2022 BOA San Antonio (Nov. 4 & 5)

[Boa.enjoyer]

10 hours ago, packwick said:

is the grid some sort of Matrix thing?

The music in the opener is from tron

[BandFan95]

16 hours ago, Hard Core Band Fan said:

I saw them and every other band  at that competition and thought both scored where they should have. Like them both, as well, but thought they were scored appropriately. 

Respectfully disagree. I saw three of the other bands that did qualify for finals that most certainly didn't do better than at least Cedar Ridge. 

There was quite the hoopla here on TX bands when it happened.

[lost]

2 hours ago, BandFan95 said:

Respectfully disagree. I saw three of the other bands that did qualify for finals that most certainly didn't do better than at least Cedar Ridge. 

There was quite the hoopla here on TX bands when it happened.

You should unnecessarily spiteful to other groups. Smile and be happy for the bands that make finals, continue to support and push the bands who didn’t forwards.

No need for this “These bands didn’t deserve to make it” talk. Contrary to what you’re saying it not only does little to uplift the band you think should’ve made it in, but it also hurts the bands who did.

I’m very tired of seeing this.

[Hard Core Band Fan]

2 hours ago, BandFan95 said:

Respectfully disagree. I saw three of the other bands that did qualify for finals that most certainly didn't do better than at least Cedar Ridge. 

There was quite the hoopla here on TX bands when it happened.

So "hoopla" in the forums from people who don't know the difference makes it a fact? What training or advanced knowledge do you have that the judges obviously did not have? Liking one band over another band does not make their score higher. There is a technical reason that a band receives the score that they do. Maybe you should leave this to the experts.

[BandFan95]

40 minutes ago, lost said:

You should unnecessarily spiteful to other groups. Smile and be happy for the bands that make finals, continue to support and push the bands who didn’t forwards.

No need for this “These bands didn’t deserve to make it” talk. Contrary to what you’re saying it not only does little to uplift the band you think should’ve made it in, but it also hurts the bands who did.

I’m very tired of seeing this.

I wasn't being spiteful.  Spiteful would be me saying, "such and such band sucks and they don't deserve success." I didn't say that. In fact, you don't know what other bands I might have been referring to.

Weren't you the one who unnecessarily called out Westwood in the Area D thread? So if me saying that Cedar Ridge deserved something over others in a year where there show was so freaking amazing is bad, then maybe you should take a nice look in the mirror because you did exactly the same, if not, worse. 

If we can't disagree about opinions, which is what all of us have, and most certainly, what the judges have, what's the point of discussing? 

 

[BandFan95]

36 minutes ago, Hard Core Band Fan said:

So "hoopla" in the forums from people who don't know the difference makes it a fact? What training or advanced knowledge do you have that the judges obviously did not have? Liking one band over another band does not make their score higher. There is a technical reason that a band receives the score that they do. Maybe you should leave this to the experts.

Maybe I am an expert? 🤪

Talk about chippy. God forbid not everyone sees eye to eye

[BandFan59]

Final predictions and thoughts on what will be a very competitive super regional:

1. Hebron (M/GE)

This is probably the only band I'm fairly confident in placing where I have them. Hebron has somehow raised the level for them in terms of demand both musically and visually and are putting out some absolutely insane sounds. The brass is inexplicably incredible and visually they're nailing some very difficult drill sets. No one in the country can play as good as them and I think they will repeat here and at UIL State.

2. Vandegrift

It hurts me slightly to predict Vandegrift here as it would be three years in a row they place 2nd. That said, they've got another great show with some super cool music from Tron. While I prefer Juliet Letters, I really like that they're also pushing the envelope in demand and think they're doing a good job with it. They may have lost to Vista Ridge at area but I think they'll bounce back and at least grab a medal here.

3. Ronald Reagan (V)

I think Reagan's show this year is a better version of what they had last year. Visually they have some really nice drill moves and I think they may have my favorite preshow of the season. They still sound excellent, especially the brass (great trombone soloists), and their color guard/dance team is phenomenal.

4. Cedar Ridge

So happy to see them follow up on their fantastic season last year with an even better one! The things they're doing with an ensemble half the size of some bands here is super impressive. The brass is incredible and the percussion is top tier as always. Love this show.

5. Claudia Taylor Johnson

For a show that's a little more lowkey they've still got a crazy amount of demand in their music and drill and are pulling it off. The ballad has grown on me over the season to be one of my favorites, and I think the preshow is super creative and very cool. It's not as cohesive as some of their past shows, but I still enjoy it very much.

6. Flower Mound

Probably the most creative show concept I've seen anywhere this season. The artwork is super creative and well done and I love their uniforms to match it. It's not my favorite FM show, I think the drill is a little meh at certain points, but at the same time there are some moments like the ending that really blow my mind. Musically they are outstanding of course.

7. Vista Ridge

There are few bands that can make me raise my eyebrows and think wow when I hear a full ensemble moment and Vista Ridge is one of them. They sound so incredible in those moments, especially the ending of their show. After watching their area performance there are a couple of timing miscues here and there, but nothing that can't be easily fixed. I'm a fan!

8. Marcus

While their show is not as difficult as some other bands here, they are still remarkably clean. Visually there are some really cool moments like the pivot in the beginning set. The orchestral sound they produce is iconic and I'm expecting to see some very high performance captions.

9. Coppell

Love to see them continuing their upward trajectory after a breakout season last year! They might have my favorite ballad of the season with a beautiful sax soloist. While I'm not as sold on the closer as their opener/ballad, I give them props for putting Beethoven in Havana on the field as I don't think I've ever seen that before. Really great show!

10. Cedar Park

Really impressive to see them field such a massive group yet still sound very balanced and clean. Their ballad is a highlight of the season and I'm not at all surprised to see them win Waco so convincingly. There are a few moments in the drill that are a little dirty for me, but I think they are solidly in finals.

11. The Woodlands

Director changes can be hard to weather, especially when you lose multiple directors, but the Woodlands are still very strong this year! The show is a little reminiscent of last year and isn't quite as heavy-hitting, but they still produce excellent sounds and their soloists are just as good as ever.

12. Round Rock

It's great to see Round Rock bounce back from what was probably a disappointing season last year. Visually I think the design is much stronger than many of their recent shows, and they still sound as good as they always have. They're definitely towards the upper end of the finals bubble and I expect to see them in finals.

13. Westlake

They've got a really creative show this year! I think they hit the mark on the noir theming of the show. Their clarinet soloist is really quite spectacular and the ensemble sounds excellent. Really awesome show concept and a definite crowd-pleaser.

14. Cy-Fair

I would love to see them cap off their outstanding season so far with a finals appearance here! Really fantastic sounds from their brass and the uniforms make for some pretty cool visual moments when they turn around. The percussion is also very impressive and the woodwinds do a great job with their runs. Great trumpet soloist too!

In the bubble: Keller, Leander, Rouse, James Bowie, Pearland, LD Bell, Timber Creek, Waxahachie, Seven Lakes, Klein Oak, Westwood, Lake Travis, Hendrickson, a dozen other bands I've forgotten. Seriously, the finals bubble is just massive.

Of the bands I have listed I think any of the top 11 bands I have down could get into the top half. Any of the bands I have listed in the bubble could also get into finals and wouldn't surprise me. This contest is just ridiculously competitive.

[lost]

3 hours ago, BandFan95 said:

I wasn't being spiteful.  Spiteful would be me saying, "such and such band sucks and they don't deserve success." I didn't say that. In fact, you don't know what other bands I might have been referring to.

Weren't you the one who unnecessarily called out Westwood in the Area D thread? So if me saying that Cedar Ridge deserved something over others in a year where there show was so freaking amazing is bad, then maybe you should take a nice look in the mirror because you did exactly the same, if not, worse. 

If we can't disagree about opinions, which is what all of us have, and most certainly, what the judges have, what's the point of discussing? 

 

You did say that though.

I appreciate you mischaracterizing my comments and resorting to calling me “worse”, I do believe that reflects more on yourself than me.

I’ll keep that we shouldn’t be putting down bands by saying “these two should’ve been in over other groups” especially when they all equally worked hard.

Keep supporting, keep clapping, no need to be spiteful. They’re all fun shows regardless of cleanliness let’s just keep having fun. Stating your opinion as fact does not change results.

 

[whenthebandbeginstoplay]

3 hours ago, BandFan95 said:

Maybe I am an expert? 🤪

Talk about chippy. God forbid not everyone sees eye to eye

Are you? 

[pta]

On 10/31/2022 at 4:25 PM, BandFan95 said:

I saw two. 2019. Cedar Ridge and Westwood. They got screwed over by performing early for panel 2. 

they hit us with a .1 score difference from a different panel💀 didn’t help that we were the first band in panel 2 to go either. should’ve been better that day😔

[LeanderMomma]

On 11/16/2021 at 6:07 PM, LeanderMomma said:

The 2022 Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional will be held November 4th & 5th, 2022 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. 
 

Here’s the new Friday schedule as of 11/1/22 with the competition now starting with Georgetown at 9:15 am and McCallum added where the 2:00 break was supposed to be. Also, Veterans Memorial and Hendrickson traded time slots and panels. VM is now at 5 and Henny at 5:30 after the break.  FRIDAY Panel 1 9:15 - Georgetown H.S., TX 9:30 - W. Charles Akins H.S., TX 9:45 - Mission Veterans Memorial H.S., TX 10:00 - Tom Glenn H.S., TX 10:15 - Pflugerville H.S., TX 10:30 - James Bowie H.S., TX BREAK Panel 2 11:00 - United H.S., TX 11:15 - Troy H.S., TX 11:30 - Smithson Valley H.S., TX 11:45 - New Braunfels H.S., TX 12:00 - Cedar Ridge H.S., TX 12:15 - Dripping Springs H.S., TX 12:30 - James E. Taylor H.S., TX 12:45 - John B. Alexander H.S., TX 1:00 - Byron P. Steele II H.S., TX 1:15 - Rio Grande City H.S., TX 1:30 - Vista Ridge H.S., TX 1:45 - Westlake H.S., TX Panel 1 2:00 - McCallum H.S., TX 2:15 - Waller H.S., TX 2:30 - Anderson H.S., TX 2:45 - Jack C. Hays H.S., TX 3:00 - Round Rock H.S., TX 3:15 - Lake Travis H.S., TX 3:30 - Foster H.S., TX 3:45 - Douglas MacArthur H.S., TX 4:00 - Liberal Arts and Science Academy, TX 4:15 - Legacy of Educational Excellence H.S., TX 4:30 - Sandra Day O'Connor H.S., TX 4:45 - Churchill Fulshear H.S., TX 5:00 - Veterans Memorial H.S., TX BREAK Panel 2 5:30 - Robert E. Hendrickson H.S., TX 5:45 - Cedar Park H.S., TX 6:00 - Westwood H.S., TX 6:15 - Louis D. Brandeis H.S., TX 6:30 - Rouse H.S., TX 6:45 - Jourdanton H.S., TX 7:00 - McNeil H.S., TX 7:15 - Winston Churchill H.S., TX 7:30 - Vandegrift H.S., TX 7:45 - Hidalgo Early College H.S., TX BREAK Panel 1 8:15 - Leander H.S., TX 8:30 - Keller Central H.S., TX 8:45 - Ronald Reagan H.S., TX 9:00 - Odem H.S., TX 9:15 - Timber Creek H.S., TX 9:30 - Magnolia H.S., TX 9:45 - Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX 10:00 - A&M Consolidated H.S., TX 10:15 - Keller H.S., TX 10:30 - Flower Mound H.S., TX SATURDAY Panel 2 7:00a - Pecos 7:15a - Oak Ridge 7:30a - McCallum 7:45a - L.D. Bell 8:00a - Clear Creek 8:15a - Seven Lakes 8:30a - College Station 8:45a - Lubbock-Cooper 9:00a - Dawson 9:15a - Whitesboro 9:30a - Coppell Panel 1 10:00a - Clear Springs 10:15a - Del Rio 10:30a - Pearland 10:45a - Cypress Woods 11:00a - Argyle 11:15a - Cy-Fair 11:30a - Friendswood 11:45a - Forney 12:00p - Sachse 12:15p - Burleson 12:30p - Marcus 12:45p - College Park Panel 2 1:15p - Hebron 1:30p - Rock Hill 1:45p - Klein Oak 2:00p - Wylie 2:15p - Azle 2:30p - The Woodlands 2:45p - Highland Park 3:00p - Wylie East 3:15p - Waxahachie 3:30p - Exhibition - UT Austin

 

I just revised the schedule in the original post to include the new changes made by BOA to Friday’s schedule. 

[AWildAltoSax]

With all the bands in the bubble, I still look at cy woods, last time they were at a BOA was low, but I feel like if they have a SUPER cleaned show there is a chance to be high in the bubble

[BandFan95]

12 hours ago, pta said:

they hit us with a .1 score difference from a different panel💀 didn’t help that we were the first band in panel 2 to go either. should’ve been better that day😔

Y'all were fabulous.

Let's be real. If I were a judge in that panel, naturally I would reserve some points as to not blow it all in one shot because I'm judging 50 more bands!  It was heartbreaking for you guys, much like Austin that year was heartbreaking for Hendrickson and Round Rock. 

[Jackson1]

@Rubisco - Missing your input on San Antonio.  Any input?  You are usually spot on.

[Tubalord11]

Okay I want to also put my thoughts here as it seems everyone else is! also, there’s a possibility that I’m able to go for Friday night prelims and all the comp on Saturday. But anyways, like almost if not everyone, Hebron will once again sweep. I think the top of finals will be 

Hebron 

Flomo 

Vandy 

CR 

CTJ 

Regan 

Vista???

my other finalist are Marcus, Woodlands, CP. 

the last 4 could be so many bands, and I don’t know how but it’s a ton snd y’all know who! 

[VinoGirl]

36 minutes ago, Tubalord11 said:

Okay I want to also put my thoughts here as it seems everyone else is! also, there’s a possibility that I’m able to go for Friday night prelims and all the comp on Saturday. But anyways, like almost if not everyone, Hebron will once again sweep. I think the top of finals will be 

Hebron 

Flomo 

Vandy 

CR 

CTJ 

Regan 

Vista???

my other finalist are Marcus, Woodlands, CP. 

the last 4 could be so many bands, and I don’t know how but it’s a ton snd y’all know who! 

I agree with you. I am also a big fan of Coppell’s show. I know some have said it’s not their favorite, but I just love it. I think they really deliver across the board. Of course I’ll also be cheering for my hometown Highlander Band to have a good run as well…just happy to be there!  

[Tubalord11]

39 minutes ago, VinoGirl said:

I agree with you. I am also a big fan of Coppell’s show. I know some have said it’s not their favorite, but I just love it. I think they really deliver across the board. Of course I’ll also be cheering for my hometown Highlander Band to have a good run as well…just happy to be there!  

Oh yeah forgot about Coppell I’d probably have them in my locks but everyone is so good I just don’t know at this point! But good luck to the Highlander bands this weekend! 

[sogeg]

Well, time for my predictions. Definitely gonna forget a few bands so my apologies in advance. This comp is gonna be impossible to predict accurately.

Panel 1 Locks:

Ronald Reagan

Claudia Taylor Johnson

Flower Mound

Marcus

 

Panel 2 Locks:

Cedar Ridge

Vista Ridge

Cedar Park

Vandegrift

Coppell

Hebron

The Woodlands

 

That makes 11 bands, with one open top 5 spot in panel 1 and 2 of panel 2 locks are in the next 4, leaving 3 spots open.
 

Panel 1 last spot Contenders:

James Bowie

Round Rock

Lake Travis

Leander

Timber Creek

Keller

Pearland

Cy-Fair

 

Out of these I would say Round Rock or Keller look the strongest to me (even after a week showing at area last weekend, I got to see Keller's show tonight and it feels much cleaner and more complete. Definitely not a lock given results thus far, but their show seems to be reaching its peak.)

The last 2 spots seem to be anyone's game.

James Bowie

Westlake

Keller/Round Rock (Counting them as one since I think one of them will make it into the top 5)

Lake Travis

Hendrickson (? Them not going to Waco makes them a wild card to me)

Rouse

Leander

Timber Creek

LD Bell

Pearland

Cy-Fair

Waxahachie

 

That is 11-12 bands competing for 2 spots. To narrow it down just a bit, here are the 5 bands I could see making it into these 2 spots.

Westlake

Keller/Round Rock

Rouse

Leander

Pearland

 

That leaves my final list at this:

Ronald Reagan

Claudia Taylor Johnson

Flower Mound

Marcus

Cedar Ridge

Vista Ridge

Cedar Park

Vandegrift

Coppell

Hebron

The Woodlands

Keller

Round Rock

Westlake

(Not ordered whatsoever)

 

Dear lord that was hard. I feel like my opinion on Keller *could* just be cope, but I was incredibly impressed by what I saw tonight compared to every other time I have seen their show.

[lost]

With how the last three years have gone I think it’s safer to have a prediction with one band that most people aren’t predicting in finals.

Expect the unexpected they say! 

[HeyBandTX]

Does anyone know if GA prelim tickets will still be sold at the Alamodome Box Office as you walk up the day of the event?  Could only find the link to Ticketmaster on the BOA site.  TIA!!!

[Bill_Hou]

So let's do the hypothetical guessing game challenge. 

I know it changes year to year and is random based on judges, but:

What does everyone think the high prelims score will be? I think it will be 92.5

and What is the score that the 14th band will have to hit to make finals?  I think 88 this year given the quality of competition.

[LeanderMomma]

25 minutes ago, HeyBandTX said:

Does anyone know if GA prelim tickets will still be sold at the Alamodome Box Office as you walk up the day of the event?  Could only find the link to Ticketmaster on the BOA site.  TIA!!!

I believe so. I’m counting on it!

[Nepsu]

On 7/23/2022 at 4:27 PM, packwick said:

82 bands, that's crazy. especially w/o a semifinals. stressful, stressful, stressful judging experience.

i could see Hebron taking home their second Armadillo in a row. CTJ and Flower Mound are also in a good position with all the director changes to take their 3rd or 4th Armies.

yes, i'm trying to get us to crowdfund a ridiculous armadillo trophy that gets passed around like the Grand Nats Eagle. ppl keep comparing this contest to Nats. well where the heck is our trophy then? c'mon TXBands!

What about a roadrunner lol
to match the utsa logo on the field

[natertater21000]

1 hour ago, spacewill said:

So let's do the hypothetical guessing game challenge. 

I know it changes year to year and is random based on judges, but:

What does everyone think the high prelims score will be? I think it will be 92.5

and What is the score that the 14th band will have to hit to make finals?  I think 88 this year given the quality of competition.

Given the scoring trends of the last 5 years this is actually pretty low. Top score in prelims is always lower than in finals so I'm thinking somewhere between a 93.5 and a 95.00. As far as what score it would take to get into finals I'm thinking this will be similar to 2017 where a band needed to break 90 to get in, it's THAT competitive this year IMO.

[natertater21000]

6 minutes ago, markdavis said:

What about a roadrunner lol
to match the utsa logo on the field

This would match the other bird trophy for nats 🤔