2017 BOA San Antonio Super Regionals Predictions

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:13 AM, DragonBandSuperFan said:

You could attend Round Rock High School's send off performance at about 7:30 pm tomorrow (Monday) at Kelly Reeves!

You totally read my mind because I had that exact same thought when I wrote that to The Woodlands Dad earlier. Thank you for giving me the details and the invite. I may very well take you up on it!!

 

BTW, I go to church with Braeden's family (trombone player) if you know him.

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:09 AM, Mash said:

Just wondering from other's perspectives about what lacked in Vista Ridge's performance to break into the finals. From the webcast, it looked spot on to me and I liked it better that a few of the finalists.

Absolutely NOTHING lacked. They were brilliant. Truly. It's just that 15 other bands were infinitesimally better in prelims. Any other day, Vista could have been one of those bands, and 2 other brilliant bands would have been barely out of finals.

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:11 AM, Rubisco said:

Three slight surprises.

 

1 - Leander in 14th. Completely disagree with this placement. The scores for them are all fairly baffling.

We definitely aren't everyone's "cup of tea" if you will. That probably includes some of the judges.

[scoobydoo]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:13 AM, DragonBandSuperFan said:

You could attend Round Rock High School's send off performance at about 7:30 pm tomorrow (Monday) at Kelly Reeves!

I"m glad I saw this comment. I'm planning on coming to your send off. I thought it was going to be at Dragon stadium. I'm going to miss the RR's iconic uniforms.

[DragonBandSuperFan]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:26 AM, LeanderMomma said:

You totally read my mind because I had that exact same thought when I wrote that to The Woodlands Dad earlier. Thank you for giving me the details and the invite. I may very well take you up on it!!

 

BTW, I go to church with Braeden's family (trombone player) if you know him.

Oh yeah! I know him! I'm pretty sure he left band. Oh well.. Cool to know though!

[Band2013]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:09 AM, Mash said:

Just wondering from other's perspectives about what lacked in Vista Ridge's performance to break into the finals.  From the webcast, it looked spot on to me and I liked it better that a few of the finalists.

Vista Ridges show was fantastic they are an amazing group! What I think happened was being directly after Cedar Park, Cedar Ridge, and Round Rock it played a big roll in how scores were given. Cedar Park and Cedar Ridge were probably the measure, were you better than Cedar Park? maybe not but possibly better than cedar ridge. Sometimes great bands being back to back helps the judges give scores if the competition is competitive which it was!

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:42 AM, DragonBandSuperFan said:

Oh yeah! I know him! I'm pretty sure he left band. Oh well.. Cool to know though!

Yes I believe he decided to take his Senior year off from band.

[DragonBandSuperFan]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:38 AM, scoobydoo said:

I"m glad I saw this comment. I'm planning on coming to your send off. I thought it was going to be at Dragon stadium. I'm going to miss the RR's iconic uniforms.

That's where we always do our send off performances but this year, there's a middle school football game at the stadium on Monday. So Kelly Reeves was our next best location. And yes, "The best marching arts uniform in existence!" (Hornrank retweeted Zach Ashcraft's photo of our head drum major with that caption on Friday) will be worn for the last in Texas at Kelly Reeves tomorrow.

[principalagent]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:13 AM, DragonBandSuperFan said:

You could attend Round Rock High School's send off performance at about 7:30 pm tomorrow (Monday) at Kelly Reeves!

Going to do my best to attend as well!

[Bandwoww]

  On 11/6/2017 at 3:11 AM, Rubisco said:

Three slight surprises.

 

1 - Leander in 14th. Completely disagree with this placement. The scores for them are all fairly baffling.

 

I felt the exact same way but then I really thought about it. Leander performs what they have at an EXTREMELY high level but seem to be trying too hard to do something so new that they lose the focus on the basics. Their show is dominated by electronics/guard moments/running

that it is hard to reward them in music and visual when there is a lack of both. When they do play or march they perform it extremely well but they severely lack it to the point where it really affects thier scores. At first glance, thier show is an absolutely phenomenal work of art (which it still is), but strays too far from the basics of marching and playing. I am in 100% favor of modern shows but there is a point where it begins to hurt placement and scores but that shouldn’t even matter as long as the kids love what they do.

 

This is all complete speculation and I could be totally wrong.

[inmysights31]

Since others are doing it I will as well.

 

G-Town will have a state send-off performance at our stadium at 7:00 pm tomorrow night.

 

Just putting it out there if anyone was interested.

 

If anyone goes come find me afterward (I'm Grayson). I would enjoy meeting you all.

[Band2013]

  On 11/6/2017 at 4:09 AM, Bandwoww said:

I felt the exact same way but then I really thought about it. Leander performs what they have at an EXTREMELY high level but seem to be trying too hard to do something so new that they lose the focus on the basics. Their show is dominated by electronics/guard moments/running

that it is hard to reward them in music and visual when there is a lack of both. When they do play or march they perform it extremely well but they severely lack it to the point where it really affects thier scores. At first glance, thier show is an absolutely phenomenal work of art (which it still is), but strays too far from the basics of marching and playing. I am in 100% favor of modern shows but there is a point where it begins to hurt placement and scores but that shouldn’t even matter as long as the kids love what they do.

 

This is all complete speculation and I could be totally wrong.

I agree with you! let me say that I also believe that this is what happened to round rock. They had amazing shows from 2010-2013 then everything got cluttered, sometimes having a show that is filled to the brim with effect is beneficial but only when they master the basics. Both Leander and Round Rock are great bands but something just doesn't seem to work. 

[Guest]

  On 11/5/2017 at 7:30 PM, chrisdinh said:

 

I think Round Rock will still make finals at Grand Nats. How does everyone feel about Churchill's placement and their potential at Grand Nats?

I do think Round Rock will be in finals, and regarding Churchill, I think they have similar chances to what Wakeland had when they went in 14, as well as Bowie in 06, but will likely finish in the teens.

[A Testing Trumpet]

  On 11/6/2017 at 4:09 AM, Bandwoww said:

I felt the exact same way but then I really thought about it. Leander performs what they have at an EXTREMELY high level but seem to be trying too hard to do something so new that they lose the focus on the basics. Their show is dominated by electronics/guard moments/running

that it is hard to reward them in music and visual when there is a lack of both. When they do play or march they perform it extremely well but they severely lack it to the point where it really affects thier scores. At first glance, thier show is an absolutely phenomenal work of art (which it still is), but strays too far from the basics of marching and playing. I am in 100% favor of modern shows but there is a point where it begins to hurt placement and scores but that shouldn’t even matter as long as the kids love what they do.

 

This is all complete speculation and I could be totally wrong.

 

 

I feel the same about Round Rock. 

 

All the running around/free body movement in the show isn't really helping them with their visual scores/ doesn't really make a whole lot of sense in terms of general effect. I think they should make the body movements move together so that it is more judgable from a marching/sameness standpoint or at the very least make it so that what they are projecting to the box makes sense at all times. I thought the band did a great job with projecting a theme to the box but it did not make sense thematically. 

[Jane D'oh]

  On 11/6/2017 at 4:33 AM, Band2013 said:

I agree with you! let me say that I also believe that this is what happened to round rock. They had amazing shows from 2010-2013 then everything got cluttered, sometimes having a show that is filled to the brim with effect is beneficial but only when they master the basics. Both Leander and Round Rock are great bands but something just doesn't seem to work. 

 

Interesting that you draw that parallel. Did you know that Leander and Round Rock have several creative/design/guard staff members in common?

[scoobydoo]

  On 11/6/2017 at 4:45 AM, Jane D'oh said:

Interesting that you draw that parallel. Did you know that Leander and Round Rock have several creative/design/guard staff members in common?

Yup, I knew that.

[Band2013]

  On 11/6/2017 at 4:45 AM, Jane D'oh said:

Interesting that you draw that parallel. Did you know that Leander and Round Rock have several creative/design/guard staff members in common?

I did not...very interesting 

[scoobydoo]

  On 11/6/2017 at 4:49 AM, Band2013 said:

I did not...very interesting 

That must have been your subconscious drawing the parallel.

[JeremiahW]

Wow! I am back in Missouri after an awesome weekend in San Antonio watching great bands and spending time with some great people talking about those bands (we were actually almost kicked out of Whataburger because we were passionately discussing placements a little too loudly).

 

I have to mention how much I loved Henny this year. They just keep putting on better and better shows every year, and I can't see what the future brings (hopefully a trip to Grand Nats soon!)

[principalagent]

  On 11/6/2017 at 5:27 AM, JeremiahW said:

(we were actually almost kicked out of Whataburger because we were passionately discussing placements a little too loudly).

This is my icebreaker fun fact from now on.

[OneOfMany]

  On 11/5/2017 at 7:06 AM, LostChoirGuy said:

I know that there are a few people from Avon who have been following this thread. I just want to reach out to you and vicariously to the Avon Black and Gold and say what an honor it is that you came and joined us this weekend. Looking at your past BOA results I realized that it has been many years since you have missed out on a medal at any event, and I hope that this doesn't discourage you. Your show is fantastic and I am certain will be right at the top at grand nationals. I hope you enjoyed your time in Texas. I would also like to say thank you for what you have done to improve the nature of marching band in our state. Simply by coming this year, you fostered an environment of competitiveness that has pushed our "bubble bands" to improve in vast measures to keep up. In addition, you have given some of our good bands that aren't quite ready to make the trip or that don't have the funding to go to grand nationals the chance to see a truly phenomenal visual program which is rare to witness here. I hope that the band and all associated parties have safe travels home and I can't wait to see what you accomplish next week!

As an Avon mom, I followed this thread from the beginning. Until this weekend, I did not want to register here, because I felt this was a Texas site/forum. Who am I to share a view in something that is clearly not my space? This post, however, was the tipping point. Thank you so very much for your encouraging words to our Avon Marching Black and Gold family. You are correct: our kids are used to getting medals at BOA events; however, this experience is worth its weight in gold. Please accept our (more than 300 and counting, as I shared your post on Avon Town Chatter pages) heartfelt thanks to you and to all of the Texas staff, parents, students, announcers, etc. for such a warm welcome. It was both humbling and inspiring. 

 

If you'll allow me, I want to share a few other thoughts from the weekend:

• Flower Mound opened their home to our kids. The kids broke bread, played games, laughed, and just enjoyed each other's company. Our daughter is one of many in a group chat with kids from FloMo. These kids became friends. Avon kids and FloMo kids will hang out and compete again next weekend. How cool is that?
• Parents from various Texas bands made us feel at home and shared unsolicited encouragement when they saw our Avon shirts. 
• More than a hundred Avon parents made the trip to support our kids. Many more wanted to go, but traveling is cost prohibitive. Instead, they sacrificed their own experience for their kids. Again, humbling and inspiring..
• Now, let's talk about the San Antonio Super Regional. Not going to lie, I have never missed one of Avon's BOA events since our daughter's freshman year; however, this was beyond special. I finally understand that everything IS bigger and better in Texas. This was by far the BEST marching band competition EVER. I am truly looking forward to next weekend's Grand Nationals. Spectators are not going to be disappointed. This will be a showdown to beat all showdowns: Texas, Broken Arrow, Carmel, and many other fierce competitors from across this great nation. 
• Avon Marching Black and Gold parents (for decades) provide a standing ovation for all marching bands after every performance - prelim or finals. It was so nice to see many Texas parents do the same. Talk about synergy... yes, yes, and yes... all of our kids work so hard.  

More than two decades ago, Stephen Covey shared the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. One of his principles - sharpen the saw - came to mind all weekend. San Antonio Super Regional brought out the best in students across Texas and your Avon Indiana friends, too. They know and observed first hand - when everyone pushes the limit, leaving their heart and soul on the field, the competition strengthens, and everyone benefits. 

 

Thanks again, Texas. Our family (again, one of many) will never forget this experience. We are #teamtexas fans for life. Best to all of you as you continue your pursuit of excellence whether in Texas UIL, Grand Nats, or in your preparation for 2018. Mad respect!

[MadisonBandMan1]

I was thinking about something before I went to sleep last night. The question I found myself asking was, "How high would CTJ score if they were to go to nationals this year?".

 

Well I did some general math last night and I came up with a score between 98.5 and 98.8. How did I get there? It's quite simple.

 

If you think about it, the Johnson program went to three BOA events this year all in three week intervals. Their score improved roughly six points per competition meaning their rate of improvement was approximately two points per week. If you add that to this week give or take a few tenths of a point from time and how hard they push in that time, then you get the result I did. Now if I remember, the highest score ever in nationals history is something like 98.375,right, so wouldn't that make the CTJ 2017 band the best marching band in the history of high school marching band?

[Danpod]

  On 11/6/2017 at 5:27 AM, JeremiahW said:

 (we were actually almost kicked out of Whataburger because we were passionately discussing placements a little too loudly).

 

This is true.  It was the second Whataburger we visited that night because the first location's dining room was CLOSED!!!!  Garbage!!!!!  

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/6/2017 at 7:58 AM, OneOfMany said:

As an Avon mom, I followed this thread from the beginning. Until this weekend, I did not want to register here, because I felt this was a Texas site/forum. Who am I to share a view in something that is clearly not my space? This post, however, was the tipping point. Thank you so very much for your encouraging words to our Avon Marching Black and Gold family. You are correct: our kids are used to getting medals at BOA events; however, this experience is worth its weight in gold. Please accept our (more than 300 and counting, as I shared your post on Avon Town Chatter pages) heartfelt thanks to you and to all of the Texas staff, parents, students, announcers, etc. for such a warm welcome. It was both humbling and inspiring.

 

If you'll allow me, I want to share a few other thoughts from the weekend:

• Flower Mound opened their home to our kids. The kids broke bread, played games, laughed, and just enjoyed each other's company. Our daughter is one of many in a group chat with kids from FloMo. These kids became friends. Avon kids and FloMo kids will hang out and compete again next weekend. How cool is that?
• Parents from various Texas bands made us feel at home and shared unsolicited encouragement when they saw our Avon shirts.
• More than a hundred Avon parents made the trip to support our kids. Many more wanted to go, but traveling is cost prohibitive. Instead, they sacrificed their own experience for their kids. Again, humbling and inspiring..
• Now, let's talk about the San Antonio Super Regional. Not going to lie, I have never missed one of Avon's BOA events since our daughter's freshman year; however, this was beyond special. I finally understand that everything IS bigger and better in Texas. This was by far the BEST marching band competition EVER. I am truly looking forward to next weekend's Grand Nationals. Spectators are not going to be disappointed. This will be a showdown to beat all showdowns: Texas, Broken Arrow, Carmel, and many other fierce competitors from across this great nation.
• Avon Marching Black and Gold parents (for decades) provide a standing ovation for all marching bands after every performance - prelim or finals. It was so nice to see many Texas parents do the same. Talk about synergy... yes, yes, and yes... all of our kids work so hard.

More than two decades ago, Stephen Covey shared the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. One of his principles - sharpen the saw - came to mind all weekend. San Antonio Super Regional brought out the best in students across Texas and your Avon Indiana friends, too. They know and observed first hand - when everyone pushes the limit, leaving their heart and soul on the field, the competition strengthens, and everyone benefits.

 

Thanks again, Texas. Our family (again, one of many) will never forget this experience. We are #teamtexas fans for life. Best to all of you as you continue your pursuit of excellence whether in Texas UIL, Grand Nats, or in your preparation for 2018. Mad respect!

This post wins all of the awards.

 

On behalf of Texas, thank you Avon Indiana Marching B&G for coming here and sharing your insanely talented band program and incredible people with us. We were honored and we feel as if you all are adopted Texans now. We will root for the mighty band from Avon IN as if it were Avon TX. Because in our hearts, you are.

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/6/2017 at 5:27 AM, JeremiahW said:

Wow! I am back in Missouri after an awesome weekend in San Antonio watching great bands and spending time with some great people talking about those bands (we were actually almost kicked out of Whataburger because we were passionately discussing placements a little too loudly.

That is awesome.

 

Coming up at 6, Band Nerds Get Kicked Out of Restaurant.