just_a_texas_girl

Any word on how Bell did? Where is the blog?? Hey you blog guys...you set the bar high...so when there is not blog...the natives get restless...lol

First and foremost, I will never make an EXCUSE for a band program. I was just giving reasons why a program would be on down peak in the cycles that every person and program can experience. And I was speaking of freshman only. Reagan only has 15 Juniors in its program and the Senior class is only around 25. So do the math. Those are mainly Freshman and Sophomores out there too. I was simply saying that every program has growing pains at times. And as these younger kids are cultivated, it is so hard for them to stay positive when the TX Band community is being such a bunch of downers in reference to their work. I can't help believe that there is some satisfaction out there that the program is not as successful as 2005. One thing the program teaches is positive interaction with peer bands. Support who wins, support who doesn't do so great. Never say another band "irritates" you or that a band perfection gets on your nerves. Always celebrate success and give pats on the back to ones that struggle. Really...isn't that the way it should be?

I guess in my opinion Reagan still had a great year. It is just many opinions are that they are bottom of the barrel. The fact remains that the kids gave it there all...and no matter if the general opinion is that the "program" is bad, they are the ones that live it day in and day out. I bet if you ask whoever placed 21,(and I don't know who that is...just throwing a number out there) if they would have loved to have been 14th, the answer would be yes. Reagan still has positives working for them and they will continue to build on those and continue to adjust what is not working.

Listen, understand I realize Reagan not being top five or top whatever is news, I really do. But when a school splits in half what is the expectation? And when that split occurs two years after a director change what is that expectation. Can anyone out there give me am example of when a "top caliber" program split and changed directors without skipping a beat? Really it does not matter. The kids know they gave there all....I would also like to know what finalist bands were marching 32% freshman.

I would appreciate it if someone would explain to me how you can separate the kids from the program and the program from the kids. And I am dead serious. The kids are a part of the program. If you are talking about drill writing, directing, music selection, etc, then let's talk about program leadership. But throwing the "program" to the wolves, does just that...it throws the whole program to the wolves. And I certainly am not trying to split hairs with anyone. You simply cannot be a student of this "program" and take these comments to mean anything other than the band sucks.

If there is one thing that it is negative about forums is that when comments are made that hurt the people they are written about. EVERYONE is has a opinion and most opinions are worth voicing. With that said, when a comment is made such as: Some programs just collapsed, like Reagan! And though I did not think Reagan should have been in finals, I congratulate them for surviving. I would rather Reagan be here and be a band they did not used to be than not be a band at all! Whether or not you feel they should be there or not, they were. They are surviving their current adversity and they work just as hard as the current super powers...probably more so with the 40+ freshman marchers. These freshman have stepped up to the plate, learned to march, learned to play while marching and learned to balance hard grinding coursework with band, all in a matter of months. So when someone from the outside looking in slams a program, the individuals of that program take notice. Should Reagan have been in finals? The judges from BOA thought so. The panel was praised on these boards, but they are questioned on a case by case basis. It just does not make sense to me. Does Reagan have work to do...yes. They had work to do after 2003-2005-2005 also, now it is just in another caliber. Work is work and it all takes effort. Reagan is the same band they always were. Filled with kids with heart, soul and dedication. A band is the sum of its parts. The students still want excellence, they still want success and they still play their hearts out.

Hey Jbone....I am HORRIBLE at predictions so I am not one to say a word...but...you have Reagan out of finals, but Leander in. They tied at Area....do you think Leander has a more "BOA" style show? And to Connally Band...you guys rocked on Saturday....

Anyone have confirmation on this order and exact times? That is a long day for SA bands and other outlining areas.....

Has anyone seen any of the Brownsville Schools? Are they strong and state contenders? Had some interaction with some of the kids in that district a few years back and the programs were growing, but have not heard much since...anyone??

Hi...I was looking at some music that Aaron Guidry has written and when visiting his website, I listened to "It chooses me." I am assuming that this music was done on a key board and that this not a recording of Reagan...can anyone confirm this. http://www.yataforluda.com/shows/itchoosesme.htm

So if the judging was "fair" that night, how in the world could Marcus of gotten the same score (when I personally believe they marched a better prelim performance) and Reagan had a 6 point difference between prelims and finals and (in my opinion again) they marched a better prelim than finals performance. I think there finals placements were an accurate assesment of where they belong, not their prelims placements...it would have been a horrible injustice if they had not made finals. **On a completely different note, I think if we see Reagan march a clean show with a bit more flair, ie visuals, etc....finals at GN should not be an issue for them. I believe too many folks are comparing them to the years prior instead of their merits of today...I thought I would defend them since between txbands.com and bands.org, they are taking a beating in comments. I don't think anyone should under estimate them....(I'm not saying they will win...but I think they have a great shot at finals....not a dark horse)***

I think people need to realize that it is just not marching that presses us for time....State Music takes up just as many hours as marching, if you are really going for it. It is just a combo of everything...but grades in the fall are usually better because the pressure creates jam up time management skills.

Nice Job...Thank you.... Just for fun dude....how about what you think each (Texas) band can do (that are going to GN) to make a better showing, or what they need to keep the doing the same for Texas to make a HUGE splash in Indy?

I think leaving SFA & Reagan off that list is big miss...but JMHO

My bad...when I looked at the list on bands.org, I missed them....so let's try this again.... Mabank Clear Brook L.D. Bell Ronald Reagan SFA The Woodlands Richland

Props are not going to make or break you....Berkner did not use props and they did very well in finals....Reagan didn't use props either. And if the arguement is that props should not be used because some bands can afford them and some can't, I don't think I have ever seen Reagan use props and from what I have read, they could afford them if they wanted them.

Hi Everyone, After yesterday, I was just wondering what everyone thought of where the Texas Bands will fall in Grand Nationals. What I mean by that, is who will make semis (or not) and who will make finals. Lets assume they each march a clean show...so I guess we are "predicting" via potential. I believe the following are the reps from Texas... Mabank Clear Brook L.D. Bell Ronald Reagan SFA The Woodlands I guess with judging all over the place, maybe grouping will be easier

Question about Bell...is that little girl a high school student, and if no, can a person not attending your school participate in your show?

I just got back from the competition and I too have no affiliation with the bands tonight, but I too believe that the scores were a bit off. Just an opinion. I think the placements were ok, I think there could have been some flip flopping here and there...I also think the top 5 all marched better in Prelims than in Finals...but I guess we will have to see what the judges say about that. I think we (Texas) are very fortunate that we have a handful of strong groups going to GN. From what I saw tonight....The Woodlands, Bell and Reagan, all have a shot at the top five if they EXECUTE. I think Reagan was the most improved from Houston to SA, so you have to wonder if they are climbing the mountain and are striving to peak in two weeks.

Hi All.... I have in my own (small...but mighty) mind where I think the Texas Bands going to GN's will fall, but I have not seen some of these bands for many weeks. I am excited to see the changes I am sure the bands that are going to BOA SA have made and I am wondering how those performances will change my outlook at GN. Anyone else wondering how their prediction might changed based on Saturday Finals in SA?

I don't disagree that Bell & Marcus will be in the top five, but to say they have 1st and 2nd locked is a bit of a stretch for me. I have seen Churchill, Reagan, Westfield, The Woodlands, Clearbrook, etc, and eventhough they were viewed much earlier in the season, we all have to agree that they have the bones to support a great show. Churchill's show is so moving it is hard to not get emotional watching it, and although Reagan was a bit disappointing in Houston, I hear they have made huge changes. The Woodlands have an amazing show this year and you can never count out Westfield or Clearbrook. I just have a feeling that this is a year for surprises. Whatever the outcome, I just hope the bands that are moving on to GN have a great showing, and if they don't perform "on" in San Antonio, they have two weeks to tweek and change. It is a great year for Texas bands and I sure hope one of them bring the eagle home.

I have been reading so much about predictions on this forum and bands.org about San Antonio, I am just curious about who everyone thinks the dark horses are. Dark horses can be big bands from the past that are "expected" to be great, but have not shown much style or flair this year, or they can be a band that is just waiting to explode on the scene. Personally, I think the top 5 or 6 will only be called by a very small margin....maybe 2-3 points that every note, every step and every formation will be critical.

Chick.... It makes me sad to read that a director thinks his band is not good enough to compete. I feel that one way for bands to get better is by competition. If directors use the competition as a learning tool and not as means to an end (winning) then they have such a valuable opportunity to present to their students what the band's vision is/or can be. I think for a young band to see programs such as Marcus, Bell, Reagan, Churchill, The Woodlands, Brazoswood, etc....all having very differnent styles, yet effective in their own ways, it can only help a younger program grow. ***The bands above are just a quick example off the top of my head, if I did not mention your band, it doesn't mean you are not worthy of being mentioned, it just means I am too tired to think too much***

Thanks! It looks like Friday evening and Saturday afternoon are pretty stacked and I'm sure quite a few bands are going to win....should be some great performances.

So Michael, with that said, wouldn't the Saturday bands have an advantage over the Friday bands from the stand point of judges "saving" points for the Saturday afternoon bands. Certainly a judge wouldn't want to award a 91-92 ish score on Friday, not knowing what Saturday holds, and that coupled with everyones knowledge that there are some major powerhouse bands on Saturday.