2019 BOA Austin

[Band2013]

Notes on Favorites: 

Vandegrift is going to be a force at nationals, they need to beef up visually if they want to take on Avon, Carmel, and BA. 

 

Leander has one of my favorite musical selections this year, they will not be missing finals for the foreseeable future. They have a great show all they need now is to refine it and maximize their talents (musicality and visual performance). 

 

CTJ is amazing but they have so much jammed packed in their show, seem's a lot like Tarpon Springs. They Need to make sure their message is clear, and cleanliness is next to actual success. 

 

Vista Ridge they have a lot on their shoulders being the state champion, and people expect them to repeat that success, which can be a heavy burden. They Need to focus on improving this year's show and leave last years behind them.   

 

Cedar Park they tend to do well early season because they are very clean and precise, but because it's a state year they tend to fall behind to others in terms of GE later in the season. We will see if that's the case this year. 

 

Cedar Ridge is consistent no doubt about it, they tend to do better later in the season once they add more effects and clean visually. Percussion is insane! 

[LeanderMomma]

CTJ is definitely not having a better run. They placed their Side 1 pit completely incorrectly.

 

However, as a result, I'm witnessing probably one of the most impressive things I've seen in 12 years in the activity. They're literally fixing drill on the fly to adapt to the misplaced pit. There's no doubt that they are a well-taught, well-equipped, and simply intelligent band to be able to do this so easily and make it look like nothing happened (after early bobbles).

 

Fantastic job, CTJ.

It was incredibly well handled by some pretty dang amazing kids. You should have heard Mr. Sanchez on FIRE about how phenomenally well CTJ coped with such a huge issue. It was brilliant and so exciting to see those kids perform around such an obstacle at such an elite level. Mind boggling really.

[LeanderMomma]

Well I was at Kelly Reeves Stadium from 7 am until after 11 pm last night, and other than the positively WRETCHED heat during the afternoon, it was the best BOA Austin contest that I have witnessed since I began watching in 2013. Some stand out moments for me:

 

Watching the Rouse band easily make finals for the first time. I love their show this year, and success is definitely in their future.

 

Similarly, it was so exciting to see Lake Travis and Westwood in finals! Those kids were so happy! And can I just say again that Westwood just really knows how to put out a highly entertaining product. I absolutely LOVED that Christmas show! Everyone did! Can’t wait to see how they do in Katy next weekend.

 

I was sad not to see Round Rock or Hendrickson in finals. It felt wrong! But the three new finalists really brought it this time. It’s a tough competition.

 

Bowie has a great show this year. So fun and unique, just like Bowie usually delivers. The soloists (vocal and instrumental) are superb. I didn’t realize that the vocalist’s mic wasn’t working in finals. I just thought she wasn’t singing for some reason. And to be perfectly honest, the show was STILL great and sounded complete (to me) without her. But she’s phenomenal and the perfect complement to this show. Oh, and the COLORS in this production are simply gorgeous. Bowie looks stunning on the field and the guard is just to die for.

 

Cedar Ridge has definitely established themselves as THE RRISD powerhouse of the day. I don’t see that changing anytime soon. They were great yesterday.

 

The top five were exactly as I predicted. I knew immediately after hearing Cedar Park for the first time back in late August that they were back and that they would be top half again in finals here. This show grabs you from the first huge note and doesn’t let go. And the guard looks phenomenal this year. Both their costuming and performance are just top notch. I was mesmerized!

 

Vista Ridge looks and sounds incredible. I love the new uniforms and that massive rolling stage. The guard looks so beautiful as well. They did worry me up on those tiny boxes with the high winds last night, but they handled it perfectly fine. This show will grow all season long and I can’t wait to see the finished product.

 

CTJ is the Texas equivalent of a drum corps. Their shows aren’t for everyone, I get that, but DANG can those kids perform at a high level! They are fiercely entertaining from the first note of their preshow until the very end. While I will agree that the last movement needs a bit more umph, I think they will build on to it and they’ll clean it up some more, and this thing will be fabulous in San Antonio and especially Indianapolis. And the way they handled the unfortunate misplacement of their left side prop was legendary. Normally a circle of band kids would have had to bunch up and become grossly misshapen when attempting to go to their normal spots and becoming hindered by a huge obstacle, but the entire circle moved to compensate for the out of position prop. What a band. What a fantastic group of performers. I can’t wait to see this thing cleaned up and finessed.

 

Leander has my heart of course. What can I say. This show is tied for my favorite Leander show (with the 4th Dimension), and it’s only going to get better from here. Adding the final movement is going to complete the show in an outstanding manner, but last night’s performance was amazing. Normally we tend to relax a little too much in finals and maybe not give quite the same level of performance that we do in prelims, but that didn’t happen last night. Leander BROUGHT it and they were rewarded accordingly. It’s such a great show live. I hope most of y’all get the chance to experience it live at some point this season.

 

My gut said Vandegrift had won last night as soon as I saw them in prelims. And finals did not diminish my opinion at all. They deserved that win last night, and they are going to stay at or near the top of the pack all season. Even the dance team was a beautiful enhancement to the show, and everyone in the Viper band really shone yesterday. They are masters of musicality and that show is going to be great in Lucas Oil. My LISD pride is going to be bursting in Indianapolis this November. Watch out world. LEANDER ISD is a comin!

[MikeKyu]

What a show this was. This was one of the most competitive regional competitions I've seen from opening hit to close. I'll run doen the top 5 from my perspective during finals.

 

1. Vandergrift: They were my pick to win. And boy did they deliver. Wow! Crisp and clean playing, wonderful marching technique, beautiful balance, and a great show. If they continue along this trajectory they will be on the podium in Indy.

 

2. Leander: The best sounding brass section at the show. A very cool show with a lot going on. But not so much that the audience gets lost in the show. Wonderful performance tonight and I'm excited to see where this show ends up.

 

3. CTJ. The kids can play and perform. Right now the show isna hot mess as they learn from start to finish, and that's fine. I prefer their show as presented in finals (minus the props) as you get to watch the band (this ultimately hurt them for this conpetition).

 

4. Vista Ridge: I love that they are using the Mandarins turning stage. Well balanced sound for the entire show. Not my kind of show (and that's okay, it doesn't mean it's not a good show). Lots of work to catch the other 2 LISD 6A bands.

 

5. Cedar Park: The rumors of CP's demise are greatly exaggerated. Front ensemble, battery, guard really stood out. The woodwinds are beginning to own their parts. Upper brass needs to focus a little more on balance. This band is about control, articulation, and cleanliness. They have just started focusing on learning the huge sound. The arrangement accentuates this. This show has a lot to come in terms of GE.

[LHSbandDad]

Here are my thoughts on the top five.

 

Cedar Park - I have always loved this band and their crisp clean lines and formations and they did not disappoint last night.  .

 

Vista Ridge - Love the new unis and the sound was great.  I would love to see that amazing soprano solo split up, shortened, or shared with someone else or another instrument.  I am excited to see if they add to or incorporate the table turn thing a little more.  This show has potential.  Just like last year I am sure they will continue to surprise and impress.

 

CTJ - the fact that I could not tell about the prop mistake until I read it here says it all.  Their sound is amazing.  I look forward to seeing how they smooth out the edges on this one.  Seems a little disjointed right now as evidenced by all the audience standing up when they thought it was over when it wasn't.

 

Leander - OK, my kid is in the band so bias alert up front, but I agree with Leander Momma that this is my favorite show other than 4D and I think they are further along than we usually are at this point.  We still have so much more to implement and add so hopefully the closer and the remaining elements help tie it all together. 

 

Vandy - again, as has been said by others, as soon as I saw this I knew they were going to win.  From top to bottom it looked and sounded amazing and my wife loved how all the colors matched!!

 

My final point and plea is to the BOA organizers to please figure out the parking thing.  Getting out last night was a nightmare.  The shuttle bus was a great idea but they were stuck in the lot with the rest of us.  Seems like the police had everything blocked off and only letting one line of cars out in random succession.  The stadium is such a nice venue it is a shame that parking and the line to buy tickets always seems to be so long.  I have not studied the parking lot map but it would seem that there should be a way to use multiple exist and get more than one car out at a time.  Also, for tickets and entry into the stadium it would be nice if multiple gates were opened for finals and multiple ticket booths.  Those lines are historically long and in my opinion the only thing holding this regional back from being an A+ experience all around.

[Samuel Culper]

The main problem with the venue is that all exiting traffic is going to Parmer Lane, and only Parmer Lane Southbound. It is the definition of a bottleneck and there really is no good solution.

[El Gato_01]

Concerning the exit, when I left everyone was heading for that single exit on the south side. I just went the other way (entrance way) and that was open and better yet nobody was doing it! I got out in under 1 minute. Now I did leave after the last band so I don't know if this was still the case later.

[PLC137]

My favorite year so far as well. In Vista's favor I'm going say they finished 4th last year and went in the 4th a San Antonio and 1st at state. So a lot can change.. which goes for everyone. Interested to see Hornrank later this week.

 

Indianapolis is the "marching capital of the world" ....my butt.

[gregorydf01]

Notes on Favorites: 

Vandegrift is going to be a force at nationals, they need to beef up visually if they want to take on Avon, Carmel, and BA. 

 

Leander has one of my favorite musical selections this year, they will not be missing finals for the foreseeable future. They have a great show all they need now is to refine it and maximize their talents (musicality and visual performance). 

 

CTJ is amazing but they have so much jammed packed in their show, seem's a lot like Tarpon Springs. They Need to make sure their message is clear, and cleanliness is next to actual success. 

 

Vista Ridge they have a lot on their shoulders being the state champion, and people expect them to repeat that success, which can be a heavy burden. They Need to focus on improving this year's show and leave last years behind them.   

 

Cedar Park they tend to do well early season because they are very clean and precise, but because it's a state year they tend to fall behind to others in terms of GE later in the season. We will see if that's the case this year. 

 

Cedar Ridge is consistent no doubt about it, they tend to do better later in the season once they add more effects and clean visually. Percussion is insane! 

Are you trying to say that Vista Ridge did not do well and that being State Champs means that for this contest not coming in 1st was not good enough and they have to focus more this year?  I don't think you get it.

 

It's not about placement results it's about doing your best and working to get better each time.   Last year Vista got 77.5 in Prelim's and 82.5 in finals at this competition.  This year in Austin they got a 82.25 in prelims and 83.35 in finals   They improved in Finals over prelims both years and came in 4th both years and have better scores year over year.   I am extremely proud of them and what they have done, they are focused and working hard and doing great!  

[DRbandDAD]

Great Job Del Rio High School Band! Their sound was excellent and marching on point. These kids knew what they were up against and they performed well. Del Rio High School Band.

[CTJBandPops]

thoughts on the days events and the top 3

 

new faces - while it was disappointing to not see some of the usual suspects in Finals (RR-Henny) - I was amazed by the new additions of Westwood and Lake Travis. as I do not live in Austin, I do not get to see the shows much - impressed by both of these programs - what the heck are they putting in the water in Austin?

 

Grand Nats - excited to see that 3 of the Texas GNats shows took home the medals

 

Vandegrift - Music is top notch and they play it well, they sound like a concert band on the field with some insane music. this show will play well in SA and Indy - looking forward to how this one will evolve in the coming weeks - congrats to their program on a phenomenal day. cant wait to hear this one again in the domes. I am not a fan of the traditional classic music book - put they play the heck out of it. Well Done!!

 

Leander - this was the the most leaked show before this weekend - I think that someone was giving a free video with a car wash or something - that said - It was far better in person - very fun show, start to finish - I am excited to see how this one ends - did not care for the early video I saw of radioactive - but the it was great to see live last night.

 

CTJ - (doubt I need to state the bias alert here) from props blowing across the field as they were starting their prelims, to the now much talked about stage mishap, these kids where phenomenal. this was CTJ being CTJ - they strive to put on a show that is crowd friendly - and they did just that. The response in the stands for both prelims and finals was awesome - mission accomplished.

 

Shout out to Vista Ridge - no sophomore slump after a 6A title - exciting follow up to last years show

 

Shout out to Cedar Park - always been a big fan - hope the kid in the back that caught the rifle to the head in finals is OK

 

it was a long day - my freshman has now completed his first BOA competition. after arriving back at the school just before 2am - he wanted to go to IHOP for breakfast and would not stop talking about the day. While I am getting a little too old for 4am bedtimes, it reminded me why we as parents support the marching arts, put in the hours doing concessions, props, late nights finishing homework after band practice and a whole day in the sun on stadium bleachers.

 

He was dead tired when we got home, and I don't expect to see him for a few more hours - but he was so proud to be part of something much bigger than himself.

[PLC137]

Concerning the exit, when I left everyone was heading for that single exit on the south side. I just went the other way (entrance way) and that was open and better yet nobody was doing it! I got out in under 1 minute. Now I did leave after the last band so I don't know if this was still the case later.

 

Another good strategy is to ride a bicycle in there.  I've been doing that for three years.  I live in the area, but even if you don't, you could park in a nearby neighborhood and bike over.  Save $5 on parking!

[BandFan95]

What is dumb is that there are two exits from that lot. They should have the south exit go south and the north exit going north.

[LKendrick]

Catching up on last night, it was really cool to see some new names in finals here. Lake Travis, Rouse, and Westwood all really brought it yesterday. Westwood sounds so luscious and the show is so fun, Rouse is one of those smaller bands that puts out WAY more sound than you would ever expect them and that Barber ballad is beautiful, and I just love love love Lake Travis’s whole show. So exciting and powerful, they’re gonna have a great weekend in St. Louis here in a few weeks.

[LeanderMomma]

Great Job Del Rio High School Band! Their sound was excellent and marching on point. These kids knew what they were up against and they performed well. Del Rio High School Band.

Absolutely loved watching them perform! Thank y’all for coming!

[gregorydf01]

One of the great moments (of many with this day) for me was to see Johnson HS Buda in it's first year and first completion ever to come out with a well rounded show, prop's, guard and balanced band and perform very well.   Great job and congratulations to the students, parents and staff that did all of this in year #1!

[Band2013]

Are you trying to say that Vista Ridge did not do well and that being State Champs means that for this contest not coming in 1st was not good enough and they have to focus more this year?  I don't think you get it.

 

It's not about placement results it's about doing your best and working to get better each time.   Last year Vista got 77.5 in Prelim's and 82.5 in finals at this competition.  This year in Austin they got a 82.25 in prelims and 83.35 in finals   They improved in Finals over prelims both years and came in 4th both years and have better scores year over year.   I am extremely proud of them and what they have done, they are focused and working hard and doing great! 

 

Please read carefully, never did I say that they did bad or performed under par. I absolutely understand score progression and have worked in the activity for 10 years. I am saying that Vista Ridge should focus on the road ahead not the past, a lot of that has to do with mentality. I love Vista Ridge and I am very proud of them and have never attacked any group I am only providing insight and advice. If that offended you than I apologize but I will continue to provide my opinion. 

 

Thank You.

[gregorydf01]

Please read carefully, never did I say that they did bad or performed under par. I absolutely understand score progression and have worked in the activity for 10 years. I am saying that Vista Ridge should focus on the road ahead not the past, a lot of that has to do with mentality. I love Vista Ridge and I am very proud of them and have never attacked any group I am only providing insight and advice. If that offended you than I apologize but I will continue to provide my opinion. 

 

Thank You.

Thanks for your response and explanation of what was intended.  Please note that I showed your post to a couple of folks first prior to responding and both took it the same way I did as sounding like a backhanded slight at VR so I am very glad you responded and cleared up your intent.   (Vista Ridge they have a lot on their shoulders being the state champion, and people expect them to repeat that success, which can be a heavy burden. They Need to focus on improving this year's show and leave last years behind them.   )     Also thanks for the advise and I will now take it as intended.   FYI:  trust me, the Director's and Kids are not looking back but are very focused on this year    

[LostChoirGuy]

Not that my opinion matters, but I feel that I could understand the intentions of the post. I havent seen the band or been around Texas so I dont know anything about their show, but I do agree that much of the commentary people give about it seem to be relating it to last years show in one extent or other. Its important to remember that the judges wont be thinking about Lost and Found at all, so even though we all connect VR with that show we have to separate them in our minds when watching them perform.

[Band2013]

Thanks for your response and explanation of what was intended.  Please note that I showed your post to a couple of folks first prior to responding and both took it the same way I did as sounding like a backhanded slight at VR so I am very glad you responded and cleared up your intent.   (Vista Ridge they have a lot on their shoulders being the state champion, and people expect them to repeat that success, which can be a heavy burden. They Need to focus on improving this year's show and leave last years behind them.   )     Also thanks for the advise and I will now take it as intended.   FYI:  trust me, the Director's and Kids are not looking back but are very focused on this year    

I completely understand my wording seemed harsh sadly I know how it feels for a group to win and face the pressure of having to repeat that success. Vista Ridge is amazing I took a sick day just to watch them win state I know that by the end of the season they will be a real threat, If I had the money I would try to see them at nationals and all the other Texas groups headed to finals! 

[gregorydf01]

I completely understand my wording seemed harsh sadly I know how it feels for a group to win and face the pressure of having to repeat that success. Vista Ridge is amazing I took a sick day just to watch them win state I know that by the end of the season they will be a real threat, If I had the money I would try to see them at nationals and all the other Texas groups headed to finals! 

Thanks!   Unfortunately VR will not be going to Grand Nat's this year but Texas will have great representation from the 6 Texas Bands that will be going!   We will be at BOA San Antonio and I hope one year soon VR will make VR's first trip to Grand Nat's (not a prediction or insider information for next year, just a hope)!

[Mash]

Thanks!   Unfortunately VR will not be going to Grand Nat's this year but Texas will have great representation from the 6 Texas Bands that will be going!   We will be at BOA San Antonio and I hope one year soon VR will make VR's first trip to Grand Nat's (not a prediction or insider information for next year, just a hope)!

How does that decision get made to go to Grand Nat's?  Seems like the same bands from the district go every other year while Vista has never gone.  Is it up to the band director of each school?

[dustyperiwinkle]

How does that decision get made to go to Grand Nat's?  Seems like the same bands from the district go every other year while Vista has never gone.  Is it up to the band director of each school?

Yes it’s up to the directors. They have to raise a lot of money to go so it’s a big decision. The only schools in Leander ISD that have gone before are Leander and Cedar Park. This will be Vandegrift’s first year and Vista, Rouse, and Glenn have never gone.

[DRbandDAD]

$$$$$$$$$$ - That's what it is all about. If your band has it, then they will go places. Name of the game....

 

How does that decision get made to go to Grand Nat's?  Seems like the same bands from the district go every other year while Vista has never gone.  Is it up to the band director of each school?

[LeanderMomma]

$$$$$$$$$$ - That's what it is all about. If your band has it, then they will go places. Name of the game....

And having parents who are incredible fundraisers helps too. Also, each band family at Leander is on the hook for $1400 for each kiddo in band who’s going to Grand Nats. That’s over and above the regular band fees. Lastly, the decision to attend Grand Nats is made as a band family, not someone with fat pockets.

 

I resent this remark highly and I think VERY highly of the Dripping Springs program. Always have.

 

Edit. I apologized to Del Rio dad for thinking he was with Dripping Springs.

 

I still don’t think money makes a program but I will admit that it sure does help.