borchnork

Yes.... They got a 97 overall in TOC. Beat 2nd place Frisco Centennial by almost 2.5 points! The show is an experience. One of my favorites of all time

I DEFINITELY agree. That drill has moments that are intense. I'm excited to see it live. =]

Dude, not cool. Friendswood is a great program. Some of my favorite bands come from the Houston area. But you're not doing a really fair job of representing them. Every kid in a band program wants to do well and they all try. Yes, it's lame friendswood keeps getting SOOOOOO close but not making it. Judging gets kinda crazy and there are times when I honestly disagree entirely with scoring. But it doesn't give you a right to put other programs down in such a public place.

I DEFINITELY think so. The show concept, music and GE are just insane. They got a 99.5 in GE at TOC. Totally earned it in my opinion

That's what I had thought. Aledo got 5th? I had said that to a few random directors the other day and they said Aledo made it.... Oh well.. lol. I haven't seen or heard anything about Southwest this year. What's the show concept?

I would also like to point out a portion of the schedule: McKinney Everman Wakeland (Frisco) Centennial (Frisco) Aledo Sherman Wylie Joshua 7 of my top 13 bands performing literally back to back to back..... That will be the block to watch for the breakout bands.

I'm really pulling for Southwest! I think out of the bands that made it last year, Aledo, Southwest and Newman Smith are the ones that are most likely to make it again. I would throw Creekview, Centennial and Summit into that group to round out the top 6. I would probably place either The Colony or Birdville as the alternate.

I think this post is just a tad biased... Especially to say that friendswood has the "necessary qualities and passion to win it" makes it seem like nobody else is passionate to win state....

That means Area B will now be sending SIX bands to the State level!!!! Here are the bands competing Saturday in performance order. I'm bolding my top picks: The Colony (Lewisville) R.L. Turner (C/FB) Newman Smith (C/FB) Lake Dallas Summit Crowley Heritage (Frisco) Wylie East Western Hills Creekview (C/FB) Birdville McKinney North Little Elm McKinney

ah okay. Still an unusually low turnout!

So at the moment it looks like Area B will for sure be sending 4 bands to the TSMBC. Still waiting for results from Region 7 to see if there will be 4, 5, or 6 bands from this area going though!! Who is your top 4?

This is probably the smallest turn out the CMF has seen in a long time. =/. It probably doesn't help that BOA and DMI are the same day.

I've been going to Centennial pre-Centera and am currently a field staff member there this year. He's a great director. Our prior staff laid such a strong foundation of excellence, and I'm glad to see that Mr. C is continuing the tradition. I honestly have to say Newman Smith is one of the strongest bands in Area B right now. But I do look forward to giving you guys a run for your money Saturday. =] Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. lol.

That must be really harsh. A strong drumline is crucial for a steady beat in my opinion. I'm sure you guys can work it out though.

I've seen Timberview and Mansfield... I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Mansfield's show. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cool. =] Timberview has ALWAYS been one of my favorite bands. I think they're also doing a great job this year. The last time I saw them was BOA Arlington, so I'm sure that show has come leaps and bounds by now.

I always consider McKinney to be a competitor, but never as strong as they have been this year. I'm EXTREMELY impressed with how they're doing this year.

This is a bit off topic but I remember the days when area C was dominated by Poteet, Wylie, Sherman, Hebron and Sachse.... A lot has changed. =/

Okay, Seems as if I haven't been keeping up with the band world really well lately. lol. Timberview is now 5A. So count them out But realignment has placed Wylie in Area B, which only makes this competition THAT much harder.

Seeing Areas like Area C where maybe only 2-3 bands will advance, and then looking at areas like B and D makes me kind of frustrated. Honestly, there are so many excellent bands in both of those areas that are going to get the short end of the stick simply because they are in a block of bands that are extremely consistent with each other. I think UIL would be wise to divide both Area B and D apart and make either 2 new Areas, or combine the excess with another area so that some of the bands in Area's B and D will actually be able to compete at the state level.

Area B will once again be a blood bath. 8 bands in that area have all competed in state before: Newman Smith Southwest Wakeland Birdville Centennial The Colony Sherman Aledo You have the consistent alternates: Joshua Timberview The former top performing 5A bands that are now 4A: Creekview Summit And the bands that are consistent top 15 placers: Liberty Frisco McKinney McKinney North Heritage The way scores have turned out so far, I think your top 4 are going to be: Centennial The Colony Aledo Newman Smith I can also see Area B sending 5, POSSIBLY 6 to state (in 09, they only needed 2 more bands at area to send 5, and there are at least 3 new schools in Area . If there's 5 bands, I'd throw the extra spot to Either Summit or Creekview. 6th would go to one of those two. Either way, there are FANTASTIC bands in area B that unfortunately won't even make finals. =[

While that's fantastic for Aledo (who has always had crazy intense shows), I do think that Boswells original Prelims placement does put them as a group to keep a careful watch over.

Our football team actually DID get a penalty for the band being too loud. So... The band played LOUDER. =]

Maybe this is the 4A state year of the underdog??? Wouldn't that be amazing for those kids. =]

All these bands have been fantastic this season. My personal favorite shows for 4A that I've seen are definitely Mansfield Timberview and Newman Smith. I have always loved Hendrickson and Dripping Springs. I would love to see them take the top spot. I will throw this thought out there: Frisco Centennial Placed 2nd at their competition this weekend, beating out power house 5A Bands Hebron, Sachse, Haltom AND Rowlett. They placed 2nd overall in music, falling behind the 5A honor band, Hebron. I think they may be a force to be reckoned with this season for sure.

What's funny is most of my favorite shows were from the groups that didn't make it. I really enjoyed newman smith and legacys show, but by far my top 3 favorite shows were out of sherman, aledo and the colony. I'd have killed to be the picollo player in aledo's show this year!!!!!!!! Such a fun little solo. =]