whitewing09

Are only certain people who can comment. I tried, but it doesn't look like it showed up

It took me too long to understand this.

He was just asserting his own opinion and supported his reasoning.

It might have been started from a movie quote, but it's a theme that is constantly visited, so I addressed it. Besides that, if it weren't insisted upon, which is was, then I would have left it alone.

Faulty comparison... I'd say there is a big different between the principles of athletics and of marching band. In athletics the emphasis is placed on conditioning the players, having a cohesive team, and winning because it's a competitive game... One of the main points is to win, no one goes to see a game just to see the art of the sport. In marching band the emphasis is on teaching the students to play music while marching with good execution and creating a cohesive band that can work together to create a show. Then a lot of bands choose to compete. Honestly, whoever wins doesn't really matter as much as how much I liked their show and I think this is true for most audience members who aren't affiliated with a band. Moral of the story, don't compare two things that have different motives and that if you aren't first you're last crap is stupid in the marching band world.

Totally agreed. To that "if you're not first, you're last statement," the real last place is reserved for those who actually value the system rather than the actual activity that it is placing.

Sorry it's just when people make absolute statements, it's hard for those statements to really be justified because said statements usually don't exist. How can we say anything about bands that have an entirely fast paced show, if no band is ever going to have that type of show. I wouldn't have said anything, if the whole CP discussion formed.

Realistically your phrasing doesn't make sense because it's a known norm that shows are never always fast. I've never seen a show that didn't have a ballad/slow movement, not because it's impossible, but because having this slow movement often adds depth and beauty to the show.

Nothing is probable, but a lot is plausible. I think it's plausible to say that the top 5A bands are significantly stronger than the top bands from other divisions. I'm not trying to be mean, but let's be realistic.

I don't think that will happen until the 5 schools filled up. It seems like the schools are smaller 5A's and regular 4A's so they have room to grow.

Marcus is an extraordinary band, but I remember when they used to give Bell serious competition in BOA and now they don't seem as strong BOA wise. In UIL they're still the beast, I think they'll own state. With Bell, they don't seem as impactful musically.

Ahhh my bad! Thanks for the correction!

On the Rise.. Johnson (They've just been getting significantly better every year!) Vandegrift (As their numbers have grown so has their scores) Spring (Starting to come back to the BOA scene as well as UIL state) Haltom (I think they had hit a slump, but now they're coming back) Bowie ( I think they're taking small steps every year and becoming more of a threat discretely) On the Plateau... Marcus (so Marcus is in a pretty good position, it has plateaued as the 5A state champion, but I think it could stand more ascension (for lack of a better word) No band can be too good) Duncanville Coppell Westlake Brazoswood On the decline... Bell (While they're still an exceptional band, they seem to slowly be declining. I think even last year they were strong, but not quite as strong as the previous years.) Richland (I haven't really seen anything as strong as they used to be)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but did O'Connor win Area G Champs?? Are they a band on the rise? If I remember correctly, a few years ago they were barely an area finalist, then they barely made it to state 2 years ago, now they've made area champion? Are they sneaking up on us?? I'd love to see that, their shows are usually pretty interesting.

I wanna see Johnson in finals!! I would also like to see the Woodlands and Reagan back in finals, then our newcomers from area D, Round Rock and Anderson!

My post reflects the content of your post, you brought forth the argument that Coppell chooses music that is more entertaining to those with a "train" ear rather than the "typical band fan". Considering that their audience will usually be "typical band fans" I think they should aim towards that audience if it doesn't already. I happened to love Coppell's 2008 show and I haven't had the opportunity to see any others, so I don't really have an opinion on them besides thinking that they're on the of top UIL bands. If they're happy with what they do then good for them.

You misconstrued my point. I was arguing that Coppell should consider entertaining the crowd rather than pleasing the judge. You seem to make a connection that entertain the crowd can't challenge the students and make them better musicians. Is this necessarily true? No, the other top bands not only challenge their musicians with difficult music and drill, but also entertain the crowd. I think bands should strive to both entertain the public and challenge there students, not challenge their students and please the judges.

That's good that you still cheer for them and show your support in the stand. Although, by saying that their music book is a shame, critiquing all the fallacies you believe to be present, and saying that they would have a rough season , you kind of were insulting the band...

This brings forth the question, "what is the purpose of marching band ?" Coppell's shows appeal to the trained ear rather than the fans, but is that what they should really be pursuing?I was under the impression that band's play to entertain, if they win at competitions, then that's awesome, but to have a show geared solely towards the judge kind of bothers me. It's evident bands can be entertaining and successful. Look at the top bands, most compete and succeed on the BOA and UIL. It's definitely possible, so I don't understand why a band would jeopardize entertainment for a judge-pleasing show. Look at the last 5A state year, the intersection between BOA SA and State Finals was Bell, Marcus, Cedar Park, Bowie, Westlake, Churchill, Hebron, then Richland is usual a more BOA oriented band, and Berkner missed State Finals by one place. At the end of the day, congrats to the students for their hard work. At the same time, the band might receive critic for their director's choice in shows.

that's a pretty absolute statement. They have scored well in visual at BOA consistently and their marching scores didn't hinder them enough to lose to Brazoswood... just saying. Wow I can't believe how many grammatical errors I can have...

Maybe you should be less critical of your alma mater. Being a college music student (sorry if my assumption is wrong), doesn't give you justification to insult the band's show. Maybe it isn't what you expected, but it's still a good show, the students are doing well with it, and you should be content.

Coppell 2008 is the only Coppell show that I've ever liked. No offense to them, but I can just never get into their shows. My favorite shows would have to be Bell 2009 and Bell 2006. The Remaining was the first Bell show I ever saw live and it was truly amazing at BOA SA.

What happened to Canyon? I'm willing to bet it'll be between Argyle, Canton, and Rio Hondo finals will probably have all four area B bands

Just think how Churchill feels and the rest of the finalists in area D, then look at Leander, a great bands that didn't make finals because their area is so strong.

First ^ Lmao to that, idk why I thought it was so funny, but it was Questionnnn So has Bell added a lot to their show??