OneOfMany

AvonDad, I read your post, and I felt like I was in church agreeing with someone's prayer... yes, yes, yes, yes... and you get the idea. I laughed out loud regarding the escalator reference. Between the stairs and the humidity, I was a hot mess, but those shows made it soooo worth it. Texas hospitality, the DanPodcast, and history in the making for CTJ... yes, yes, and YES. Last, but not least, I love that we changed our warm-up. I wish I could have been at the Avon Marching Black and Gold rehearsal last night, but I was in Baltimore for work. Now I am back in Indy, and I am looking forward to Wednesday with Webb. I am sure I will see you soon. For the record, this is Sonia.. Sarah's mom. Sarah is center xylo in the pit. From one band nerd to another, thanks again for posting this. See you soon! #teamtexavon

Thank you for welcoming us! We LOVED every minute of our visit, and we will be in the stands cheering for the Texas bands this weekend.

He is absolutely at every contest. For years he has worn a hat themed to our show. When we did Black Gold, he had oil rigs. For Go Forth, he had a weather vane. This year he took it up a notch with the suit. We love him and his family. He brings us together whether we are in Avon or in a different state. Nicest man.

Everyone is coming to win. I would not rule out Broken Arrow or any other of the rest of these bands. It is anybody's eagle. The clean-up this week is important to all.

Do not rule us (Avon) out just yet. Carmel beat us in Dayton Prelims. They had an 86.1, but we had an 85.95. Finals were cancelled b/c of weather. At the Indy Super Regional, Avon took the Class AAAA title for Prelims, but you are correct Carmel beat us in the finals. Goes back to my sharpen the saw comment on the San Antonio thread. These kids push each other to greatness. Might be Carmel, but it might be Avon, one of the Texas bands, Broken Arrow, etc. I stand by my previous comment: from what I saw in San Antonio, the spectators are in for a phenomenal night of competition this Saturday.

We absolutely were treated with amazing Texas hospitality, and I had no idea Texas barbecue was a thing. I guess we need to come back. We did go to Casa Rio on the Riverwalk, and that was pretty yummy. Thank you for welcoming our kids. When you treat our kids well, you are friends. Thrilled to have new friends in the great state of Texas. All y'all are wonderful!

LostChoirBoy told me the same thing. I truly appreciate that. As a band mom, I can take no credit for our incredible program. I just know I am humbled and grateful for its presence in our community. And, we are thrilled with our 4th place achievement. Texas bands are fierce! Thanks again for opening your home to us.

What a kind thing to say. From one band momma to another, thank you. We appreciate your continued support. I can assure you - likewise. Have an awesome week!

As an Avon mom, I followed this thread from the beginning. Until this weekend, I did not want to register here, because I felt this was a Texas site/forum. Who am I to share a view in something that is clearly not my space? This post, however, was the tipping point. Thank you so very much for your encouraging words to our Avon Marching Black and Gold family. You are correct: our kids are used to getting medals at BOA events; however, this experience is worth its weight in gold. Please accept our (more than 300 and counting, as I shared your post on Avon Town Chatter pages) heartfelt thanks to you and to all of the Texas staff, parents, students, announcers, etc. for such a warm welcome. It was both humbling and inspiring. If you'll allow me, I want to share a few other thoughts from the weekend: Flower Mound opened their home to our kids. The kids broke bread, played games, laughed, and just enjoyed each other's company. Our daughter is one of many in a group chat with kids from FloMo. These kids became friends. Avon kids and FloMo kids will hang out and compete again next weekend. How cool is that? Parents from various Texas bands made us feel at home and shared unsolicited encouragement when they saw our Avon shirts. More than a hundred Avon parents made the trip to support our kids. Many more wanted to go, but traveling is cost prohibitive. Instead, they sacrificed their own experience for their kids. Again, humbling and inspiring.. Now, let's talk about the San Antonio Super Regional. Not going to lie, I have never missed one of Avon's BOA events since our daughter's freshman year; however, this was beyond special. I finally understand that everything IS bigger and better in Texas. This was by far the BEST marching band competition EVER. I am truly looking forward to next weekend's Grand Nationals. Spectators are not going to be disappointed. This will be a showdown to beat all showdowns: Texas, Broken Arrow, Carmel, and many other fierce competitors from across this great nation. Avon Marching Black and Gold parents (for decades) provide a standing ovation for all marching bands after every performance - prelim or finals. It was so nice to see many Texas parents do the same. Talk about synergy... yes, yes, and yes... all of our kids work so hard. More than two decades ago, Stephen Covey shared the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. One of his principles - sharpen the saw - came to mind all weekend. San Antonio Super Regional brought out the best in students across Texas and your Avon Indiana friends, too. They know and observed first hand - when everyone pushes the limit, leaving their heart and soul on the field, the competition strengthens, and everyone benefits. Thanks again, Texas. Our family (again, one of many) will never forget this experience. We are #teamtexas fans for life. Best to all of you as you continue your pursuit of excellence whether in Texas UIL, Grand Nats, or in your preparation for 2018. Mad respect!