2024 BOA Webster (South Houston - Oct. 5)

[Rubisco]

  On 9/12/2024 at 3:32 AM, Oboeish20 said:

I have seen Pearland, They’re playing all of The Pines of Rome.

The show is a general effect beast and will be their best one yet. I expect them to win here and make top half in San Antonio.

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That what I want to hear!

[tubapop]

  On 9/12/2024 at 3:32 AM, Oboeish20 said:

I have seen Pearland, They’re playing all of The Pines of Rome.

The show is a general effect beast and will be their best one yet. I expect them to win here and make top half in San Antonio.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see that. Pines of Rome is one of my favorite pieces, and Pearland is the perfect band to play it. They'll blow the roof off and look great doing it.

[TruthMatters]

  On 9/12/2024 at 2:24 AM, tubapop said:

CyFair beating Pearland. Possible, but quite unlikely.

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Look up 2022 and 2023.

  On 9/12/2024 at 3:32 AM, Rubisco said:

It happened last year in finals!

Granted, I have no idea how Pearland looks this season. I can confirm that Cy-Fair is at least around as good as last year, maybe even a little better.

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Yeah and in 2022 also.  Pearland is always a beast at the end of the year.   No slight to them at all, they are really pushing for top 7 and I am excited for any Houston area band to join the Woodlands in representing at the top.

 

[Cy-fairTUBA]

  On 9/12/2024 at 2:24 AM, tubapop said:

CyFair beating Pearland. Possible, but quite unlikely.

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You do realize that cy-fair beat Pearland at Katy in 2022 and 2023

[Rubisco]

Bridgeland looks great again! The weapon line is perhaps slightly weaker in execution, but overall the visual performance seems pretty on par with last season. I could see them contending for the visual caption at this contest, at least from an upstairs perspective -- with the caveat that musicality is part of that caption, and without sound that's impossible to judge. I still think they could branch out a bit in terms of the theming -- could be a little less conventional -- but they've got the rest mostly down.

Pearland definitely seems like they could have a beast of a show this year, visually. There's a fair amount of dirt right now, but this seems like a more complex package than last season -- more layered, more detailed, maybe less symmetric, just overall more interesting, too. Yes, there are still some recycled Cartwrightisms, with the flags and the capes, the overall theatrical feel of it. Probably there will be another duet choreographed between the band guy and the guard girl in the black cloak, who do the slow, processional walk forward. But the look is at least a little less stale, a little more stripped down for now, without dozens of the same set piece cluttering the field. (Perhaps those will come later?) Anyway, definitely one to look out for both here and late season, as long as the music matches it.

Actually, Pearland's show has me wondering: when was the last time Houston produced more than one band in the top half at BOA San Antonio finals? I thought it was 2003 at first, with Westfield, Stephen F. Austin, and The Woodlands, but it actually happened a few times after that, the last time being 2010, with Spring joining TWHS. So, 14 years ago. That's quite a dry spell!

But I think there's a chance this year. The Woodlands looks and sounds stellar throughout most of their full opener, like they'll contend for the title again. Meanwhile, Pearland is giving me even stronger vibes than last year. Of course, this year's BOA SA contest is beyond stacked, so it will be difficult.

[ChristopherRoden]

  On 9/15/2024 at 2:18 AM, Rubisco said:

But the look is at least a little less stale, a little more stripped down for now, without dozens of the same set piece cluttering the field. (Perhaps those will come later?) Anyway, definitely one to look out for both here and late season, as long as the music matches it.

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I was thinking they might add 24 Roman columns. Quite a few bands in the Houston area have had those in the past few years so it shouldn’t be too hard to scrounge some up! 

[Rubisco]

  On 9/15/2024 at 2:15 PM, ChristopherRoden said:

I was thinking they might add 24 Roman columns. Quite a few bands in the Houston area have had those in the past few years so it shouldn’t be too hard to scrounge some up! 

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No, don't let them! But yes, should they want them, they can easily acquire them. 😂

[ParkingMeter69]

  On 9/15/2024 at 8:36 PM, Rubisco said:

No, don't let them! But yes, should they want them, they can easily acquire them. 😂

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Jordan High School 2021

[BandKid08]

any early ish predictions for this contest?

[BigDaddySousaphone]

  On 9/23/2024 at 8:15 PM, BandKid08 said:

any early ish predictions for this contest?

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Not a prediction per se, however my contacts in the industry have been telling me that Tomball is a bit behind. Apart from that I can only go from my personal opinions, so I think Bridgeland, Clear Lake, Clear Brook, and Reagan will be locks for the top spots. Tbh I also think Brazoswood is gonna be a  candidate for the top this year I have seen some videos of their show and it really looks promising. Honestly I am pretty excited as I will attending for my photography gigs so I am really pumped up for this contest in particular and will be sure to provide my opinions after.

- Best Wishes

BigDaddySousaphone

[MadHornist]

  On 9/24/2024 at 7:39 PM, BigDaddySousaphone said:

Not a prediction per se, however my contacts in the industry have been telling me that Tomball is a bit behind. Apart from that I can only go from my personal opinions, so I think Bridgeland, Clear Lake, Clear Brook, and Reagan will be locks for the top spots. Tbh I also think Brazoswood is gonna be a  candidate for the top this year I have seen some videos of their show and it really looks promising. Honestly I am pretty excited as I will attending for my photography gigs so I am really pumped up for this contest in particular and will be sure to provide my opinions after.

- Best Wishes

BigDaddySousaphone

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Pearland, Dickinson, CTJ, and Cy Fair will also be in the mix.  This is going to be an exciting competition.

[FwefewF]

  On 9/23/2024 at 8:15 PM, BandKid08 said:

any early ish predictions for this contest?

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I can tell you that Reagan wins, and below them Bridgeland, Cy-Fair, and Pearland fight for the next 3 spots 

[Ninelets]

The battle is going to be in the bottom 6-7. 

There is a lot of depth there (in alphabetic order) with Brazoswood, Clear Brook, Dawson, Dickinson, Foster, Friendswood, Fulshear, Klein Cain, Klein Oak, Seven Lakes...among some others.  Three or more of these bands may potentially not final.

[ChristopherRoden]

  On 9/26/2024 at 2:27 PM, Ninelets said:

The battle is going to be in the bottom 6-7. 

There is a lot of depth there (in alphabetic order) with Brazoswood, Clear Brook, Dawson, Dickinson, Foster, Friendswood, Fulshear, Klein Cain, Klein Oak, Seven Lakes...among some others.  Three or more of these bands may potentially not final.

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I completely agree. I would also tentatively add Clear Lake, Klein Cain, Cy Ranch, and JET, to the mix. I have been really impressed with all of their early season showings. Depends on how they all clean and refine these next two weeks. Very deep contest.

[BigDaddySousaphone]

Does anyone know why Tomball High School is no longer on the schedule? I was absolutely devastated and shocked as I hoped to see them while I was there.

- Best Wishes

BigDaddySousaphone

[cyparkbandparent]

Cypress Park.

[Tmhsmom]

  On 9/27/2024 at 2:41 PM, BigDaddySousaphone said:

Does anyone know why Tomball High School is no longer on the schedule? I was absolutely devastated and shocked as I hoped to see them while I was there.

- Best Wishes

BigDaddySousaphone

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Their band director quit. That may be why they are no longer on the schedule. 

[Tmhsmom]

  On 9/27/2024 at 2:41 PM, BigDaddySousaphone said:

Does anyone know why Tomball High School is no longer on the schedule? I was absolutely devastated and shocked as I hoped to see them while I was there.

- Best Wishes

BigDaddySousaphone

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I believe it's because the band director quit. 

[Ninelets]

  On 9/28/2024 at 1:01 AM, Tmhsmom said:

I believe it's because the band director quit. 

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This really saddens me…I feel like this feeder program has the potential to some great things both now and going forward. 

[homerchap]

  On 9/27/2024 at 2:41 PM, BigDaddySousaphone said:

Does anyone know why Tomball High School is no longer on the schedule? I was absolutely devastated and shocked as I hoped to see them while I was there.

- Best Wishes

BigDaddySousaphone

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I also know that they were scheduled to go on at 7:30 am. Coming from north Houston, they'd probably have to have a call time of like 3 am if not earlier to make that. Our band had a 3:45 am call time this past weekend and we performed later than 7:30 and the stadium was closer too. I do feel sorry for Klein Cain having to do this so early too. 

[Ninelets]

  On 9/30/2024 at 12:26 PM, homerchap said:

I also know that they were scheduled to go on at 7:30 am. Coming from north Houston, they'd probably have to have a call time of like 3 am if not earlier to make that. Our band had a 3:45 am call time this past weekend and we performed later than 7:30 and the stadium was closer too. I do feel sorry for Klein Cain having to do this so early too. 

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Lumberton, what's their call time going to be.  Yuck.

[crunchycookie3]

Personally, I have yet to get the GE hype of Pearland’s show. It’s ambitious musically, but I find the vis—particularly vis effect—a bit lacking. I think this show will do exceptionally well at state (a lock for finals, even), but may not be the dominance monster people are predicting for BOA San Antonio. It’s nothing against the kids, they’re absolutely killing it in the performance captions. Maybe it’s the recycled Cartwright tropes that make this show feel stale in visual design, especially compared to Cy-Fair and Bridgeland. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m more partial to the bright colors and field design of last year. I could be way off, though! And maybe I have no idea what I’m talking about as someone who is not an effect judge. Regardless, they very well could pick up a medal and/or music caption here Saturday. I sense a tight race between Cy-Fair, Bridgeland, and Pearland for second place, though I’m giving the edge to Cy-Fair on the uniqueness of their show pacing, sometimes making me feel like I’m watching a completely through-composed indoor show. I know there’s gripe about their ensemble playing time, but no one is pacing their show with such finesse this season. For the week of, here’s what I’m thinking:

1. Reagan

2. Cy-Fair

3. Bridgeland

4. Pearland

5. Clear Brook

6. Dickinson

7. Dawson (criminally underranked on Saturday)

8. CTJ

9. Clear Brook

10. Foster

11. Friendswood

12. Seven Lakes

Can’t wait to eat crow when they announce Pearland as 4A 1st place in prelims though

[J-Mike16]

  On 9/30/2024 at 12:44 PM, Ninelets said:

Lumberton, what's their call time going to be.  Yuck.

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Why did you mention Lumberton? They are not competing at this competition.

[Cy-FairDad]

Super happy with our performance this Saturday. Especially after all the hours us Band Dads and Moms spent on those props. Shout out to all the old Band Dads and Moms like me! Thank you everyone for such kind commends regarding our program here at Cy-Fair. I can't reveal too much but we have big things coming up that we have yet to reveal! Our Band Directors shared with us some of the Final Tapes and we had 2 judges cry during finals. The kids are so excited that we are fully into marching Band. Here are my predictions for this upcoming show, super sad that Tomball Memorial isn't showing up because I knew from the beginning that they were going to be extremely competitive and a dark horse for the Houston Area.

As far as Bridgeland, my son is really good friends with their trumpet section and a few of the boys were over my house the other night and showed me their most recent run at their post game a few nights ago.. I don't want to talk ill about any programs, especially considering the fact that we have a friendly rivalry with them.. but they are in really rough shape. It sounds like they just learned their Ballad which was confirmed by some of their members. Something I was not expecting as Bridgeland usually comes out really strong this time of year. They also told me that the members haven't been treated the best and that their rehearsals have been filled with Directors screaming at them nonstop. I truly hope that they find some mid season mojo as I respect their program and want them to do well at Grand Nats as they represent our district. More importantly, I hope the kids have a good time in the process. This is something I am very thankful with our Directors about as they bring really positive emotions of the kids regardless of the results. Hearing those boys talk about their experience at my house was very disheartening but I'm sure it will get better throughout time. I'm saying all this to defend my predictions below regarding Bridgeland. 

One last note - was anyone else shocked that Jordan didn't make finals at BOA North Houston? I got to watch them during Prelims and was thoroughly impressed.

1. Reagan

2. Cy-Fair

3. Pearland

4. CTJ 

5. Foster

6. Bridgeland

7. Clear Brook

8. Friendswood

9. Dawson

10. Klein Oak

11. Dickinson

12. Seven Lakes

Best of luck to everyone there! You will see me pushing a prop. :)

[Ninelets]

  On 9/30/2024 at 3:31 PM, J-Mike16 said:

Why did you mention Lumberton? They are not competing at this competition.

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Ack! Angleton....I meant Angleton, but they are closer.  Still early!