radchad

I didn't say that. But they are better this year than they have been in everything. Which is an improvement, is it not?

Predictions for this one are tough.

Haha, well I figured. Just thought I'd give this topic some love.

Their guard is very strong this year. And the band as a whole are much improved from the last few years in overall design, sound, and technique.

I can't decide which block will be the toughest.

Btw, you left William B. Travis off the list.

And don't forget Coppell from Tier 3 went to state. Mansfield was alternate. So, this competition is definitely going to be interesting.

Agreed. Can't go wrong with SCV '99.

I don't know. It's a toss up between Mansfield and Hebron. And don't forget how well Wylie has done at this competition the last few years.

So with the exception of '08, at least 3 made finals each year.

True. How many TX bands were in finals the past 4 years? :] A BUNCH.

Wakeland? Is Chris Kichline still teaching there?

I was very surprised when I found it. It's a good show. I don't care what people say.

\ 7:30

Curious to see how Marcus manages after the loss of the Guard Director that has taken them through the past few years. Also, adding on to a previous discussion... There is a major difference between swing flags and regular flags. Regular flags are usually between 6 and 7 feet. I believe the normal pole averages around 6. Swing flags are half that size and usually have shorter silks (if longer, it's usually silks that are more flowy and elegant). 95% of the time we see swing flags in ballads. Swing flags are also normally seen with two being used at once. Not much more of an explanation, but for a visual explanation.. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlOdr0gRCrs 6:49

I was really looking forward to seeing them. :[

Yes for the Woodlands!

Matt Garrett writes the drill and is the guard director.. So he does pretty much all of it.

Wow. Spirit is using music from Kansas? Heck yes. One of my favorite bands of all time.

I have never heard of that. D:

It really is up to perception. I mean, I can't sit here and speak for all the woodwind players out there in saying that none of them want to do drum corps. Do I know any woodwind players who want to do drum corps? Yes. I know one, and she learned Mello so she could do it. Do I think they should be integrated into Drum Corps? No. I think it has been explained countless times throughout this thread that adding woodwinds threatens visual, sound, appearance, and tradition. I agree, completely. Drum Corps. has been around for year and never has it used woodwinds on the field. I think it would be really bogus to break a tradition like that. He put what I feel into words. All brass and no woodwinds is what makes the activity unique. It sets it apart from high school marching band. When people decide to want to do Drum Corps, that is probably(possibly) one of those things that attracts them. It's a step up from hs. I don't think the demand for woodwinds in Drum Corps. is high enough or will any time soon be high enough to influence their addition into the activity. I mean, I know quite a few directors who refuse to expose their students to DCI, or even BOA and WGI for that matter. So perhaps if more people knew about it, there would be more woodwinds wanting to do it, and more demand for them to be added. Now, I have to admit I can see why woodwind players would feel a little cheated. Brass, Drumline, and Colorguard all have DCI and BOA. Colorguard has WGI(guard). Drumline has WGI(percussion). Brass has DCI. I don't think woodwinds have any unique organization for them. So I can see why woodwind players would feel upset. Sorry, just rambling.

Eric Whitacre uses it in the Orchestral version of October. I agree. It is very over-looked. I go to middle schools and there's like 2 baritones. They should push the instrument more.

If OU sucks, why did they get picked for the National Championship game over UT? Go look up the scores for all the games of UT and compare them to the scores OU had every game. Hook 'em? Pssht. BOOMER SOONERS all the way.

At least you still have some years. I have this year and next year. And then I age out. I have never been able to march. I could not afford to try out this year so I get 1 year to march.