Band2013

Also, bands like Coppell and Marcus used to be a prime example of UIL type shows, this is why they fair so well here.

Reagan will make finals like Coppell they have constantly proven success at the state contest. I would also be surprised if they didn't make it. James Bowie should be able to slide into finals but you never know, a lot of great bands are performing and things can get difficult when judging this many 1 ranking bands.

Vista Ridge & Cedar Ridge made the biggest gains from prelims to finals.

I agree it's not that round rock has gotten worse. instead, they have stayed the same while other bands just got better.

I think that round rock needs to reevaluate their show concepts, they are a great band but their shows production seem to be holding them back. It's never too late to make some changes for the better I wish them luck at the state contest.

Bowie first out Prosper Timber Creek

real hard I have my predictions but I will let the judges decide, at this point just a follower of the activity good luck to all!

Leander: Amazing group musically they have really pushed it the last few weeks much stronger from the early season contest. Their theme this year very unique amazing what simple props can do to really add on a lot of effect. a lot of circle concept drill design they are so clean and precise very hard when you moving so fast. They have tremendous piano to forte moments this is what sets finalist bands apart from the other bands focused tones that resonate the entire dome! also good use of guard during those impacts, very good!

CTJ: This group no joke is incredible they move like a Corps and even sound like one! They have been on top of their show concepts since the beginning, this one is similar to Hendrickson. I love the design of the drill very quick much different a lot of block drill this time from them, they usually love circle concept. Also, my face has melted with the last impact fanfare, need to be more prepared when it comes to CTJ . I love the props of the shells, reminds me of Marcus 2007 flowers with mellos in them. They also love that infinity drill design has been in their show since lost in paradise.

The Woodlands: what can I say, grand national champions, amazing production always ready to move and play with haste then slow down and knock out a ballad. It also reminds me of their 2006 show "Hide and Seek" one of my personal favorites!!! The Woodlands has never let anything slow them down always come back with something so creative you have to keep your eyes on the field if you don't you might just miss their signature "W". Also I love how they really use the whole field to their advantage, just a large band compared to Cedar Ridge, so it's interesting to see the diversity in finals.

Cedar Ridge: wow wow wow, as a recently graduated music major I am in aw seriously! This group is the smallest among the finalist yet impacts shakes the dome. Their tonality is mature for a group just 8 years old reminds me of CTJ which was also very young but was so amazing in their first year. They always have such great vocalist that really compliment the group, this is usually hard to find. Simple show with more production could easily see them slide into the top half in the future like I said they may not be on everyone's radar but they deserve a lot of respect well done! also, double and triple tonguing always a must when it comes to middle eastern show themes. Kashmir reminds me of Avon's 2010 show "Iconoclash" love it!

Hendrickson: This group has become a force, I hate calling any band a bubble band because it is to the point where we forget that it is different year after year. Hendrickson is a great band they play strong and precise but also are never too afraid to think outside the box with their musical selections. Their themes are always important to think of "Just another brick" and now "blueprints for life". They understand their show and use that understanding in the performance, the better educated the kids our in the meaning of a show the better they perform. well done Hendrickson! also, MLK is a genius and a great role model, think you for spreading his message.

also, color change added a lot of effect, great work Westlake!

keller is always putting out shows that are so unique they are well rounded in both visual and musicality, really impressive! love the opener!

westlake: you can never go wrong with the rite of spring, just stunning. westlake isn't going down anytime soon!

also how the heck are they not going to state!!

LD Bell also bringing back that famous drill they are known for, fast and precise!

Marcus: Stunning just balanced and reserved not knock you out powerful but pure and elegant. Really fun show great work! L.D. Bell: wow really powerful opening hit felt the stadium shake! this is the L.D. Bell I remember!

I Agree, it is marching band! the drill is always beautiful from above!

If your in the Alamodome make sure to get a great seat, it really does matter

I can honestly say that I am not surprised this contest is extremely competitive, the final 14 just proved to be insanely impressive. Some notes: Marcus: Seeing a finals without them would be weird, it will be along time before that happens. L.D. Bell: Wow great to see them back in finals, similar to Marcus but they are on their way back! Westlake: Real Big Surprise! but I said it earlier, they deserved that third-place finish at area, good for them! Keller: They have become a regular, loved their 2016 show "Ascend", we will see where they land tonight. Hendrickson: Like I said very well rounded group and peak late in the season which always helps them land in finals. Cedar Ridge: Music is insane on this group, I know they are not a fan favorite but they play to the judges, which is why they make it. The Woodlands: in my opinion one of the best shows in finals both beautiful and exciting! CTJ: wow they can move while sounding like they are sitting! Their show has tons of GE, which always helps at this contest. Leander: They have made it back where they belong, last place in finals did not suit them well. Great work! Hebron: UHHH what this show is by far their most challenging yet! they should have gone to nationals! Vista Ridge: Why are you so Amazing? they went from underdog to a triple threat, be watching this one next year. Vandegrift: They knocked me out of my seat when they hit those whole notes! they keep getting better, one critique: they need a guard that matches the group. Reagan: My favorite this year, they are a band that's always under the radar but just might take home the gold this year! Flowermond: Strong and have the ability to win, Leonardo's Dream was their best show but they have kept up enough to land them in another medal.

First Three Blocks Stand Outs Block 1: Hendrickson: They set the stage for the rest of the contest, a well-rounded group, show seems to lack from last years but still great. (Possible Finalist) Block 2: Seven Lakes: Great Show and seem's to be well executed, they are certainly on their way up. Block 3: Cedar Ridge: This group has amazing sound quality for their size, their percussion is outstanding those left hands are no joke! may be hurt by general effect however, it is so good musically would be surprised if they don't make finals. (Possible Finalist ) Round Rock: Musically very strong and always pushes the general effect may help them slide into finals. (Maybe Finals) Westlake: is a band that never ceases to amaze me, they deserved that third-place finish at area.

Final Predictions: 1. Ronald Reagan 2. Claudia Taylor Johnson 3. Flower Mound 4. The Woodlands 5. Vista Ridge 6. Hebron 7. Vandegrift 8. Leander 9. James Bowie 10. Keller 11. Marcus 12. Cedar Park 13. Cedar Ridge 14. Hendrickson

With strange consistency and every band having a match except Reagan. Reagan - way ahead Bowie CTJ Hendrickson Cedar Ridge Round Rock Hays

Absolutely they have the possibility of finally taking the title or at least medal.