Mash

We are just starting to come down to Earth in our household, I think the band buses may just float home on I-35 :-) We knew they were good, they always seemed to get snakebit at sometime by another band so we couldn't believe it when they actually called out Vista. I remember the love they got from the Leander band when they got 4th in state 3 years ago, just so nice to have that closeness between the bands. They push each other but love each other too. As far as what changed? Well... a lot... and not that much. They have a solid middle school program that feeds them and they work really hard just like everyone else, our band supporters are enthusiastic, no matter what the results are. We have have 3 years with three band directors, it looks like we have found a good fit. Our color guard is three years old and they continue to get better. I wouldn't say we are special, we are very proud of them and their hard work. We are big supporters of all the other bands and hope for the best shows from everyone.

This is what it is all about! Wow, what a memory.

I am happy that all the bands are leaving it all out on the field.

Wow, that was fast

Any idea how much it costs to have a judge? There is flights, hotels, meals, rental car, and compensation. Based on business travel I do. The first three probably account for at least $1000.

What classification is Glenn in now? are the 5A already?

That was a very good show. I don't know if if I can pinpoint one favorite. So many great shows.

And this is the same for Vista as well, we have continued to grow in leaps and bounds which is why the uniform is what it is this year, not enough uniforms for all the kids and not enough money to purchase new ones. Regarding props, Vandy has had huge props just like everyone else. I remember a huge three part stage constructed on the field two years ago, my friend drove the truck that held it. So I wouldn't say that Vandy is different. Flags, rifles, and sabers in drill team have been around marching band for decades. I am not sure what your point is. Vandegrift is a great band and has proven it, just like all the other bands yesterday and today. I hope all of the kids perform their hearts out and take that experience with them.

I wouldn't put Vista as a lock for anything at this point. I have seen them get great scores one day and then the next they get scored low. They need to play their hearts out and leave a show that is their best yet. I am super proud of them, and the show is a really special this year. Nothing tomorrow is set. I would say the top three will most likely come from the top 5 today, but nothing is set. Agreed on the director changes at Vista, so many changes recently and this band director hasn't even had a full year with them yet. LISD has such a great music instruction program that I am not surprised. The district pushes each other in band but support each other as well.

Not sure the kids have them yet for all the bands. He was asking for the scoresheet to be sent to him privately then posted it publicly. Judging is always wonky, every band can point to a state or area competition where they were disappointed by a single judge.

Good luck to all the bands, I know everyone is on pins and needles. We are proud of all the bands even if they don't make finals.

Oh no, I hope they heal soon.

yes, and our band hasn't even played yet..... And my kid isn't in the band anymore, they graduated.

Excited to see how the day ends, still some great bands left.

I like how they march and play vs. the stand and blast technique.

Take pride in it! You aren't bragging.

Agreed :-(

So I work with a dad who has a daughter in the Round Rock band. It strikes me as really odd that he doesn't go to any of the performances and follow band at all.... I am sure that is the norm, but it struck me as really odd.

Predictions, Cedar Park, Rouse, Dripping Springs Way too early to really know anything. Cedar Park is always first until someone knocks them off, Rouse is charging fast, Dripping Springs always seems to make me smile.

Maybe it is because the Ridge in the name... :-) For Vista it might have been the prelim time. 7:15am and they had a call time at 2:30am. That is a really long day. I don't know if they would have gotten better scores if they had a more favorable prelim time, my guess is yes given the difference in finals placement between them and Leander for example. They also had the lower scoring prelim judges between the two. I am not sure (too tired to look it up) about Cedar Ridge to see if they had similar circumstances. It worked out great for Vista in the long run, super proud. I also don't think there is a way around the early prelim time, bad luck on the draw.

Yes it is impressive, but being a gracious winner is a virtue.

try to keep it classy

So proud of all the LISD bands (north and south) and super happy for Vista at 4th, previous best was 14th.

I love that they recognized them! These band members usually are forgotten and they all work their butts off! And the best part is the other band member recognizing them. It warms my heart. I am proud to be associated with Vista, a band with a great spirit and a warm heart.

Depends on the definition of contender. I don't think they will medal, but that puts them is great company. They have a shot at finals. I hope they play their hearts out and have a great show, I hope the same for all the bands. And who knows judging is a human element. This is a great Band weekend, and a super long one.