FEDude

Waco is such a gorgeous town with the worst luck in catastrophic events. I can see why Johnson doesn't want to make the very long trip. Recently did it myself and barely stayed awake. Odd question: but in 1997 Churchill won this regional. I've been trying to find the name of their opener with the vague hint that it's Shostakovich. Anyone know the piece?

I forgot, have something to do or someone to be with when it gets too tough. Those two years were also when I started dating my first girlfriend and honestly she's the only reason I stayed sane. We would eat lunch together, do homework together, and talk about things that weren't band or school. The person to do this for you can be a best friend, or it can be a recreational activity. Just something that isn't band or school. This isn't something to get your anger out, or someone to vent to 24/7, but it's a nice way to escape and just enjoy something or the company of someone.

I was in a pretty similar spot my junior and senior year. This might seem like the worst advice ever, but: 1.Band is not life and your school work needs to be number 1 no matter what. That being said, if you're doing everything right, you'll have plenty of time to practice. 2. Right after rehearsal, eat, then study. If your schedule is genuinely that intense, cut video games and tv. Doing homework should come before being on your phone (you'll get more sleep that way too) 3. Be aware there will be a few nights where you don't get much sleep. I always set a hard bedtime of midnight. I would also wake up at 5 to finish any homework (you probably don't need to be THAT drastic) 4. In high school, turning in everything on time will guarantee you an A (unless your quality of work is just that bad). In college it will guarantee you a C, but be happy you're not there yet 5. You're from NEISD, and I know their AP curve creates a very competitive environment higher than any NISD school. Don't let it get to you too much, whether your GPA very high or not as high as you'd like. 6. Realize you will never study on the bus to or from a competition. Do your homework before or after competitions. 7. Realize early on that life is unfair and teachers don't owe you extensions. The plus side to all of this is that taking high school that seriously has made college relatively easy, plus I entered with 117 credits, which made my parents' wallets very happy.

I'm fully aware of the problems Taft had that year. Just saying that being that close but falling barely short does hurt. Anyway, hopefully 4 bands may advance this year as well. I predict the same 4 from 2016, but hopefully there is a shakeup. From there, Brandeis will be very strong as will Stevens. Didn't see Brandeis signed up for BOA SA which makes me sad as I love seeing Northside. Having grown up in Northside, I can only really speak for this district. I assume directing a band that big may present a serious challenge for the new O'Connor directors, but Dr. Mikulka wouldn't have hired a team that's not up to it. If OC is on the same trajectory as every state year, they will peak very nicely around area. I got a glimpse of Taft's show and though their sound at the moment isn't to die for, the show design is a definite step up and hopefully they can work with it. Warren wasn't too off from finals last time around by the way. Starting in 2014, Warrens been at a serious upward trajectory. I used to get jealous when other schools did better than mine, but not being too into "the game" anymore has allowed me to get very excited when any San Antonio schools succeed, but especially NISD.

Hopefully what happened to Taft in 2016 won't happen again: Tying with Del Rio but being pushed to 11th due to Judge's preference. Crushed my soul. I will say, I blame that on the show exposing the woodwinds, trumpets, and drumline when those sections weren't exactly "shining" that year. Last year is seems like they corrected those design flaws or at least improved the sections and it can only get better.

Their percussion did fairly well at PASIC in 2015. I remember hearing them at 4th and actually being quite surprised they got that good. I believe their color guard beat Reagan on one occasion my senior year, so that's what I'm basing that on. Their band as a whole does have quite a bit of improving to do however. If you get a chance to see Warren's (or even Brandeis's) percussion by themselves, I say take it.

Well I'll watch out for them in the short time I'll be in town. As always, I send love to all Northside schools, especially Taft. Realistically, Brandeis will rank higher than all Northside schools just based on how well they clean up and how highly their percussion performs. I hope Taft's percussion section can recover. The class under mine only had 2 percussionists, then the percussion director changed, then half the section went to Harlan. I haven't really followed them for the last year, but the directors are good and they'll be ready for area. Earl Warren high school is another one to look out for. Their percussion and color guard are among the best in the state.

Just wondering, why is Del Rio being ranked so highly? I remember they've improved greatly starting my senior year, but that high? Also, very sad for O'Connor. A director change is never much fun for any party involved. Hopefully they grow to love this new director as much they loved Mr. Sandoval.