Review: BOA GN Prelims Day 2 (Part 1)

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Bands of America Grand National Championships

November 8-11, 2006

RCA Dome

Indianapolis, IN

 

Buckeye High School

Medina, OH

Repertoire: "Moulin Rouge Opener," "One Day I'll Fly Away" and "Rhythm of The Night/Nature Boy"

Comments: Two giant folding fans were placed at an angle between the side A 30 and 35. In front of these fans was a platform with ramps leading up to it on both sides. The woodwinds get their sound to me soundly. Marching technique was NOT defined. (Most of the marchers marched with bent knees and flat feet.) A trumpet soloist accomplished solo, now. The sound from this group was, as a whole, quite weak. All right, that circle form that turned was round enough. The auxiliary was same at some times and different at other times. This group made it through their show with a firm focus, and a forward sound to finish (with wind players in the pit zone). Good work!

My Score: 57.20

My Day 2 Placement: 45th

My Overall Placement: 90th

 

Southaven High School

Southaven, MS

Repertoire: "Affairs of the Heart" including "As Time Goes By," "Every Breath You Take," "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic," "I Can't Make You Love Me If You Don't" and "Fortress Around Your Heart"

Comments: In the right rear corner of the green turf were huge props that looked like cornstalks with pink flowers not in bloom. Wind players in a slight diagonal stood back-to-back, and then attached themselves with their hands. Okay, I like what I see with the legs. (Most marched in time.) The synthesizer kids pumped out some sweet tunes, and laid a solid foundation amongst "the rest." These kids had a sound that filled up the dome, but they had lots of curved forms and did not move much. The guard was pretty adept at twirling/tossing the guns. Ah, how ROMANTIC. (The trombone soloist gives one of the guard girls a pink flower after playing his solo.) This show had a lot of "heart," and was performed quite well.

My Score: 69.80

My Day 2 Placement: 34th

My Overall Placement: 59th

 

Campbell County High School

Alexandria, KY

Repertoire: "Elements of Time" including "I. Mechanics of Time," "II. The Hourglass" and "III. The Countdown"

Comments: Backdrops with roman numerals were placed on four parts of the field, appearing to mimic the structure of a clock, with 12, 3, 6, and 9. One backdrop had a picture of a clock. Excellent rotation of double-file lines, gang. Great crescendo, then disappearance, then ENORMOUS re-appearance. This group moved like CLOCKWORK. Sure, there were a few weak members here and there...but they were strongest as a whole. Just take a look at that two-click rifle catch--one to catch and one to snap it vertical. These kids bopped their heads, and hit some forms with magnificent accuracy, and the let the drums take over. Wow! This show was wide awake! Outstanding.

My Score: 77.60

My Day 2 Placement: 24th

My Overall Placement: 38th

 

Winston Churchill High School

San Antonio, TX

Repertoire: "Deception of Perception" featuring the music of Vincent Perischetti

Comments: The high platforms on the front sideline were draped with black curtains. On the platforms were uniformed horn and flute musicians. A warm backfield sound, and a serious trumpet soloist, followed by, yes, mellophone calls, soon had these "musicians" atop the platforms disrobing. Voila! There is the guard! With all the tough, tough work the guard does, I am pleased to write that there were very few drops. (Was this gang WORLD CLASS, or what?) Aaah, release, aaah...so nice. The lines in the backfield rotated awkwardly when the woodwinds up front halted to play. The rifle twirling in each hand by the rifle elites ROCKED! The end of their show was swift and harsh. All right, all right, ALL RIGHT!

My Score: 86.30

My Day 2 Placement: 9th

My Overall Placement: 15th

 

James Bowie High School

Austin, TX

Repertoire: "A Little Night Music" including "Wilder Nights," "Moon Musik" and "Shadow Musik"

Comments: This band seemed both hyped and loose as they jumped around in their straight lines before the show. A masked man with a white top hat and suit strolled around, checking his watch. Lines converged and split apart. Sweet. Whoa! These kids showed off their sound like KINGS. The ballad was moving, and the front stage couple of masked man and, later, masked woman, were standouts. These folks kept their sound to the edge with no holds barred. There was more than one time, though, when I wished they moved with they did not move. Wow, they took their show as far as it could go, yeah? To hear and see the passion is a great, great thing. These guys "had it."

My Score: 84.00

My Day 2 Placement: 13th

My Overall Placement: 21st

 

Upland High School

Upland, CA

Repertoire: "Laws of Motion" including "Inertia," "Force" and "Action vs. Reaction"

Comments: A combination of fast marching and slow marching preceded the show, as the wind players made their way from the left end zone to the block they start their show in. Creaky sounds and then 'tronic beats got them going...and then an announcement of "The Laws." Baritones, get that sound locked in. Yeah, yeah trumpets! Good golly, guys. (That was amongst the loudest sounds here.) The sabre toss from one guard girl to another was right on. Great flag snap up at the last hit of the note in the ballad. Trumpets, strengthen the horn snaps a bit more, and OOH! Horn angles? Horn angles? Horn angles? The moving block/bouncing lines move was a good one. Yesssss, trumpet squealer, haaaaa! The band stops at the word "stop." (How cool is that?) Oh, and welcome to BOA Grand Nationals...you fit right in!

My Score: 85.90

My Day 2 Placement: 10th

My Overall Placement: 16th

 

Blue Springs High School

Blue Springs, MO

Repertoire: "Gotham: After Hours"

Comments: Tall, three-pronged lampposts on rollers were situated on the left and rear portions of the field. The drumline got in a crisp diagonal form, and yes, the first notes were percussive, first with the mallets and then a snare. WHAM! This band wacks you hard with their opening hits. Don't just stand there, band...a dance move of sorts could totally be done after the trumpet section goes berserk. The swingin' jazz music of "Moondance" is smokin'! Wow...relentless, relentless, relentless. Trumpets, watch spacing. (Sousaphones, you too.) Drumline, you guys were a translation for showmanship! The end of their show was a ball of fire! Wheeeeew! Loud, louder, loudest. Oh yeah.

My Score: 78.00

My Day 2 Placement: 23rd

My Overall Placement: 37th

 

The Woodlands High School

The Woodlands, TX

Repertoire: "Hide and Seek" featuring "Concerto for Orchestra" by Bela Bartok and "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap

Comments: If you are going to practice rifle catches front and center, you had better catch them...and this girl did. Oh man...I love how the Imogen Heap music seems to fade out and give way to the announcer's announcement of this green and black goliath. A bright sound from the winds is countered with a "Heap-ish" sound from the vocals up front. That is an interesting way to hold the sax, saxophones. (Neat!) A two-step dance, plus lunge fits fine with the sax/flute duet. The playful antics of the winds on side A is a pure joy to watch. Could this auxiliary be ANY better? I mean, wow! Wow, wow, WOW! "Gotcha!" You sure did!

My Score: 92.50

My Day 2 Placement: 4th

My Overall Placement: 4th

 

Eastern High School

Greentown, IN

Repertoire: "Persis" by James Hosay and "Last to Defend" by David Shaff

Comments: The musicians were dressed like they were going on a safari, with collared white shirts that had a water canteen hanging on a strap that was hung around one shoulder, and brown pants. A rim tap, along with a sneaky synth sound, provided the mystery. These kids had a bold sound, though some notes did not come across as boldly as I would have liked. Harness all the notes as one, sections. The auxiliary work on the oasis prop--splendid. Is there a hole in the tuba line, and why are the tubas walking (not marching)? Ooh, don't get ugly on me, trumpets. All right, these explorers explored in time. The drill goes a little nuts at the tail end, which I like. Okay, this show had some rough edges, but some things worked for them. I like how they dressed the part, and had a wonderous landscape. Their props were quite, quite vivid.

My Score: 58.90

My Day 2 Placement: 42nd

My Overall Placement: 86th

 

Cypress Falls High School

Houston, TX

Repertoire: "A Different Drummer" including music selections from "Concerto for Orchestra" by Bela Bartok and Aaron Guidry

Comments: This band was unique in that they contained a full string section, all amped up. (Yes!) Three circles of grounded horns had the winds in different poses within. Drum beats activate these kids. At first, I did not hear the strings...but then the kid at the mixing board shaped up. More strings, please? Oh, don't get me wrong...the marching winds had a super sound. (I just want this band to take advantage of their uniqueness.) Most of the drill moves snapped into place. Aaaaah, violin solo, so delicate. That is great how the string section gets some visual time with swivel chairs that can make them face away of towards us. The ending of this show was not as big as I hoped it would be. Despite this, though, they pulled off quite an imaginative show.

My Score: 83.20

My Day 2 Placement: 15th

My Overall Placement: 25th

 

L.D. Bell High School

Hurst, TX

Repertoire: "The Remaining" including "Hound of Heaven" by James Syler, Philip Feeney's "Ballet Dracula," "King Kong" by James Newton Howard and James Horner's "A Beautiful Mind"

Comments: "Go Texas!" yelled the band parents of a different Texas band out here. (What class!) Five synthesizers helped get this band in the groove...BIG TIME. Wow, these kids don't even have to try! Saxophone leading that line rotation, get in front, there, GET IN FRONT. Ooh, a snare drummer caused a scare with a fall, but slotted back within the section. The mental mishaps prevailed, no? I mean, I did see one drop (a rifle). Despite these setbacks, these machines drove! That marching horn feature was stunning. Mmmm, don't run out of breath on the run to the rhombus, winds! Ha! The guard gal at the end who runs in fear almost tackles the judge on the field, ha ha! (THAT startled him.) This show was a jaw-dropper, and one to remember.

My Score: 93.90

My Day 2 Placement: 2nd

My Overall Placement: 2nd

 

Roosevelt High School

Sioux Falls, SD

Repertoire: "The Firebreathers" including "Creation," "Life Breaths Within It," "Ritual," "Stoking the Fire" and "Dragon Flight"

Comments: Two giant dragon props--one orange and one green--were divided by a large, black gate, and two cauldrons that contained colorful cloth strips blown upwards to resemble fire. Ambient sounds, with guard member draped with capes that seemed to have scale patterns, made this show stand out. What else stood out with this show? How about that jolting brass section? Ugh! Trumpet section on side B, relax, would ya'? (They seemed to choke up their sounds. Okay, these percussionists roared, and the dance "touch" by the winds--absolutely! This deep, dark show captured the mind. Form control seemed to suffice, but...ooh, trumpets, ooh--what was THAT? Ha haaa! I liked the green stream-- Yeah. Great show, great show.

My Score: 83.00

My Day 2 Placement: 16th

My Overall Placement: 26th

 

Tarpon Springs High School

Tarpon Springs, FL

Repertoire: "Every Passion Has Its Destiny" including "Starting Line," "Mile 5," "Mile 10," "Mile 15" and "Finish Line"

Comments: The field was transformed into a track event, with a huge tarp center field, and numerous strips of tarp that formed an actual orange track ON the field. The wind players had numbers on their back. Muted trumpets, running man poses, and some picture-perfect drill so amazed. A heart beat sound kicks in, and then a soprano saxophone soloist kicks in. I love the center point of focus running man pose in a verticle line bend move. These kids stretched themselves to the far limits. During the ballad, the drill is mostly stopped. Wacky trombone players loosen these champs up some. Oh no, a crucial rifle catch did NOT happen. I got chills when the runner reaches the end of his run, as the narrator announces that the ONLY race is with oneself. Touching. This show will definitely stick with me. So true, so true.

My Score: 94.10

My Day 2 Placement: 1st

My Overall Placement: 1st

 

Kennesaw Mountain High School

Kennesaw, GA

Repertoire: "Stages" including "Admiration," "Between" and "Changes"

Comments: My goodness, there was a different color on each uniform--either one of six colors. A child's voice narrates the meaning of letters in the alphabet. Whoa! THAT was a flute part for ya'! A head tilt, with flags that had a letter of the alphabet, was head strong. When adolescence is the next stage of their show, solos come into light, breaking down judgment. Oh, that sound of theirs in that triangle form is to die for! HOWEVER...and this is a big HOWEVER...that triangle basks in its glory much too long, no? There is some simple leg work with that Adams piece. Gadzooks! Those last few drill moves were frantic, with a triangle formation that JUST hangs in there on a rotation. These guys were a juggernaut in sight and sound.

My Score: 89.50

My Day 2 Placement: 7th

My Overall Placement: 8th

 

Clinton High School

Clinton, TN

Repertoire: "Out of Darkness and Into the Light"

Comments: Backdrops, increasing in "light" go from black in the far rear, to white up at the front (with shades of grey in between). An ominous sound attaches, and then when the winds face front they keep the mood intact. Argh! The rifle work was quite sloppy. I do not know if it was just me or what...but the drums seemed to be more noise than notes at times. The ballad was righteous in music, though the flat diamond form with slight movements moved me not. The trumpet section did not seem to gel. Excellent side-step work, winds, and the jazz run was full on YES! Ha ha! The cymbal player marching with a wooden arm crashed his cymbal against his arm with guts! Each band has a story, and this story was a good one.

My Score: 64.30

My Day 2 Placement: 36th

My Overall Placement: 73rd

 

Walton High School

Marietta, GA

Repertoire: "Life Outside the Box" including "Awakening," "Contemplation" and "Rejoicing"

Comments: Large cube-like props housed various parts of the winds and the guard. (The winds within posed like they were trying to break out of these things.) A member of the auxiliary is hoisted upwards by her teammates in one of the cubes on the 50 (nearest the front sideline). I hear much care for the notes they play. With some notes that went off balance, so did some of the cubes which were forced to tip a bit. I want you to dare me to fall for your drill, gang...this was far from happening in the ballad. Hey, that was a sparkling visual touch when a sabre was tossed through the roof of one of those cubes, as the cube was rotated circularly...but alas, the rifle was uncaught. The swirling form in the middle of the new "cube barrier formation" enlivened. Congrats, people

My Score: 80.00

My Day 2 Placement: 20th

My Overall Placement: 34th

 

Cleveland High School

Cleveland, TN

Repertoire: "Dynamic Duos: A Study in Pairs and Duets"

Comments: Fists linked the arms on the field, as pairs of winds and guard were nearly all around. An amped sax, and a finger twiddling baritone CONNECT! This group has a strong sound. (Check!) Now...what else do they have? I see rifles were caught nearly the same. (The second time around, though...nope.) The chest thump and holding up of two fingers at the end of the stressing first movement SANK. Superior work, everyone. The flute and bari sax "Unforgetable" duet seemed to propel, and made excel. There is that symbolic fist touch in closue. I felt the percussion show could have used some more electro in it...and oooookay. I gues my wish is your command, ha ha! Some synthetic drum beats and sc-scratching compelled. This band held their theme high...excellent.

My Score: 77.00

My Day 2 Placement: 25th

My Overall Placement: 40th

 

Bassett High School

Bassett, VA

Repertoire: "Phenomenon"...the mysterious and unexplained

Comments: Two-shades-of-grey and black uniforms had a bright orange stripe on the guantlets of the swaying marchers, and on the chest of the pit crew. Narration is loud, perhaps TOO loud. Oh my lord do these kids put out the sound...and auxiliary, you handle those arrow tools well! Great work thus far! Kaleidoscopic triangle drill represents unfathomable. Stay in step, mellos, and now...good. (Fine recovery, there.) A shrill trumpet sound startles me, and then the rifles fall into hand. Suh-weet! Incredible! The kids dance and chant in synch. This show definitely held my attention.

My Score: 83.40

My Day 2 Placement: 14th

My Overall Placement: 24th

 

Hart County High School

Munfordville, KY

Repertoire: "Return to the Sea" including "Seahawk," "Wind on thr Water," "16 Men on a Deadman's Chest" and "Eternal Father Strong to Save"

Comments: The frontdrop was designed as ocean waves. The swaying motion (in place) of the wind players fit their theme. This runt of a band had a chunky sound. The rifle work around the trumpet MAN impressed, and so did that trio toss-and-take. The marching technique came through very clearly now, now that we were in the slow segment of their act. The drumming on the African drums amongst three white sails was ENCHANTING. Ha ha! The march-by yell--inventive. This group motored its way to the end with no end in sight. Just when you think they are done, a large bell rings up front. We have lush sounds that bounce off the rear stands, now. These kids have a ton of might!

My Score: 72.00

My Day 2 Placement: 32nd

My Overall Placement: 55th

 

Lakeland High School

White Lake, MI

Repertoire: "Pure Imagination" featuring "Land of Make Believe" by Chuck Mangione, "Pure Imagination" by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and "Distorted" by Benoit Jutras

Comments: Like Center Grove in 1995, this band used tarps that made it look like the yard lines were bent, swirled, or even RAISED! Ha! The guard in green lie face down on the center 50 "swirly" tarp, and have a long white ribbon placed on their backs, as if they are part of the yardline. The girls escape the ribbon's wrath, and make it zigzag. Here we have some ho-hum travel mu-sic. Some notes are torn up. Marching looks snazzy. Thank goodness a snare drummer was "on" on the backwards march or a falling snare drummer would have been the story! The ballad was this band's strongest link. Willy Wonka echoed throughout...and now we've come to the end. Excellent collapsing diamond form, and the guard on the spinning platforms was death-defying, and bored-defying, too. Yay! These kids PERFORMED it!

My Score: 71.80

My Day 2 Placement: 33rd

My Overall Placement: 56th

 

Plymouth-Canton Educational Park

Canton, MI

Repertoire: "The Passion Within" including "The Dancer," "The Painter," "The Musicians" and "The Lovers"

Comments: A large, round, solid white tarp was placed on the 45, with red folding chairs facing the circular direction. Wind players sat on the chairs with arms folded. Down a high platform's ramp a guard girl came. A dance upon this tarp tickles the mind. Instantly, I am welcomed to their world of the artsy. (Who better to do this type of show than PCEP?) A singing lady enchants me...and then, with triumph, a violin--spectacular. They held me tight and did not let go. Wow, this show got me to shake with fists in tight balls. Thank you for moving me, Plymouth! This show was WHITE hot! Wooooo-hooooo! Yes! Yes, yes, yes! The guard mimicking violin moves was...stellar. I don't think the PCEP parents knew the show was over, because they went nuts at the finishing chord...and then the show went on. Lovely, lovely stuff.

My Score: 90.00

My Day 2 Placement: 6th

My Overall Placement: 7th

 

Alan Irons

Fountain Valley High School Marching Band 1993-1996

Pacific Crest of Diamond Bar 1997

Nashua Spartans 1998-1999

UCSB Class of 2002