alinktothepresent

For 4A, I think it's between Dripping Springs and Waxahachie.

Just putting this up here. It's the 4A state honor band qualifiers (so far): Pearce Wylie Dripping Springs Hendrickson Victoria East Roma Creekview Liberty Still waiting on areas B, D, and F.

Great research -- "I guess band really IS better in Texas!", etc., etc.

So, is Cedar Park the only school in Leander ISD to be 4A? I ask because I'm interested in which schools will be in the 4A track for TMEA All-State Area D.

Does anyone know when MFA Fan Network will have the videos from Grand Nats available for VOD?

...would you care to explain, or are you just trying to antagonize and/or disrespect people? Yes, you're entitled to your own opinion, but why be rude about it?

I completely agree! I've long since stopped worrying about which element (music or visual) is "more important." I think there's more value in just seeing/hearing each show as a stand-alone work of art. Some shows focus more on one element -- that doesn't make the show "bad" or "lacking." And it certainly doesn't degrade an entire program because of it, as so many people seem to believe.

In order: Hebron Marcus Duncanville

I loved reading this -- great writing, great message! ^^ This, however is a little scary. I hope you were using the Buddy Rich tapes as a loose comparison. I've heard the tapes... not high school appropriate, to say the least!

+1

I wonder how Marcus would have placed in Grand Nats had they gone this year...

Definitely. I think we'll see Waxahachie rounding out the top five at state next year -- 3rd through 5th. Somewhere in that area.

FAIL.

Edit: Irrelevent now -- topic was dropped a few pages ago!

On the rise: Pflugerville Waxahachie Hebron Lopez On the decline: Richland Coppell

I think that the next step for Marcus would be to try to win BOA Grand Nats in the coming years. Definitely a possibility for them. While I agree that L.D. isn't what they were in previous years, I think there's an arguement to be made about the change in direction that's going on for them right now. Overall, I wouldn't say they're on the decline -- in the short run... maybe a little bit. Richland's definitely on the decline, despite the fact that Tom Shine had some kind words for them (apparently). But, I think the change is due in large part to Bill Watson's absence as head director. The program will continue to grow, but I expect it to lag for a year or two.

I don't know -- while I find that Coppell is very clean, I don't see why their musical book is so easy. Maybe it'ts just me, but I think that if their drill was more challenging, I'd be more impressed with their playing. As it stands, I can't say that I'm impressed with a big 5A marching so slow in order to be clean. Of course, I find that to be the case with most 5As. It seems that a lot of the top programs in Texas are playing the UIL game -- by which I mean focusing more on the musical element with the visual element as more of an afterthought. There's a lot of good bands that produce fantastic shows in this manner, but I guess it just isn't appealing to me.

I was going to make the same point in regards to Hebron -- Nike's "My Better is Better Than Your Better" commercial comes to mind. What's with all the hype surrounding Coppell?? The way people talk about them, I almost feel like I'm watching/listening to a completely different band. Not trying to be rude, I just don't get what the big deal is

Haha, I think you can just call it a repeat

From the three predictions above, I see Hebron as 9th, 10th, and on the bubble. What gives? I know the Area B contest was weird (rain delays, no finals, etc.), but seeing as how they were above L.D. Bell, I'd think people would place them higher in predictions.

Haha, pretty well indeed!

Wow, usually there's 20 or more bands.

Is there any new information on the line-up now?

I'm extremely outraged, but I don't have enough time to write about how disgusted I am.

Haha, this is a fair amount of hype -- I can't wait to see the show for myself.