2010 BOA Grand National FINALS--The Review

[airons0678]

Bands of America Grand National Championships FINALS

presented by Yamaha

November 13, 2010

Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis, IN

 

Theme: "Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future"

(Picture on the front of the program shows a black and white picture the first BOA Grand National Champions, The Live Oak Emerald Regime from Morgan Hill, CA, and someone who appears to be a part of the Ben Davis Marching Giants (in vibrant purple), from Indianapolis, IN.)

 

***FINALS***

 

(Class A Champion - Exhibition)

Bourbon County H.S.

Paris, Kentucky

Director: Eric Hale

Drum Major: Rachel Quinn

Repertoire: "R.E.M."

Comments: I am taken by the way this group takes the field, marching in two files with great marching technique towards the focal point prop--a bed--and then they tell us, "Sssh." After what is calming, soothing music, a radio announcement plays, warning of stormy weather in Indianapolis which was, to an extent true! (It was raining outside Lucas Oil Stadium.) Wowzers, the brass line is in command, and the guard finesses their way through their performance. At one point in the they pat their heart with passion. Criss-crossing diagonal forms lead to whiplash music that never fails to impress. Seven guard girls carrying signs--each with the word of a deadly sin--emerge, and then some drummers in skull masks get revealed with a prop that flips around with some stationary drums, and to top it all off a demon-like giant puppet pops up from behind them to let out an evil laugh. Gosh, that was beautiful alto horn soloist...and way to support, BAND! Outstretched arms in a straight vertical line makes that line rip apart, and then back to the big, big sounds. Marching technique was not where I would like it to be, but of all else they sold their show. This was a fine show worthy of all the honors they took here. Congratulations!

My Score: N/A

My Placement: N/A

Actual Score: N/A

Actual Placement: N/A

 

Kennesaw Mountain H.S.

Kennesaw, Georgia

Director: David Starnes

Drum Majors: Frankie Bidwell, Amber Davis, Kelsey Jorgensen and Anna McLean

Repertoire: "Awakening Angels" I. "Awakening" II. "Rejoicing" III. "Protecting" IV. "Resurrection" and V. "Benediction"

Comments: Flutter running onto the field with arms firmly planted on the sides was this green and grey great. A curvy white tarp covered nearly half the field, as gorgeous pre-recorded vocal music is emitted. Some of the short-range marchers seemed to tip-toe to their spots...get as much technique out of those feet as you can! Yes you can, brass, yes you can, and more please! (Ha, I sound like Oliver.) With the white of the guard on those white tarps it is as if the light pink silks are floating by themselves. Oh man, the drums on the 40 were so well trained--excellent work! The woodwind trio of flute, clarinet, and oboe made their music dance to the heartbeat of the pit. Flat on their backs, now, the wind players take "Adagio for Strings" to a whole new level by rocketing it to the stadium's roof, and then with grace they get up all while keeping it going. Bravo! Beautiful rifle toss, rifle soloist, though perhaps caught one beat too soon? (Debatable.) At the end of their show is a wall of unadulterated sound, and it grew, and it grew, and it grew (and the drumline went nuts, throwing DOWN)! Strong performance here when it counts the most. Did anyone here doubt it?

My Score: 89.90

Actual Score: 91.90

My Placement: 9th

Actual Placement: 6th

 

Marian Catholic H.S.

Chicago Heights, Illinois

Director: Greg Bimm

Drum Majors: Samantha Greene, Kaitlyn Van Tuyl and Katherine Johnson

Repertoire: "On Being Hit On The Head," including: "Are You Experienced" by David Lang, "Symphony No. 2 Mvt. 1 & 3" by Christopher Rouse; "Deus Ex Machina" by Michael Daugherty and "Blink" by Joel Puckett

Comments: The auxiliary sat comfortably on chairs on side 1, while an upside down flag form of sorts took most of side 2. Greg Bimm's voice narrates this complex THING. The hands of the wind players go to their head to show us that the head is the place of "trauma," and then all sorts of worries and nonsense figures--like how fast one hits the ground per second--are spouted by the narrator. Sound here, sound there, sound everywhere. Marian Catholic does the organized train wreck thing extremely well, and of course a train wreck it is not! ("It is all part of the plan," as Mr. Bimm might say, including a trapped musician who is in a hole in the middle of a tarp.) Careful not to lean into the step-off, marching crew. Perfect, band...way to open up the field for the twirling flag gal, flashing a vibrant green on a dim field. When this black machine gets revved up, WATCH OUT! This band does not want to slow down, despite Greg's orders. "Death be not proud," and "Life and death" are enormous themes to bear, and this band had no qualms or second thoughts about it. This was my favorite group of the evening. How audacious...

My Score: 97.20

My Placement: 1st

Actual Score: 90.40

Actual Placement: 7th

 

Cedar Park H.S.

Cedar Park, Texas

Director: Steve Wessels and Bob Chreste

Drum Majors: Suzanne Dailey, Katherine Velasquez and Leah Havens

Repertoire: "GENIUS," music representing Gustav Mahler, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci. Featuring "Symphony No. 5" by Gustav Mahler, "Symphony No. 1" by Gustav Mahler, "Cloudburst" by Eric Whitacre, "Equus" by Eric Whitacre, "Rhapsody On A Theme of Paganini var. 18" by Sergei Rachmaninoff" and "Feste Romane" by Ottorino Respighi

Comments: A confident fanfare of the lone trumpet, a blast of brass to the ears, and clear and concise movement meant all was well in "Cedar Park World." There were some timing issues with the flags, but nothing major. Ooh, don't move at a halt trumpet player facing BOA banner near the 40. Fantastic work to build all these breathless moments, some of which includes a rifle toss in a mass oval form of wind players and a light melody by the DM flute player. I appreciate how a paint brush form appears and how a paint brush in the middle of the form is so blatant...and way to direct my eyes, gang. (It's like walking the dog, isn't it? Great work!) Two solid company fronts make my ears burst, and then no, they back off like it's nothing, and then they crank it up one...more...time. Incredible! The design in this show is sorely lacking, and I guess there is only so much you can do with a show based on geniuses. However, it seemed like this group wanted to show off their skills more than tell us a story or want to make us care deeply about their product. They are great, but vanilla, er...mint chocolate chip!

My Score: 88.00

My Placement: 12th

Actual Score: 87.95

Actual Placement: 10th

 

Tarpon Springs H.S.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Director: Kevin Ford

Drum Majors: Brianna Hartwell and Charles Shannon

Repertoire: "Paranormal," including: 1. "I Know I Am Not Alone," 2. "Those We Don't Speak Of," 3. "This is No Ordinary Dream," 4. "Those We Can't See" and 5. "This Is The End, Let Her Go In Peace"

Comments: The wind players seem lost in gentle and memorable music, swaying side to side and looking upwards, as if they are going to be abducted by an alien spacecraft or something...and then beats bend these guys out of shape. Great, great stop drop and roll moves, actors! They ARE actors after all, aren't they? I am in a trance as this group moves at a high rate of speed and spits out notes like a pro symphony. I feel like I am in a movie when the phone rings and a creepy voice tells a girl in yellow--our protagonist--to "pick up the phone," over and over again as she is being chased. (She picks up the phone, of course, and she is told to watch her back.) Don't you love it? It's like a horror film where you scream at the movie screen, "Don't do it!" Ooh, control there, trumpets! Man, I can't take a breathe during this show until things ritard and our eyes gaze towards the soprano saxophone soloist. The "levitated girl" scene (where the bed prop doubles as a special f/x prop as it somehow hydraulically lifts the girl who is sleeping in the bed) was thumbs up. Out comes a clarinet from one of the doors to taunt and frighten, as the scared girl tries to avoid all things "bad," and the wind player plays menacingly, and LOOKS menacing. The auxiliary are on fire right before the ending rock-out section except for a sabre toss. Many in uniform run up the ramps in the back of the field and literally leap off a platform and land who-knows-where, and in the end a flipping member attempts to "get the girl" and by this time I am done with this utterly ridiculous, far-out show. A+. I'm thoroughly convinced.

My Score: 94.70

My Placement: 6th

Actual Score: 93.35

Actual Placement: 4th

 

Carmel H.S.

Carmel, Indiana

Director: Richard Saucedo

Drum Majors: Kristen Pileri, Aaron Suggs, Nick Pfister and Katherine Dawson

Repertoire: "Stop and Smell the Roses," an original composition by Richard Saucedo and Michael McIntosh

Comments: A bunch of roses lay behind the drum major's feet. Linear forms of short nature are spread across the field. A near-runner's crouch aaand they're off! I am digging the guard lifts by the wind players, and the horn hand-offs, guard-to-winds. First rifle toss...perfecto! Their music leads you down paths you've likely never been down, and to be in the dark like this is rare and great. I love the classic Carmel "running man" poses, and yes, this band MOVES. Off-red umbrellas open following the accordion sounds. Even the 7/8 signature is not a hindrance. Like Tarpon, it is tough to keep up with these guys. Uh! Unbelievable sound paves the way to all kinds of caught tosses and a thrust of the sabre upwards! Uh! TOO good. Metamorphasizing forms go and go and set up a one-by-one line of rifle tosses that just click. Out come pink roses from the shakos, and that euro-accordion melody, and I can honestly say that this band "brought it" with NO holding back. Wow!

My Score: 96.00

My Placement: 5th

Actual Score: 92.05

Actual Placement: 5th

 

Broken Arrow H.S.

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Director: Darrin Davis

Drum Majors: Justin Anderson, Manessah Miller and Matthew Aschkenas

Repertoire: "ZO," inspired by "The Wizard of Oz"

Comments: In almost sickeningly cheery demeanor the wind players from this program enter the field in a parade-like way proclaiming with their music, "Ding dong, the witch is dead!" (Or...something of that sort, ha ha! This IS, after all, "ZO"--a Broken Arrow interpretation of "The Wizard of Oz.") After demonstrating what a great sound they have, electronic banjo and other odd string notes (some intentionally out of tune) hit you as the marchers shake their heads (and plumes) with glee. What kind of weird and wacky world are we? The awkward axe props are tossed with ease and all caught from what I could see. Ha ha ha! I believe Broken Arrow's director, standing right in front of me, yelled, "Ha ha! Tin Man!" during this sequence, as if he was trying to tell the judges something about his great show. (He was like a child watching his masterpiece come to life--I love it! He seemed to be having more fun than ANYONE in the stadium, as well.) The Ozma like beauty making her way with her long, long cape is bowed to in jerky fashion by the wind players in a form like a river, and--ha ha!--GLORIOUS--those trailing her seem to mock her by lying on their backs and kicking their feet in the air. Those winged monkey costumes are perfect, and somewhat creepy and authentic AND funny and...wow, could this show be more endearing? This band seems to glide off into the sunset on bright red bikes while tooting their own horns, and they should! Thank you for making me part of your story in just a few minutes. Amazing.

My Score: 96.80

My Placement: 2nd

Actual Score: 96.25

Actual Placement: 2nd

 

Avon H.S., IN

Avon, Indiana

Director: Jay Webb

Drum Majors: Brad Klemmensen, Jessica McKinney, Ashley Hancock, Ian Conklin, and Haley Hunter

Repertoire: "Iconoclash," including: I. "Magnum Opus," II. "Everybody Hurts" and III. "Schadenfreude"

Comments: Have you ever seen a more perfect opening form? As the hands thrust forth, the Victorian era sleeves shake. The harpsichord music in a flush turns into Beethoven's 5th. (If you never thought you'd hear Beethoven's 5th at BOA Grand National Finals, well...now you have!) And then Beethoven's 5th turns into...rock music?! Despite what you may think, this show was slick, slick, slick. The big change of pace comes when the winds lie down as if to sleep and then promptly rise. Can the guard be more impressive? I mean, they are catching these sabres while held bending backwards held by the backs by the feet of their buddies on the ground, and then flex, CATCH, yes! The drumline is flawless to my eyes, all communicating WELL. Hmmm, that rifle toss was suspect after that goose-steeping block of Prussian-like musicians, but besides that they pack a wallop of a sound that could make the stadium seats shiver. Holy moly were these guys on fire or what?

My Score: 96.70

My Placement: 3rd

Actual Score: 97.70

Actual Placement: 1st

 

Lawrence Central H.S.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Director: Randy Greenwell and Matt James

Drum Majors: Cal Lennon, Ryan Gandy and Nick Baird

Repertoire: "Evolucion," featuring the music of Darmon Meader and Astor Piazzolla, including: "Baroque Samba," "Oblivion," Aconcagua" and "Libertango"

Comments: A decidedly electronic accordion sound is the last sound to be heard as a ripple move on red pathway tarps complete. The saxophone section seems to go through the motions with their feature, but when the rest of the winds let loose it is a different story. The toe-first glide moves by the musicians give off a relaxing vibe, as does the sounds of the oboe solo, and then a group of vis-expert-winds hold themselves up on their side as if to do a sideways push-up. This music is so Love Story ISH, and you can tell they chose the right colors--red, dark red, lavender...you get the picture. I love how the lead guard soloist in all red chills on her back in the midst of a circular patch of red tarp, essentially "disappearing." There seems to be a lot of bounce on the move, musicians, so cool it. The push-up mode guard is placed strategically as the winds gather 'round a purple guard soloist who vanishes as the winds cover her and then uncover her to reveal "the red one" in her place. Beautiful.

My Score: 92.90

My Placement: 8th

Actual Score: 89.10

Actual Placement: 8th

 

Center Grove H.S.

Greenwood, Indiana

Director: Kevin Schuessler

Drum Majors: Blake Wilde, Kelley James and Melissa Guerrero

Repertoire: "Something Wicked This Way Comes"

Comments: Straight diagonal forms rotate to vertical forms. The flutes flow with the music, using their legs for some of the notes and their partners in crime to finish it (with one fell leg swoop). As absurd as it seems, one of the lead guard guys is tied to a tree in the center part of the field and is left there as the music darkens and the drums of the battery cruise here, cruise there, cruise everywhere, and then go to be "framed"--all four basses, all eight snares, and all four tenors. Seemingly "part of the tree," the tied guy comes out with what looks like a tree bark mask, accentuating the drum parts. The long black capes suit the drummers well, who signify black, bleak, and blech! The coda for the show echoes the beginning, as winds go backfield, leave the flags to their flagwork 'till they circle the "magical" tree that swallows one of them and dispenses the guy who had been captured and transformed back into the man he was in the beginning. I pondered the meaning of this curious show, and...I'm not even sure if that's necessary. It is what it is. It's wondrous!

My Score: 89.20

My Placement: 10th

Actual Score: 85.75

Actual Placement: 12th

 

Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX

Director: Dustin Winson

Drum Majors: Nicholas Tieh, Chelsey Bravenec and Muhammad Mahdi

Sugar Land, Texas

Repertoire: "Miss Understood," including: "Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture" by Tchaikovsky, "Adagietto" from "Symphony No. 5" by Mahler and "Urban Dances" by Danielpour

Comments: The winds warm up on their own in a professional way, calm, clear, and quiet while facing the back. The dance team takes a seat next to the winds in the back curved formation and every other member does specific choreography, the long flowing garment they wear flowing gently. Once these kids get on the move they seem to take down all in their path in music. Excellent arm sweep move, dancers, curved arm thrust complete. Very slight musical glitches intervene, including a trumpet that seemed to be in la-la land on the turn-around (during the ballad). Hmmm, pretty strong finish there--well done! In no time we are in "go" mode, and we are treated to expert music and whiplash motion. I love the part where one mellophone player rushes backwards on the 50, seemingly pulling a zipline full of fellow players as the upside down "V" form condenses into a single line--now THAT is demanding stuff! I like how relentless this band is in change of pace. Ha ha! It's as if they are saying, "Breaks are for wimps!" These guys were no wimps.

My Score: 93.80

My Placement: 7th

Actual Score: 88.50

Actual Placement: 9th

 

L.D. Bell H.S.

Hurst, Texas

Director: Van Matthews

Drum Majors: Madison Read, Haley Houk, Lucy Kang and Bryce Swift

Repertoire: "Honor: we will remember"

Comments: The battery drums enter in formation, then proceed to do their own drill while tapping orderly and fittingly. The auxiliary take part in the drums' strict sounds and the rest of the band salute the nation with their take. Swirling trumpet parts soar and a jet sound flies, and in no time we are in the midst of L.D. Bell's "war." The rush of the flag that looks strikingly American following the stab hits is a desperate, passionate move. Oh my do these kids sound impressive at a halt, and look there in the back as the army guard clash with the angel guard, symbolizing this life and no doubt what lies beyond here. The tombstone props of mostly crosses and some stars of David multiply and before you know it you are hit in the face with this respectful show--a sea of markers marking the service of our great men and women who have died for this country. The double-time woodwind squad grates against the long, important tones the brass belt out. It is hard not to shed a tear when the small American flags are placed on the gravestones. (I have to admit that I came close in prelims, but...I held back, ha ha ha! Nevertheless, I was quite moved if not just by the pure significance.) Taps is played, and then it fades to silence. Can it get any better? Absolutely wonderful.

My Score: 96.30

My Placement: 4th

Actual Score: 96.05

Actual Placement: 3rd

 

Union H.S.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Director: Matt McCready

Drum Majors: Acille Sammur, Landis Tindell and Cecily Yoakam

Repertoire: "ReInvention"

Comments: Two files of winds from the tunnel entrance make their way to the field and seem to explode outwards, and prior to sharp music, catches, and happy face after happy face. They should be happy! Things locked left and right! Oookay, a long, long line of winds has some difficulty rotating their form but, fear not! Ha! I am thrilled to the bone that the mellophones get to play a prime role with the guard and are utilized well as they take those fabrics and drape it over their shoulders as they make their way to the front backdrops (for disposal). The distinctly modern synthesizer sound tells us we are in THEIR world, now, and it is looking more and more modern. Guard gracious, those sets of yellow flags blind you, and then you get drowned out by the overall sonic objective. This show was by the numbers. 'Tis a shame there was not more to "think" about, but when you're good you're good. I just wish there was more thought put into the design than just enter, have a little bit of this, have a little bit of that, and then GOOD-BYE! It's like that "Where's the BEEF?" advertisement that some of you might be too young to remember. (Heck, even I am too young to remember, but YouTube it!) When Union was done with their finals-worthy show, so was this awe-inspiring, indelible competition--this bands of America rock, and the rock that is bands of America.

My Score: 88.30

My Placement: 11th

Actual Score: 87.15

Actual Placement: 11th

 

***END OF FINALS***

 

My Finals Placements:

12. 88.00 Cedar Park H.S., TX

11. 88.30 Union H.S., OK

10. 89.20 Center Grove H.S., IN

9. 89.90 Kennesaw Mountain H.S., GA

8. 92.90 Lawrence Central H.S., IN

7. 93.80 Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX

6. 94.70 Tarpon Springs H.S., FL

5. 96.00 Carmel H.S., IN

4. 96.30 L.D. Bell H.S., TX

3. 96.70 Avon H.S., IN

2. 96.80 Broken Arrow H.S., OK

1. 97.20 Marian Catholic H.S., IL

 

Actual Finals Placements (and Awards):

Exhibition - Bourbon County H.S., KY (Class A Champion)

12. 85.75 Center Grove H.S., IN

11. 87.15 Union H.S., IN

10. 87.95 Cedar Park H.S., TX

9. 88.50 Stephen F. Austin H.S., TX

8. 89.10 Lawrence Central H.S., IN

7. 90.40 Marian Catholic H.S., IL (Class AA Champion)

6. 91.90 Kennesaw Mountain H.S., GA

5. 92.05 Carmel H.S., IN

4. 93.35 Tarpon Springs H.S., FL (Class AAA Champion)

3. 96.05 L.D. Bell H.S., TX

2. 96.25 Broken Arrow H.S., OK

1. 97.70 Avon H.S., IN (Class AAAA Champion)

 

--Highest Achievement Awards--

Al Castronovo Memorial Esprit de Corps Award - Broken Arrow H.S., OK

Outstanding Music Performance Award - Avon H.S., IN

Steve Brubaker Outstanding Visual Performance Award - Broken Arrow H.S., OK

Outstanding General Effect Award - Avon H.S., IN

(BOA Fan Favorite Award - Broken Arrow H.S., OK)

 

THE END

 

ai

[takigan]

Good stuff as usual. I love your whimsical writing style.

[longhornsax]

great read!! Almost like I was there myself! Thanks for writing