARY COMPETITION***

 

Other memorable highlights, today: Again, the majorly stacked first block of bands, which made for a pretty nice preview of "Round 2." Ooltewah had a creepy show, with members in skeleton costumes. Ooltewah also had a get-the-job-done guard, who were sometimes TOO cocky with those rifle tosses. Milford (from Ohio, not Michigan) featured a trombone player that, during one part of the show, stood out from the rest of the band by doing pop-and-lock moves, the "robot," and the moonwalk. Bellbrook had the usual elaborate set-up, this time with a giant teeter-totter in the backfield that highlighted one of the drum majors who slowly came down on it and saluted. Avon (from Indiana, not Ohio) had drill that would make your head spin, that was either fast or faster. Avon ends their show the same way it began, with a little added spice. (For what the ingredient is...stay tuned!) I did not think Jackson Academy was as impressive as last year, with the roles in their show somehow "reduced." West Johnston made a gallant return to Indianapolis. (Eat your heart out, BLUE Cadets!) Lawrence Central was the most supreme group "in the gang," with eye-popping vi-suals, and being exact in all they do.

 

When the ratings were handed out, and all appeared to be "said and done we were a little surprised bands like Louisville Male and Westminster did not make semi-finals, but...that is the way it goes, I guess.

 

Hey, I am going to be writing a full review for semis and finals (to be posted LATER, heh heh, not "live"...but GOOD, nevertheless.) for those of you who are wondering or have forgotten.

 

Today was a fun-filled day of unbelievable pageantry. I am glad I stuck around and did not return back from where I came.

 

Alan Irons

Fountain Valley High School Marching Band 1993-1996

Pacific Crest of Diamond Bar 1997

Nashua Spartans 1998-1999

UCSB Class of 2002

[Shadow Weaver]

To see so many of the best marching bands in the nation...I'm sooo incredibly envious right now!