ValleyBandFanatic

I was there so here is what I mainly took away from the competition: Roma is absolutely ready to avenge their successful yet disappointing 2017 stage year, making sure there is no doubt they belong in state finals. At this rate, they may even break into the top half of finals when it is all said and done, depending on whether or not they can maintain this momentum and consistency. Pioneer has changed a lot of their show since we last saw them in BOA McAllen. Their musicality has definitely been more refined, with them achieving a greater contrast between styles, dynamics, and moments. They have also added a lot of content visually, attempting to differentiate the tone between movements and portray a specific message to the audience and ultimately the judges. It did seem as if they did not have such a successful run as they usually do, with something seeming off. Maybe the newness of the changes affecting their performance, although I did notice miscommunication within the beginning of their finals run which could have been a factor as well. Still consider them as a contender for state finals. Pioneer has been able to consistently come back in a great way after “disappointing” results by their incredibly high standards. Sharyland is seemingly performing as if they have a chip on their shoulder, trying to re-establish themselves as a newsworthy and serious contender in area G after some shaky recent years. I still wouldn’t put them in Roma and Pioneer’s category of Powerhouse bands, especially considering pioneer has had probably one of their worse runs of the season and sharyland having their best and still coming up short, but if they continue this momentum into upcoming years I’m sure they will make their way into the conversation. My thoughts on the competition as a whole: The competition wasn’t run well at all, which is scary considering this is the venue where Area will be taking place. The announcing was nowhere near professional, spoiling that Roma made finals by accident during prelims results at one point. And I would also say that the judging was considerably off. With Roma most certainly sweeping the finals captions, only for that not to be the case, although that’s just my opinion. Hopefully Weslaco ISD figures something out. No disrespect to WISD, but if Area is run like this past competition, it is going to be rough. Caption awards for finals vs My opinion Best Music: Roma | Roma Best Visual: Roma | Roma Best GE: Sharyland | Roma/Pioneer (tie) Best Percussion: Rio Grande | Roma Best Color Gaurd: Sharyland | Roma/Pioneer (tie)

Noticed there wasn’t a Topic for 5A Area G in 2019, so here it is

It would be very interesting to see how Roma and Pioneer battle it out for the rest of the season. I would not be surprised at all if they both make finals at the 5A state marching competition in November. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Pioneer win 2A champs at the San Antonio super regional. It’s time for these two bands to make their mark in state competition.

This is going to be a special year for pioneer. What a show. From music selection to the incredible GE, This is far greater than expected from an already phenomenal band. BRAVO!!!!

Very interested to see how the Valley Bands Perform, especially considering the clearing up of the 2A division. Let's see which, if any, will solidify themselves as a force to be reckoned within the state of Texas. Lets go South Texas!

Within recent years, the top two band programs within Area G are most certainly Roma and Pioneer. Although the other Sharyland is a very storied and historic band program, it seems as if they are going through a rebuilding stage and are hoping to make it to their third appearance at state after losing their head director after the 2017-2018 season. Roma has been a powerhouse within Area G, more specifically in recent years. After missing state finals last time, it is fully expected for them to come back more determined than ever. Expect a very successful season. Pioneer is a very interesting program. After receiving a division 2 the first year they opened the school, Pioneer has had a unprecedented rise within the band world. 2 out of 2 state appearances at state to attempts, consistent class champions and finals medalists in BOA, and 5 years later, Pioneer is now aiming to make it 3 for 3. What is easily considered to be the standard for bands and work ethic in Area G, Pioneer is 100% expected to make state and possibly finals. Although, with the embodiment of that initial drive after that initial division 2 is gone with the last bunch of kinds that knew what it was like before their enormous success graduating; it will be interesting to see how a band whose kids only know success with continue building this dynasty of a band. They must continue to maintain that high work ethic and individual accountability they are known for in order to prove once and for all that they are not going anywhere within the band world.

2A Top three (in no order): Rouse Weiss Pioneer It’s such a toss up. Super competitive in this division. Can’t wait to see what happens Saturday!

I appreciate the “small” bands. Hmmm... It’s such a toss up for the 2A championship. What does everybody else think?Rouse has been doing great this year. Southwest are returning to defend their 2A championship from last year’s super, and Pioneer is on quite the rise in the past few years (like rouse) and is knocking on the door of class 2A champs as well with their show. Thoughts anyone?

Pioneer has improved A LOT since their performance at BOA McAllen. I say that they will get at least 2nd in the 2A division, with a caption to go along with it

Love their show this year

I forgot that they were coming down here. I would put them 6 and move everyone down one

Top Ten: 1) CTJ 2) Pioneer 3) Roma 4) Seven Lakes 5) Braz 6) United 7) Hannah 8) Edinburg North 9) Juarez Lincoln 10) Edinburg I'm putting all my chips down that Pioneer and Roma will have a difference of .5 or less points at the competition

I was able to catch them at a game this past Thursday. Not only only do they have a great product provided for them by their drill and music, but they are even more eager to impress this year. The way they were focused and performed was outstanding.

I'd say the kids at Pioneer from Mission Texas are going to make a big statement from the beginning.

Hey y'all, with all the hype around competition season coming, what are some "dark horse" bands that might rise up towards the top of the Texas bands ladder? With all the attention on the "big" bands in Texas (CTJ, Vandergrift, LISD), I think it would be good to shine some light on some lesser known bands!