slw13

Very nice job, longhornsax. I wasn't able to be there, but I did follow the live blogcast. As I said earlier, this was an absolutely brutal area competition. I also agree with Donezo...I'm glad I don't have to judge these contests. So many bands in this state are so good and so gifted. It is great to be able to enjoy the many shows that we get to see every year. Thanks to longhornsax for a good perspective on Saturday evening's contest, and to my buddy Danpod for helping to keep some people's feelings in perspective. Hopefully everyone will be able to enjoy the big events of this coming weekend and next week. There are still some great shows to see before the season is over.

I've got a feeling there is going to be some discussion here about the differences in judging between prelims and finals. It is almost like a complete flip-flop from on to the other. Since I didn't see the performances I can't really comment, but UIL judging has always been problematic for me (Xenon and I had a long discussion about this several years ago). Still, congrats to those that qualified, and I hope they do a great job of representing Area D at state.

Dan, Was that one placement of CP way out of line with the other music judges?

Wow! I am very surprised by these results. Then again, anything can happen on the field. Remember, it is prelims...finals may be completely different. Dan, do you think bands playing later will have more problems as it gets cooler this evening?

This is an absolutely brutal Area....which is going to have some bands feeling very sad at the end of the day Saturday. Its very unfortunate that it looks like only 4 bands are going to get to go to state. Redistricting really had an impact on this area. Two years ago Cedar Park, Connally, and Vista Ridge were 5A bands; also, Vandegrift was just getting started. With Lake Travis improving significantly this year it really makes it hard to decipher who will still be standing at the end of the day. Schools who have been to state over the last 4 years from this area include (please correct me if I am wrong): Cedar Park (in 5A), Vista Ridge (also in 5A), Dripping Springs (defending 4A champions), Connally (missed 5A state by 1 point last time around if I am not mistaken, but last time in 4A finished 2nd in state), Hendrickson, Hayes (I think McCallum also perhaps made it, but I may be thinking of another year). With the ascension of Vandegrift, and the improvement of Lake Travis, IMHO there are 8-9 bands that are probably worthy of representing this area at state, and only 4 slots. If past history is any indicator all 4 bands who emerge from this area will probably place in the top 10 at state. I think someone on another forum suggested that some of the bands that don't make it out of this area probably could also be top 10 bands at state. Amazing. Good luck to all at this contest. I expect to see some great shows from all of these bands, and I will be feeling sad for those who don't make it.

Also on October 8 - USSBA DeMoulin Challenge, Kyle (Hayes ISD)

Just saw the news myself on the Austin American Statesman website. Truly sad. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bowie community. http://www.statesman.com/news/local/bowie-...xtype=ynews_rss

show times and information are now available at this URL: http://www.marchingbandcontest.org/index.p...20PLYQD%20SB1FJ

you get to go to new braunfels and you are complaining?!?

whoa! tough finals! 3 bands each from Areas B,C and D. should be interesting to see who will medal out of this group. From my perspective I can see 5 bands that could medal: Poteet, Dripping Springs, Friendswood, Forney and Newman Smith. Still, not sure I could count anyone out of this group of 10. Surprised that Galena Park didn't make it.

Just wanted to add my $.02 worth for the work that Mike does. I have a lot of respect for him and all he puts in to help support marching band in texas. The contest was one of the best (outside of Super Regionals or Nationals) that I have witnessed. Many amazing bands and wonderful performances. My final thought, however, is for not only the bands of that area, but for all of the people who are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike. I was struck by how much damage we could see in the area (roofs still covered in tarps, trees still down, mulching work going on, broken windows, etc), and I also know it was much worse closer to Galveston Bay. My thoughts, prayers and support continue to go out to all who have suffered in that area.

After watching BOA Houston this past weekend I would like to add Hidalgo to that list of "small" bands that succeed very nicely.

Don't forget PHS in the district too. That is not an enormous stadium by any means. P'ville may have to up the ante on our stadiums (finally!).

not bad. my only complaint here is that you are still working with placement values. i would like to think that where the adjustments need to be made is at the actual scoring level before placements are made. at that level is where you see that actual variance in scores. i have not worked on any yet, but i intend to in the days/weeks ahead.