TXMarchingMadness87654

I also have been involved in the process. We go to SA for BOA and come home. The kids go to school on Monday and we leave Monday after school to go back to SA for State. We stay in different hotels that are already reserved for said dates. Yes, they have to come back. They cannot afford to stay Sat & Sun night and miss school on Monday, too. They are regulated pretty heavily. They leave very late on Tues night and still have to go to school on Wednesday. We are all completely exhausted, but it's exciting. I can imagine that the band directors have a pretty good gauge on the chances their band will make it to State. While I'm sure that things come "out of the blue" from time to time, most, at the very least, have it in the back of their minds that they could go...especially if they are alternates. On a side note: One of these days, Haltom will be considered a lock for State, too. I guess making it every year since 2000 still hasn't garnered them that "priviledge" from most people. It's all good, though. I DO like underdogs, even underdogs who make it to State six times in a row.

An interesting thing about that competition, too, is that Mansfield had left to go to another competition. I read on one of the forums here that they were planning on trying to make both finals. However, when finals were announced at Birdville, Mansfield was not included. I know because I have a family member with a band student at Northwest and they were excited about making finals(believing they were 10th). They were actually 11th. Of course, there was no finals, but I still wonder if Mansfield was contacted and decided they wouldn't be able to make it back. Anyone know? Just curious. Really enjoyed their show, as well as the other ones I saw that day. Here's a link to the finals that never happened: http://www.birdville.k12.tx.us/finearts/Ma...alsschedule.pdf

Haven't seen your show yet this year, but O'Connor always puts out a fine show, worthy of recognition & praise! Good luck to you!!! See you at BOA SA. I was at the Birdville band contest. Marcus was one of the few who had to perform with some rain(wasn't too bad). I, too, can't wait to see how they finish the show or what they add to it. Was also bummed that there was no finals, again this year. I'm a band nut. I like seeing shows again and again. Was looking forward to seeing Wakeland again with their falling woodwinds! Anyway, I agree with the judging of that contest. I know one of the judges there is judging at Area B this year. I'm not sure which one. All UIL will be crazy good this year, as well as BOA SA. Good luck to all!

Apparently, the schedule won't be out til next week. (?) Hope I have the right information, but that's my understanding.

Let's see... I was at a game last year where fans on the other side of the field blew those annoying horn things during the performance. It was cross-town rivals, though, so no real surprise there. This last week, however, I actually yelled at a group of annoyingly loud teens on our side while our band was performing. I was videotaping the band and this group of kids were fighting loudly with each other. I asked nicely for them to be quiet, TWICE. When they continued, I went over and said, "Excuse me! SHUT UP!" They looked at me like, "wow, band mom," and one genius said, "She must have a kid in the band." Noooo. What was your first clue? Well, they apparently had some derrogatory comments to make about the band and attempted to say those comments loud enough for me to hear, but I didn't hear them. Someone told me about it later. They were quiet enough for me to get a good video of the show, so I was happy. I'm not a confrontational person AT ALL. In fact, I hate it. But when it comes to making memories with my kids, I fully expect people to give me my eight minutes per halftime. If you want to chat or fight or act stupid, go downstairs under the bleachers. If you want me to yell at you to "Shut Up!" keep on being loud. *sigh* I can't think of another time where I had a problem with crowd noise/disrespect. Most of the time, the stands empty once the band has played. lol I much prefer contests, though. Everyone is there for the same reason, and rarely do you find crowd issues. There were some kids from one of the performing bands at PEMI who sat behind us and loudly critiqued the band that was on the field. I turned and gave them the "evil eye" a couple of times, but they were clueless. It's really sad to see/hear kids from other bands who don't show respect.

I haven't seen James Bowie either. It's my understanding that they're going to Grand Nats and, aside from UIL, that's it. Anyone heard differently?

Didn't get to see Plano East at PEMI. Thought they were going to have an exhibition performance, but unless I took a sudden, unexpected nap, they didn't perform. I was really looking forward to seeing them, too! I still remember their drenched yet awesome performance at Area B two years ago. I've heard good things about their show, though. Good luck to them. Maybe Area B will have enough participants to send five this year. I have seen Mansfield's show. I really enjoyed it! They placed 6th at PESH, so it's difficult to say how they'll do in area. After all, everyone, including Mansfield, will be cleaner and sharper by then. I definitely wouldn't count anyone out. It's going to be another nail-biter. Can I just say I really, REALLY hope for perfect weather this year? I'm crossing my fingers and toes.

Ohhh, this contest drives me mad! I always leave thinking...why? why just 14?? I think you're spot on with the ones you've chosen so far. I know I've made it clear that I like Haltom, a lot. They don't seem to break the glass ceiling of BOA, though. Not sure why. Last year's show was chill-bump moving. Anyway, because of that whole thing of them rarely making finals, I won't put them in the last five(but I'll still hope for them. I like underdogs). So Flower Mound is pretty fantastic and Richland has definitely made it before and their show is coolio. Crabapples. This is HARD! Okay. *covers eyes and peeks through fingers* Keller, Vandegrift, James Martin, Flower Mound, Richland, and wishful thinking for Haltom. (yes, I know that's six when I wishful ninja sneak in Haltom. Too bad!) Plus, the nine you listed that I previously agreed with up there ^^ My apologies to the other fabulous bands going to BOA SA that I haven't seen and therefore didn't pick. I'm sure everyone is incredible and wonderful! Good luck to you all. I will be there biting nails and crossing fingers, most likely not at the same time. EDIT: I should note that I haven't seen LD Bell's show yet, either, but unless they come out and crawl around on the ground for 8 minutes and never play their instruments, I'm sure it's going to be in the top 14, both on my silly lil list and the actual one that counts.

I don't see it as (over) confidence, either. Sometimes, I think bands want to create a buzz of their show by being in several competitions(as well as getting judges remarks, of course). Others want their show kept as quiet as possible to create its own sort of "buzz" of anticipation. Both courses of action can benefit the band. I suppose there can be some problems with both, too. I just look at the positives. LD Bell's show is the only one of the "big" ones from Area B that I haven't seen, yet. I've seen Marcus, Hebron, Haltom, and Richland shows(the "regulars" making it to State). Do I have a bit of excited anticipation in seeing Bell's show? Y-E-S! So, at least for me, it's working! Don't forget that Birdville is going to be at St. Louis, btw. I've seen their show, too. They pack quite a punch! Good luck to our Texas comrades in St. Louis this weekend! I wish you perfect weather!

Friday, October 19, 2012 12:30 p.m. - Wheaton Warrenville South H.S., IL 12:45 p.m. - Moore H.S., OK 1:00 p.m. - Francis Howell H.S., MO 1:15 p.m. - Monticello H.S., IL 1:30 p.m. - Pearl H.S., MS 1:45 p.m. - Lafayette H.S., MO 2:00 p.m. - Camdenton H.S., MO 2:15 p.m. - Dunlap H.S., IL 2:45 p.m. - Oakville H.S., MO 3:00 p.m. - Herscher H.S., IL 3:15 p.m. - Rock Bridge H.S., MO 3:30 p.m. - Illinois Valley Central H.S., IL 3:45 p.m. - Plainfield North H.S., IL 4:00 p.m. - Jenks H.S., OK 4:15 p.m. - Blue Springs H.S., MO 4:30 p.m. - Roosevelt H.S., SD 4:45 p.m. - Berryhill H.S., OK 5:00 p.m. - Union H.S., OK 5:45 p.m. - Parkway South H.S., MO 6:00 p.m. - Bentonville H.S., AR 6:15 p.m. - Blue Valley H.S., KS 6:30 p.m. - Francis Howell Central H.S., MO 6:45 p.m. - Park Hill South H.S., MO 7:00 p.m. - Irondale H.S., MN 7:15 p.m. - Van Buren H.S., AR 7:30 p.m. - Prospect H.S., IL 7:45 p.m. - Kickapoo H.S., MO 8:00 p.m. - Collierville H.S., TN 8:15 p.m. - Stillwater H.S., OK Saturday, October 20, 2012 7:30 a.m. - Webb City H.S., MO 7:45 a.m. - Collinsville H.S., IL 8:00 a.m. - Parkway Central H.S., MO 8:15 a.m. - Wentzville Holt H.S., MO 8:30 a.m. - Marshall H.S., MN 8:45 a.m. - Rockwood Summit H.S., MO 9:00 a.m. - Morton H.S., IL 9:15 a.m. - Eden Prairie H.S., MN 9:30 a.m. - Union City H.S., TN 9:45 a.m. - Lockport Township H.S., IL 10:15 a.m. - Lake Park H.S., IL 10:30 a.m. - Richland H.S., TX 10:45 a.m. - Fort Zumwalt North H.S., MO 11:00 a.m. - Brentwood H.S., TN 11:15 a.m. - Waukesha North H.S., WI 11:30 a.m. - River Falls H.S., WI 11:45 a.m. - Blue Valley West H.S., KS 12:00 p.m. - Rampart H.S., CO 12:15 p.m. - Birdville H.S., TX 12:30 p.m. - Lindbergh H.S., MO 1:30 p.m. - Anderson H.S., TX 1:45 p.m. - Owasso H.S., OK 2:00 p.m. - Westmoore H.S., OK 2:15 p.m. - Rosemount H.S., MN 2:30 p.m. - L.D. Bell H.S., TX 2:45 p.m. - Lincoln Community H.S., IL 3:00 p.m. - Metamora Township H.S., IL 3:15 p.m. - Belleville East H.S., IL 3:30 p.m. - O'Fallon Township H.S., IL 3:45 p.m. - Exhibition: University of Missouri Marching Band

Well, Hebron was VERY good on Saturday. Marcus still has a couple of minutes of show to add, too. Like I said in my review, I don't know that there's too much Hebron needs to do to improve. Their show was really fantastic. Marcus is always incredible, of course, but we haven't technically seen their "whole" show yet. It will be interesting to see if the rest of their show pulls them further away from Hebron. Should be a great UIL. Also, they will both be at the BISD festival this coming Saturday. Another showdown! I've said it on another post, but while people are set on admiring two great bands, they need not forget about others, like Hebron, who have also consistently made it to State in the past, along with Haltom & Richland. I see that percussion may be a major issue for Haltom in future contests. It's too bad, because their marching, as usual, looks really great. Their music sounded great, too. hmm Hope they get the percussion issue straightened up before Area. I hate seeing any band "unbalanced," so to speak. I'm anxiously waiting to see what else Marcus will bring to the field!!! Can't wait!!!! Anyone seen both LD Bell's and Marcus' shows this year? I'd like to know how they compare. Go bands go!

Thank you! I saw that and I thought that Duncanville was in Area B then, but I wasn't sure. I'm a little bleary-eyed, so when I started "googling" the information, I just wasn't finding what I wanted. Anyway, thanks again. I know Duncanville has done well in the past and so has Coppell. 2012 looks to be the best yet!

Past Area B Bands who advanced to State: 2010: Haltom, Hebron, LD Bell, Marcus 2008: Haltom, Hebron, LD Bell, Marcus, Richland 2006: Haltom, Hebron, LD Bell, Marcus, Richland See a trend? People talk a lot about LD Bell and Marcus being "locks," and they're right. Unless either of those two bands go out on the field and collapse in a heap, they're going to State. However, I wouldn't discount Hebron or Haltom or Richland, either. Seems they do pretty well making it to State as well. All three of those bands deserve some attention, too! I've been lucky enough to see all three of their shows. They are all fantastic. I sincerely hope that lots and lots of bands advance to Area so that five bands can be chosen to advance to State. It's such a difficult area. Good luck to ALL bands this year. I know each one of you will put your heart and soul out on the field. Can't wait to see those awesome shows!! Also, if anyone knows where to look up the bands that have advanced to State from Area B from 2004 and previous, please let me know. I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough to just see a list of all bands who have advanced to State and determine which ones are from Area B. I'd actually like to just go back to about 2000, for curiosity's sake. lol

That was one freezing cold competition warmed by the beautiful music and incredible marching... I enjoyed all of the shows, but have a busy day ahead, so please excuse me for just reviewing the top three. Marcus-Um. L-O-V-E this show. Even though last year's show was fun & lovely, I believe I enjoyed this show even more. I love the gates. I love the three different uniforms(especially those copper ones that match the gates. a-mazing). Of course, they play just beautifully and kept some fun in it as well. I haven't seen LD Bell's show, but wow...not sure how anyone could beat this one. Just lovely. Marching was well-done w/o too many slip-ups, and certainly any slip-ups were short-lived. And Marcus parents are so nice! Several of the parents sitting around us stood and clapped for every band after their performance. Hebron-GREAT music! They really bring an incredible show to the field. Much better for me than last year's show. They look and sound awesome. I thought the props really added a nice height and helped with the theme of their show. A few more slip-ups than Marcus, but also short-lived. Bright sound. There were moments in their show where I closed my eyes to just listen and had to remind myself that I needed to watch, too! haha To be honest, I did that many times during the evening. Such great bands in finals. Hebron is a band to watch out for in UIL. They kept me riveted the entire time. I'm certain they'll only get better as the season progresses, but I'm not sure what more they need to do. Just great! Haltom-Love the brightness of their show this year after last year's dark(but moving) show. Music was crisp and some difficult drill as well. Seems their color guard is improving each year. Also had some slip-ups here and there and more than the top 2 bands, but pulled out of them cleanly. The new uniforms are AWESOME! What a complete change from the almost all black ones from years past. One of my favorite parts was at the beginning when there are two units marching toward each other. One unit has grey pants showing and the other has black. Neat-o effect. When they came in to watch Marcus after their finals performance and sat on the opposite side of the field, their silver-rimed shakos shined and sparkled over at us. haha Can't wait to see what they bring in the future. I will have to agree that it was one of the best PEMIs ever. Considering how Minnesota-cold it was last night, the bands brought great sound. I felt so bad for the trophies that blew over at the end and broke! I hope some hot glue will fix them. The crowd was lively. The bands, a-mazing. What bargain entertainment for an evening for $8! You couldn't find such talent at any other concert quite like a marching band contest(in my opinion). Congrats to ALL of the bands. Hope everyone is warming up today!

I picked Haltom second, too. Their show last year was amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing what they bring this year. In fact, I can't wait to see all the shows! This is going to be a great competition. Most everyone has Marcus in first(for good reason) and there's a pretty good chance they'll win the captions. We'll see. It's going to be a good & cold day! lol I love watching marching shows when it's chilly...much better than super hot! Bring on the cocoa!!!

I'm sure it being in the same place as the UIL Area B competition on the 27th has a lot to do with there being so many bands who will be vying for those coveted State spots. I was thinking the same about Plano East. I remember when they performed at Area two years ago in the pouring rain. It would be great if they could actually compete. At least they will get judges' comments. That's better than nothing, I suppose. It's going to be a great day. Just checked the weather and WOAH! They're forecasting the high in the 50s! What in the world? There's a slight chance of rain with the freezing-cold-for-Texas cold front coming in Friday night. Wow. I checked the weather yesterday and the high on Saturday was supposed to be in the 70s. What a change! brrr Bring your jackets/coats everyone!

Shepton HS - 5A NV 9:00am Vines HS - 5A NV 9:15am Jasper HS - 5A NV 9:30am Williams HS - 5A NV 9:45am Clark HS - 5A NV 10:00am McMillen - 5A NV 10:15am Prosper HS - 4A 10:30am Awards Ceremony 10:45-11:30am Whitewright HS - 2A 11:45am Mineola HS - 3A 12:00pm Denison HS - 4A 12:15pm Lakeview Centennial - 5A 12:30pm Break 12:45-1:30pm Parkway HS - 4A 1:45pm Creekview HS - 4A 2:00pm Hebron HS - 5A 2:15pm Naaman Forest HS - 5A 2:30pm Mansfield HS - 5A 2:45pm Allen HS - 5A 3:00pm Break 3:15pm Lewisville HS - 5A 3:30pm Haltom HS - 5A 3:45pm Marcus HS - 5A 4:00pm McKinney Boyd HS - 5A 4:15pm Wylie HS - 4A 4:30pm McKinney HS - 5A 4:45pm Prelims Awards Ceremony 5:00pm Looks to be a great competition. There are definitely some bands I can't wait to see! Any locks for finals? Who's on the bubble? Discuss...

Yep. UIL Area B = Tornado sirens, lightning, drenching rain, bands getting on the field and then off the field and then on the field. My sister came out to watch and she has knee and back problems. We went into and out of the stands so many times, we had to find her a fold out chair to sit in at the bottom of the ramp. It about did her in. That was probably the worst I've seen at a competition.

While I'm sure it's frustrating for those who want to see finals, I have to agree with others who have said that it was a wise decision to cancel finals at this competition. Constant rain may not be as "bad" as if there had been lightning, but that doesn't negate health issues, etc. My family was actually planning on attending finals, but (thanks to our friends here at txbands.com) we knew that it most likely wasn't going to happen. We also didn't really want to try to watch it in the rain. It's early enough in the season to be able to catch these great bands at other competitions. Crossing my fingers that the rain comes during the week instead of on the weekends! Congratulations to all bands that participated and to those who made finals. Looking forward to seeing you all at a later date!

Band parent here. I ride the French horn bus with my senior daughter. We have 28 French horn players but 26 march in a band of about 260(230 marching). The others either don't play on varsity or are in the color guard. I love that there are so many. When I was in high school, we had maybe four or five. They sound great, but I agree that if anyone is out of tune, it sounds bad...but...isn't it the same with any instrument? My son plays sax. There are 33, I believe. I'm not sure how many march. The biggest section is clarinet with 44. Anyway, fun topic!