ozzmodaus

Although the props and stuff really are not "technically" judged. they fall under the heading "Visual reinforcement of music" or "General effect" which is just a tiny piece of the entire puzzle, 100 max pts to be exact. (which is a shame as from what I can tell Color Guard falls under this heading....might be wrong though). That being said....I have zero doubt that props and sets do get judged more than technically they should. Judges are human after all and a nice set will increase interest...etc. I fully support the idea of a cash limit, but that won't do much as some of your bigger bands have many more boosters and parents thus much more likely to have Construction, welders, engineers...etc able to "donate" their time and talents so what may cost one band $100 might cost another $50.

Thanks! My niece is in CG for Brazoswood.

Area C Finals....those that went before the break either stayed the same or dropped, after the break stayed the same or rose. It sucks and hurts bands "on the bubble". But *shrug* can't see a way to prevent this.

Flower Mound over all McKinney for surprise wow factor McKinney Boyd for music selection.

Oh and PS venting aside....The Flower Mound show without a doubt was one of the most entertaining and spectacular shows I have seen. If you have not seen it....try to.

Yes I saw Flower Mound and Hebron...did not get to see Marcus from the stands. I want to be clear...I am in no way questioning their talent. Honestly all 3 compare more to college than high school. That being said...yes in Hebron's case their props were just back ground...Marcus and Flower Mound (especially flower mounds) not so much. Regardless, Marcus had several segments where 99% of the band marched not playing their instruments while the soloist did the work. Flower mound had a segement where the entire woodwind section sat behind the front screens and it was brass and drum (aka DCI). Last year Hebron's entire show was based around an INCREDIBLE sax player (this kid hopefully goes pro) but it was more a resume for him than it was for the band as a whole. I do not mean to "pick on" those 3 they are just obvious examples. You are right in the reason they win is when they DO play they play amazing, I would just like to see more of it. I am sure those from these schools will jump in and call me bitter or jealous or whatever and that's fine. I admit I am. Unfortunately I cheer for a school who has these 3 in Band and Allen in Football and am just wondering if there will ever be a time for the "little" guy to grab the brass ring. Mostly I am just venting.

There was a LOT of movement between Prelims and finals. Very....odd. How Wylie jumped 3 spots and North Mesquite dropped 3 is questionable at best. After prelims 1 point separated Boyd (6) and North Mesquite (5), after finals 4 points separated Boyd (6) and Wylie (5) I am sorry Wylie did NOT play THAT much better and North Mesquite THAT much worse. Not to mention Boyd's final was also much better than the prelims and they did not move at all. But, unfortunately, it is what it is and nothing can be done about it. Closed door judging is always ify at best in my opinion. I personally am tired of having, in the case of this year, 21 bands fight for 2 spots since it's a forgone conclusion that Flower Mound, Marcus and Hebron will always go. Sad to see BOA/DCI style of marches bleeding into UIL competitions. It used to be about the music and the march now it's about flash and solo performances. Hate seeing bands who march and play music WHILE marching constantly getting beat by bands who march while a soloist plays and then only play half the music the other bands play. UIL has all these rules regarding music, how long, how much solo limits....etc during concert season but not during marching...why? But, again, it is what it is and we all have to live with it I guess.