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BOSTON YOUVE DONE IT!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, YOU GET 5 BIG BOOMS!!!! BOOM 💥 BOOM 💥 BOOM 💥 BOOM 💥 BOOM 💥

Anna HS will be attending.

BOOM

Congrats to Boston!!! It’s the first time in 34 years a corps outside the G7 has won. Very fitting that it was Boston who broke the streak. And a perfect percussion score tonight, holy moly!! Is this the first percussion group with a perfect score?

The Crown 2013 of drums!

Hello TXBands community, My name is Brandon Foskett! I am a former TX band kid, where I attended Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, TX from 2015–2019 and was a drum major in the 2018 season that brought us the closest we've ever been to a shot at 6A State finals and BOA SA finals! I went on to pursue a music education degree at the University of Texas at Austin, but I quickly switched to a degree in music history after nerding out too much in my music "core" classes. I am now a PhD student in Musicology at UT Austin! I am still a band kid at heart, going to as many BOAs each fall as possible and still playing the TXBands Predictions game religiously (where I have ranked top 10 the past 2 years, although I think I will have to sit this fall season out for the following reason...). In addition to my music studies, I am also a member of Texas 4000 for Cancer, a 501(c)(3) organization that bikes 4,000+ miles from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska every summer to raise funds for cancer research and support services. As a part of the Texas 4000 for Cancer team, I am embarking on a transformative journey, and I would like as many people in my cherished "band family" to "ride along" with me. 50 of my teammates and I will pedal in the World’s Longest Annual Charity Bike Ride to spread hope and raise awareness of cancer in numerous communities in Texas, the US, and even Canada. Each mile we ride is a testament to our commitment to positively impacting the lives of those affected by cancer. I believe in the power of my "roots" and the power of collective action! Support from people like you can help me achieve some remarkable outcomes: Funding Critical Research: Your donation supports the summer ride and contributes to groundbreaking cancer research that can lead to improved treatments, early detection methods, and, one day, a cure. Supporting Patients and Families: Donations will also aid in supporting patients and their families as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment and recovery. Spreading Awareness: Our journey is not just a physical one—it's a journey of raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of a united effort. I would be honored if anyone in the TXBands "band fam" felt generous enough to make a donation to Texas 4000 for Cancer. Texas 4000 for Cancer has raised over $4 million dollars in the past 20 years alone, which I find pretty remarkable for a student-led non-profit. Any and every little amount makes a difference! If you'd like to join us in this endeavor, you can donate by visiting my fundraising page at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026teamfundraising/account/2032649-brandon2alaska. To learn more about Texas 4000 for Cancer, our mission, our impact, how to donate, and/or how to receive tax exemption documentation, consider visiting https://www.texas4000.org/ or emailing info@texas4000.org. To stay connected with my personal training journey, follow our progress, and witness the change you are helping to create, please consider subscribing to my newsletter updates at http://eepurl.com/je8Yo-/. Thank you for your time and consideration! Here's to a great marching season! To Alaska and back, Brandon L. Foskett Texas 4000 for Cancer 2025–26 team PhD Student, Musicology Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin T4K Rider Info Flyer FOSKETT 2025-26.pdf

Plano Senior has this on their calendar.

Schedule added to the original post! Prelims Lineup as of 07/31 (all times in Central) 9:24 - Krum H.S., TX 9:36 - Belton H.S., TX 9:48 - Gatesville H.S., TX 10:00 - Cedar Ridge H.S., TX 10:12 - Round Rock H.S., TX 10:24 - Dripping Springs H.S., TX 10:36 - Westwood H.S., TX BREAK 11:12 - Cedar Park H.S., TX 11:24 - Vista Ridge H.S., TX 11:36 - Lake Travis H.S., TX 11:48 - Leander H.S., TX 12:00 - Westlake H.S., TX 12:12 - Rouse H.S., TX 12:24 - McCallum H.S., TX 12:36 - Vandegrift H.S., TX A: Gatesville H.S., TX Krum H.S., TX AA: Belton H.S., TX AAA: Cedar Park H.S., TX Leander H.S., TX McCallum H.S., TX Rouse H.S., TX AAAA: Cedar Ridge H.S., TX Dripping Springs H.S., TX Lake Travis H.S., TX Round Rock H.S., TX Vandegrift H.S., TX Vista Ridge H.S., TX Westlake H.S., TX Westwood H.S., TX

As a Flomo student, we are going to all of them.

Nailed it.

Congratulations to… The 2026 TMEA 5A Honor Band: Rouse HS!!!! The 2026 TMEA 3A Honor Band: Raymondville ECHS!!!! The 2026 TMEA 3C Honor Band: Cedar Park MS!!!! The 2026 TMEA 1C Honor Band: Brewster School!!!!

Schedule came out yesterday and yes BOA Dallas is on the schedule for LS

As a Vista Ridge supporter, I'm really excited for the Boston Crusaders and Ryan George! Congratulations!

August prediction: 1. Bridgeland 2. Seven Lakes 3. Cy Woods 4. Cy-Fair 5. Cinco Ranch 6. Jordan 7. JET 8. Tompkins 9. Cypress Ranch 10-11 Katy/Langham Creek 12. Jersey Village 13. Paetow

It would be a glimpse to the rivalry between Lone Star and Wakeland at the beginning of the season.... kinda like DCI this year with Crusaders and Bloo...

Lebanon Trail confirmed for McKinney!

My predictions... Will update sooner to competition. 1. Marcus 2. Coppell 3. Wakeland/Wylie 4. Wylie /Wakeland 5. Lone Star/SLC 6. SLC/ Lone Star 7. Prosper 8. Rockwall 9. Forney 10. McKinney 11. Braswell 12. Lebanon Trail Bubble 1. Mc Kinney North.. 2. Rock Hill 3. Burleson 4. Reedy... my long shot..

85 seasons...multiple time bridesmaid... locked out of the G7 ... Boston Crusaders finally climbs the mountain and stand on top with an old school throw back type of show to boot. Congrats BAC!! What a ride the last few years has been watching and cheering for them to advance. Another huge kudos goes out to Santa Clara Vanguard. "Don't call it a come back...." And they had a Texas High School link this year with SASI working with their leadership team. Some notables in SASI (Spicer, Vandoren (Vandegrift), Yee (Cedar Park), Mike Howard (Leander ISD), White (Reagan) and a lot more of extremely talented top tier staff. I was happy to see Troopers in 10th. What a season.

So happy for Boston for finally winning a gold medal, it was only a matter of time before they got there! This season was really awesome and I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for DCI

BOOM PERFECT DRUM SCORE!

That performance was indescribable. Literally, I couldn’t think of something to say. Too all corps no matter what tonight brings, I’m thankful for the season you gave us.

He had such an influence in the Drum Corp world in the 70s. DCI Tribute to Chuck

Westlake H.S. 2025 ”Urban Jungle” This sounds like a really fun concept! I’m excited to see what the costuming and field aesthetic will look like. I LOVED their 23 and 24 shows, and I’m sure I’m gonna love this one!

It seems like Bluecoats will probably win. I've had that feeling for a while now, even though I don't like their show as much as last year's. Bloo's show is a bit more complex than Boston's overall. It's also a more unique show historically, although maybe not so much when compared to other Bloo shows. At the very least, it feels contemporary. Boston's designers, like Crown's, take a bit more of a direct and, I think, simpler path to effect. The visual focus is always very clear, easy to digest; the music has nice variety and continuity; and the performers elevate the whole thing with their astounding excellence. Like, the fundamentals of a great show are all there. But then I never fully shake the feeling that I'm watching a grown-up version of a BOA show with Boston. While Boston's performers strive to set new standards, their designers seem a little more complacent artistically. I think that's part of the reason why Bloo was 1st in all the content halves in the most recent recap, except for guard and percussion. What that means is Boston's performers will have to absolutely blow the roof off of the LOS to win their first gold. It's possible, but it will be hard! Phantom Regiment actually has my favorite show this year, for the first time in forever. It's the only one that really touches me. I'm a little bit colder towards SCV than others are, probably because it's more cerebral, but their drill is well-written, and it's definitely a big performance improvement over last year.

McKinney North: Celestial Swing

Hi, I’m the band director at W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas. I was wondering if there’s any way my band could be a part of your upcoming marching festival. We’re a traditional show style band, but we’re working hard to prepare for UIL and would really appreciate the opportunity to perform and get some feedback. Let me know if that’s possible, thank you!

They are already on sale! The San Antonio EE has never sold out before BUT with the new “finals only” experience they’re also offering this year, it’s feasible that they could sell out at some point. If you buy the entire EE, which I highly recommend, literally everything is included in that $325 price tag. Parking (in our own special section), meals, all tickets, and even our own entrance.

As a student of neither, eh Lone Star beat Wakeland at state in woodwinds and brass which makes up 2/5 of the area sheets now, if Lone Star could pull ahead even in one visual caption they can very realistically caption Wakeland out of a win. I don't think this would be the most likely scenario since Wakeland seems to be a level ahead of Lone Star visually, but saying they're VASTLY stronger in regards to UIL is hyperbolizing the gap between the two in regards to UIL. BOA Id be inclined to agree with you If Lonestar has a killer show and they have the better run between them and Wakeland they can very realistically win area, state Id need to see it to believe it, but its really just visually and in percussion where they lag in particular. They have the winds to beat Wakeland, they just need to reach that next level in visuals and close the percussion gap

Yeah okay I’m fully convinced BAC will win. They only lost the weekend bc of 1 GE judge. They are going to take Gold. Just have to clean some and it will eventually overtake bloo. Dropping finals preds now: 1. BAC (brass/perc/vis/gaurd) 2. Bloo (GE) 3. SCV 4. BD 5. PR/Crown 6. Crown/PR 7. Mandies 8. Cavies 9. Troops 10. Blue Stars 11. BK 12. Colts —— 13 SOA 14. Madison 15. PC 16. Music City 17. Academy 18. Crossmen After tonight, it seems Crown has caught up to Phantom. I personally see it, I think Crown not revealing everything till now is good as PR has been the same since San Antonio. Other than that, and maybe Troops passing Cavies which I kinda hope happens this is my guess. Also first few out is a long guess lol, could completely change in a couple days

Also, I could genuinely see Bridgeland win the SMBC in 5-6 years hear me out

Predictions, they are wrong: 1. Bridgeland 2. Seven Lakes 3. Cy-Woods 4. Cy-Fair 5. Cinca Ranch 6. Jordan 7. Tompkins 8. Cy-Ranch 9. JET 10. Langham/Katy yes this is innaccurste, but I’m DYING to see Cinco Ranch in state, Cy-Ranch higher in Finals and langham in finals.

The Lake Hamilton Power Band is back to back 6A state marching champions (‘22 & ‘23). They made it to semis at Grand Nationals in 2023 and placed 3rd in the AA division. They should bring a good show!

The final listening sessions for State Honor Band will take place tomorrow morning at the TBA conference. 5A Finalists Wakeland HS, Frisco Aledo HS, Aledo Colleyville Heritage HS, Grapevine-Colleyville Kaufman HS, Kaufman Cedar Park HS, Leander Rouse HS, Leander Roma HS, Roma Friendswood HS, Friendswood 3A Finalists Bushland HS, Bushland Commerce HS, Commerce New Diana HS, New Diana Troy HS, Troy Westwood HS, Westwood Howe HS, Howe Santa Gertrudis Academy HS, Santa Gertrudis Raymondville ECHS, Raymondville Anahuac HS, Anahuac Hitchcock HS, Hitchcock 3C Finalists Faubion MS, McKinney Aledo MS, Aledo Coppell MS North, Coppell Walsh MS, Round Rock Tex Hill MS, North East Cedar Park MS, Leander Kleb IS, Klein Knox JH, Conroe Dulles MS, Fort Bend Berry Miller JH, Pearland 1C Finalists Olney MS, Olney Applied Learning Academy, Fort Worth Mineola MS, Mineola New Diana MS, New Diana Union Grove JH, Union Grove Westwood JH, Westwood William B. Travis Academy, Dallas West Rusk JH, West Rusk Howe MS, Howe Santa Gertrudis MS, Santa Gertrudis Brewster School, Edinburg Mauriceville MS, Little Cypress-Mauriceville

Highland Park has a new band director, who knows how to compete. Hopefully that means that HP will finish better than the bottom. I hope so...they've had a few challenging years recently. That said, should be a very fun and competitive contest - great bands here!

Drum majors reported on Monday, my kids report to Leadership tomorrow. Here we go...

I’m pretty sure that it was only area getting a judge format change. State should be keeping the same 7-judge format that’s been used post-Covid

We just got the schedule yesterday and BOA Prosper is on the LS schedule.

Happy Monday everyone! It’s a big week for DCI as we begin the Texas tour in just 2 days!!! I wi be at Denton, San Antonio and McKinney this year and am very excited. Will probably do live updates at Denton and SA, still don’t know yet but here’s my preds for San Antonio: 1. BAC 2. Bloo 3. SCV 4. BD 5. PR 6. Crown 7. Mandies 8. Cavies 9. Blue Stars 10. Blue Knights 11. Troopers 12. Colts —— 13. Scouts 14. Crossmen 15. SOA 16. Pacific Crest 17. The Academy everyone else My reason for BAC in first is more of a possibility than anything. They have the Friday before SA to rehearse where Bloo is going to the show in Houston. I think Bloo wins Denton and the BAC SA since they have that extra day to clean. Super excited for these next few days, hope everyone’s getting to go to some shows as well!

In area D, Austin High may drop from 6A to 5A. After the last realignment they were the smallest Austin-area school in 6A, and Austin ISD is shrinking. Austin ISD also has a significant transfer program, so it may come down to how folks transfer within the district this year.

Listening to both them and Bloo I definitely think they both sound great. I just think initially Boston had just a little bit more to offer. But that’s just me

4a: Panther Creek or Gatesville, 5a: Wakeland, 6a:Bridgeland or Cedar Ridge

Timberview HS 2025 Couldn't link the show reveal so I just took a screen shot of the show title Music selections include Dune, Waterworld, Sting, and Avatar Very excited to see how our band competes in 5a area f with this!

Honestly I think I'm at least as excited about Leander's show theme, as I am about CP, this year. But don't tell my kids!

My nephew just text me that they are going.. and also the Bedford boa..

Sachse's new color guard director was announced about yesterday: Yisel Reynoso, previously a technician for Whitewright HS, and has lots of WGI experience. CG Assistant Director still open as of right now.

Either MP or NM as my guesses for one, but I think NM will retain. I had to chance to see their show last year and it blew away my expectations. Hope to see their show this year. Mount pleasant I think will be the second most likely but with the right stuff they definitely can place well.

At the moment I’m thinking NM will still retain their lead. My next guess if they don’t would probably be Poteet or MP. I would love to see LC up there though.

I believe we could possibly see a new area c champion this season! We can’t count groups out like LC and Mount Pleasant, Or will we see NM retain ? What does everyone think?

Gatesville I think is about to be one of the next consistent rising starts in 4A, trajectory over 2022-2024 has been very impressive. 2022 made it and placed a little lower, 2023 was just out of finals, 2024 a few places in finals. Wouldn't be surprised if that continued upward.

Shadow Creek's 2025 show is entitled " The Red Balloon " featuring the selections from: Hans Zimmer Richard Saucedo Sara Bareilles - Look for the Light David Gillingham Their show follows a French film where " a boy discovers his balloon has a mind of its own."