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Haha! But it's totally worth it right?

So they don't usually get a first division. But it still just kind of bothers me that they'd go in between all of those other bands. In my mind, it'd be good strategy to perform first, then let the 4 and 5A's battle it out for the rest of the day...

I was recently going over some region marching results with a group of friends when one mentioned that a particular region contest had a very large group of upper level bands (4A, 5A) and only one 2A or 3A school. They said that the region schedule placed this small school band smack dab in the middle of all these large schools. Needless to say, this poor band recieved a 2. My question is why would anyone schedule a contest this way if this actually was the case. Although I don't know the specifics, I would like to know if there's any truth to this. I mean, I understand that this band could've actually had a 2 performance.... but in my mind, of course they would after being placed to perform after all of these large schools with prestigious programs since it would be so terribly easy to pick them apart. Why would the UIL schedule any contest in this way?

Yep, there are several corps that welcome you to bring your own instrument, even if it's not "legal." They don't directly say "bring your clarinet to the next Cavalier's December Camp," or anything. It's just a broad encouragement to just come out and get invovled, even if you're not planning on auditioning. Many corps hold camps not just for hopeful members, but also for kids to pick up some great techniques and practice methods from great instructors while also learning tons about what DCI really is, and if they'd be interested in it in the future. That's one of the things I really love about the activity, corps are usually more than willing to help out youth music education. Just because a corps holds a camp, doesn't mean that you HAVE to go there for an audition. Many times camps are recruitment tools as well as audition opportunities. Think of it as a college visit, only with a DCI twist!

If you're serious about diving into the world of drum corps, by all means don't hesitate! Many camps allow and even encourage you to bring your own instrument be it brass, percussion, or woodwinds! Going to a camp to get a feel of things gives you great view of that many corps look for, and what can be expected of you in the future. I know that many students go to corps camps just to get experience and practice so that they're even more ready for the corps they wish to join, or as a way to decide whether or not to try out at all. Just because you're a woodwind player doesn't mean you can't be in a drum corps. While you would have to learn to play a brass instrument or become a guard member, it's all up to you and how far you want to go. I play trombone, so I'll have to learn to play a valved instrument! I completely understand how you feel, but don't count yourself out just because of the woodwind instrument you play. It takes all kinds, and there's no doubt that many corps have members who were in your shoes at one point in time. So do it, go to a camp, get a feel for things, then decide!

It's extremely unfortunate to hear that about your band @ Westfield. Your comment isn't the only one on here with that similar message... You've got such a wonderful program, I can't imagine why ya'll aren't high up on the list of programs to shine some attention on. I would love to march with a band such as yours. But it just shows how dedicated and disciplined you and your fellow members are to stick with it all the way through and still show everyone why you deserve to the the top dogs!

Yes, but it's true. At our Area contest, the top 5 bands at finals got VERY consistent rankings by judges. I believe that the bands that moved on to state from our area were the right guys for the job, it's just crazy that the 25 other bands had rankings all over the place by the judges. This wasn't a problem specific to our area either, apparently many other areas both 3A and 5A had this issue. Consistency by judges has been an issue with band directors for years. I don't know what the solution is, but I do think it's a problem. But this isn't just specific to UIL, I'm sure this is something that every state sees this.

I don't want to sound like quantity should be put above quantitiy. I'd rather have QUALITY over quantity. It's just nice to have a large program that is also talented. I love my band as it is, but I'd also enjoy a band of 130 that can still keep up with our current standard of excellence. I'm in a 3A band, 130 or so students is a pretty good size for our classification.

What would ya'll say is the key to increasing the number of members in your band? Our band has about 110 students in it. I think that having a great junior high feeder program would be the place to start. How do you get a great group to start in junior high, but stick with it even through high school? We've got a great staff, but our numbers are usually right around 105 to 110. How do schools increase the number of students in band?

We march 1 Tenor Sax and 3 Bass Clarinets.

I like the look of LD Bell's uniforms overall. The one thing I wish theyd've done was make that white sash kind of thing actually hang all the way from the top and kind of wrap back up around to the back. But that new uniform looks great! I firmly believe that a uniform can be used as a very effective intimidation tool. I'd think that if you feel like you look good, you'll want to play as good as you look! These new uniforms from all the schools, especially Reagan look awesome. It's kind of neat to see such diverse designs where you see Reagan with a very classy, yet contemporary look, then then another classy but classic design on Bell. Marcus did dang nice too!

Dang... that's a small number of bands in Area D. We've got 25 in Area B, so that's 5 for us! Anyway, my prediction still stands, but maybe take out Glen Rose. Either way, I think Glen rose will give a good fight against Llano and China Spring. Your band was 2nd in State last time around, so I'm thinking you won't have any problem going again. By the way, what's your show this year?

Llano, Robinson, China Spring, and Glen Rose are my picks for advancement. We played Glen Rose, they've got a nice sound and march a very clean show. If I remember correctly, they're playing "X!" by Key Poulan.

Look, I'm not going to argue with you... my reply was to make sure you understood that I never felt that Bell was strictly a BOA band. My thoughts are very articulate, and if you feel that Bell will come in first with Marcus in second, that's wonderful. That's the point of making predictions. Besides, i'm in a 3A band, so it really doesn't affect me either way. All I'm saying is that I never thought Bell was strictly a BOA band (and I never meant to give off that impression), and that it's going to be a dogfight in this area, nobody should be taken lightly. Personally, I hope Marcus does well and that Hebron shake things up. It'll be interesting to see how well they do at area, let's hope they do some great things even up to the state level. Either way, this is a great contest with awesome bands. Good luck to ALL!

I never said that Bell was a BOA band. Take a look at the UIL State Marching Archives and that'll prove that. My point is that it's selling bands short to be skeptical about their possible UIL placements by just looking at BOA results alone. At this point, Bell has only competed in a majority of BOA contests when compared to those put on by the UIL. So logically, most people base their predictions off of past UIL performances and recent BOA results. While it's a nice indicator for looking at contenders, it doesn't count anyone out. But in the fast-paced world of 5A marching band, it's terribly hard to be skeptical about many of these bands.

Does your band have a website?

Look at the Area B 3A and 5A draw order for that contest. From the '04 area contest, Whitesboro, Canton, Wills Point, and Princeton advanced to the State level. From those 4 alone, Canton is the State Marching Champion, Wills Point was 5th, Whitesboro 6th, and Princeton 10th (I think?). Now, add Mabank, Frisco Liberty, and Argyle (the 2A state marching champion last year), and that's a dog fight in itself. That's just 3A. In the 5A's there's L.D. Bell, Mansfield, Richland, Marcus, Colleyville Heritage, Martin, Haltom, Hebron, Allen, Plano East, Bowie, and Newman Smith. If that's not going to be a tough area contest... then I dunno what is. That schedule looks like this area contest is going to be the hardest in the state! Man I hope I can go watch!

Oh, I never meant to imply that this is something that just shouldn't be done under any circumstances. In your band's case, I'm assuming that upon entering as a different classification than you actually are, it gave your SAT-taking students more time to get to the competition. That's a completely different story than just entering your band dishonestly for the sake of hoping to get a greater score. Sorry to confuse! Your band had a completely legit complication, and I'm glad it worked out for ya'll!

I feel that there are several very legitimate excuses that can be used for band. I'm a member of a very successful program, with some reasonable directors. I make a point to look at future conflicts with band, and let the directors know ahead of time. Being sick, church, college visits, family things, etc... are perfectly normal things that come up throughout the year, and constitute as excused abesences. On the other hand, these excuses can only be made by certain people. Everyone can testify that there are those students who could care less about the program as a whole, and just want a p.e. credit. These undedicated students are the ones who use legitimate excuses until they become completely annoying. It just depends on what type of kid you are and the image you project. If you're a trustworthy, dependable student who's honest and up front about your conflicts (which have to be reasonable to begin with), you'll generally be just fine missing a rehearsal or two. But if you're just lazy and slack off all the time, just count on ruining it for yourself and the rest of the band. (when I mean "you", I'm not actually aiming these statements at anyone here at all! )

You think that you're going to be judged down just because you're in a 4A! Haha! Try being in a 3A school or below. While I do believe that judges expect more from a 5A, versus a 4A, you upperclass schools have way more at your fingertips than a 3A school or smaller. But I don't feel like just because being a large school makes you "better" than your competition, be it larger or smaller. For example, go look at the results from the marching festival in Mesquite... Canton, Texas, the 3A State Marching Champions absolutely kicked serious tail at that competition. They definitely held their own against those 4A's and 5A's. I'm sure that those judges were looking at that band from the beginning with a standpoint of "these guys are playing with the big boys today, let's see if they can step it up." It doesn't take sheer numbers, legendary staff, and pretty props to make your band score well at a competition. All you have to do is go out there, play and march a clean and enjoyable show, and you will be rewarded. Canton's scores at Mesquite Poteet's contest prove that. So in th end, I wouldn't ever enter my school as a larger classification than what we actually are. Either way, it's dishonest and anyone with common sense would figure out your dishonesty. It also would probably hurt your band more than it would help it. Again, all it takes is a nice mixture of attitude, dedication, great musicality, and fine marching fundamentals to get your band to where you want to be. I trust that we have some of the greatest marching judges and educators in the nation, and that they're all willing to give you what you want as long as you give them the proper things in return!

Our band doesn't have to be told that we should be respectful to other bands, it's just understood. Our members also know that almost all of us aren't just at a competition for an award, but also there to support every other band competing. When we're at any contest, we must stay in the stands as a whole and not leave under any circumstances. Besides, by the time we make it back to the stands after performing, it's almost time to wait for ratings to be announced, so we're not allowed to leave the stands under any circumstances. We're also put at attention while scores are being announced, and we are only allowed to celebrate after we're dismissed from the stands. But I think it's safe to say that anyone in any band where everyone just has an understood level of respect for those around you is very comforting as well as something to take pride in! As to HashBrownJM's situation at the Westlake competition, that's really tacky that the other band acted that way towards ya'll. While your show's theme is really creative and unique, it is in no way something deserving of ridicule.

Dedication isn't the issue with my band, it's focus and discipline. Unfortunately, we have a problem with having great rehearsal after great rehearasal, where everyone stays focused and gets tons done. But then we'll have a random week of unfocused rehearsals where it's a struggle to keep people quiet (that's where the discipline part starts to show). It's kind of wierd, about 98% of our band is really focused and quiet... but that other 2% immediately goes to talking when the drum majors put us at ease, or the directors go to check something on their drill charts/show score. In a band of 110, 2% can make an impact (while also ticking off the rest of the people who are there to get the job done). I'd have to say that talking is our biggest enemy, and that's what keeps that very small, select group of people from allowing us to get everything done that we need to.

Abilene Wylie is performing "To Tame the Perilous Skies" this year. It's a pretty good show, but I saw it at the beginning of the year, so it was kind of messy. Overall though, it's a good show. I'm hearing wonderful things about Canton and Wills Point. Apparently Canton is performing "The Music of Troy" (the movie I assume). It's supposed to be amazing, their scores from the Mesquite contest prove it too!

How does the corps selection process work?