bariphonium

Huge congrats to Marcus. They've made leaps and bounds in the past couple of years, and they have a huge future ahead of them. Also congrats to Bell, who (like Marcus) did very well, *very* well at UIL, despite what many would deem a BOA show. I really hope they take home the eagle this year. It's about time an 8-hour band won it. Also congrats to Duncanville, Churchill, and Reagan on their 3-way tie for third. The tiebreaker may have ruled them into third, fourth, and fifth, but in the end they *did* tie for third, and they'd all receive bronze medals from me if I could hand them out. Lastly, a big congrats to UIL for the whole tiebreaking incident. It's good to know that the system officials aren't sure how to operate tiebreakers, despite the fact that the rule is up on the internet. This was definitely a great year for 5A bands (sorry I couldn't see the 3A), and I hope to see great things from all the bands up in Indianapolis. Good luck! And, I don't think you'll be finding a video of Marcus or Bell online soon. You'll probably have to wait 'till the DVD's get shipped out.

Reagan, Churchill, and Duncanville all tied for 3rd (ranks adding up to 50 for all 3). How were their placements determined?

Now the question arises; Can L.D. Bell do the impossible: Place in the top 3 at State and GN in the same year? Doing so would demonstrate that they can perform at the absolute best level in two distinct competative systems (UIL's more traditional system vs BOA's newer, more GE-based system). Personally, I think it's time the Eagle came back to Texas, and by an 8-hour band, no less.

Please, let's not turn this into a flame-fest.

"Stand time"? Meaning, that's how long they were standing and playing? Maybe over the course of the entire show, but certainly not all at one time. Still, in a (maximum) 8-minute show, that's just over 1/4 of the time.

Bell has medaled at State, and is primed to hit the top 3 at GN. Akins makes what might be called the Cinderella Story of marching band, all the way to State finals. And only a few years ago, Marcus wouldn't have been picked to be in finals. Now they take home the gold medal. Absolutely amazing.

UIL politics, no, but you could always ask why Duncanville places high. I've noted several opinions relating to biases and politics for them. If Jimmy cracked corn and no one cares, why does he keep doing it?

Because you didn't answer my question. Is everything you know really wrong?

6 - A caption would kick it up 2 points at least, but it's still funny.

Not really, considering it's time for Area comps. Chocolate or apple pie?

I haven't heard of any of them. Anyone have some background? (Alas, Google failed me this time)

Apparently, it does. Do you own a feather-duster?

Mike Sloan will be a great addition to the staff, but this isn't all about Reagan. It's about the Crossmen, and what they'll bring to TX, in addition to what TX will bring to them. Yes, Reagan's head director will be directing the Crossmen, and yes, they'll be "stationed" out of Reagan, but with everything you keep saying about Reagan, it sounds like you're forgetting the Bell kids who might be interested, as well as anyone from Richland, SFA, Marcus, any all-staters who would like to try out... need I continue? My point is that it's not all about Reagan and the Crossmen; it's all about Texas and the Crossmen.

Yes, he did receive many talented players from Churchill, which helped to jump-start the Reagan program. Note, though, that of the 3 classes that started at one school and graduated at Reagan, one made a "major" accomplishment: Winning Houston (2001). After that, all the students started at Reagan, including the classes that placed 11th, 2nd, and 2nd at GN, as well as the classes who won two Arlington regionals, two SA Super-Regionals, and made it to UIL State twice (out of a possible two times), making finals once. Yes, Reagan got a great start from all of the Churchill talent that moved over, but Chambers was able to cultivate that talent beyond what moved over from Churchill. Chances are there are going to be plenty of vets who come from other corps, as well as a plethera of musical talent from all over Texas, giving Chambers a good foundation to start on. He just has to learn how to play in DCI with the big boys, and given 4 years, I've no doubt that he'll learn to play very well.

If Mike Sloan can do to the Crossmen what he did with the Churchill Guard, then they'll be more of a contender than I thought before. The Reagan drumline, while consistent, has never impressed me too much, so I'm not sure what to expect from Chavez. But for the Crossmen in general, this is looking better and better.

Mark Chambers took a new high school and in 3 years (2 competitive) he won a BOA regional. The next year he took his high school to BOA GN finals (11th, but finals nonetheless). Many people might have asked him 5 or so years into his career at Reagan, "If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?" He's in a very similar situation now, save that it's DCI instead of BOA/UIL, and his talent pool of students to choose from will probably be much larger. And before Reagan became what it is, would you have recognized the names Mark Chambers, Mark Koehl, and Kevin Nix? Looking back on Reagan's success (and still less than 10 years old), I've no doubt that Mark Chambers will create an excellent, if not incredible program in the Crossmen. They won't be the perfect corps that comes from Texas to show the world that the Lone Star State is the best (even though it is), but they'll do very well. Of that I'm sure.

I doubt Reagan kids will play a big factor in the Crossmen this year, when Chambers will probably have so much more to choose from. My bet is that they'll get low finals, and without Reagan kids making a large portion of their lineup.

So he wouldn't be put in a deep-fryer (doesn't seem like he made it, though) What if we all started answering in questions?

The Revolution's probably going to fall into a sort of Crossmen Jr. corps. Those who don't make the Crossmen might look to the Rev if they're still interested, but another idea that Chambers might consider is turning the Rev into a feeder corps. The Revolution would probably increase in number, which I'm sure they have no qualms against, and the kids who participated would be all the more prepared for the next tryouts for the Crossmen. The Crossmen would be getting kids who were all the more experienced, better, and ready for the big league. Win-win for all. I could see it happening.

Time control. Duh. If you had to choose *either* peanut butter or jelly, which would it be?

Nope, had to save up to get mine, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Why?

Going to the A&M/Tech game, you bet. Anyone else follow the football season almost as religiously as marching band?

Because you probably had one helluva night. Have you ever put a peep in the microwave?

The only change I might make (without some serious research) would be to have Tom Bennett (University of Houston) as the Brass Caption Head. That man *really* knows what he's talking about for music.

OK, so I had my dates off by a year. My big anticipation is still who's going to be on the new Crossmen's staff.