BandDad74

Ok - better (aka more knowledgeable) people than me - early in Flo mo’s set - they formed what looked like was supposed to be an infinity symbol- but it didn’t look like one. Am I missing something reading the intent? Or was it just “dirty”. I honestly don’t know and am not trying to throw Flo Mo under the bus. They are a great band! I’m just trying to learn here…

I really think that Marching Band has so little do to with any UIL realignment. We all know its more sports driven than arts driven....

So the 6 a schedule I looked at last night - only had two slots in it for Area A. And it was 39 bands (I thought) - so wouldn’t that mean we already have 40? The original list in this post only said 2 from area A - but there are 3 in reality… so?

Area A is taking 3 bands - bad judge rule?

Every band that falls under UIL (i.e. every band in the state of texas) that i have dealt with is very strict about holding themselves to that 8 hour rule. Nothing outside of those hours. That being said - nothing in UIL rules prevents a group of students from getting together themselves and have section bonding activities or whatever….

It’s also how the districts are set up and how the booster clubs are allowed to operate. for instance - some districts do not allow any booster clubs for their bands. So that poses other challenges. So a district that doesn’t allow, or limits what a booster club can do/pay for will have different numbers to report than others. And the numbers you quoted can be deceiving. I believe that they also include the feeder middle schools in those - so it’s not all the high school program, you have 3-4 middle schools that contributes to those numbers. While i would imagine they are not equivalent in terms of spending - they do figure in that overall number. I am pretty sure that those numbers you quoted do not have a significant amount of money, if any, from the district in them. That’s all raised by parents and students to help pay for things. I’m not saying money doesn’t help - but I am saying that it’s almost criminal how little the arts, as a whole, get direct funding from the district. And I’m not blaming the district either - when you have a state legislature that hasn’t increased the allotment for years because charter school vouchers hasn’t passed (and are sitting on Billions (yes with a “B”) of dollars - it’s just not right….

I so completely agree. At this level the amount of difference between the top bands is so small - that it does all come down to those silly little things that people see. Someone takes a step out half a beat too early. Someone stumbles and hits a half flat note. Such little things - maybe even not any kind of mistake - but just a difference in the way they raise their hands in a movement or something…. Same can be said about each of our opinions here - you flipped the rankings in your opinion because of those same things. I had it slightly different for different things. But there is no doubt that all of these kids work their tushies off and pour all they can into this. So great to see!

I don’t think there is as much money there as you think there is - at least from the district. Lewisville ISD was facing significant budget shortfall this past year and it led to lots of changes to classes at various levels and funding cutbacks (not that they gave a lot of money to the bands in the first place). And you’d be surprised at how much fundraising has to happen to support these groups and how hard they have to work to make it all happen.

https://www.smbc.uiltexas.org/area/results/files/area-24_6A Area J 2024.pdf

But isn’t that part of what makes this art form so great? These bands are all so close to each other in talent, and drive, and quality. These kids put forth so much effort and skill - and honestly do their damndest to be the best that they can be! Isn’t it awesome that we have public school teachers who dedicate themselves to, not only teaching these kids the music skills, but also the teamwork, sacrifice, dedication and commitment that it takes to to be part of something truly great!?!? I truly am impressed of all of them - (these teachers) - of the programs they have built up over time, of the lives that they have influenced and molded in countless ways, and their unwillingness to demand less than the best efforts from their pupils. It is something sorely missed from most in this day and age. I stand in awe.

Im sure it was just logistics. They probably didn’t stay in Duncanville all day…

May not be posted publicly till after finals

BANDS OF AMERICA 2024 Dallas Mid-Cities Regional Championship at Bedford, TX Pennington Field October 5 - Finals Performance Schedule - Class A: Krum H.S., TX Rock Hill H.S., TX Lone Star H.S., TX Aledo H.S., TX Keller H.S., TX L.D. Bell H.S., TX Southlake Carroll H.S., TX Hebron H.S., TX Waxahachie H.S., TX Coppell H.S., TX Flower Mound H.S., TX Timber Creek H.S., TX H.S., TX Class AA: Argyle H.S., TX

Sorry - I am not trying to jump on anyone's back here at all. I apologize if it came across that way. I just know what it is like being on the other side of it and it's not fun either.

It only doesn't matter until it has mattered for you at some point.