kdnblue142

Have been volunteering at this event for six years now though the host band (my band kid graduated 2yrs ago). I have met hundreds, thousands of kids and they are always great. I have also met many, many parents, directors, staff, etc and for the most part, everyone is just great. There have been a few very notable exceptions, believe me . But to me the biggest standout is Marcus. They are the most courteous and 'friendliest' folks that I have ever encountered at BOA. The 'ol parent is impressed when the band director goes out of his way (2yrs ago) to introduce himself and shake my hand. I cannot recall anyone else doing this.

Unfortunately, this sounds all too familiar. Churchill was cut a band director either last year or the year before due to budget cuts. When administration was asked about any cuts in the athletic program, we were told that since the coaches and assistant coaches 'teach' classes, there would be no cuts. Gee, wonder what the band directors do? I have volunteered myself in those concession stands on many a game-instead of being out there watching said game/watching the band play. Good parent/band boosters are a key to a band's success-IMHO. Besides-once the band is finished playing-at least half the spectators go home! Right? Still, I feel, from experience, Texas band are fortunate compared to other states. Take California, for example, we moved here when my daughter was between 6th and 7th grade. She had 2yrs of music 'instruction' in elementary school and she was lucky to get any. Even before the housing bubble burst, there was little, if any, music instruction in most school districts at this grade level and above. She was considered behind somewhat when we moved here. She was very fortunate to go to schools that have strong musical traditions (she has been in band, orchestra, choir). We are sure that if we stayed in Cali, she would've probably never continued in music. There are some fine programs there, for sure, but there is not the same 'enthusiasm' there for marching band as it is here in the Lone Star State!

I will certainly stop by and say hello. I will be at the Legacy DVD booth Saturday. Is this the first year The Crossmen have had a booth at the BOA San Antonio?

I second that!! I too will be reading the blog today at work! Then I will be going to the 'Dome after work to see the remaining bands perform. Tomorrow I will be there at about 5:30am for my volunteer shift and then remain til the last award is presented I can't wait-this is the first year in a long time that I have not seen any band, but one, perform!

Oops, sorry about my previous post. Forgot about the finals reserved seating . I have been volunteering at this event for over 4 yrs (this will be my 5th and probably final year ) and I 'conveniently forgot' about the paid reserved section during Finals. Don't forget though, once prelims are over-it's everyone out of the 'Dome and you have to pay a separate price for the Finals.

Go general admission-there really isn't 'reserved seating'-we have always sat almost anywhere we wanted. I think there is some reserved seating but I couldn't really say where it is and it's not worth the price.

I got this information from the Music For All Website: VIDEO NEWS MEDIA passes will be issued by BOA to qualified broadcast television news media. No video or audio recording devices are allowed into the stadium, including those with

I don't think you can do any of that with a camcorder....you can 'say' you're taking still pictures but who knows......? And I don't think you can record retreat or awards either. I have recorded with my digital camera but the quality was, of course, sketchy, because I was not close enough and the camera wasn't high quality either- but it certainly was for personal use-not even close to something anyone would want to see on youtube.

Just a note: Do not use video cameras at any BOA event. Two years ago I was volunteering at the BOA SA up in the judges' area and one of the BOA staff pointed out a parent in the stands recording the performance that was on the field. Someone was sent down to tell her to turn it off or leave. I was almost afraid to take any still pictures- They do have people that roam around verifying field passes and if anyone is 'illegally recording'

If I remember correctly, those bands that are closest to the competition go on Friday as they can go home easily and return to the stadium on time if they are called to Finals-such as the local San Antonio bands and also the sooner you turn in your money and paperwork stating that you want to compete the better your 'pick' of the day that you want. The 'first come-first served' principal.

Sure 'come on down!" The weather is finally getting more 'civilized'. My band kid has graduated and gone on to college but I can't get the BOA regionals out of my blood! I am hoping to get on the the volunteer list this year for the Super Regional along with my band kid. She is dying to volunteer too but she admits it will be difficult to watch rather than march This is the first time in 4 years I haven't seen any of the bands play yet except for one.

OUCH!!! That's a very, loooong drive!! Churchill did go over the option of driving vs. flying. We were told that the price difference wasn't much between the two (??)-it is an all-inclusive rate (flight, hotel, meals, etc-one single price all together-which was how the Hawaii trip was done-just made payments over time). Is it a 'sin' to fly over driving? (last year I drove to California and this year I am flying. Flying is SO MUCH BETTER) Oh and yes, the subject of having Grand Nats in other places, especially having it in Texas, was brought up last year. Texas bands would probably overwhelm GN over the other states' entries.

Actually, the three days off don't seem to be that big of deal, at this moment. The kids are making arrangements and MOST teachers are OK with it...most are taking work with them and there has been time set aside to do some study. And all the time off for these band competitions during school time are excused absences.

Churchill only attends GN once every 5-7yrs or so due to the travel and the high costs associated with it. As a band parent, the cost for this trip was expensive and was in addition the usual band fees that had more than doubled this year from the previous year. But, it is always very much worth it!! And on top of that is they are taking three days off from school. I am sure alot of Texas schools would love to attend GN if they could. But it's just like the Super Regional here in San Antonio. Only one out of state school attended this year from Skiatook, OK. The travel costs continually go up every year. The charter bus fees were crazy this year!!

Ha, are you kidding??? those were the 'good ol days' my band kid has pre-calculus pre-ap,ap music theory, ap english IV, band/marching, of course, ap macroeconomics, speech (mandatory). Then, there's band rehearsal! There is no time for slacking anymore! Want to get into college? It's nose to grindstone at all times!