RobbieRob

Here's to all my peeps in Texarkana! Aledo - I thought you guys would have fit right in with the other finalists. 'Nuff said. Leander - Some mental errors in this show. I enjoyed the total musicianship. Impact points pulled off okay. The old time police officer character stretching was a highlight moment. Better composure, better artistic expression, and focus, focus, focus would've benefited these performers. Robbie Rob sez: 85.90 (12th). Judge's say: 82.90 (12th). Haltom - Very difficult and exposed drill executed well at the top of this show. Pre-direction projection in the arc forms kept them down, somewhat. The tenor "buzzing around" the fabulous clarinet soloist was magical. Ha ha! The soloist pretends to collapse from exertion. I feel like I'm in the swamp with the frogs during the percussion fiasco. (I love the wind players leap-frogging over each other!) The trickle down music and motion to the side A end zone was one of the best parts of the show. Unlike prelims, the bass drummer that signals the exit stayed down a little longer to allow crowd reaction to surround them. This show was one of my personal favorites. Robbie Rob sez: 89.40 (7th). Judge's say: 82.85 (13th) Westlake - The clarinet soloist in white face paint PERFORMS. (Really, this kid became 10 sizes bigger from where I was sitting. Great work.) Trumpets, before that head tilt you mashed up that spot of yours, but the attempt was firm. The grace, majesty, and glory attained by how they present their product WORKS. Careful not to lean into the direction of motion (before step-off). The end of this show fired on all cylinders, though I was hoping for something as "deft-defying" as they implied with their premise. Robbie Rob sez: 87.80 (10th). Judge's say: 83.55 (11th) Berkner - They hypnotize you with a large target square that moves and morphs, and then the dome is filled with a burst of sound. Those long diagonal forms have got to be straighter. The flagwork once the first big moment is done is anticlimactic, and I feel all should be still or at least significant. Do not guess into those DM cues to play, woodwinds...be EXACT! Great physical staging around the soloists. Just as we must play together we must MOVE together. Come on, you guys! They shined at the end. Their horns and eyes were high with pride. Robbie Rob sez: 87.00 (11th). Judge's say: 86.75 (7th) Winston Churchill - The guard member in the straight jacket that moves through the posing, moody wind players gives you that off-kilter feeling. And voila, more crazy guard (and one of them grunts, too! Nice.) The first part of their show is programmed great. There is too much "taking it easy" in the next movement. (Talk about breather time!) Nah nah nah. You must burst from the seams ALWAYS.) Yikes, clarinet soloist--not bad, but not great. I am not a big fan of drill moves where you spell things, as that is old school and too obvious. This show was a struggle at the end but the kids handled themselves well. Robbie Rob sez 89.00 (8th). Judges say: 88.80 (5th) Keller - Their magnetism concept had many dimensions. There's muted playing, forms that try to resist and then give into "magnetic" pull, and serious notes that sustain. Some body movement could be enhanced with better coordination. Killer ending, killer. I give two thumbs up to the lone snare drummer who gets attached to the mob of instruments already snatched by the big magnet. Robbie Rob sez 88.50 (9th). Judges say: 84.40 (9th) Cedar Park - The clarinets sure were sure of themselves. Not too much sound to get things going is the way to go...ah ah ah, but not too much park and blow. Saxes, keep those instruments still while you march (especially when the horns are down. I got blinded!) Way to top it off at the end of that first movement...SUPREME! All stop on a prime note in the ballad. Wow, I didn't know trombones could be so...graceful. The end of Adagio was too rushed...just a personal preference, now. (It was done quite well, though!) A clarinet train wreck happened near the back of the field where at least four players tumbled to the ground, but man that was one of the best recoveries I have ever seen. Oh no! A flute player takes a spill, too! Ouch! But still, she recovers GREAT. Whew! Some heart-stopping moments there, and I'm not just talking about the good stuff. Be proud, guys. That was a heck of a performance! Robbie Rob sez 91.50 (3rd). Judges say: 91.45 (3rd) Hebron - Creepy eye props, there. A saxophone soloist, amped, wanders about with strangeness. Tension is not hard to make with this show. The different section interplay, filtering their sounds to the most pure, inundates me. Watch the spacing out of those big diagonals. These kids were ON! Robbie Rob sez 91.30 (4th). Judges say: 84.55 (8th) Ronald Reagan - The opening notes sound like they are being shoved down a disposer. Hips back, people. Straight up-and-down bodies, everyone. (PLEASE?!) Excellent follow-through with the fanfare notes, and it goes and goes. Initiation glitch. Halt glitch. Get the feet in tiiiiime. Cutesy pit feature gives way to some so-so playing and marching. Splendid solo rifle toss, there. This show survives despite the flubs. Okay. Okay. Okay. Robbie Rob sez 82.20 (14th). Judges say: 82.40 (14th) Stephen F. Austin - Form development to kick things off was a little sketchy. Way to use that air. Ooh, gentle my fair-trumpet friends. Okay, they improved. Auxiliary placement on the field does not seem to provide the strategic advantage it should. (They can make forms, too, ya know.) This band knows how to make their mark with sound, especially edge-of-your-seat sound. When is enough ENOUGH, though? Strong finish ends it all, so you can't complain as much as you might want to. They held their own. Robbie Rob sez 90.00 (5th). Judges say: 87.80 (6th) Friendswood - I like how the sax soloists are framed on side A and side B. Their opening number was lukewarm; your standard fare. Enticing guard moments, fah sha. Their concept is not working for me. (It seems like music for music's sake.) Grab me! Pull me in! Shake me around! Execution was there, technically, but not effectively. Robbie Rob sez 84.00 (13th). Judges say: 84.30 (10th) L.D. Bell - They entered the field in a sporadic way. They seemed to suggest that this was their stage and they owned it. Yeah, I can see how that looks intimidating. The auxiliary lined up their prop-work as best as they could, I felt...but it was choppy. Extreme release, yeeeah! Though I like the rush to stage those pod forms with defined touches, the undefined left some to be desired. (Takes the fun out of it, doesn't it?) Again, there is that blob that shakes and shivers. The sounds from past shows works, but not as well as the past shows because I think the past shows had better cohesiveness. I almost got a sense that this band was too schizophrenic for their own good. (Not that this show is NOT cohesive, but it lacks clarity in more ways than one.) You guys are creative, or at least creative enough...so come up with something new! Once again, like in prelims, the end is the THING..and you can't hold them back NOW. I really, really, really like the procession off the field--majestic. Robbie Rob sez 93.80 (1st). Judges say: 94.55 (1st) Marcus - A non-stop chord makes it known that big, bad Marcus is here. Why hello, Marcus! The uniformed guy in black sure acts like a god. I like how they keep it simple but on point with the "god" uniform color change. Their sounds cook, simmer, and come out perfect. They are not as profound as L.D. Bell, for sure, but they bring in their identity with what they do, and in full force I might add. Dare they make complex shapes in drill, or perhaps take some risk with some more ballet moves (or something similar)? I'm going to nickname this band "Upright Marcus." Very vibrant, clean, almost anti-bacterial-soap-sanitary-clean show. Robbie Rob sez 92.70 (2nd). Judges say: 93.35 (2nd) James Bowie - The frenetic spot-switch drill by the woodwinds is quite sharp. Those square outline forms are tough to do and even tougher to rotate, but this band seemed to pull it off with little fuss. The entrance of the sax quartet was timid. Great musical shape, musicians, especially during the ballad, ESPECIALLY. Ha ha! But they do it again! Yes! Low brass, during your feature, where oh where are the horn angles? Are the tubas right? Are you right? Let's figure this out. The finish was as it should be, with a ring-a-ding-DING. Robbie Rob sez 89.70 (6th). Judges say: 90.10 (4th) Hidalgo - Nice show. I had more fun watching you guys at night. Good luck in Indy. Now I'm going to copy what Alan Irons used to do: Robbie Rob's Scores 14th 82.20 Ronald Reagan 13th 84.00 Friendswood 12th 85.90 Leander 11th 87.00 Berkner 10th 87.80 Westlake 9th 88.50 Keller 8th 89.00 Winston Churchill 7th 89.40 Haltom 6th 89.70 James Bowie 5th 90.00 Stephen F. Austin 4th 91.30 Hebron 3rd 91.50 Cedar Park 2nd 92.70 Marcus 1st 93.80 L.D. Bell The Real Deal 14th 82.40 Ronald Reagan 13th 82.85 Haltom 12th 82.90 Leander 11th 83.55 Westlake 10th 84.30 Friendswood 9th 84.40 Keller 8th 84.55 Hebron 7th 86.75 Berkner 6th 87.80 Stephen F. Austin 5th 88.80 Winston Churchill 4th 90.10 James Bowie 3rd 91.45 Cedar Park 2nd 93.35 Marcus 1st 94.55 L.D. Bell Music - L.D. Bell & Marcus Visual - L.D. Bell Effect - L.D. Bell It was good. Thanks. Rob OUT! See yaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Here's to all my peeps in Texarkana! Aledo - I thought you guys would have fit right in with the other finalists. 'Nuff said. Leander - Some mental errors in this show. I enjoyed the total musicianship. Impact points pulled off okay. The old time police officer character stretching was a highlight moment. Better composure, better artistic expression, and focus, focus, focus would've benefited these performers. Robbie Rob sez: 85.90 (12th). Judge's say: 82.90 (12th). Haltom - Very difficult and exposed drill executed well at the top of this show. Pre-direction projection in the arc forms kept them down, somewhat. The tenor "buzzing around" the fabulous clarinet soloist was magical. Ha ha! The soloist pretends to collapse from exertion. I feel like I'm in the swamp with the frogs during the percussion fiasco. (I love the wind players leap-frogging over each other!) The trickle down music and motion to the side A end zone was one of the best parts of the show. Unlike prelims, the bass drummer that signals the exit stayed down a little longer to allow crowd reaction to surround them. This show was one of my personal favorites. Robbie Rob sez: 89.40 (7th). Judge's say: 82.85 (13th) Westlake - The clarinet soloist in white face paint PERFORMS. (Really, this kid became 10 sizes bigger from where I was sitting. Great work.) Trumpets, before that head tilt you mashed up that spot of yours, but the attempt was firm. The grace, majesty, and glory attained by how they present their product WORKS. Careful not to lean into the direction of motion (before step-off). The end of this show fired on all cylinders, though I was hoping for something as "deft-defying" as they implied with their premise. Robbie Rob sez: 87.80 (10th). Judge's say: 83.55 (11th) Berkner - They hypnotize you with a large target square that moves and morphs, and then the dome is filled with a burst of sound. Those long diagonal forms have got to be straighter. The flagwork once the first big moment is done is anticlimactic, and I feel all should be still or at least significant. Do not guess into those DM cues to play, woodwinds...be EXACT! Great physical staging around the soloists. Just as we must play together we must MOVE together. Come on, you guys! They shined at the end. Their horns and eyes were high with pride. Robbie Rob sez: 87.00 (11th). Judge's say: 86.75 (7th) Winston Churchill - The guard member in the straight jacket that moves through the posing, moody wind players gives you that off-kilter feeling. And voila, more crazy guard (and one of them grunts, too! Nice.) The first part of their show is programmed great. There is too much "taking it easy" in the next movement. (Talk about breather time!) Nah nah nah. You must burst from the seams ALWAYS.) Yikes, clarinet soloist--not bad, but not great. I am not a big fan of drill moves where you spell things, as that is old school and too obvious. This show was a struggle at the end but the kids handled themselves well. Robbie Rob sez 89.00 (8th). Judges say: 88.80 (5th) Keller - Their magnetism concept had many dimensions. There's muted playing, forms that try to resist and then give into "magnetic" pull, and serious notes that sustain. Some body movement could be enhanced with better coordination. Killer ending, killer. I give two thumbs up to the lone snare drummer who gets attached to the mob of instruments already snatched by the big magnet. Robbie Rob sez 88.50 (9th). Judges say: 84.40 (9th) Cedar Park - The clarinets sure were sure of themselves. Not too much sound to get things going is the way to go...ah ah ah, but not too much park and blow. Saxes, keep those instruments still while you march (especially when the horns are down. I got blinded!) Way to top it off at the end of that first movement...SUPREME! All stop on a prime note in the ballad. Wow, I didn't know trombones could be so...graceful. The end of Adagio was too rushed...just a personal preference, now. (It was done quite well, though!) A clarinet train wreck happened near the back of the field where at least four players tumbled to the ground, but man that was one of the best recoveries I have ever seen. Oh no! A flute player takes a spill, too! Ouch! But still, she recovers GREAT. Whew! Some heart-stopping moments there, and I'm not just talking about the good stuff. Be proud, guys. That was a heck of a performance! Robbie Rob sez 91.50 (3rd). Judges say: 91.45 (3rd) Hebron - Creepy eye props, there. A saxophone soloist, amped, wanders about with strangeness. Tension is not hard to make with this show. The different section interplay, filtering their sounds to the most pure, inundates me. Watch the spacing out of those big diagonals. These kids were ON! Robbie Rob sez 91.30 (4th). Judges say: 84.55 (8th) Ronald Reagan - The opening notes sound like they are being shoved down a disposer. Hips back, people. Straight up-and-down bodies, everyone. (PLEASE?!) Excellent follow-through with the fanfare notes, and it goes and goes. Initiation glitch. Halt glitch. Get the feet in tiiiiime. Cutesy pit feature gives way to some so-so playing and marching. Splendid solo rifle toss, there. This show survives despite the flubs. Okay. Okay. Okay. Robbie Rob sez 82.20 (14th). Judges say: 82.40 (14th) Stephen F. Austin - Form development to kick things off was a little sketchy. Way to use that air. Ooh, gentle my fair-trumpet friends. Okay, they improved. Auxiliary placement on the field does not seem to provide the strategic advantage it should. (They can make forms, too, ya know.) This band knows how to make their mark with sound, especially edge-of-your-seat sound. When is enough ENOUGH, though? Strong finish ends it all, so you can't complain as much as you might want to. They held their own. Robbie Rob sez 90.00 (5th). Judges say: 87.80 (6th) Friendswood - I like how the sax soloists are framed on side A and side B. Their opening number was lukewarm; your standard fare. Enticing guard moments, fah sha. Their concept is not working for me. (It seems like music for music's sake.) Grab me! Pull me in! Shake me around! Execution was there, technically, but not effectively. Robbie Rob sez 84.00 (13th). Judges say: 84.30 (10th) L.D. Bell - They entered the field in a sporadic way. They seemed to suggest that this was their stage and they owned it. Yeah, I can see how that looks intimidating. The auxiliary lined up their prop-work as best as they could, I felt...but it was choppy. Extreme release, yeeeah! Though I like the rush to stage those pod forms with defined touches, the undefined left some to be desired. (Takes the fun out of it, doesn't it?) Again, there is that blob that shakes and shivers. The sounds from past shows works, but not as well as the past shows because I think the past shows had better cohesiveness. I almost got a sense that this band was too schizophrenic for their own good. (Not that this show is NOT cohesive, but it lacks clarity in more ways than one.) You guys are creative, or at least creative enough...so come up with something new! Once again, like in prelims, the end is the THING..and you can't hold them back NOW. I really, really, really like the procession off the field--majestic. Robbie Rob sez 93.80 (1st). Judges say: 94.55 (1st) Marcus - A non-stop chord makes it known that big, bad Marcus is here. Why hello, Marcus! The uniformed guy in black sure acts like a god. I like how they keep it simple but on point with the "god" uniform color change. Their sounds cook, simmer, and come out perfect. They are not as profound as L.D. Bell, for sure, but they bring in their identity with what they do, and in full force I might add. Dare they make complex shapes in drill, or perhaps take some risk with some more ballet moves (or something similar)? I'm going to nickname this band "Upright Marcus." Very vibrant, clean, almost anti-bacterial-soap-sanitary-clean show. Robbie Rob sez 92.70 (2nd). Judges say: 93.35 (2nd) James Bowie - The frenetic spot-switch drill by the woodwinds is quite sharp. Those square outline forms are tough to do and even tougher to rotate, but this band seemed to pull it off with little fuss. The entrance of the sax quartet was timid. Great musical shape, musicians, especially during the ballad, ESPECIALLY. Ha ha! But they do it again! Yes! Low brass, during your feature, where oh where are the horn angles? Are the tubas right? Are you right? Let's figure this out. The finish was as it should be, with a ring-a-ding-DING. Robbie Rob sez 89.70 (6th). Judges say: 90.10 (4th) Hidalgo - Nice show. I had more fun watching you guys at night. Good luck in Indy. Now I'm going to copy what Alan Irons used to do: Robbie Rob's Scores 14th 82.20 Ronald Reagan 13th 84.00 Friendswood 12th 85.90 Leander 11th 87.00 Berkner 10th 87.80 Westlake 9th 88.50 Keller 8th 89.00 Winston Churchill 7th 89.40 Haltom 6th 89.70 James Bowie 5th 90.00 Stephen F. Austin 4th 91.30 Hebron 3rd 91.50 Cedar Park 2nd 92.70 Marcus 1st 93.80 L.D. Bell The Real Deal 14th 82.40 Ronald Reagan 13th 82.85 Haltom 12th 82.90 Leander 11th 83.55 Westlake 10th 84.30 Friendswood 9th 84.40 Keller 8th 84.55 Hebron 7th 86.75 Berkner 6th 87.80 Stephen F. Austin 5th 88.80 Winston Churchill 4th 90.10 James Bowie 3rd 91.45 Cedar Park 2nd 93.35 Marcus 1st 94.55 L.D. Bell Music - L.D. Bell & Marcus Visual - L.D. Bell Effect - L.D. Bell It was good. Thanks. Rob OUT! See yaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Sorry this took so long. I got sleepy last night. Plus my hands feel like they are going to fall off. I need to see a massage therapist. Can anyone refer me to one? The last block of the BOA Super Regional was the most exciting, 'cause you knew some great bands were gonna get knocked out of finals. Here' Part VI: Marcus H.S., TX Now that...is perfection. I could tell these guys would be one to watch for based on their warm-up. "The drum major (?) prancing around on the field is a welcome innovation," I pondered, "As he signaled sections to start their show and he flexed his muscles to the swelling sounds." There's little movement to begin, but when they do move I can see lots of ways they could be rewarded. Uh! That sound! Marvelous. Best music, byyy far. They kept things simple, but that does not mean their show was easy. No, their show wasn't easy by a long shot. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 91.90 Haltom H.S., TX They had a very relaxed method of prepping. The rumbling piano sounds provided some atmosphere, along with the sounds of the outdoors. The natural crescendo based on the backfield to frontfield turnaround was okay, but maybe a bit harsh on the trumpet end. The drama created with the bumblebee "problem" was outstanding. Great tension added by mellophones following that bubbly percussion feature, and then releeeeease. The symmetry ruled. Ooh, bass drum, stay on the ground a little longer. (Relish the moment.) Fine work, band. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 89.60 Whitesboro H.S., TX The silence into what should have been a bigger sound than their initial sound was decent. Starts and stops were spot on. Everyone needs to look the same, however. I caught quite a few members out of step, and that's unacceptable. Coordination fundamentals were excellent, auxiliary. Yes, the percussion AND auxiliary were musical in their roles. Intervals in the drill need mucho work. Not bad. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 64.50 Hidalgo H.S., TX The robotic moves of the guard up front was a great portrayal, here, of androids--their theme. This was a great show. The synth played a strong role, of course, and the crisp, firm notes from the wind players played one, too, although they could have varied their sounds more. The intent was there, and they followed through VERY well. Don't lounge too much, now. Flow was not too free, but my attention span stuck. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 64.10 Edinburg North H.S., TX If you're going to stage something significant, unless you have some massive flash, don't stick it on the far side of the field. What would you like me to notice more? The flags center field? Or the drama on the bench near the Christmas Tree? They were way settled in on that tempo. Is it time to put the feet up and relax? Fine roll-up form. Fine craftsmanship with the snow angel carving and ice skating play. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 65.50 Keller H.S., TX This show took off in no time. I need more punch in that big block, though. Some of the low brass sounded raspy, but they had no fear. The magnetism theme was played up well with a giant magnet prop feeding its way into a form. There we go--a more gentle, friendly low brass. They created a sound that peaked but seemed to dissipate. Don't leave your veins running with ice water, but more so don't leave MY veins running with ice water. Aaaah! Ha ha ha! The band seems to fling into the main guard unit at the center of the field, the snare drummer the last to get "caught" (despite his resistance). Brilliant! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 87.80 The Woodlands College Park H.S., TX Everyone is into what they are doing. I like the uniformity. Errr. The soloist and the DM and the rest of the band are not jiving. What a disappointment. Those triplet flurries are muddy, no? They get back on track, barely. Wow, there's so many concern horns out there for their feature, yet I can't hear them! (Play out more, or get amped!) The air-only sound through the horns is savvy. At times this group seems unsure of themselves. 'Tis a shame, because for the most part they have a mature sound. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.40 Fossil Ridge H.S., TX The end of the first phrase was choppy. Let it ring, no? Oh my, trumpets...don't go dropping gasoline in that oh-so-nice glass of wine. This show did not take the road not taken, if you excuse the term I stole from another band's show. These kids need to loosen up! I hear tight throats and wobbly sounds here, there, and everywhere. I understood what they were communicating, but I need to be in more wonderment. Insert big vocal chants or something bizarre. The more bizarre the better. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 82.90 Hebron H.S., TX I am glad to see some paranoia at the start of this production. No, really! I am. It seems to add to the "Watchful eye" props blinking and staring around the field. Ooh, one clarinet player is way out of file on the halt, but at least he/she is not moving and once on the move...recovers! Now THERE'S a way to stage--have sections of two wind players create "windows" for the flag girls. This dynamite blaze of sound could use some cool drill to accompany it. Great "Psycho" sound effect and scream of bloody murder, but more could be done here. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 88.80 Boswell H.S., TX A more distinct storyline could strengthen the beginning of this show. Mic the ref. Mic the two main players in the guard. Mic everybody that needs to be heard. (Or at least fake it with voices amped up front or pre-recorded.) Great wall of trumpets plus one baritone player, though I question the use of the baritone player in this ensemble. (Noticeable, sound-wise? What's the contribution, here?) With feet apart, and having a "bandgasm" with the music, get INTO it more, yeah? Fun show. Not incredibly "serious." But...fun. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.50 Ex. The Univ. of Texas at Arlington College band is college band, and that's all you need to know. Here are my scores for all of prelims: 1. 91.90 Marcus 2. 91.30 L.D. Bell 3. 89.60 Haltom 4. 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 5. 88.80 Hebron 6. 88.50 Cedar Park 7. 88.10 James Bowie 8. 87.80 Keller 9. 87.00 Winston Churchill 10. 86.60 Friendswood 11. 86.00 Berkner 12. 85.80 Westlake 13. 85.50 Clear Brook 14. 85.40 The Woodlands College Park 15. 85.00 Colleyville Heritage 16. 84.60 W. Charles Akins 17. 83.90 Aledo 18. 82.90 Fossil Ridge 19. 82.70 Creekview 20. 81.20 Judson 21. 78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 22. 77.90 Langham Creek 23. 77.80 Georgetown 24. 75.40 Loveland 25. 75.10 William B. Travis 26. 73.70 Leander 27. 73.20 Lopez 28. 72.90 Ronald Reagan 29. 72.90 Del Valle 30. 72.50 Harlingen 31. 70.00 John B. Alexander 32. 69.00 United 33. 68.90 Martin 34. 66.10 Klein Forest 35. 65.90 John Marshall 36. 65.50 Edinburg North 37. 65.30 Eagle Pass 38. 64.50 Whitesboro 39. 64.10 Hidalgo 40. 63.90 Mabank 41. 63.50 Boswell 42. 63.40 Calallen 43. 63.10 Azle 44. 63.00 Victoria Memorial 45. 62.80 Skiatook 46. 62.20 Dekaney 47. 62.00 C.C. Winn 48. 59.00 Waller 49. 58.90 Elgin 50. 58.20 Aubrey 51. 56.00 East Bernard When the finalists were called out I could sort of agree that Leander was a finalist, but not Ronald Reagan. I would taken my pick of a bunch of bands before putting Reagan in. Did the BOA judges see something I didn't see with this band? I mean, their drill was a lot messier than most of the bands I had ahead of them, their show was not that memorable, and...whatever. I hear the world's smallest violin playing for me now. Aledo deserved to be in finals as a finalist, but I will be glad to see them again when they go on as the Class AA champs. Hidalgo wasn't a huge deal in Class A (if we are talking national level stuff), but I dug their show. Anything that starts off with the "Terminator" theme wins in my book. L.D. Bell won music, huh? I must be DEAF. Marcus blew them out of the water in music. Maybe what Marcus needs to do is play something DIFFERENT for a change. Seriously. Oh, and add some more weird electronic sounds to their show for good measure. L.D. Bell is probably going to win this one tonight. We'll see. My finals review is coming. Don't hold your breath too long or you might die. Rob OUT! Oh, and one more thing: don't hate on me. I know my stuff and I was harsh on all these bands because I expect greatness from all the bands FIRST and then I look and see which one's better than which when it comes to how it moves me. PEACE!

Sorry this took so long. I got sleepy last night. Plus my hands feel like they are going to fall off. I need to see a massage therapist. Can anyone refer me to one? The last block of the BOA Super Regional was the most exciting, 'cause you knew some great bands were gonna get knocked out of finals. Here' Part VI: Marcus H.S., TX Now that...is perfection. I could tell these guys would be one to watch for based on their warm-up. "The drum major (?) prancing around on the field is a welcome innovation," I pondered, "As he signaled sections to start their show and he flexed his muscles to the swelling sounds." There's little movement to begin, but when they do move I can see lots of ways they could be rewarded. Uh! That sound! Marvelous. Best music, byyy far. They kept things simple, but that does not mean their show was easy. No, their show wasn't easy by a long shot. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 91.90 Haltom H.S., TX They had a very relaxed method of prepping. The rumbling piano sounds provided some atmosphere, along with the sounds of the outdoors. The natural crescendo based on the backfield to frontfield turnaround was okay, but maybe a bit harsh on the trumpet end. The drama created with the bumblebee "problem" was outstanding. Great tension added by mellophones following that bubbly percussion feature, and then releeeeease. The symmetry ruled. Ooh, bass drum, stay on the ground a little longer. (Relish the moment.) Fine work, band. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 89.60 Whitesboro H.S., TX The silence into what should have been a bigger sound than their initial sound was decent. Starts and stops were spot on. Everyone needs to look the same, however. I caught quite a few members out of step, and that's unacceptable. Coordination fundamentals were excellent, auxiliary. Yes, the percussion AND auxiliary were musical in their roles. Intervals in the drill need mucho work. Not bad. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 64.50 Hidalgo H.S., TX The robotic moves of the guard up front was a great portrayal, here, of androids--their theme. This was a great show. The synth played a strong role, of course, and the crisp, firm notes from the wind players played one, too, although they could have varied their sounds more. The intent was there, and they followed through VERY well. Don't lounge too much, now. Flow was not too free, but my attention span stuck. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 64.10 Edinburg North H.S., TX If you're going to stage something significant, unless you have some massive flash, don't stick it on the far side of the field. What would you like me to notice more? The flags center field? Or the drama on the bench near the Christmas Tree? They were way settled in on that tempo. Is it time to put the feet up and relax? Fine roll-up form. Fine craftsmanship with the snow angel carving and ice skating play. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 65.50 Keller H.S., TX This show took off in no time. I need more punch in that big block, though. Some of the low brass sounded raspy, but they had no fear. The magnetism theme was played up well with a giant magnet prop feeding its way into a form. There we go--a more gentle, friendly low brass. They created a sound that peaked but seemed to dissipate. Don't leave your veins running with ice water, but more so don't leave MY veins running with ice water. Aaaah! Ha ha ha! The band seems to fling into the main guard unit at the center of the field, the snare drummer the last to get "caught" (despite his resistance). Brilliant! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 87.80 The Woodlands College Park H.S., TX Everyone is into what they are doing. I like the uniformity. Errr. The soloist and the DM and the rest of the band are not jiving. What a disappointment. Those triplet flurries are muddy, no? They get back on track, barely. Wow, there's so many concern horns out there for their feature, yet I can't hear them! (Play out more, or get amped!) The air-only sound through the horns is savvy. At times this group seems unsure of themselves. 'Tis a shame, because for the most part they have a mature sound. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.40 Fossil Ridge H.S., TX The end of the first phrase was choppy. Let it ring, no? Oh my, trumpets...don't go dropping gasoline in that oh-so-nice glass of wine. This show did not take the road not taken, if you excuse the term I stole from another band's show. These kids need to loosen up! I hear tight throats and wobbly sounds here, there, and everywhere. I understood what they were communicating, but I need to be in more wonderment. Insert big vocal chants or something bizarre. The more bizarre the better. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 82.90 Hebron H.S., TX I am glad to see some paranoia at the start of this production. No, really! I am. It seems to add to the "Watchful eye" props blinking and staring around the field. Ooh, one clarinet player is way out of file on the halt, but at least he/she is not moving and once on the move...recovers! Now THERE'S a way to stage--have sections of two wind players create "windows" for the flag girls. This dynamite blaze of sound could use some cool drill to accompany it. Great "Psycho" sound effect and scream of bloody murder, but more could be done here. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 88.80 Boswell H.S., TX A more distinct storyline could strengthen the beginning of this show. Mic the ref. Mic the two main players in the guard. Mic everybody that needs to be heard. (Or at least fake it with voices amped up front or pre-recorded.) Great wall of trumpets plus one baritone player, though I question the use of the baritone player in this ensemble. (Noticeable, sound-wise? What's the contribution, here?) With feet apart, and having a "bandgasm" with the music, get INTO it more, yeah? Fun show. Not incredibly "serious." But...fun. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.50 Ex. The Univ. of Texas at Arlington College band is college band, and that's all you need to know. Here are my scores for all of prelims: 1. 91.90 Marcus 2. 91.30 L.D. Bell 3. 89.60 Haltom 4. 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 5. 88.80 Hebron 6. 88.50 Cedar Park 7. 88.10 James Bowie 8. 87.80 Keller 9. 87.00 Winston Churchill 10. 86.60 Friendswood 11. 86.00 Berkner 12. 85.80 Westlake 13. 85.50 Clear Brook 14. 85.40 The Woodlands College Park 15. 85.00 Colleyville Heritage 16. 84.60 W. Charles Akins 17. 83.90 Aledo 18. 82.90 Fossil Ridge 19. 82.70 Creekview 20. 81.20 Judson 21. 78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 22. 77.90 Langham Creek 23. 77.80 Georgetown 24. 75.40 Loveland 25. 75.10 William B. Travis 26. 73.70 Leander 27. 73.20 Lopez 28. 72.90 Ronald Reagan 29. 72.90 Del Valle 30. 72.50 Harlingen 31. 70.00 John B. Alexander 32. 69.00 United 33. 68.90 Martin 34. 66.10 Klein Forest 35. 65.90 John Marshall 36. 65.50 Edinburg North 37. 65.30 Eagle Pass 38. 64.50 Whitesboro 39. 64.10 Hidalgo 40. 63.90 Mabank 41. 63.50 Boswell 42. 63.40 Calallen 43. 63.10 Azle 44. 63.00 Victoria Memorial 45. 62.80 Skiatook 46. 62.20 Dekaney 47. 62.00 C.C. Winn 48. 59.00 Waller 49. 58.90 Elgin 50. 58.20 Aubrey 51. 56.00 East Bernard When the finalists were called out I could sort of agree that Leander was a finalist, but not Ronald Reagan. I would taken my pick of a bunch of bands before putting Reagan in. Did the BOA judges see something I didn't see with this band? I mean, their drill was a lot messier than most of the bands I had ahead of them, their show was not that memorable, and...whatever. I hear the world's smallest violin playing for me now. Aledo deserved to be in finals as a finalist, but I will be glad to see them again when they go on as the Class AA champs. Hidalgo wasn't a huge deal in Class A (if we are talking national level stuff), but I dug their show. Anything that starts off with the "Terminator" theme wins in my book. L.D. Bell won music, huh? I must be DEAF. Marcus blew them out of the water in music. Maybe what Marcus needs to do is play something DIFFERENT for a change. Seriously. Oh, and add some more weird electronic sounds to their show for good measure. L.D. Bell is probably going to win this one tonight. We'll see. My finals review is coming. Don't hold your breath too long or you might die. Rob OUT! Oh, and one more thing: don't hate on me. I know my stuff and I was harsh on all these bands because I expect greatness from all the band FIRST and then I look and see which one's better than which when it comes to how it moves me. PEACE!

More bands, more fun! Del Valle H.S., TX They made the most of their opening statement and the stabs that followed. Very full, very full. There is enough control to go around. Coordination and maneuvering was average. At the end of the movement one of the trumpet players that had his legs apart way more than others said it all. Things were lining up fine, but more refinement, please. Playing responsibilities from the musicians conveyed, yeah. They did not hold back, but I felt some work was needed within the spaces in the sound spectrum. Too much forte. Awesome work with the forte. But too much forte. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 72.90 Azle H.S., TX The trombone solo to start off this show was fine, as was the concert horn solo...but is this a show of solos? And now a bass clarinet and flute duet? What is going on here? Wow. Interesting approach, as there is very little marching and lots of grounded work. Solos and small ensembles dominated, but by the time this band tried to make a statement, it was too little, too late. And the sappy music did not help. The theatrics were entertaining. They've got all the fancy gadgets, but now they need to back it up with some skill. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.10 Lopez H.S., TX Guard staging is just right, as the winds perform a hypnotic shift movement on side B in a giant triangular form. This band seems to dwell in the realm of the safe. I must say, though, they sound fine. No one is trying to hid, here. Yeah, that forward bicycle marching technique is hard to make clean, especially when everyone has a different concept of what that is, as some are exaggerating and some aren't. Nice building of tension, band. These guys come in straight and clear. Their ending was somewhat vanilla, but you gotta give them credit for being consistent. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 73.20 L.D. Bell H.S., TX The dissonant sound played towards side B sets the mood well enough, and the form holds well as they lurch that way. Some of the ray forms could be more crisp. Thick build, breass. THICK! Things get more and more interesting as the show progresses, no doubt. I especially like the way those horizontal line squads float away back field. The shaping of sound was intact, but did not do much for me right at the end of what could be their "ballad." Mmm, geting some major intensity going, now...major. The best part of their show is the end, as it is very, very, very moving. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 91.30 Colleyville Heritage H.S., TX This group stirs up the pot quite well. I was satisfied by the way the low brass cut through all the other sections when they were supposed to. A slowing heartbeat ends their first movement, and...nice touch! Those guard costumes are unique with those hoods, and I like how they link their arms with those tubes. The silence during the linking WORKS, I think. Don't get lost in the forest, musicians. That flatline visual that gets shocked into action is rad. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.00 Mabank H.S., TX The way the woodwinds arc it up around the couple on the park bench near the front is great staging work. Articulation, trumpets, could be less rough. Open your throats to sing! The audience started to get into what they were up to when the grounded bass drums were smacked with fervor. The drill did the job, but was not furious. Make that NEVER furious. This show had so much potential drama that was not met. Flute trio, that was great. Why so mediocre on the intervention, ensemble winds? The work with the giant American flag was moving, even if it was backwards and upside down. I got the point, though. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.90 Clear Brook H.S., TX Oh man. When this show started I was so hoping this was not another copy-and-paste show! It was not, but it was so darn plain! Impressive show of music and movement, nevertheless. I give credit when credit is due, and these kids performed their buns off. They attempted to sweep you off your feet, and they almost did it. Near the end, execution was faultering. Excellent regaining of composure with the saxophone duet. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.50 Creekview H.S., Tx Lots of upper body movement on forward movement, and that can take the awe out of things. The bassoon soloist worked it, ha ha! The hypnosis verbiage was comedic, and essential. Put some muscle into the detail, people. The forms look decent (at best!). The Sigur Ros music is a good choice of music for the ballad, but it is on you to make this the most powerful piece of music you have ever heard on the field, and that was not the case though I very much admire the effort. The rehash of the beginning at the end with the counting was effective. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 82.70 Berkner H.S., TX Lovely form development to engage. Tosses of rifles clicked in a single click, music lined up nice, and technically all was in their favor; all all all. Some weird things going on in individual marching--hips thrusted, halts fallen into, and direction leans. I like it when they break the marching mold in one of the biggest impacts yet. Their will was done. There were a few things I could see they could improve upon. I felt they could use other methods--more unique methods--to tell their story. Their show looks like almost any other fine marching band production. If they distanced themselves from the usual they'd really be fun to see and hear. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 86.00 Westlake H.S., TX The mysterious clarinet soloist had me intrigued. Their design seems too simple, as there is lots of up front stuff, lots of small step stuff, and lots of constant sound. Their grandiose posturing wasn't fooling anyone. The funhouse mirrors were useful--a great sort of "spotlight." I took note of their wonderful brass ensemble, and an acrobatic girl on the guard. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.80 Friendswood H.S., TX They turned up the volume as gradually as one could. Wow, they're precise! The mellos cut through so well. These kids are like gourmet food--so good to eat, but sometimes I want to spit it out. Somebody spice this up a bit, huh? Set yourselves apart! I was almost reminded of the abilities of Westlake and Berkner, but I think these guys were better. They covered a little more ground. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 86.60 Scores scores scores, here they are thus farrr: 91.30 L.D. Bell 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 88.50 Cedar Park 88.10 James Bowie 86.60 Friendswood 86.00 Berkner 85.80 Westlake 85.50 Clear Brook 85.00 Colleyville Heritage 84.60 W. Charles Akins 83.90 Aledo 82.70 Creekview 81.20 Judson 78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 77.90 Langham Creek 77.80 Georgetown 75.40 Loveland 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 73.20 Lopez 72.90 Ronald Reagan 72.90 Del Valle 72.50 Harlingen 70.00 John B. Alexander 69.00 United 68.90 Martin 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.90 Mabank 63.40 Calallen 63.10 Azle 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.80 Skiatook 62.20 Dekaney 62.00 C.C. Winn 59.00 Waller 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard Last block of bands coming right up! Rob OUT!

More bands, more fun! Del Valle H.S., TX They made the most of their opening statement and the stabs that followed. Very full, very full. There is enough control to go around. Coordination and maneuvering was average. At the end of the movement one of the trumpet players that had his legs apart way more than others said it all. Things were lining up fine, but more refinement, please. Playing responsibilities from the musicians conveyed, yeah. They did not hold back, but I felt some work was needed within the spaces in the sound spectrum. Too much forte. Awesome work with the forte. But too much forte. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 72.90 Azle H.S., TX The trombone solo to start off this show was fine, as was the concert horn solo...but is this a show of solos? And now a bass clarinet and flute duet? What is going on here? Wow. Interesting approach, as there is very little marching and lots of grounded work. Solos and small ensembles dominated, but by the time this band tried to make a statement, it was too little, too late. And the sappy music did not help. The theatrics were entertaining. They've got all the fancy gadgets, but now they need to back it up with some skill. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.10 Lopez H.S., TX Guard staging is just right, as the winds perform a hypnotic shift movement on side B in a giant triangular form. This band seems to dwell in the realm of the safe. I must say, though, they sound fine. No one is trying to hid, here. Yeah, that forward bicycle marching technique is hard to make clean, especially when everyone has a different concept of what that is, as some are exaggerating and some aren't. Nice building of tension, band. These guys come in straight and clear. Their ending was somewhat vanilla, but you gotta give them credit for being consistent. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 73.20 L.D. Bell H.S., TX The dissonant sound played towards side B sets the mood well enough, and the form holds well as they lurch that way. Some of the ray forms could be more crisp. Thick build, breass. THICK! Things get more and more interesting as the show progresses, no doubt. I especially like the way those horizontal line squads float away back field. The shaping of sound was intact, but did not do much for me right at the end of what could be their "ballad." Mmm, geting some major intensity going, now...major. The best part of their show is the end, as it is very, very, very moving. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 91.30 Colleyville Heritage H.S., TX This group stirs up the pot quite well. I was satisfied by the way the low brass cut through all the other sections when they were supposed to. A slowing heartbeat ends their first movement, and...nice touch! Those guard costumes are unique with those hoods, and I like how they link their arms with those tubes. The silence during the linking WORKS, I think. Don't get lost in the forest, musicians. That flatline visual that gets shocked into action is rad. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.00 Mabank H.S., TX The way the woodwinds arc it up around the couple on the park bench near the front is great staging work. Articulation, trumpets, could be less rough. Open your throats to sing! The audience started to get into what they were up to when the grounded bass drums were smacked with fervor. The drill did the job, but was not furious. Make that NEVER furious. This show had so much potential drama that was not met. Flute trio, that was great. Why so mediocre on the intervention, ensemble winds? The work with the giant American flag was moving, even if it was backwards and upside down. I got the point, though. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.90 Clear Brook H.S., TX Oh man. When this show started I was so hoping this was not another copy-and-paste show! It was not, but it was so darn plain! Impressive show of music and movement, nevertheless. I give credit when credit is due, and these kids performed their buns off. They attempted to sweep you off your feet, and they almost did it. Near the end, execution was faultering. Excellent regaining of composure with the saxophone duet. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.50 Creekview H.S., Tx Lots of upper body movement on forward movement, and that can take the awe out of things. The bassoon soloist worked it, ha ha! The hypnosis verbiage was comedic, and essential. Put some muscle into the detail, people. The forms look decent (at best!). The Sigur Ros music is a good choice of music for the ballad, but it is on you to make this the most powerful piece of music you have ever heard on the field, and that was not the case though I very much admire the effort. The rehash of the beginning at the end with the counting was effective. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 82.70 Berkner H.S., TX Lovely form development to engage. Tosses of rifles clicked in a single click, music lined up nice, and technically all was in their favor; all all all. Some weird things going on in individual marching--hips thrusted, halts fallen into, and direction leans. I like it when they break the marching mold in one of the biggest impacts yet. Their will was done. There were a few things I could see they could improve upon. I felt they could use other methods--more unique methods--to tell their story. Their show looks like almost any other fine marching band production. If they distanced themselves from the usual they'd really be fun to see and hear. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 86.00 Westlake H.S., TX The mysterious clarinet soloist had me intrigued. Their design seems too simple, as there is lots of up front stuff, lots of small step stuff, and lots of constant sound. Their grandiose posturing wasn't fooling anyone. The funhouse mirrors were useful--a great sort of "spotlight." I took note of their wonderful brass ensemble, and an acrobatic girl on the guard. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 85.80 Friendswood H.S., TX They turned up the volume as gradually as one could. Wow, they're precise! The mellos cut through so well. These kids are like gourmet food--so good to eat, but sometimes I want to spit it out. Somebody spice this up a bit, huh? Set yourselves apart! I was almost reminded of the abilities of Westlake and Berkner, but I think these guys were better. They covered a little more ground. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 86.60 Scores scores scores, here they are thus farrr: 91.30 L.D. Bell 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 88.50 Cedar Park 88.10 James Bowie 86.60 Friendswood 86.00 Berkner 85.80 Westlake 85.50 Clear Brook 85.00 Colleyville Heritage 84.60 W. Charles Akins 83.90 Aledo 82.70 Creekview 81.20 Judson 78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 77.90 Langham Creek 77.80 Georgetown 75.40 Loveland 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 73.20 Lopez 72.90 Ronald Reagan 72.90 Del Valle 72.50 Harlingen 70.00 John B. Alexander 69.00 United 68.90 Martin 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.90 Mabank 63.40 Calallen 63.10 Azle 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.80 Skiatook 62.20 Dekaney 62.00 C.C. Winn 59.00 Waller 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard Last block of bands coming right up! Rob OUT!

True dat! Ha ha! Robbie Rob

Checkity check. Yo yo yo. We's back for the mac-iest mac attack there is! Calallen H.S., TX After some standard silent drill we are treated to muffled sounds, and whether this is a design issue or a performer issue I do not know. Sousaphones were playing physical pinball with each other. Watch the spacing, gang. The battery percussion spun their circular form in fast motion well. Excellent placement of auxiliary at the end of the ballad section, aaaand now we're getting off to a messy start and continuing messy for the remainder of the production, it seems. Really define. Define! Great horn pop to the box at the end. Really flush the bad stuff out. Accentuate originality, too. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.40 James Bowie H.S., TX I really appreciate the creativity behind using the battery in a bell form that some of the guard "ring" with strands of rope. I am seeing good things with the technique, partly and wholly. Contrast music to visual and visual to music fit. Varying sax sounds from a quartet where focused. Okay, more swirl forms...I get it, already. There are some minor spacing issues in the sax section during the concert horn feature. Hey, that ending was fancy. I like how this show has bookends. Good one! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 88.10 Westlake H.S., TX More transportation issues? What's going on, here? I guess I'll have to review them later! Robbie Rob does not give them a score...for now... Waller H.S., TX The atmosphere is wonderous, but not long after we get a severe jolt of normal. Uh, dynamic variations--where are they? Yoo-hoo? Play to me, play to me, play to me. Who is the audience--the photographers on the field or the people in the stands? False start, second tune. Increase the volume on the guy narrating, more, MORE! Ack. (Can't hear him when the ensemble is playing.) This show is dry and has continuity problems. Lots of commotion, not enough sharp features. Sharpen the blades of product. Reasonable form composition at the end, but...just reasonable. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 59.00 Martin H.S., TX The show before the show was catchy. The finish of the first feature seemed thin. Ensure that all flash moves are not obtuse. Do not underestimate exactness. I could use much greater range of emotion in the ballad, and ooh trombone sticking out--no good. ("Not Kosher," as a co-worker of mine would say.) Do more with the uncommon, and less with the more. All right, all right, all RIGHT. Slick finish, band. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 68.90 Harlingen H.S., TX The robotic marching does not match the nuances of the sound, but this band executes well, nevertheless. If you are going to use a narrator, FYI, you had better be sure this guy sounds like an old pro. (This one sounded like he was reading it off cue cards for the first time--no dynamics, expression, or anything.) Above average staging of the woodwinds, one foot and leg out while kneeling amongst the superb guard. Pretty "gimme" effect with the fireman helmet, yellow ladders, and yes, the American flag, doncha think? Drive this thing home at the end, guys! Gotta make it count MORE. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 72.50 Clear Lake H.S., TX NOOOOOO SHOOOOOW. Boo! Okay, the next part of my review is going to be a bit longer, so be sure you have used the facilities and get right back to your desktop, laptop, or whatever top you're staring at. Once again, here are my scores to this point: 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 88.50 Cedar Park 88.10 James Bowie 84.60 W. Charles Akins 83.90 Aledo *81.20 Judson *78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 77.90 Langham Creek 77.80 Georgetown 75.40 Loveland 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 72.90 Ronald Reagan 72.50 Harlingen 70.00 John B. Alexander 69.00 United 68.90 Martin 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.40 Calallen 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.80 Skiatook 62.20 Dekaney 62.00 C.C. Winn 59.00 Waller 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard *CORRECTION YOU know what's next... :-) Rob OUT!

Checkity check. Yo yo yo. We's back for the mac-iest mac attack there is! Calallen H.S., TX After some standard silent drill we are treated to muffled sounds, and whether this is a design issue or a performer issue I do not know. Sousaphones were playing physical pinball with each other. Watch the spacing, gang. The battery percussion spun their circular form in fast motion well. Excellent placement of auxiliary at the end of the ballad section, aaaand now we're getting off to a messy start and continuing messy for the remainder of the production, it seems. Really define. Define! Great horn pop to the box at the end. Really flush the bad stuff out. Accentuate originality, too. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.40 James Bowie H.S., TX I really appreciate the creativity behind using the battery in a bell form that some of the guard "ring" with strands of rope. I am seeing good things with the technique, partly and wholly. Contrast music to visual and visual to music fit. Varying sax sounds from a quartet where focused. Okay, more swirl forms...I get it, already. There are some minor spacing issues in the sax section during the concert horn feature. Hey, that ending was fancy. I like how this show has bookends. Good one! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 88.10 Westlake H.S., TX More transportation issues? What's going on, here? I guess I'll have to review them later! Robbie Rob does not give them a score...for now... Waller H.S., TX The atmosphere is wonderous, but not long after we get a severe jolt of normal. Uh, dynamic variations--where are they? Yoo-hoo? Play to me, play to me, play to me. Who is the audience--the photographers on the field or the people in the stands? False start, second tune. Increase the volume on the guy narrating, more, MORE! Ack. (Can't hear him when the ensemble is playing.) This show is dry and has continuity problems. Lots of commotion, not enough sharp features. Sharpen the blades of product. Reasonable form composition at the end, but...just reasonable. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 59.00 Martin H.S., TX The show before the show was catchy. The finish of the first feature seemed thin. Ensure that all flash moves are not obtuse. Do not underestimate exactness. I could use much greater range of emotion in the ballad, and ooh trombone sticking out--no good. ("Not Kosher," as a co-worker of mine would say.) Do more with the uncommon, and less with the more. All right, all right, all RIGHT. Slick finish, band. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 68.90 Harlingen H.S., TX The robotic marching does not match the nuances of the sound, but this band executes well, nevertheless. If you are going to use a narrator, FYI, you had better be sure this guy sounds like an old pro. (This one sounded like he was reading it off cue cards for the first time--no dynamics, expression, or anything.) Above average staging of the woodwinds, one foot and leg out while kneeling amongst the superb guard. Pretty "gimme" effect with the fireman helmet, yellow ladders, and yes, the American flag, doncha think? Drive this thing home at the end, guys! Gotta make it count MORE. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 72.50 Clear Lake H.S., TX NOOOOOO SHOOOOOW. Boo! Okay, the next part of my review is going to be a bit longer, so be sure you have used the facilities and get right back to your desktop, laptop, or whatever top you're staring at. Once again, here are my scores to this point: 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 88.50 Cedar Park 88.10 James Bowie 84.60 W. Charles Akins 83.90 Aledo *81.20 Judson *78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 77.90 Langham Creek 77.80 Georgetown 75.40 Loveland 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 72.90 Ronald Reagan 72.50 Harlingen 70.00 John B. Alexander 69.00 United 68.90 Martin 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.40 Calallen 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.80 Skiatook 62.20 Dekaney 62.00 C.C. Winn 59.00 Waller 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard *CORRECTION YOU know what's next... :-) Rob OUT!

Ready or not, here it is...part trois! John B. Alexander H.S., TX Expert work with the arm movements, and clear drill orientation. Good mello. Good band. Things are on target. Woo-hoo! Jester's dead. Permission to buzz the tower, sir? You can be my wingman any time, Ice. Sorry. Ooh, those broad white stripes on ones side of the leg you got going there makes it really easy for me to pick out individuals who are not marching like everyone else. I am feeling the intensity, for certain. Flutes, I can hear your feet through your instrument. Forms have to lock when they're supposed to. Come on. Geez. And a flute cracking? Are you kidding me? Okay, that percussion interlude was definitely cool. These guys like a challenge, and they met it with some adequacy. Crack that whip! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 70.00 Aledo H.S., TX The intro sound effect swallowed the field. Good! The chanting was compelling. The bari sax needs better amping, here. Gotta max out the effect. Great interpretation of the theme. I was digging the taiko drumming and "falling backwards" poses. Yikes, some of the clarinets repeating notes were JUST off, yet the control was thriving. The brass barely managed those licks coming into the last movement. Well this is a band to watch out for. Solid, solid effort. They put a unique spin on something done great before, which is tough to do! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 83.90 Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX The vertical lines that skid on down the field are near perfect. Individual marching technique: some yay and some nay. The brass sang through, but the woodwinds not so much so. Great integration with the ladies in pink, making the most of their body without the equipment. Aaah, had to do the Vanguard "push," eh? (I guess that's appropriate, though I'd prefer you not rip off or--let me put this NICELY--"compliment" a drum and bugle corps that has done this before.) They certainly execute well. I am in love with all the solos. Beautiful. The velocity is breathtaking in the last part of their show. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 89.00 Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX I hate to be nit-picky, but the plumes have to be straight up and down. The light blue is so easy to see on those shakos. You could appreciate the circle-cluster bow-down to the baritone soloist who played what seemed like was going to turn into "Fanfare for the Common Man." Wait a min--Reagan? Reagan, is that YOU? Naw. Naw dog. Wow. Anyways, ha ha. Moving on. There are those exposed lines that cross vertically, and, eh, oookay. The Bjork music was interpreted oookay. (I could use less groovy 1970's drumline, you know what I mean?) Some of their drill suffered near the end. A bass clarinet just got in there, and a trumpet player almost fell but regained balance. Wow, and up-and-coming band. They'll need to set themselves apart a little more. Maybe they should call themselves "C.T. Johnson"? Hmmm, nah. Then they'd be ripping off L.D. Bell. Whatever. Robbie Rob gives them a score of...hmmm, where's my scoring sheet? Ah ha! 78.50. (ALERT: I gave Judson Claudia Taylor Johnson's score by mistake. Judson's score should be 81.20. Thank you.) Langham Creek H.S., TX The verbal count-off to kick off the show was a bit lackluster. Direction change, saxophones...that's all I'm gonna write. These guys flatlined for me. I neeeeed more contraaaaast. The next movement did more. The lunge moves sparkled. And speaking of sparkle, get a load of these auxiliary costumes! (Spiffy!) Great ending to their show when the uniform members took off their shakos and threw out ribbons of different colors. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 77.90 Winston Churchill H.S., TX This band got out of the gates rather well. Some halts, and some drill forms, and some step-offs were iffy. Very powerful blend of musicians and auxiliary. Again, some execution faults. The sweet, sweet melodies did prevail. Interesting...they spell things with their formations, like "RAGE." Don't lean into moves, guys. I know this is a demanding show, but this is oh-so-familiar. I have seen better from this band. I KNOW they can do better than this. I'm just calling it how I see it. I don't blow smoke. They did not do a bad job by ANY means, but they seemed toned down overall. Maybe it was the Barber, stuff? Enough of Barber, Texas! Been there, done that. Just pop in a tape or DVD of Star '93. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 87.00 Ronald Reagan H.S., TX Their pre-show demonstrates their above average marching skills. Now onto the real thing. Their stuff meanders. You have those rotating blocks, but done as if they are there for the sake of being done. It's as if the drill writer thought, "Eh, lets throw in a few rotating blocks." Yay for musicianship, but I see no trace of the innovation that used to be Ronald Reagan only a few years ago. Lots of standing around around here. I see flashes of greatness in spots, but nothing significant, and certainly nothing extraordinary. I'm sorry. I'm just telling it like it is. Super work, rifle line, as you're helping keep this show worthy. San Antonio schools, what is UP? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 72.90 Skiatook H.S., OK The flashy arm moves were synched up. This show cruised, cruised, cruised, and then the drumline signaled the faster tempo. All was fine, but it sure was tough finding things that stuck out in a neat way. There were flaws here and there, but for the most part things went their way. Great spotlight on the bari soloist, guard soloist. Make me be in awe, guys. It's not happening. It's not happening. Fine, keep cruising. Demand more of yourselves! The pounding piano interlude was hopeful and effective, but sell me one more. Please? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 62.80 Loveland H.S., CO The woodwind flourishes flourish. Wow, did I graduate with a degree in English or what? Oops on some of the files...cover down! Heh, great. Good stuff bass drummers! (I like the stick slap on the foot.) Watch the tone quality, low brass. (They hang tough.) The soloists worked it, baby, worked it! The shards of gunk I saw were tough not to mention, but alas, I muuust. This band was programmed quite quite well. Heeey, that ending was splendid. This was a welcome effort, no? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 75.40 Dekaney H.S., TX The last band of the day to perform. (They would have performed earlier, but were said to have "transportation issues.") Now, what do we have here? More energy, more enthusiasm, more effort could be used at the beginning of their show. What? I can't hear you. Play OUT. Be secure with where you're going with this and how you want to go. The guard made some waves with their flag work. There we go: trombone duet. Excellence has got to be achieved with your feet this time and all the time. Really stress how well you move as individuals, and I think the rest will come naturally. This show was a crowd pleaser...nothing wrong with that. Wow. Wow. Wow, what fun! Good for these guys! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 62.20 Thus endeth Day 1 of prelims, oh high and mighty readers of the round table! Geteth ready to be spellbound by dragons, wizards, and MORE BANDS! Here's my scores SO far. We'll see what the judges have to say about what I saw LATER. And then I will give you MY feedback, 'cause I have some things I need to get off my chest... 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 88.50 Cedar Park 84.60 W. Charles Akins 83.90 Aledo *81.20 Judson *78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 77.90 Langham Creek 77.80 Georgetown 75.40 Loveland 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 72.90 Ronald Reagan H.S., TX 70.00 John B. Alexander 69.00 United 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.80 Skiatook 62.20 Dekaney 62.00 C.C. Winn 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard *CORRECTION Checkity check. Rob OUT!

Ready or not, here it is...part trois! John B. Alexander H.S., TX Expert work with the arm movements, and clear drill orientation. Good mello. Good band. Things are on target. Woo-hoo! Jester's dead. Permission to buzz the tower, sir? You can be my wingman any time, Ice. Sorry. Ooh, those broad white stripes on ones side of the leg you got going there makes it really easy for me to pick out individuals who are not marching like everyone else. I am feeling the intensity, for certain. Flutes, I can hear your feet through your instrument. Forms have to lock when they're supposed to. Come on. Geez. And a flute cracking? Are you kidding me? Okay, that percussion interlude was definitely cool. These guys like a challenge, and they met it with some adequacy. Crack that whip! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 70.00 Aledo H.S., TX The intro sound effect swallowed the field. Good! The chanting was compelling. The bari sax needs better amping, here. Gotta max out the effect. Great interpretation of the theme. I was digging the taiko drumming and "falling backwards" poses. Yikes, some of the clarinets repeating notes were JUST off, yet the control was thriving. The brass barely managed those licks coming into the last movement. Well this is a band to watch out for. Solid, solid effort. They put a unique spin on something done great before, which is tough to do! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 83.90 Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX The vertical lines that skid on down the field are near perfect. Individual marching technique: some yay and some nay. The brass sang through, but the woodwinds not so much so. Great integration with the ladies in pink, making the most of their body without the equipment. Aaah, had to do the Vanguard "push," eh? (I guess that's appropriate, though I'd prefer you not rip off or--let me put this NICELY--"compliment" a drum and bugle corps that has done this before.) They certainly execute well. I am in love with all the solos. Beautiful. The velocity is breathtaking in the last part of their show. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 89.00 Claudia Taylor Johnson H.S., TX I hate to be nit-picky, but the plumes have to be straight up and down. The light blue is so easy to see on those shakos. You could appreciate the circle-cluster bow-down to the baritone soloist who played what seemed like was going to turn into "Fanfare for the Common Man." Wait a min--Reagan? Reagan, is that YOU? Naw. Naw dog. Wow. Anyways, ha ha. Moving on. There are those exposed lines that cross vertically, and, eh, oookay. The Bjork music was interpreted oookay. (I could use less groovy 1970's drumline, you know what I mean?) Some of their drill suffered near the end. A bass clarinet just got in there, and a trumpet player almost fell but regained balance. Wow, and up-and-coming band. They'll need to set themselves apart a little more. Maybe they should call themselves "C.T. Johnson"? Hmmm, nah. Then they'd be ripping off L.D. Bell. Whatever. Robbie Rob gives them a score of...hmmm, where's my scoring sheet? Ah ha! 78.50. (ALERT: I gave Judson Claudia Taylor Johnson's score by mistake. Judson's score should be 81.20. Thank you.) Langham Creek H.S., TX The verbal count-off to kick off the show was a bit lackluster. Direction change, saxophones...that's all I'm gonna write. These guys flatlined for me. I neeeeed more contraaaaast. The next movement did more. The lunge moves sparkled. And speaking of sparkle, get a load of these auxiliary costumes! (Spiffy!) Great ending to their show when the uniform members took off their shakos and threw out ribbons of different colors. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 77.90 Winston Churchill H.S., TX This band got out of the gates rather well. Some halts, and some drill forms, and some step-offs were iffy. Very powerful blend of musicians and auxiliary. Again, some execution faults. The sweet, sweet melodies did prevail. Interesting...they spell things with their formations, like "RAGE." Don't lean into moves, guys. I know this is a demanding show, but this is oh-so-familiar. I have seen better from this band. I KNOW they can do better than this. I'm just calling it how I see it. I don't blow smoke. They did not do a bad job by ANY means, but they seemed toned down overall. Maybe it was the Barber, stuff? Enough of Barber, Texas! Been there, done that. Just pop in a tape or DVD of Star '93. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 87.00 Ronald Reagan H.S., TX Their pre-show demonstrates their above average marching skills. Now onto the real thing. Their stuff meanders. You have those rotating blocks, but done as if they are there for the sake of being done. It's as if the drill writer thought, "Eh, lets throw in a few rotating blocks." Yay for musicianship, but I see no trace of the innovation that used to be Ronald Reagan only a few years ago. Lots of standing around around here. I see flashes of greatness in spots, but nothing significant, and certainly nothing extraordinary. I'm sorry. I'm just telling it like it is. Super work, rifle line, as you're helping keep this show worthy. San Antonio schools, what is UP? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 72.90 Skiatook H.S., OK The flashy arm moves were synched up. This show cruised, cruised, cruised, and then the drumline signaled the faster tempo. All was fine, but it sure was tough finding things that stuck out in a neat way. There were flaws here and there, but for the most part things went their way. Great spotlight on the bari soloist, guard soloist. Make me be in awe, guys. It's not happening. It's not happening. Fine, keep cruising. Demand more of yourselves! The pounding piano interlude was hopeful and effective, but sell me one more. Please? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 62.80 Loveland H.S., CO The woodwind flourishes flourish. Wow, did I graduate with a degree in English or what? Oops on some of the files...cover down! Heh, great. Good stuff bass drummers! (I like the stick slap on the foot.) Watch the tone quality, low brass. (They hang tough.) The soloists worked it, baby, worked it! The shards of gunk I saw were tough not to mention, but alas, I muuust. This band was programmed quite quite well. Heeey, that ending was splendid. This was a welcome effort, no? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 75.40 Dekaney H.S., TX The last band of the day to perform. (They would have performed earlier, but were said to have "transportation issues.") Now, what do we have here? More energy, more enthusiasm, more effort could be used at the beginning of their show. What? I can't hear you. Play OUT. Be secure with where you're going with this and how you want to go. The guard made some waves with their flag work. There we go: trombone duet. Excellence has got to be achieved with your feet this time and all the time. Really stress how well you move as individuals, and I think the rest will come naturally. This show was a crowd pleaser...nothing wrong with that. Wow. Wow. Wow, what fun! Good for these guys! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 62.20 Thus endeth Day 1 of prelims, oh high and mighty readers of the round table! Geteth ready to be spellbound by dragons, wizards, and MORE BANDS! Here's my scores SO far. We'll see what the judges have to say about what I saw LATER. And then I will give you MY feedback, 'cause I have some things I need to get off my chest... 89.00 Stephen F. Austin 88.50 Cedar Park 84.60 W. Charles Akins 83.90 Aledo *81.20 Judson *78.50 Claudia Taylor Johnson 77.90 Langham Creek 77.80 Georgetown 75.40 Loveland 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 72.90 Ronald Reagan H.S., TX 70.00 John B. Alexander 69.00 United 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.80 Skiatook 62.20 Dekaney 62.00 C.C. Winn 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard *CORRECTION Checkity check. Rob OUT!

I'm back, and my that cherry Icee is mighty fine. Oooh. Brain freeze. Shouldn't have done that. Oooooooh. Okay, back to the review. By the way, if you want to know the name of the show these bands did, go to the BOA event yourself and buy a program, or ask someone who did. Sorry, but I just don't feel like it. United H.S., TX Heh! I got a little queasy after watching some of their visual moves. Great technique on the jazz running, guys, now clean up the files. Is the responsibility of the drums in the back just to hang out? Hmmm, I'd have them doing SOMETHING. Nice attention to detail, battery. Those tightly spaced vertical lines were pulled off well, and quite a challenge. (Well done!) We all need to stop and start together, kids. The ending was executed well, but they didn't drill a hole in my brain like I wanted them to. It was just sorta blah. They had a well-rounded show. They pushed hard for technique, and almost just as hard in effect. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 69.00 Judson H.S., TX I was entranced by the saxophone solo, followed by the lunge-leap by the woodwinds to the left. Excellent fall-off, trumpets (music). Thus far I am seeing some crisp things. Awh, those files have to be razor blade straight there, brass. Sweet! The fade to end the first movement, and then getting the solo snare drummer into the picture was PERFECT. Some of those line rotations could be shined some more, but not bad! Come on rifle squad, you could be more as one than that! This band involved me. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 78.50 Harlingen South H.S., TX NO SHOW. (Too bad. I wanted to see them, too.) W. Charles Akins H.S., TX The narration could be a little more audible and understandable. Okay, these kids really get behind their sound. The play between sections, and the sharp body movements rock. Ooh, one rifle was dropped during the one-hand twirl. The peel-away crab step to the right as the music got to its peak in tension and stayed there was massive. There are spurts of things I like, and spurts of things I don't like about this show. Some of the demand seemed clipped or dampened. These guys were consistent, though. Quality. Quality plus, I should say. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 84.60 Cedar Park H.S., TX The flamingo one-leg stance into the drop was clean, but seemed slightly off-balance. Whoa! Their first big impact was huge! I'll have seconds, please. This was a very aware group. The rest of their show was "balanced," ha ha (in reference to my first comment)! Forget the oops here or the oops there, as they worked as a team and gave you the goods as a team. And theeeee lift into motion during a phrase of Barber's best had me with them all the way. The dhuts before the intense last movement kinda ruined the flow, drums. (Is there a way to delete that?) I mean, you gave away the tempo of the intense...we KNEW it was coming, yeah? What a great ending. Like their first hit they brought out the wall of sound. Boo ya! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 88.50 Victoria Memorial H.S., TX The high brass have a thorough feature. I am a little dismayed by how the U.S. flag is treated, no guarded or ANYTHING. Synchronicity winds, synchronicity. Think of synchronicity in everything you do--files, dance moves, and especially musically. Aah! Get in step. Get in TIME! And if you're going to pull an L.D. Bell you had better make it your own so much so that we are left stunned. (Didn't happen.) Great domino toss, rifle squad. Their show was okay. They have a ways to go. Their design was weak. What else is new? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.00 William B. Travis My, my. They talk the talk with their pre-show with the drill formations. They could have made more of a statement to open things wider, I felt. Unison sound, people, unison...aaargh! Too much fluff, and not enough support, substance. When you build up my confidence in you that much and then tear it down, it's disappointing. Now THERE'S something worth seeing--the blue ribbons connecting that form as it moves as one. In fact, things are more "as one" as they ever have been before. These guys are tenacious. Wow, this show could have been so much more. This show has major structure issues in terms of music. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 75.10 Okay, time for another break. So far I've seen 15 bands. When I get back I'll finish Day 1 of prelims. Sit tight. 88.50 Cedar Park 84.60 W. Charles Akins 78.50 Judson 77.80 Georgetown 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 69.00 United 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.00 C.C. Winn 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard Rob OUT!

I'm back, and my that cherry Icee is mighty fine. Oooh. Brain freeze. Shouldn't have done that. Oooooooh. Okay, back to the review. By the way, if you want to know the name of the show these bands did, go to the BOA event yourself and buy a program, or ask someone who did. Sorry, but I just don't feel like it. United H.S., TX Heh! I got a little queasy after watching some of their visual moves. Great technique on the jazz running, guys, now clean up the files. Is the responsibility of the drums in the back just to hang out? Hmmm, I'd have them doing SOMETHING. Nice attention to detail, battery. Those tightly spaced vertical lines were pulled off well, and quite a challenge. (Well done!) We all need to stop and start together, kids. The ending was executed well, but they didn't drill a hole in my brain like I wanted them to. It was just sorta blah. They had a well-rounded show. They pushed hard for technique, and almost just as hard in effect. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 69.00 Judson H.S., TX I was entranced by the saxophone solo, followed by the lunge-leap by the woodwinds to the left. Excellent fall-off, trumpets (music). Thus far I am seeing some crisp things. Awh, those files have to be razor blade straight there, brass. Sweet! The fade to end the first movement, and then getting the solo snare drummer into the picture was PERFECT. Some of those line rotations could be shined some more, but not bad! Come on rifle squad, you could be more as one than that! This band involved me. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 78.50 Harlingen South H.S., TX NO SHOW. (Too bad. I wanted to see them, too.) W. Charles Akins H.S., TX The narration could be a little more audible and understandable. Okay, these kids really get behind their sound. The play between sections, and the sharp body movements rock. Ooh, one rifle was dropped during the one-hand twirl. The peel-away crab step to the right as the music got to its peak in tension and stayed there was massive. There are spurts of things I like, and spurts of things I don't like about this show. Some of the demand seemed clipped or dampened. These guys were consistent, though. Quality. Quality plus, I should say. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 84.60 Cedar Park H.S., TX The flamingo one-leg stance into the drop was clean, but seemed slightly off-balance. Whoa! Their first big impact was huge! I'll have seconds, please. This was a very aware group. The rest of their show was "balanced," ha ha (in reference to my first comment)! Forget the oops here or the oops there, as they worked as a team and gave you the goods as a team. And theeeee lift into motion during a phrase of Barber's best had me with them all the way. The dhuts before the intense last movement kinda ruined the flow, drums. (Is there a way to delete that?) I mean, you gave away the tempo of the intense...we KNEW it was coming, yeah? What a great ending. Like their first hit they brought out the wall of sound. Boo ya! Robbie Rob gives them a score of 88.50 Victoria Memorial H.S., TX The high brass have a thorough feature. I am a little dismayed by how the U.S. flag is treated, no guarded or ANYTHING. Synchronicity winds, synchronicity. Think of synchronicity in everything you do--files, dance moves, and especially musically. Aah! Get in step. Get in TIME! And if you're going to pull an L.D. Bell you had better make it your own so much so that we are left stunned. (Didn't happen.) Great domino toss, rifle squad. Their show was okay. They have a ways to go. Their design was weak. What else is new? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 63.00 William B. Travis My, my. They talk the talk with their pre-show with the drill formations. They could have made more of a statement to open things wider, I felt. Unison sound, people, unison...aaargh! Too much fluff, and not enough support, substance. When you build up my confidence in you that much and then tear it down, it's disappointing. Now THERE'S something worth seeing--the blue ribbons connecting that form as it moves as one. In fact, things are more "as one" as they ever have been before. These guys are tenacious. Wow, this show could have been so much more. This show has major structure issues in terms of music. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 75.10 Okay, time for another break. So far I've seen 15 bands. When I get back I'll finish Day 1 of prelims. Sit tight. 88.50 Cedar Park 84.60 W. Charles Akins 78.50 Judson 77.80 Georgetown 75.10 William B. Travis 73.70 Leander 69.00 United 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 65.30 Eagle Pass 63.00 Victoria Memorial 62.00 C.C. Winn 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard Rob OUT!

I felt the urge to write a review. This is for the BOA Super Regional in San Antonio, IN. Yes, I sat through it all, but the food I ate did not sit through it all. (BTW, are health inspectors ever allowed into the Alamodome? Blech! Anyways, whatever.) Okay, I will cut the bull and get to what you want you probably want to read, which is what I thought about all the bands on Friday and Saturday. C.C. Winn H.S., TX The draw to their show is more their fabulous trumpet soloist, and then only does their show drink some Monster. Where was this in the beginning of their show? What kind of story are the two guard soloists trying to tell? (By the way, black is not a great color to make your soloist stand out amongst this band--also wearing black.) Have to enter together, trumpets! Ha ha! Great. The excitement in trying to whack the pinata prop comes through. Yiii-HIY! The finale of their show is rock solid. More communication, more expression from the performers, and more creativity could be formulated. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 62.00 Eagle Pass H.S., TX Nice double pass-through in the beginning! We have all the gears running as they should. Shako-shake visual--excellent. Musicality bleeding through all these movement cues, and that's great! Hmmm, don't be in such a rush to get to the ballad. Milk the end of that opening statement. Rock the end of that opening statement. Play out, winds, play out! Ugh! They can DO this! The drumline does not have to be mannequins. Aaaah, don't take the easy way out clarinets...with a flank. (Slide, slide, slide.) Drum Major, let us lock in a more intense tempo, yeah? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 65.30 Klein Forest H.S., TX The PVC pipe outlines of boxes certainly fit the theme of their show...it's a little overused, but c'est la vie. Now show me something great. Aaaah, I'm a sucker for great flute solos, but just playing through one is not going to grab me. The musicianship was lacking, people were very obviously out-of-time. Come on. Get it together, folks. Nice comeback, thanks to your low brass section. Don't more after a halt, bass clarinet player. Man, this show fell apart and made a so-so recovery. One of their soloists was amped too loud in the ballad. Can't someone work a mixing board (or something)? The music box wind-up effect worked. Haaa! Sweet beat-boxing by the right-side DM. This show all of a sudden gets more "fun." (We could have used something of this nature a lot sooner.) Great work, color guard. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 66.10 Elgin H.S., TX Outstanding staging of the plain-clothes female narrator. Hmmm, this is a tricky one. Are the files not supposed to be straight in the mock basics block? If they WANT to be bad (to "come across" that way, I guess that's all right?) The narrator seems pretty obsessed with a cute boy in the band, and then starts spouting some algebraic equations. I'm sorry, but this seems too contrived. Too much, too much, too much percussion. The first movement, overall, lacks focus, and could be more refined, simplified. Sooo is the experience of band about trying to get a date? I just heard the narrators talking about getting a number. The spot-switching drill engaged me. These kids need to seriously practice their horns on the move, no doubt. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 58.90 Georgetown H.S., TX Superb initiation, woodwinds that break out of the box form. There was maybe one woodwind player not "with it." I could use a tad bit more volume, woodwinds. Yesss. Spotlight shift to a lurking, slow-dancing woodwind section when the brass is done with their point. Beautiful crescendo before the intersecting lines...way to play, brass! Some of the marchers "fall" into a halt, and yeah, too much head-shake/plume-shake. Work on engaging that core; use those knees as shock absorbers. Mood really established by a woodwind trio atop a ramp designed like an airplane, and even had a bassoon! The end of their show did not run out of gas, which is good, but it was very sloppy. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 77.80 Leander H.S., TX Their pre-show is quiet, subtle, and...I guess it works. There's a couple tourist characters taking pictures, and a guy dressed up like a copper. Mmmm, very, very nice musically speaking. The warm-up invades the show. I could tell these kids had their notes down, and I mean all of them. Okay, I am a little disturbed that they aren't accenting their drill the way they are with their sounds. Guard, there is only so much you can do with flags, and you aren't doing it...but you're managing. Great swagger, winds, as you come up front to share the love. This is a strong band in terms of the technical, but they don't challenge themselves in movement, and there is a great absence of originality. 'Tis just the way it's designed. Not bad, but definitely not great. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 73.70 John Marshall H.S., TX Don't just play through that solo, soprano sax soloist. Forte, forte, forte. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Really grasp what you play, my wind friends. The color-change effect with the unis is quite slick. (Nice work.) Their music could use more shape. Deliver your message with finesse! Don't just deliver your message! Eeeh, watch the pace. Take a slight breather before that yellow part of your apparent saga. Ooh! How appropriate to use "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" when the winds and guard are wearing different colors. (Same, same, same, then spectrum--very effective.) The end of their show packed a little punch. I like that. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 65.90 East Bernard H.S., TX Bring those trombones up together, guys. I am all about first impressions. Lack of clarity on the direction changes NOTED. Though the trumpets come through well on the first big impact, the majority of the wind players sound nervous. Project confidence, people! Now!!! Wonderful immediacy towards the change of tempo, and those famous "Mars" stabs were golden. Are the toes supposed to be up on the backwards move, bass drums? There are lots of inconsistencies, lots. The guard is small, but they could play a much bigger role, I think. How about some planet props, eh? Yeah, I know this might sound stupid to some of you, but they could use ANYTHING besides those standard multi-colored flags. Yeah, the arc at the end of their show is clean. They have lots of things to work on, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 56.00 Aubrey H.S., TX The somber baritone solo with the flute section was coherent. I don't know...that awkward mix of drumming gear up front did not seem to do the job. (You call that a drum kit? Nag your district to give you some CASH.) There are some solid things going on in this product, particularly in ensemble and individual visuality. This group does quite well with what they have. Awesome sousaphone ensemble work. Don't give up guys! Come on! Au-brey! Au-brey! Ha! As the band exits the field, a quintet of flutes and a baritone player plays "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Robbie Rob gives them a score of 58.20 Okay, BREAK TIME. So far I've seen 9 bands. Here is how I see it so far: 77.80 Georgetown 73.70 Leander 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 62.00 C.C. Winn 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard 65.30 Eagle Pass Ugh. I have a headache. I need a cherry Icee, so I'm going to make a quick run to 7-11 and be right back. Oh, and by the way, it's San Antonio, TX, not San Antonio, IN. Ha ha ha! Just making sure you're paying attention. Rob OUT!

I felt the urge to write a review. This is for the BOA Super Regional in San Antonio, IN. Yes, I sat through it all, but the food I ate did not sit through it all. (BTW, are health inspectors ever allowed into the Alamodome? Blech! Anyways, whatever.) Okay, I will cut the bull and get to what you want you probably want to read, which is what I thought about all the bands on Friday and Saturday. C.C. Winn H.S., TX The draw to their show is more their fabulous trumpet soloist, and then only does their show drink some Monster. Where was this in the beginning of their show? What kind of story are the two guard soloists trying to tell? (By the way, black is not a great color to make your soloist stand out amongst this band--also wearing black.) Have to enter together, trumpets! Ha ha! Great. The excitement in trying to whack the pinata prop comes through. Yiii-HIY! The finale of their show is rock solid. More communication, more expression from the performers, and more creativity could be formulated. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 62.00 Eagle Pass H.S., TX Nice double pass-through in the beginning! We have all the gears running as they should. Shako-shake visual--excellent. Musicality bleeding through all these movement cues, and that's great! Hmmm, don't be in such a rush to get to the ballad. Milk the end of that opening statement. Rock the end of that opening statement. Play out, winds, play out! Ugh! They can DO this! The drumline does not have to be mannequins. Aaaah, don't take the easy way out clarinets...with a flank. (Slide, slide, slide.) Drum Major, let us lock in a more intense tempo, yeah? Robbie Rob gives them a score of 65.30 Klein Forest H.S., TX The PVC pipe outlines of boxes certainly fit the theme of their show...it's a little overused, but c'est la vie. Now show me something great. Aaaah, I'm a sucker for great flute solos, but just playing through one is not going to grab me. The musicianship was lacking, people were very obviously out-of-time. Come on. Get it together, folks. Nice comeback, thanks to your low brass section. Don't more after a halt, bass clarinet player. Man, this show fell apart and made a so-so recovery. One of their soloists was amped too loud in the ballad. Can't someone work a mixing board (or something)? The music box wind-up effect worked. Haaa! Sweet beat-boxing by the right-side DM. This show all of a sudden gets more "fun." (We could have used something of this nature a lot sooner.) Great work, color guard. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 66.10 Elgin H.S., TX Outstanding staging of the plain-clothes female narrator. Hmmm, this is a tricky one. Are the files not supposed to be straight in the mock basics block? If they WANT to be bad (to "come across" that way, I guess that's all right?) The narrator seems pretty obsessed with a cute boy in the band, and then starts spouting some algebraic equations. I'm sorry, but this seems too contrived. Too much, too much, too much percussion. The first movement, overall, lacks focus, and could be more refined, simplified. Sooo is the experience of band about trying to get a date? I just heard the narrators talking about getting a number. The spot-switching drill engaged me. These kids need to seriously practice their horns on the move, no doubt. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 58.90 Georgetown H.S., TX Superb initiation, woodwinds that break out of the box form. There was maybe one woodwind player not "with it." I could use a tad bit more volume, woodwinds. Yesss. Spotlight shift to a lurking, slow-dancing woodwind section when the brass is done with their point. Beautiful crescendo before the intersecting lines...way to play, brass! Some of the marchers "fall" into a halt, and yeah, too much head-shake/plume-shake. Work on engaging that core; use those knees as shock absorbers. Mood really established by a woodwind trio atop a ramp designed like an airplane, and even had a bassoon! The end of their show did not run out of gas, which is good, but it was very sloppy. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 77.80 Leander H.S., TX Their pre-show is quiet, subtle, and...I guess it works. There's a couple tourist characters taking pictures, and a guy dressed up like a copper. Mmmm, very, very nice musically speaking. The warm-up invades the show. I could tell these kids had their notes down, and I mean all of them. Okay, I am a little disturbed that they aren't accenting their drill the way they are with their sounds. Guard, there is only so much you can do with flags, and you aren't doing it...but you're managing. Great swagger, winds, as you come up front to share the love. This is a strong band in terms of the technical, but they don't challenge themselves in movement, and there is a great absence of originality. 'Tis just the way it's designed. Not bad, but definitely not great. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 73.70 John Marshall H.S., TX Don't just play through that solo, soprano sax soloist. Forte, forte, forte. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Really grasp what you play, my wind friends. The color-change effect with the unis is quite slick. (Nice work.) Their music could use more shape. Deliver your message with finesse! Don't just deliver your message! Eeeh, watch the pace. Take a slight breather before that yellow part of your apparent saga. Ooh! How appropriate to use "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" when the winds and guard are wearing different colors. (Same, same, same, then spectrum--very effective.) The end of their show packed a little punch. I like that. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 65.90 East Bernard H.S., TX Bring those trombones up together, guys. I am all about first impressions. Lack of clarity on the direction changes NOTED. Though the trumpets come through well on the first big impact, the majority of the wind players sound nervous. Project confidence, people! Now!!! Wonderful immediacy towards the change of tempo, and those famous "Mars" stabs were golden. Are the toes supposed to be up on the backwards move, bass drums? There are lots of inconsistencies, lots. The guard is small, but they could play a much bigger role, I think. How about some planet props, eh? Yeah, I know this might sound stupid to some of you, but they could use ANYTHING besides those standard multi-colored flags. Yeah, the arc at the end of their show is clean. They have lots of things to work on, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Robbie Rob gives them a score of 56.00 Aubrey H.S., TX The somber baritone solo with the flute section was coherent. I don't know...that awkward mix of drumming gear up front did not seem to do the job. (You call that a drum kit? Nag your district to give you some CASH.) There are some solid things going on in this product, particularly in ensemble and individual visuality. This group does quite well with what they have. Awesome sousaphone ensemble work. Don't give up guys! Come on! Au-brey! Au-brey! Ha! As the band exits the field, a quintet of flutes and a baritone player plays "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Robbie Rob gives them a score of 58.20 Okay, BREAK TIME. So far I've seen 9 bands. Here is how I see it so far: 77.80 Georgetown 73.70 Leander 66.10 Klein Forest 65.90 John Marshall 62.00 C.C. Winn 58.90 Elgin 58.20 Aubrey 56.00 East Bernard 65.30 Eagle Pass Ugh. I have a headache. I need a cherry Icee, so I'm going to make a quick run to 7-11 and be right back. Oh, and by the way, it's San Antonio, TX, not San Antonio, IN. Ha ha ha! Just making sure you're paying attention. Rob OUT!