UIL 6A Area I 2025

[ruben_f]

Please let this be a normal area contest! 🤞🏻 (no rain but absolutely need finals) 

[BandFan2025]

2 hours ago, ruben_f said:

Please let this be a normal area contest! 🤞🏻 (no rain but absolutely need finals) 

Area I will never be normal something has to go wrong.

[11BandMan11]

1 hour ago, BandFan2025 said:

Area I will never be normal something has to go wrong.

Knowing how Area I goes each year with shenanigans, next year heres a couple options that can happen, and all seem very feasible 🤣

1) Even with turf fields, somehow a sprinkler system gets put in, turns on, and sprays through some performances 

2) All the iPads and scoring systems simultaneously crash on CompSuite causing immediate spontaneous combustion of scoring systems 

3) 29 groups who advance to Area, and then a group somehow petitions their region evaluation and gets added to make it 30 at Area, also adding a State spot 

4) Just because why not make it blow up for more than Area I, all marching Area contests get cease and desist notifications because Tresona and other copyright groups fold and record label companies and artists demand no performances  

5) A prop wheel damages the turf on the 50 revealing the entrance to the Looney Toon world, like the original Space Jam under the putting green 

[Sideswiperr]

1 minute ago, 11BandMan11 said:

Knowing how Area I goes each year with shenanigans, next year heres a couple options that can happen, and all seem very feasible 🤣

1) Even with turf fields, somehow a sprinkler system gets put in, turns on, and sprays through some performances 

2) All the iPads and scoring systems simultaneously crash on CompSuite causing immediate spontaneous combustion of scoring systems 

3) 29 groups who advance to Area, and then a group somehow petitions their region evaluation and gets added to make it 30 at Area, also adding a State spot 

4) Just because why not make it blow up for more than Area I, all marching Area contests get cease and desist notifications because Tresona and other copyright groups fold and record label companies and artists demand no performances  

5) A prop wheel damages the turf on the 50 revealing the entrance to the Looney Toon world, like the original Space Jam under the putting green 

6) I go crazy and March a show mySELF, and all 5 judges put me in first place, which seems most plausible out of the 6?

[ruben_f]

52 minutes ago, Sideswiperr said:

6) I go crazy and March a show mySELF, and all 5 judges put me in first place, which seems most plausible out of the 6?

7) ONLY area I is canceled for the 2025 season 

[ruben_f]

also thoughts on a 7A? I feel like once a 7A happens (maybe 2026 realignment) this area won’t exist bc most of these bands have a enrollment above 3,000 

[Sideswiperr]

5 minutes ago, ruben_f said:

also thoughts on a 7A? I feel like once a 7A happens (maybe 2026 realignment) this area won’t exist bc most of these bands have a enrollment above 3,000 

If that happened, Langham Creek/Cy-Falls could remain in 6A based on numbers, hope that reasoning will help some of that.

[cheeto2401]

On 11/24/2024 at 3:57 PM, ruben_f said:

also thoughts on a 7A? I feel like once a 7A happens (maybe 2026 realignment) this area won’t exist bc most of these bands have a enrollment above 3,000 

7A state competition would literally be DCI 

[Houston213]

I absolutely love this area and I can talk for hours about this area alone. Coming out of 2024 and going into the 2025 season there is a lot to say and a lot of unanswered questions we will not know until the next season starts. 

Bridgeland: I'm going to flat out say that they are the best band in this area. I don't think that can be challenged and beat at this point. They are the most consistent band that get the results of a great band in the state. They've been consistent state qualifiers since 2020, won the area three times now, two time state finalists, and they are a super regional and grand national finalists. I might even say they are the third best band in Houston behind TWHS and Pearland without a doubt. I think in order for them to move higher as finalists is to get harder drill and book similar to those of Coppell, Pearland, or Marcus. But I think they have what they need to be consistent finalists in these big contests for a long time.

Cypress Woods: Theyre a good band that I think doesn't always get what they deserve. 29th at state this year was rough and I expected them to be at least in the teens but there was something that the majority of the judges saw that made them believe they deserved that placement. I believe their book is more complex and difficult than BL's however their drill doesn't compare. Cypress Woods has progressively gotten dangerously close to BOA SA finals but I feel like they need something extraordinary to push them into a finalist position. I honestly don't see them making state finals in a long time but they are very close to BOA SA finals. 

Cy- Fair: The main thought that comes mind when I think of Cy-Fair was "what happened"? They just came out of a great season in 2023 being the BOA Conroe Champion and state finalist. However, their 2024 show wasn't scored very high in comparison. I feel like their drill and book was limited despite obviously having great brass and woodwind players. they have an amazing balance in the brass that is super powerful but their book this year didn't help compliment that. I don't know what 2025 is going to look like for this band. Cy-Fair could easily be reintroduced to state finals or not. They have the players to be state finalists, but I think it comes down to the drill and book. 

Seven Lakes: Wow. talk about come back season. This band didn't do extraordinary with scoring and placements at the beginning of the season ( 9th at Webster, 6th at Waco, 4th at Area) but managed to place 14th at BOA SA and State earning them finalist spots at both major contests. Their sound was phenomenal and so impactful. But the question becomes: will they stay in this position in 2025 or will they lose their finalist spot? At the beginning of the season, everyone thought Jordan would steal that 4th area spot but boy was that proven wrong this season. I believe if SL can improve the difficulty in their drill, then they can potentially keep their finalist spots. 

Jordan:  This band had a lot of hype at the beginning of the season and as they should. This young band has been growing very consistently and progressively similar to Bridgeland's growth. Jordan managed to beat Seven Lakes at the Katy Invitational. I think this band has a very high chance at making state in 2025 if 5 spots are open because I don't think the top 4 are moving down anytime soon. I was a bit disappointed with their area placement this year as I thought they would secure the 5th spot but without finals, I don't think the placements were super accurate in my opinion. 

Cinco Ranch: This is their second time being one spot shy of being an state qualifier (2021 when they got 5th). Cinco Ranch has great shows and a powerful brass but I think they need more cleaning in order to snatch a state spot and of course harder drill that I am sure they can execute. I think their brass needs to be better balanced and blend more with each other to compare with the Area I top 4. 

James E Taylor: Another bubble band for state that I could see taking the 5th spot as they have done it before in 2022 I believe. This band sounds pretty good by the time area comes along it is just a matter of how they execute their drill and book and how difficult it is to compare with the big 4 of the area. 

Tompkins: Another band that has made state and last year they managed to beat Cypress Woods and Seven Lakes at area finals. They also made state in 2020. It seems like this band isn't very consistent with placements as they placed 8, I believe, right after placing 3rd the previous year. It depends on their drill and book once again. I believe all these bubble bands have the talent to make state if there is a 5th spot but it comes down to how hard their production is and how well they can execute it. 

 

Once again, it is too soon to tell what 2025 will look like but I think it's safe to say BL, CW, CF, and SL are guarantee state qualifiers and the 5th spot is up for grabs if the required amount of bands qualify for area and allows for a 5th spot to open which is definitely possible. 

[121311313]

On 11/26/2024 at 4:27 PM, Houston213 said:

I absolutely love this area and I can talk for hours about this area alone. Coming out of 2024 and going into the 2025 season there is a lot to say and a lot of unanswered questions we will not know until the next season starts. 

Bridgeland: I'm going to flat out say that they are the best band in this area. I don't think that can be challenged and beat at this point. They are the most consistent band that get the results of a great band in the state. They've been consistent state qualifiers since 2020, won the area three times now, two time state finalists, and they are a super regional and grand national finalists. I might even say they are the third best band in Houston behind TWHS and Pearland without a doubt. I think in order for them to move higher as finalists is to get harder drill and book similar to those of Coppell, Pearland, or Marcus. But I think they have what they need to be consistent finalists in these big contests for a long time.

Cypress Woods: Theyre a good band that I think doesn't always get what they deserve. 29th at state this year was rough and I expected them to be at least in the teens but there was something that the majority of the judges saw that made them believe they deserved that placement. I believe their book is more complex and difficult than BL's however their drill doesn't compare. Cypress Woods has progressively gotten dangerously close to BOA SA finals but I feel like they need something extraordinary to push them into a finalist position. I honestly don't see them making state finals in a long time but they are very close to BOA SA finals. 

Cy- Fair: The main thought that comes mind when I think of Cy-Fair was "what happened"? They just came out of a great season in 2023 being the BOA Conroe Champion and state finalist. However, their 2024 show wasn't scored very high in comparison. I feel like their drill and book was limited despite obviously having great brass and woodwind players. they have an amazing balance in the brass that is super powerful but their book this year didn't help compliment that. I don't know what 2025 is going to look like for this band. Cy-Fair could easily be reintroduced to state finals or not. They have the players to be state finalists, but I think it comes down to the drill and book. 

Seven Lakes: Wow. talk about come back season. This band didn't do extraordinary with scoring and placements at the beginning of the season ( 9th at Webster, 6th at Waco, 4th at Area) but managed to place 14th at BOA SA and State earning them finalist spots at both major contests. Their sound was phenomenal and so impactful. But the question becomes: will they stay in this position in 2025 or will they lose their finalist spot? At the beginning of the season, everyone thought Jordan would steal that 4th area spot but boy was that proven wrong this season. I believe if SL can improve the difficulty in their drill, then they can potentially keep their finalist spots. 

Jordan:  This band had a lot of hype at the beginning of the season and as they should. This young band has been growing very consistently and progressively similar to Bridgeland's growth. Jordan managed to beat Seven Lakes at the Katy Invitational. I think this band has a very high chance at making state in 2025 if 5 spots are open because I don't think the top 4 are moving down anytime soon. I was a bit disappointed with their area placement this year as I thought they would secure the 5th spot but without finals, I don't think the placements were super accurate in my opinion. 

Cinco Ranch: This is their second time being one spot shy of being an state qualifier (2021 when they got 5th). Cinco Ranch has great shows and a powerful brass but I think they need more cleaning in order to snatch a state spot and of course harder drill that I am sure they can execute. I think their brass needs to be better balanced and blend more with each other to compare with the Area I top 4. 

James E Taylor: Another bubble band for state that I could see taking the 5th spot as they have done it before in 2022 I believe. This band sounds pretty good by the time area comes along it is just a matter of how they execute their drill and book and how difficult it is to compare with the big 4 of the area. 

Tompkins: Another band that has made state and last year they managed to beat Cypress Woods and Seven Lakes at area finals. They also made state in 2020. It seems like this band isn't very consistent with placements as they placed 8, I believe, right after placing 3rd the previous year. It depends on their drill and book once again. I believe all these bubble bands have the talent to make state if there is a 5th spot but it comes down to how hard their production is and how well they can execute it. 

 

Once again, it is too soon to tell what 2025 will look like but I think it's safe to say BL, CW, CF, and SL are guarantee state qualifiers and the 5th spot is up for grabs if the required amount of bands qualify for area and allows for a 5th spot to open which is definitely possible. 

thoughts on bands like Langham creek, Katy, and Cy-Ranch?

[Sideswiperr]

On 12/2/2024 at 7:40 AM, 121311313 said:

thoughts on bands like Langham creek, Katy, and Cy-Ranch?

Honestly what bothers me the most about this previous areas contest, is we all talked about who was making finals the entire season. Only for very close scores(1) point with inconsistent Judging across the board lol. So as much as I HATE to say this, it’s still up for grabs in terms of finals, I mean you could have adjusted one groups score by 1 and they would’ve jump up 3-4 spots lol. But nonetheless, Langham Creek and Cy-Ranch have showed tremendous growth in these programs. They’ve produced a sound that I would have never thought to hear out of these bands a few years ago. Congrats to Katy on a successful season as well.

[ruben_f]

On 11/26/2024 at 4:27 PM, Houston213 said:

I believe if SL can improve the difficulty in their drill,

I think that’s why Jordan beat 7L at the Katy Invitational. 7L’s drill was too simple and easy.

[Trombone_lover17]

I know there's obviously no way to tell right now but I just have a feeling that we're gonna see a huge comeback from the likes of Tompkins and Jordan next year. Cinco Ranch, too, after barely missing state. For example, Tompkins jumping from 9th in 2021 and 8th in 2022 to 3rd in 2023. Who do y'all expect to see jump up in the rankings next year? Any wildcards that I missed?

[ruben_f]

16 hours ago, Trombone_lover17 said:

I know there's obviously no way to tell right now but I just have a feeling that we're gonna see a huge comeback from the likes of Tompkins and Jordan next year. Cinco Ranch, too, after barely missing state. For example, Tompkins jumping from 9th in 2021 and 8th in 2022 to 3rd in 2023. Who do y'all expect to see jump up in the rankings next year? Any wildcards that I missed?

I could see Katy potentially missing finals if bands like Cy Ranch, Paetow, Jersey Village, and Langham Creek continue to improve.

Keep in mind that Katy and Cy Ranch tied for 10th place in 2024. 🫣

 

[Sideswiperr]

On 1/20/2025 at 10:32 AM, ruben_f said:

I could see Katy potentially missing finals if bands like Cy Ranch, Paetow, Jersey Village, and Langham Creek continue to improve.

Keep in mind that Katy and Cy Ranch tied for 10th place in 2024. 🫣

 

That bubble group of Cy-Ranch, Paetow, JV, and Langham is like the four horsemen of the bubble. 

[ndndbfjfj]

4 hours ago, Sideswiperr said:

That bubble group of Cy-Ranch, Paetow, JV, and Langham is like the four horsemen of the bubble. 

It could just be me and the way I saw it but based on these 4 bands levels this year, visuals might be the deciding factor since the music score is pretty consistent at most competitions each year but the visual score varies, usually to judging (3 of the 4 bands mentioned had a wide gap between visual scores this year), since Paetow had a huge jump from 2023 but JV and LC not improving or stepping back from 2023 and cy ranch with a slight fall back from 2023 and 2024 battle at the berry.

[ndndbfjfj]

On 1/19/2025 at 5:21 PM, Trombone_lover17 said:

I know there's obviously no way to tell right now but I just have a feeling that we're gonna see a huge comeback from the likes of Tompkins and Jordan next year. Cinco Ranch, too, after barely missing state. For example, Tompkins jumping from 9th in 2021 and 8th in 2022 to 3rd in 2023. Who do y'all expect to see jump up in the rankings next year? Any wildcards that I missed?

Taylor, they've been in the top 7, always being within 2 of a state spot, and making it in 2022, so I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor is able to take the 4th or 5th spot and take a spot from a contender from Katy like Jordan, Cinco, Tompkins, maybe even 7L, but that might be a stretch, as tompkins jordan or cinco have been able to produce strong contending show for a state spot past 3 years.

[Oboeish20]

Cinco Ranch will be in the top 3. Just watch.

Their marching band director has a track record of taking "decent" programs and shooting them up really quick.

[Sideswiperr]

18 hours ago, Oboeish20 said:

Cinco Ranch will be in the top 3. Just watch.

Their marching band director has a track record of taking "decent" programs and shooting them up really quick.

I don’t doubt what you’re saying, come area this year, anyone who believes that cinco will not be in the top 3, come area, if they are not in the top 3 in finals, you owe me a dominos pizza with a coke. EXTRA LARGE.

[MrPfeif]

19 hours ago, Oboeish20 said:

Cinco Ranch will be in the top 3. Just watch.

Their marching band director has a track record of taking "decent" programs and shooting them up really quick.

Who’s the new cinco director and what program did he come from? I have heard some of my friends saying similar things about him.

[ruben_f]

1 hour ago, MrPfeif said:

Who’s the new cinco director and what program did he come from? I have heard some of my friends saying similar things about him.

In 2024, Brian Stevens was appointed as the new Assistant director at Cinco. He was previously with the Stephen F. Austin High School Band in Sugar Land, TX, from 1999 to 2012. (Source: Cinco Ranch Band Website)

During Stevens' time at SFA "the marching band was a consistent Bands of America (BOA) Regional and Super Regional finalist, winning six Regional Championships. They also attended the BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis in 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2010, making the Finals each time. The band program has made appearances at the Texas UIL State Marching Band Championships," (Also, Cinco Ranch Band Website)

[ndndbfjfj]

Listening in from all the people in high school region, it seems that the show reveals might be a little bit earlier for the katyisd schools like Paetow, Mayde Creek, 7L, Tompkins, and Taylor.

[bassboneman]

On 11/24/2024 at 2:51 PM, 11BandMan11 said:

Knowing how Area I goes each year with shenanigans, next year heres a couple options that can happen, and all seem very feasible 🤣

1) Even with turf fields, somehow a sprinkler system gets put in, turns on, and sprays through some performances 

2) All the iPads and scoring systems simultaneously crash on CompSuite causing immediate spontaneous combustion of scoring systems 

3) 29 groups who advance to Area, and then a group somehow petitions their region evaluation and gets added to make it 30 at Area, also adding a State spot 

4) Just because why not make it blow up for more than Area I, all marching Area contests get cease and desist notifications because Tresona and other copyright groups fold and record label companies and artists demand no performances  

5) A prop wheel damages the turf on the 50 revealing the entrance to the Looney Toon world, like the original Space Jam under the putting green 

Knowing the area I...I would say there is a fair chance for all of these to happen. Not only a chance for anyone but for all of these too happen at the same time.

[FwefewF]

We need to get competitive betting on this area at some point because what happened last year was too strange to not take advantage of

[Sideswiperr]

Agreed, that year was something I was REALLY looking forward to, all for it not to be a regular contest😭