Just because a band is attempting to play very hard literature, doesn't mean that they can play it well - keep that in mind. Which bands from that list have you heard this year? Because if you have heard North Forney, you might want to rethink that prediction. They play well for the most part, but they didn't focus on details at all, and it was very apparent in their recording. They are a fine band, but I don't think they'll come out first. And what about the other bands that have 2 or more other ensembles in their band? (Varsity, Non-Varsity, etc.) I don't see Canton anywhere in your post, and I know for a fact that they sent 2 bands to UIL, and got 1's. I'd be willing to bet that the other bands had other groups in their band that got 1's as well. Though, nowadays, is making a 1 in Concert/SR at UIL really that big of a deal? Especially in 1A-3A... it's not that hard. Just my opinion.