Band2013

Like I pointed out in the Austin BOA Forum, Cedar Park tends to do well early season because they are so clean and sound stunning. What happens is that other bands with better designed shows begin to get better technically. However, CP shows are less on GE especially during a state year. I wouldn't count them out of taking gold, they are similar to Marcus in that regard. For example, last year CP placed above Cedar Ridge early season but cedar ridge made it to finals in San Antonio. Now we will see if Rouse will top them in San Antonio.

They improved a lot from BOA Austin, very direct sound statements.

Weiss was amazing, there show was filled with general effect. Very entertaining show, they had to be right behind john paul Stevens.

With the level these bands are performing we will see new faces in finals. Carmel is technically strong and that is their greatest strength. Avon and Broken Arrow mainly rely on GE, which I personally prefer when it comes to BOA contest.

Cedar Ridge is definitely cursed they received early times for the past 4 years. Which means they will set the baseline, which could be a good or bad thing. They will no doubt stand out in that block.

Really...Hays hasn't been present lately, seems so odd.

I think O'Connor is gonna take on Hays for that last spot. However, I have not seen them yet so it is hard to say.

Also, can't forget Bowie who had technical issue at BOA Austin and hopefully will fix the problem and help their GE Score.

Wow this contest is gonna be great, A Must attend event! Vandy, Reagan, Leander are going to put up a real fight. Cedar Park refining their show even more, it might be hard to medal with the other Three past champions battleing it out. Rouse is aiming for top 5 this time around. Don't want to miss Cedar Ridge exhibition, they were already better than last year at BOA Austin and it's still early in the season, so all these bands still have time to clean up before SA or Grand Nats.

I completely understand my wording seemed harsh sadly I know how it feels for a group to win and face the pressure of having to repeat that success. Vista Ridge is amazing I took a sick day just to watch them win state I know that by the end of the season they will be a real threat, If I had the money I would try to see them at nationals and all the other Texas groups headed to finals!

Please read carefully, never did I say that they did bad or performed under par. I absolutely understand score progression and have worked in the activity for 10 years. I am saying that Vista Ridge should focus on the road ahead not the past, a lot of that has to do with mentality. I love Vista Ridge and I am very proud of them and have never attacked any group I am only providing insight and advice. If that offended you than I apologize but I will continue to provide my opinion. Thank You.

Notes on Favorites: Vandegrift is going to be a force at nationals, they need to beef up visually if they want to take on Avon, Carmel, and BA. Leander has one of my favorite musical selections this year, they will not be missing finals for the foreseeable future. They have a great show all they need now is to refine it and maximize their talents (musicality and visual performance). CTJ is amazing but they have so much jammed packed in their show, seem's a lot like Tarpon Springs. They Need to make sure their message is clear, and cleanliness is next to actual success. Vista Ridge they have a lot on their shoulders being the state champion, and people expect them to repeat that success, which can be a heavy burden. They Need to focus on improving this year's show and leave last years behind them. Cedar Park they tend to do well early season because they are very clean and precise, but because it's a state year they tend to fall behind to others in terms of GE later in the season. We will see if that's the case this year. Cedar Ridge is consistent no doubt about it, they tend to do better later in the season once they add more effects and clean visually. Percussion is insane!

This is where it gets hard to predict because each band performed to the max. Some mistakes from Johnson but still hard to make accurate placements.

Rouse was great but not sure if they will pass bowie or CR

Vandegrift is stunning....they have to be first no way they are not. However, crazier things have happened!

For a marching band to adapt due to an error is insane. DCI level experience, CTJ is really not playing!

Even so they are perhaps one if the best bands in the country! Loved it

CTJ Visually hindered by prop which was placed incorrectly the left was to close to the 40.

Cedar Ridge Seems much bigger this year!

They won't be penalized for it directly but it is a main part of their GE so yes it will effect them.

This will be very entertaining, better get the stadium for seats between 35 and 35.

They have moved up before so its possible Cedar Ridge vs. Cedar Park

Round Rock Is A Great Band and they have the record to prove it. This competition is tough and making finals is always going to be a fight. they are going to nationals so maybe they will peak late.

LISD - Insanely Talented, watching them today was an honor. RRISD - Cedar Ridge begins its reign as the dominant band in this district. Westwood finds itself on the other side this year. AISD - Bowie isnt going anywhere and Lake Travis comes back after "tuba video". And CTJ is always great

My placements for prelims top 12 Vandy CTJ Leander Vista Ridge Cedar Ridge James Bowie Westwood Cedar Park Rouse Hendrickson Lake Travis Round Rock