Captain Obvious

Hey Nater, I know some kids and parents in this program, and the motivation issue was mentioned as a potential pitfall going into the season. There seems to have been a few seniors that quit the program -- maybe that is normal -- because they felt there was nothing that could top last year. Been there, done that. If that's true, then perhaps any motivational issues went with them. The underclassmen certainly have another crack at UIL or perhaps even Grand Nats looking forward.

I'm happy to say I was wrong again about Leander. Looking at the scores, they held their own quite nicely thank you. I know the band director isn't doing this for trophies, but you can't help but think that they know what they have to do with the closer if they want to be competing for medals in San Antonio. I certainly want to see them challenging and beating the best of the best. After UIL and Grand Nationals last year, I was concerned that the motivation wouldn't be there this year. Have to give credit to the students who continue to strive for excellence.

Sorry Leander fans -- I just don't see it. Disclaimer: I said the same thing this time last year, and the year before, and the year before, and was wrong every time. This time, I see a very incomplete show with way too much standing in formation and doing choreography, music that is not as sophisticated as they have done in the past, and a completely undeveloped theme. Yeah, I know it's early, and they have a long way to go to completion, but what they're putting on the field today -- especially without any semblance of a closer -- really leaves me scratching my head. There were a lot of kids who graduated and/or left the program, and the band seems a lot smaller and less powerful overall; not what I expected. Here's hoping I'm wrong again.

Lost It to Trying - Son Lux Symphony #3 - Phillip Glass (4th movement) Once Upon Another Time - Sara Bareillis Original music by Michael Zellers and Ryan George

Judge 2 didn't seem too impressed with CP or Vandy either, scoring them fifth and sixth.

I think one of the bands lost all of the mics in the pit.

I'm going to have to agree with the comments about Leander and Cedar Park. CP brought the energy.

An exercise in character building. And a chance to play in the venue prior to the State UIL championship.

Leander has dropped out. Can't make their 6:45am performance time. However, they will be allowed to appear at 1:15pm in exhibition.

Leander is still talking to BOA.

I love the Reagan show, but this is a marching band contest. I think they're pushing the envelope quite a bit with the electronic music and the 100 dancers.

Apparently the 11th hour discussions continue...

I wonder if Ronald Reagan is going to the bag of tricks once too often with their new ending. Their ballad was a 'wow' moment the first time I saw it, but not necessarily because of the band. I wonder if the dancing encore helps them or hurts them. Thoughts?

Vista Ridge Band Booster Facebook says an opportunity is opening up for VR and Leander to make the trip tomorrow - https://www.facebook.com/vistaridge.band

Leander band director will make a decision by 10pm tonight, but he says the only time slots are in the morning with an estimated 7am performance. LISD has not yet given them permission to travel.