UIL 5A State Marching Contest 2024 (Nov. 4-5)

[Beanbag52]

  On 10/27/2024 at 5:50 PM, OGFISD99 said:

Who are everyone's predictions for finals? 

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I haven’t seen anyone outside of area B so I can’t speak on overall, but I will say that last night Wakeland and Lone Star both looked super hot and will be a tight race between them this year. Both schools have seen major improvements and I know they both want medals. Haven’t seen anything from Rouse or CP yet, but I’m hearing they’re better than ever and want those top spots as well. From what I’ve seen and heard I think it’s very possible top 4 will be Lone Star, Wakeland, Rouse, and Cedar Park (not in any order).

 

If memory serves me right, 10 finalist bands are returning to state from last year:

Cedar Park

Rouse

Wakleand

Leander

Burleson Centennial

Lone Star

Henderickson

Fiendswood

Richland

Roma

(Forney moved up to 6A, LT missed state at Area B

I remember many people were shocked Aledo missed finals last year at state, and I think they want it this year, so it’s very possible they’re in the mix. I don’t know much of other schools outside area B though. Once I hear opinions and hopefully see some recordings of bands I can give more confident predictions before state.

 

[Tubalord11]

  On 10/27/2024 at 5:50 PM, OGFISD99 said:

Who are everyone's predictions for finals? 

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I'll bite- 

1. Cedar Park

2. Rouse 

3. Wakeland 

4. Leander 

5. Lonestar

6. Aledo

7. Hendrickson 

8. Friendswood 

9. Argyle 

10. Roma 

 

Last two (by area): Mckinney North, Pieper, Midlothian, Burleson Centennial, Colleyville Heritage 

I have Argyle for a couple reasons. One, I think they are going to use the momentum of making state and shock us. They've got a great performance time, and an amazing show which if they clean and really get together, I think will make finals. I think Aledo, Leander and Lonestar are interchangeable, will just come down to the day of. I haven't seen Roma's show yet, but it sounds like they are having another stellar season, and don't have to early of a time. Really sucks Midlothian has to go on super early as I'd love to see them make finals after the season they're having. Don't know how much I'll be able to watch this year, not a ton of prelims since I have the exhibition performance but might just skip my classes if I have nothing big those days to watch finals. Good luck to everyone in preparation, hopefully able to watch some of ya'll before the exhibition! 

[ATrumpet]

  On 10/27/2024 at 5:50 PM, OGFISD99 said:

Who are everyone's predictions for finals? 

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1. Cedar Park (This band is absolutely killing it this year with their show (which they always do) and I have no doubt they're coming to take it again. But again, we all thought that last year and Rouse almost passed them. Excited to see those two fight for the top!)

2. Rouse (Absolutely love their music and I can tell that they are coming after Cedar Park this year!)

3. Wakeland (I could see them moving up to the top 2 after nearly beating Marcus at BOA Prosper, however, it's hard to put anyone above Rouse or CP)

4. Leander (Always a joy to watch and very consistent with their shows, I could see Aledo possibly moving to this spot but it will take an amazing run for them)

5. Aledo (Absolutely phenomenal show! This show is back to back to back with the amount of GE and big hits. The crowd response to this show is always deafening and I can tell that they are coming back with a vengeance after last year's placements.)

6. Lone Star (Beautiful music, Hallelujah as a ballad is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I think they could possibly move up to 5th. I really hope that they don't have a repeat of Aledo last year. They are unfortunately performing super early, I want to see them in finals!!!)

7. Midlothian (Midlothian has really shocked me this year. No one thought that they would even make it to state this year but they were chasing after Aledo at Area F last night. I know that they perform super early for pre-lims but I think with a good run they could pull it off and make it to finals.)

8. Hendrickson (I saw them at BOA Waco, or rather I heard them first. I was walking into the stadium and I could hear this band before I even made it up the stairs. They are LOUD. Besides some cleaning problems I think this band could really do something special this year)

9. Friendswood (I haven't gotten to see this show yet but they usually have a good showing at state)

10. Roma (Same as Friendswood, I'm excited to see all these great bands at state!)

11. Colleyville Heritage (After not qualifying for state last year I think they all decided to make a big change. I saw them at Area F contest yesterday and they were phenomenal! Hope they have a great run at state this year!)

12. Burleson Centennial (I know they did really well last year, but I've been a little disappointed this year. They're playing songs from "How to Train your Dragon" which I absolutely love, and I get chills from the nostalgia. However, I just need moreeeee, if they can figure out how to crank some more sound out I can see them placing much higher. But I don't know how much can be done in this next week.)

[cheeto2401]

leander needs a medal this year, hands down

[NotGodsHornline]

  On 10/27/2024 at 7:22 PM, Tubalord11 said:

I'll bite- 

1. Cedar Park

2. Rouse 

3. Wakeland 

4. Leander 

5. Lonestar

6. Aledo

7. Hendrickson 

8. Friendswood 

9. Argyle 

10. Roma 

 

Last two (by area): Mckinney North, Pieper, Midlothian, Burleson Centennial, Colleyville Heritage 

I have Argyle for a couple reasons. One, I think they are going to use the momentum of making state and shock us. They've got a great performance time, and an amazing show which if they clean and really get together, I think will make finals. I think Aledo, Leander and Lonestar are interchangeable, will just come down to the day of. I haven't seen Roma's show yet, but it sounds like they are having another stellar season, and don't have to early of a time. Really sucks Midlothian has to go on super early as I'd love to see them make finals after the season they're having. Don't know how much I'll be able to watch this year, not a ton of prelims since I have the exhibition performance but might just skip my classes if I have nothing big those days to watch finals. Good luck to everyone in preparation, hopefully able to watch some of ya'll before the exhibition! 

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Do you think that Lone Stars early time will effect their placement? The same thing happened to Aledo last year since they were in block one 

[Beanbag52]

  On 10/27/2024 at 8:33 PM, NotGodsHornline said:

Do you think that Lone Stars early time will effect their placement? The same thing happened to Aledo last year since they were in block one 

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State judges are good enough that they won’t allow any major advantages to later performing bands. A little will happen naturally, but I they’re trained to judge fairly all day, and I doubt anyone will be kept out of finals/top half because of their performance time.

[Tubalord11]

  On 10/27/2024 at 8:33 PM, NotGodsHornline said:

Do you think that Lone Stars early time will effect their placement? The same thing happened to Aledo last year since they were in block one 

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Nah, I think they’ll be fine 

[OGFISD99]

  On 10/27/2024 at 8:33 PM, NotGodsHornline said:

Do you think that Lone Stars early time will effect their placement? The same thing happened to Aledo last year since they were in block one 

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That depends on the judges plus they go on before Cedar Park...... That also has to be taken into account.... Cedar Park is still predicted to win a record state title this year..... I'm hearing they're pulling out some more  GE during  prelims and going  big at finals....  I'm thinking it's going to involve a lot of red..... at least that's what I would do if I were writing their show.... pops of GE everywhere... 

[TexasStrangers]

Prelims schedule is posted, it's going to be a very very very long day!!

5A_Prelims.pdfFetching info...

[justabandperson]

State will be very competitive this year. I agree with most of the predictions, but there's always a chance for surprises in the rankings!

[txpurple21]

I am completely rooting for Midlothian to make State Finals.  Their show is amazing.  Their 2nd place finish behind Aledo was very deserving. If they do next week what they did yesterday, they have a good chance. They are my Cinderella team.  I can't wait to see what they do next week.  Go Midlothian!! I know many people are rooting for you all.

[RoyKentsGhost]

  On 10/27/2024 at 2:20 PM, cheeto2401 said:

bump

also i saw on Vista Ridge's insta page that all 4 5A Leander ISD schools advanced to state

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plus LH

[Guardmom07]

  On 10/27/2024 at 8:11 PM, ATrumpet said:

1. Cedar Park (This band is absolutely killing it this year with their show (which they always do) and I have no doubt they're coming to take it again. But again, we all thought that last year and Rouse almost passed them. Excited to see those two fight for the top!)

2. Rouse (Absolutely love their music and I can tell that they are coming after Cedar Park this year!)

3. Wakeland (I could see them moving up to the top 2 after nearly beating Marcus at BOA Prosper, however, it's hard to put anyone above Rouse or CP)

4. Leander (Always a joy to watch and very consistent with their shows, I could see Aledo possibly moving to this spot but it will take an amazing run for them)

5. Aledo (Absolutely phenomenal show! This show is back to back to back with the amount of GE and big hits. The crowd response to this show is always deafening and I can tell that they are coming back with a vengeance after last year's placements.)

6. Lone Star (Beautiful music, Hallelujah as a ballad is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I think they could possibly move up to 5th. I really hope that they don't have a repeat of Aledo last year. They are unfortunately performing super early, I want to see them in finals!!!)

7. Midlothian (Midlothian has really shocked me this year. No one thought that they would even make it to state this year but they were chasing after Aledo at Area F last night. I know that they perform super early for pre-lims but I think with a good run they could pull it off and make it to finals.)

8. Hendrickson (I saw them at BOA Waco, or rather I heard them first. I was walking into the stadium and I could hear this band before I even made it up the stairs. They are LOUD. Besides some cleaning problems I think this band could really do something special this year)

9. Friendswood (I haven't gotten to see this show yet but they usually have a good showing at state)

10. Roma (Same as Friendswood, I'm excited to see all these great bands at state!)

11. Colleyville Heritage (After not qualifying for state last year I think they all decided to make a big change. I saw them at Area F contest yesterday and they were phenomenal! Hope they have a great run at state this year!)

12. Burleson Centennial (I know they did really well last year, but I've been a little disappointed this year. They're playing songs from "How to Train your Dragon" which I absolutely love, and I get chills from the nostalgia. However, I just need moreeeee, if they can figure out how to crank some more sound out I can see them placing much higher. But I don't know how much can be done in this next week.)

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You also need to look at the size difference in BC compared to the other schools. They are a small band but are a 5A school. Very talented for such a small band and they keep up with the large bands. 

[astronautika]

  On 10/27/2024 at 8:33 PM, NotGodsHornline said:

Do you think that Lone Stars early time will effect their placement? The same thing happened to Aledo last year since they were in block one 

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Lone Star has had early prelims most of the season and been just fine. The consistency of the routine might even work on their favor at this point.

[WanderingTraveler]

  On 10/27/2024 at 5:50 PM, OGFISD99 said:

Who are everyone's predictions for finals? 

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I took a minute to try to focus on what is going on this year, and this is what I have come up with.

1. Cedar Park

2. Wakeland

3. Rouse

4. Lone Star

5. Leander

6. Aledo

7. Hendrickson

8. Mckinney North

9. Midlothian

10. Argyle

11. Colleyville Heritage

12. Friendswood

Bubble (Alphabetical Order): Burleson Centennial, Pieper, Richland, Roma

 

Cedar Park once again has a breathtaking show, and I fully expect a 7th Championship to come home to that band this year. However, Wakeland, Rouse, and Lone Star, in my opinion are closer than ever. Lone Star had a run in Area B prelims that made me believe that they would dethrone Wakeland for the Area B Champion title, but in finals Wakeland had the edge. Also Rouse sounds and looks phenomenal, so they could very well be second again, or take the title. Leander, Aledo, and Hendrickson are interchangeable to me, and honestly it will come down to judge preference + each of these bands runs on the day of prelims/finals IMO. Mckinney North is a dark horse. They have a super fun show and an outstanding sound, but it will be interesting to see how the judges rank a show like theirs in relation to some of the other bands. Argyle was also SUPER close to Mckinney North at area, so this could be a "Battle of the Area B Bands". The Area F schools (Midlothian, Colleyville Heritage, and Burleson Centennial) have been battling each other all year with flip-flopping placements, so honestly, the finals bubble seems super fluid to me. 8-15 placements will be very cutthroat.

[Dave609]

Hey all, sorry I've been inactive most of the weekend. Was at an event and was just now able to get on here. Anyways, this weekend was an interesting one! Some new faces will be performing in the Alamodome for the first time as a State Qualifier and some faces are making a return for the first time in a while. Below is each Area with their qualifiers and their first/last time they have been to state (Bands that are bolded are first time state advancers!)-

 

Area A-

J.M. Hanks HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Lubbock-Cooper HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Lubbock HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
El Dorado HS

Area B-

Wakeland HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Lone Star HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
McKinney North HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Argyle HS (Last Appearance: 2021 (4A))

Area C-

North Mesquite HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Mesquite Poteet HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Mount Pleasant HS (Last Appearance: 1989 (4A))
Lakeview Centennial HS

Area D-

Hendrickson HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Pieper HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Lake Belton HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Jack C. Hays HS (Last Appearance: 2020 (6A))
Smithson Valley HS (Last Appearance: 2023)

 

Area E-

Friendswood HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
College Station HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Barbers Hill HS (Last Appearance: 2015 (5A))
A&M Consolidated HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Kempner HS
Angleton HS

Area F-

Aledo HS (Last Appearance: 2023))
Midlothian HS (Last Appearance: 2019 (5A))
Colleyville Heritage HS (Last Appearance: 2021 (5A))
Burleson Centennial HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Richland HS (Last Appearance: 2023)

Area G-

Roma HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Sharyland Pioneer HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Brownsville Lopez Early College HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Sharyland HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Rio Grande City HS (Last Appearance: 2021 (5A))

Area H-

Cedar Park HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Rouse HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Leander HS (Last Appearance: 2023)
Glenn HS (Last Appearance: 2019 (5A))
Liberty Hill HS (Last Appearance: 2023)

 

 

In total, 26 bands are making a return to state from last year, 8 schools are making a return after some time, and 4 bands are advancing to state for the first time! This is really exciting and I wish the best of luck to all schools!

[humanprop00]

thoughts on the 4 new schools appearing at state? so excited for them!

[arandomperrson]

Mount Pleasant has also only been to state back in 1989, so this is practically their first time as well.

[txpurple21]

  On 10/20/2024 at 5:49 PM, NotGodsHornline said:

8. Colleyville Heritage (So proud of them for how they've done this year, and it is hard to see them losing to the other bands in Area F that they have already beaten this season)

 

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As someone that was at Area F and have seen Midlothian, Colleyville (CH) and BCten multiple times; Midlothian’s 2nd place finish ahead of  CH was well deserved. Midlo came in 1st (by 0.17 points) over CH in prelims at the early Mansfield contest. Finals CH came in 1st by 0.3 points. They are very neck and neck. BoA Waco I believe Midlo should have advanced to Finals. However, BoA judges differently than UIL. Midlothian was one of my favorite shows at BoA and Area. I wouldn’t dismiss Midlothian’s Area placement over CH. Their sound, marching lines and overall visual is so good. I’ve really enjoyed their show this season as it has grown and evolved.  Hopefully, they have a great, clean run next week. They are my Cinderella team that I’m rooting for to make finals. 

[DrumLine]

  On 10/10/2024 at 7:19 PM, OGFISD99 said:

If we take a look at CP Rouse and Wakeland... they have more drill than Lone Star... that is what takes you from  top 3 to 4th to 10th..... Being an old timer band member it's always been about who has the best technique marching, floating the forms and straight lines and diagnels ...... and the bands I see accomplishing these things are those 3 bands... Lone Star is almost there... they just need do a little  more marching technique training and they'll be seriously taken at State Uil and BOA'S.. 

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This is just an observation: Wakeland does what they do VERY well, and I have the UTMOST respect for the product they put on the field, but I have to point this out. If you look at their show this year, they are marching in lines (and mini formations) that are just 2-5 people deep -- for the majority of the entire show. Of course the forms and straight lines and diagonals look cleaner, because it's minimalistic and lacks the degree of difficulty that bands with lines of 15-20 deep have. Before the comments flow in, and understanding the point I'm trying to make, take a few minutes to watch Wakeland's show and then tell me why I'm wrong.

[OGFISD99]

  On 10/28/2024 at 4:06 PM, DrumLine said:

This is just an observation: Wakeland does what they do VERY well, and I have the UTMOST respect for the product they put on the field, but I have to point this out. If you look at their show this year, they are marching in lines (and mini formations) that are just 2-5 people deep -- for the majority of the entire show. Of course the forms and straight lines and diagonals look cleaner, because it's minimalistic and lacks the degree of difficulty that bands with lines of 15-20 deep have. Before the comments flow in, and understanding the point I'm trying to make, take a few minutes to watch Wakeland's show and then tell me why I'm wrong.

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I agree with you it's simple and clean...  I've said this to everyone in Frisco isd . Their show is not as captivating as last years.. In my opinion it's missing that magic...... Lone Star's  show has that magic of drawing everyone in ... especially when they move on to their ballad... The trombones sound rich and luscious.... then the mellowphones take it over and breath a bigger breath of life to it..... then finally the whole  band joins and gives it life..... I everytime i see the show i see new spectators eyes water up.... and with Wakeland I haven't seen it yet other than the parents of Wakeland...  Wakeland has a clean show  and music is not as dynamic as others but their cleanliness gets them the numbers.... 

[WanderingTraveler]

  On 10/28/2024 at 4:52 PM, OGFISD99 said:

I agree with you it's simple and clean...  I've said this to everyone in Frisco isd . Their show is not as captivating as last years.. In my opinion it's missing that magic...... Lone Star's  show has that magic of drawing everyone in ... especially when they move on to their ballad... The trombones sound rich and luscious.... then the mellowphones take it over and breath a bigger breath of life to it..... then finally the whole  band joins and gives it life..... I everytime i see the show i see new spectators eyes water up.... and with Wakeland I haven't seen it yet other than the parents of Wakeland...  Wakeland has a clean show  and music is not as dynamic as others but their cleanliness gets them the numbers.... 

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I agree with this. Lone Star in Area B prelims was all this + ridiculously clean. Depending on their run they could very well be Top 2.

[CDLune VA]

I’ve got high hopes for the state bands. After looking at the schedule, I can safely say that state this season is going to be awesome. With the level of competition this year, there are many open windows for surprises. As of now, here are my predictions:

 

1. Cedar Park

2. Rouse

3. Wakeland

4. Leander

5. Aledo

6. Lone Star

7. Glenn

8. Hendrickson

9. Roma

10. Friendswood

11. Argyle

12. ???

 

Top 3 might be interchangeable, 4-6 are definitely interchangeable, and 7-12 are as flexible as a rubber band. Also, I just put Glenn on the list with the assumption that they’re good, since they’re a Leander school. I don’t actually know what they’re like since I’ve never seen them before. 12 is a question mark because there’s only 11 bands I can think of that are most likely to make finals. Slot 12 could be taken by anyone, honestly.

[DrumLine]

  On 10/28/2024 at 4:52 PM, OGFISD99 said:

I agree with you it's simple and clean...  I've said this to everyone in Frisco isd . Their show is not as captivating as last years.. In my opinion it's missing that magic...... Lone Star's  show has that magic of drawing everyone in ... especially when they move on to their ballad... The trombones sound rich and luscious.... then the mellowphones take it over and breath a bigger breath of life to it..... then finally the whole  band joins and gives it life..... I everytime i see the show i see new spectators eyes water up.... and with Wakeland I haven't seen it yet other than the parents of Wakeland...  Wakeland has a clean show  and music is not as dynamic as others but their cleanliness gets them the numbers.... 

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That's my point. Aesthetically, it's pleasing and precise -- as Wakeland shows have come to be known for. However, it lacks degree of difficulty and the "wow" factor they've had in past years. It's TOO minimalistic.

[Tubalord11]

  On 10/28/2024 at 6:51 PM, CDLune VA said:

I’ve got high hopes for the state bands. After looking at the schedule, I can safely say that state this season is going to be awesome. With the level of competition this year, there are many open windows for surprises. As of now, here are my predictions:

 

1. Cedar Park

2. Rouse

3. Wakeland

4. Leander

5. Aledo

6. Lone Star

7. Glenn

8. Hendrickson

9. Roma

10. Friendswood

11. Argyle

12. ???

 

Top 3 might be interchangeable, 4-6 are definitely interchangeable, and 7-12 are as flexible as a rubber band. Also, I just put Glenn on the list with the assumption that they’re good, since they’re a Leander school. I don’t actually know what they’re like since I’ve never seen them before. 12 is a question mark because there’s only 11 bands I can think of that are most likely to make finals. Slot 12 could be taken by anyone, honestly.

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Glenn is good, but not the level of the 3 other Leander schools, but hopefully we seem them on the upward trajectory towards state finals soon