dtexas4444

Yes, I went to all of the community performances. Their playing and visuals have improved greatly. When they did their final run thrus, you can tell they were a bit tired of the long practices but still sounded amazing. They are playing louder now. Also, they have added to their visual design. Overall, I expect them to do an amazing job at GN this week.

Thanks so much Michael. If you or anybody knows which one is judging when that will be great. Thanks again.

Does anyone know who the adjudicators are for Grand Nationals this year? If so, please post. Thanks.

I said Berkner was musically awesome and visually has really improved. I NEVER said they didn't deserve the TOP 3 spot. I said their visual package was still NOT on par with BELL, MARCUS, and HEBRON. Some folks are so sensitive - LOL. Silly.

bad??? no, they are the truth...how i feel...i'm just honest...not sugar coating it...and how folks felt around me..

It is a good wow. I was wowed because I never heard of you and to see you all in finals was nice. Keep working!! Make North Texas proud! Oh, and musically is your strong point I think. You all have a good sound. Still weak in some areas. And visually it was okay. It could be more visually pleasing and more difficult. But hey, you're a 4A school and newish. So, keep working.

Ok, I will post my opinions on the finalist. Again, these are only my opinions. Mansfield: The colorguard stoled the show. They were on fire in their finals performance. I only saw maybe two-three drops compared to prelims where there were maybe 15. The band did well. There were some nice moments. And there were obvious moments when they were some distorted sounds and cleaning still needs to be done. The visual seems okay so far. A little messy in some areas. But overall, you all did good. You for sure deserved your final placement. Haltom: I really enjoyed the visual aspect of your show. There were some cool parts. Even with that, there were some parts that were boring. I wasn't as excited about your show this time around as I usually am. The music was just okay for me. Maybe there were way too many solos?? I hope to see you in the top (top 5) again where you belong and make north texas proud. Unfortunately I don't see that happening this year. But you never know - right? Colleyville Heritage: I liked your props. There were some nice moments in your show. Congrats on finally making finals again. I think your show still needs some cleaner playing. Some areas were weak, but overall you all did good. Wakeland: Wow, I was very surprised to see you all in finals. And then you all beat Haltom. Wow. But I do have to admit, I loved Carmina Burana. My favorite part of the show. The whole queen and the dying thing seemed a little amateur for me. Hopefully you all can make that more exciting. Richland: You all produce some very nice sounds throughout your show. There are a few distorted sounds - hopefully you can improve on that. I love the colorguard direction. I'm glad Mike is there at Richland now. Yes, the whole show is very, very similar to Churchill's style. The colorguard seemed very inexperienced and scared - especially in prelims. Marcus: I love your sound. You all create such beautiful moments. I'm not sure if your standstill during the Wedding March hurt you score wise. I know the show is not all out there yet, but it is boring to me. Good thing you all play well. I'm a big fan and I hope you spice it up. I don't like the guy with the yellow shako. You all try to bring back last years drum major outfit change thing and it worked - last year. But this year, it just seems dumb. I can't wait to see your complete show at GN. Hebron: Wow, you all have improved musically so much. I love your sound this year. You all did an amazing job. Keep it up Hebron and you might break into the top three at SA. Keep on cleaning. Berkner: You all can play well. Great sounds. You have improved visually for sure. But still, far from the top three bands. Bell: I love your visual package. When it is all cleaned up, you are unstoppable visually. Well, at least here in Texas. Maybe Texas will finally win a Visual caption award at GN Finals!!! I really enjoyed it. Musically, you all sounded really controlled and good. However, your sound was only p-mf. I am assuming you were all holding back like you all have done in the past. And then, at SA you are super loud. I hope that is the case this year. But, you all can play. And for sure give Marcus a run for their money - musically. I am a huge fan I wish you all the best of luck this year. Coppell: You all can play LOUD. I love your sound. The tempo of your show was way too slow. And I also thought your show was very boring. Good thing you all can play. Spice it up - please.

I thought Newman Smith sounded amazing. If you would see the scores you all got SECOND in Music Performance Ensemble right between Marcus and Bell and FOURTH in Music GE 2. Your visual package is okay. You all still have a lot of cleaning to do. But musically you all were so balanced. I was in shock and I actually thought this was the year you all would squeeze into finals. Good luck with the remainder of your season.

Huh? You're being silly! LOL...No, they didn't participate in the prelims award ceremony because they were practicing I assume in Grapevine. They did participate in the FINALS award ceremony.

Actually, I was sitting next to some band parents who said that the reason they weren't there was because they were practicing. I would think if they were there then the drum majors would of been out getting the participation plaque.

I watched LD Bell and Marcus today at area B prelims. They are both excellent. Very clear and obvious that they are in a totally different league than the rest of the bands. I see LD Bell stepping it up a notch in finals tonight as they normally do and considering they went so early today. In my opinion, I put Bell ahead of Marcus. Marcus' trumpets are not as good as they were last year - disappointment. In the beginning of their show - it was VERY obvious to me that they had some tone quality issues. But for the most part, I think the rest of the band is somewhat close, especially woodwinds. Very colorful show. One thing I do have to mention is that a parent from Boyd HS was speaking very loudly saying that LD Bell was playing and marching while the announcer was announcing them. She wanted to know what was up with that. I guess she felt that they should be disqualified. It was quite entertaining. It is going to be a great remainder of a season.

I sense some jealousy! I really enjoyed the I-Show, however, LD Bell was just in a completely different league. I hope Richland does well this year. I hope to see you all in state finals and making North Texas proud!

I noticed that LD Bell started off the marching season with 3 drum majors. Now, there are only two of them. What happened to the third one?

Does anyone have or know where to find the "full" results (judge's ranking for each band) for Area B?

Hmm, I really think the most impressive band from Area B is LD Bell. I think Marcus is only impressive musically. They do sound amazing. I don't think they are impressive visually. LD Bell on the other hand, is both visually and musically impressive.