2018 BOA San Antonio?

[LeanderMomma]

Did I miss it or was the "Whataburger" logo off of the CTJ sideline cover? Anyone know the story about why it was there for BOA Austin but not there for BOA SA?

Something about advertising and endorsements not being allowed but I’m not sure why it’s only evidently at the Alamodome. Daniel said the same thing was an issue for Hendrickson with their 3D glasses in 2016. A bunch of parents had to quickly sharpie off the logos on the glasses they were handing out to the audience.

[herbaflerb]

Thank you everyone for your help. All the show titles should be accurate.

[herbaflerb]

Something about advertising and endorsements not being allowed but I’m not sure why it’s only evidently at the Alamodome. Daniel said the same thing was an issue for Hendrickson with their 3D glasses in 2016. A bunch of parents had to quickly sharpie off the logos on the glasses they were handing out to the audience.

 

Was just about to respond with this. Hendrickson and Cane's, CTJ and Whataburger.

[Txpharmguy]

Did a little digging into scores previous 3 years.  Look how much everyone has improved.

 

2016 35th Place 75.25

2017 35th Place 81.45

2018 35th Place 83.75

[CTJBandPops]

Did I miss it or was the "Whataburger" logo off of the CTJ sideline cover?  Anyone know the story about why it was there for BOA Austin but not there for BOA SA?

i heard a funny story about that - wont share the details here other than to say that had nothing to do with the alamodome - it was more to do with an organization based in Indy

[LeanderMomma]

i heard a funny story about that - wont share the details here other than to say that had nothing to do with the alamodome - it was more to do with an organization based in Indy

Ahhhhhh. Music For All strikes again.

[GreedyGreen]

I believe Hendrickson’s show is “Blueprints for life” hence every aspect of the show being blue.

[CTJBandPops]

Ahhhhhh. Music For All strikes again.

sent you a message on it

[LeanderMomma]

sent you a message on it

Replied.

 

Crazy stuff!

[LostChoirGuy]

Here are my lengthy thoughts on some of the bands from this weekend. I put individual bands in spoilers so that you don't get hit by a wall of text and you can choose what you read (or don't read). They are somewhat in an order, but not entirely. I hope you enjoy my thoughts.

Vista Ridge:

What can I say? Vista's show is awesome this year. They have the perfect formula for getting the audience engaged and then riled up. The soloists are all amazing and I love that they feature many of them on the compass. The part where the band goes "wild" and the cymbal line spins around on the compass had to be the best part of the entire competition for me and it is no wonder that the crowd was screaming on their feet long before the show was even over. Over on the MFA forums someone asked if they turned up the audience microphone during Vista's performance, which I thought was a funny way of saying how much more engaged everyone was for them. Fantastic job and what a great way to bounce back after missing finals last year.

Ronald Reagan:

Reagan has my second favorite show this year. I love everything about it and I don't even know exactly why. The arrangement of the bach music was just so perfectly done to make it relevant and appropriate for marching band and modern, while still keeping to the excellent tradition of bach. The visual program was amazing and they absolutely deserved that visual caption. I love how they are able to draw in the audience with their morphing drill and the use of the dance team and excellent guard. The guard uses some small props, but one of the things I love the most about this show is that the field isn't taken up by any large and bulky props. The band has full range to use up every bit of the field and they do. I love the way they end the show with the yellow streamers- such a cool visual effect!

Keller:

Keller really stepped up their game this year, but managed to maintain their quirkiness that has typified their shows over the last few years. Their visual programs aren't exactly beautiful, but they are effective. I like that they have that somewhat unique identity. There were so many small things about this show that I loved, and also that I think held the show back a little bit. The best part of this show is definitely when the band changes the chord they are holding and the color panels behind them change surprisingly into something different and then the band breaks into a powerful musical and drill moment while the audience is still in a state of surprise. There were several other parts of the show that surprising and interesting things happen, but the design didn't quite capitalize enough on them. For instance, it was hardly even noticeable that the guard girls were climbing the stairs upside down during the ballad. The uniform change was cool, but again wasn't really noticed all at once in a really cool way, as has been done by past groups, and just sort of happened. I think that this show design is a really great sign for the future of Keller and I hope that they can continue to take huge risks like they did this year. The next time they go back to GNats, they need to bring a show more like this.

Flower Mound:

Flower Mound always has such cool show concepts! I think their win here was deserved, as close as it was. They start their show with a bang- only a millisecond after the announcer finishes talking and from their you are in their world. Flower Mound has a way of presenting their programs with such precision and personality that really makes them "Pop". I loved the part of their show where they became a military band and think it was very impressive that the students had to master several different marching techniques. Also the little head thing they do is really fun. I still don't quite understand the four goal posts, though... The ballad, true colors, was absolutely beautiful and just absurd enough to be lovely (if that makes any sense). Great job on another Super-Regional championship!

Hebron:

I don't have a lot to say about this show. It wasn't my favorite of Hebron's in recent years, but WOW- that music was incredible! Their music alone was enough to have them medal in my book. I also really love the way they end their show with the red flame turning into blue flames. I'm probably going to want to watch many more times, because I still don't think I've grasped everything or fully comprehended how great the music was.

Claudia Taylor Johnson:

I have said before that I don't really care for CTJ's show style and I will explain that a bit more here and then I will tell you why my opinion is pretty much wrong. haha. CTJ's shows have so much going on that it is very difficult for me to take it all in or follow. When so man groups are doing so many different things and changing it up and it is at such a high level of difficulty for so long it just becomes a bit overwhelming as a viewer. However, I have watched this show now over a dozen times, so now I understand what is going on and appreciate the different aspects. The students at CTJ need to be given some sort of endurance award! They perform so hard for the full 11 minute show and you can really tell that they are giving it their all the whole time. The show itself really gets its message across, not through some over-worked and over-thought design, but through the earnest performance of the students and it was really impactful for me both times I saw it this weekend. I don't know if you consider this a patriotic show or not, but I feel more inspired to do good for others and for my country after watching this show than I have after watching any other "patriotic" show I have ever seen. Take from that what you will.

Leander:

This is just a really good show all around. I think it is really well balanced in that it has lots of strong musical, visual, and GE moments. The guard is certainly highlighted and they are awesome in the show. I didn't realize it, but I hadn't seen the ending of the show before this weekend, despite seeing the first part many, many times- and I really love their closer where the whole band comes together inside the green props and then out again. I think the difference between the stronger and weaker bands was most noticeable by watching their closers.

The Woodlands:

I can hardly believe that this band was pretty close to not making finals and had such a big gap between them and the top half of finals after all was done. The music in their shows really energizes you and they play it so well. I really liked the concept behind it, too. I don't know how they do it, but their ballad is always one of the best ballads every year and this year was no disappointment.

Vandegrift:

When the video came out last spring of Vandy playing their opener, I was IN LOVE with it. I can't tell you how many times I listened to it. Want to know a secret? I still LOVE it! It is so well played and just enthralling and I think the drill matches it very well. Unfortunately, I don't think the rest of the show lives up to the opener. That said, it is still a very good show with great music and a lovely theme. I especially like when the band simulates the waxing and waning of the moon. Such a simple thing was so nice to me every time I saw it. The dance team is very talented and does some great flag work, but I really wish that they would incorporate a full guard into their programs. Perhaps they could do what Reagan does and have a dance team and a guard. If Vandy can improve their visual program, I can see them winning San Antonio in the near future.

Westlake:

Westlake was my biggest surprise of the whole competition. I loved their show and was so glad that I got to see it again in finals! They look so good on the field and played some very nice music. I think that Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek" is one of the most innovative pieces of our time and I love that they took that music and morphed it with the Stravinsky music they were playing to really add to the mysterious theme. It was very effective.

Hendrickson:

First of all, I really want a full blue uniform like that soloist's. It is so pretty! Hendrickson proved to us once again why they have become a sure finalist over the past several years. They do everything they are supposed to do so well and that soloist was incredible.

Marcus:

Honestly, I didn't like the show design. I never really got the "Renaissance" theme and the colors clashed with each other in a way that didn't seem purposeful. That said, it didn't seem to matter that the show design was bad, because Marcus plays better than most any group in Texas and that didn't change this year. Their guard is also fantastic and that shouldn't be downplayed.

Cedar Ridge:

As a vocalist myself, I am not a fan of putting vocalists in marching band shows in 90% of situations. I think it is distracting, and they don't really mesh well together and it is rare for the singer to be in tune. Cedar Ridge's vocalist was good, but didn't change my mind about this. In all their show was very well performed, especially musically. I think their smaller size really helps with dynamic contrast as they are able to produce really clear smaller sounds, but then blare at you when necessary. Overall, nice job. After Austin, I wasn't sure they would be a finalist here, but I really enjoyed both performances they gave this weekend.

LD Bell:

This is a very pretty show. I'm not sure how it is possible, but bagpipes apparently can produce a really nice sound to compliment a beautiful show. I love the colorguard dresses also. The front stage is an interesting concept that I think they pulled off quite well.

James Bowie:

I always watch using high cam and unfortunately high cam wasn't working during their performance, so I had to use multicam and I don't like that. As such, I don't have an opinion on if they deserved to make finals or not, but I will say this about their show and their band in general- I have only been following the macro marching band scene for a few years beyond just local contests and the JBOPE has quickly become one of my favorite groups. I love the shows they produce and the artistry they put into everything. Their show this year was so fun and colorful and different. Their guard is on a whole different level from everyone else here, too. I have no doubt that they will bounce right back and we will see them again soon.

Timber Creek:

I am so proud of this group. I know it has to be so disappointing to be so close time after time for them, but they really had a stellar season. They had a great show and perform excellently. They will have their moment soon enough.

Prosper:

I really have nothing to say except to watch out for them this weekend because they looked and sounded great. I love that purple and the way it engulfs the field. It really just pops and it does feel royal.

Oak Ridge:

I just really loved this show this year. It has the perfect blend of pretty visuals and wonderful John Rutter music and I think that the students play it really well. When it came down to it, there were so many bands that played so well that I think they probably placed about where was right, but I still think that this group is on the edge of something so great!

John B Alexander:

If we are going off of favorite shows, I should actually put this one further up. I loved everything about this show and I am in awe that just a few months ago, I posted on this very same thread asking if anyone knew who this band was because I had never heard of them. They play and march well, and the show is just perfectly written. It is impactful, but not cheesy. I love how the band members put the headlamps down on the ground to spell out the word hope. Also, remember up under Cedar Ridge where I talked about vocalists? This is an example of the 10% where vocalists actually make a show better. Their singer was a great addition to the show and didn't overpower the band. I like that it was just "ah" sounds, which doesn't really need to have the definition that a song with words or precise rhythm would require. The colorguard uniforms were also really funny and it made me smile seeing the skunk during the awards ceremony Saturday afternoon. Great job, Alexander and I really hope that you and other valley schools continue to surprise in the future!

I will leave it with this, unless anyone has questions about my thoughts on other groups. In all- what a fantastic few days of performances. All of the students should be so proud!

[MadisonBandMan1]

Can you send something about Madison? I love reading reviews and the more I can get on any band, but especially ours does a lot for me. This isn’t hyping, I just want to know honest opinions, and it won’t hurt me. I’ll completely understand.

[LostChoirGuy]

Can you send something about Madison? I love reading reviews and the more I can get on any band, but especially ours does a lot for me. This isn’t hyping, I just want to know honest opinions, and it won’t hurt me. I’ll completely understand.

Unfortunately I missed the first two blocks on Friday because I had to work, so I didnt get to see Madison. I am really sad because everyone says they were really great! If I can find a video of their performance I will let you know my thoughts!

[FloMoParent]

Here are my lengthy thoughts on some of the bands from this weekend. I put individual bands in spoilers so that you don't get hit by a wall of text and you can choose what you read (or don't read). They are somewhat in an order, but not entirely. I hope you enjoy my thoughts.

 

Flower Mound:

 

Flower Mound always has such cool show concepts! I think their win here was deserved, as close as it was. They start their show with a bang- only a millisecond after the announcer finishes talking and from their you are in their world. Flower Mound has a way of presenting their programs with such precision and personality that really makes them "Pop". I loved the part of their show where they became a military band and think it was very impressive that the students had to master several different marching techniques. Also the little head thing they do is really fun. I still don't quite understand the four goal posts, though... The ballad, true colors, was absolutely beautiful and just absurd enough to be lovely (if that makes any sense). Great job on another Super-Regional championship!

 

 

 

 

I will leave it with this, unless anyone has questions about my thoughts on other groups. In all- what a fantastic few days of performances. All of the students should be so proud!

That part of the show they are "morphing" into an "old-style military marching band" One of the "signature" things from the FloMo band is the "removal" of the mid-filed logo by placing a green tarp with field markings over the logo.  What they are doing here is bringing the football stadium back for the band to counter-march in.  Once the old logo and posts are moved, they return to the fast marching style we see today.

[MadisonBandMan1]

 

Unfortunately I missed the first two blocks on Friday because I had to work, so I didnt get to see Madison. I am really sad because everyone says they were really great! If I can find a video of their performance I will let you know my thoughts!

Our boa performance is on our Facebook page. Look up Madison Band Flags & Boosters. It should be quite easy to find.

[LHSax]

I also noticed the "louder than typical" crowd noise throughout VR's show on the stream..was this just Vista's typical well-traveling parent section, or did this really get the crowd going that much? Seems like the substantial 7th to 4th jump in finals was 'willed' by the crowd a bit. 

[Bandwoww]

I also noticed the "louder than typical" crowd noise throughout VR's show on the stream..was this just Vista's typical well-traveling parent section, or did this really get the crowd going that much? Seems like the substantial 7th to 4th jump in finals was 'willed' by the crowd a bit.

They really are just that good

[principalagent]

Oh the crowd was LIT for Vista Ridge. No group got even remotely close to the response they did. The standing ovation started when they still had the better part of a minute left in their closer. They probably had to turn the audience mic *down* on Flo!

[Jelonfish]

I just wanna say how proud I am of the pride of haltom. Season may of not started how they wanted but they ended strong and I was blown away. Everyone in San Antonio were incredible and I had the best time . Any who. Can’t wait to see what haltom does next year . But here is their San Antonio video if anyone wants to watch

[SewTallSoprano]

Said it before and I'll say it again, limit the mic levels. Louder is NOT better. It distorts the blend of the band and makes it seem like the directors do not believe in the playing abilities of their students. Good bands in our isd have gone to the way of amp enhancement...makes me sad.

[MikeKyu]

Said it before and I'll say it again, limit the mic levels. Louder is NOT better. It distorts the blend of the band and makes it seem like the directors do not believe in the playing abilities of their students. Good bands in our isd have gone to the way of amp enhancement...makes me sad.

 

I have issues with the mic'ing at this year's event. Several top bands who mic'd their soloists were using very heavy compression on the mics (limiting dynamic range, increasing perceived loudness which has been proven to equate to more enjoyment by the listener).

 

What's to stop a band from running multiple ORTF stereo set ups in front of the band and broadcasting that through the PA's used for soloists under extremely heavy compression? Nothing. This would increase perceived volume and dramatically affect the emotional response of a crowd and judges. The ability to add depth to the sound of a band with almost imperceptible delays and reverbs would be gigantic. And it can all be set up in a fire and forget mode so that nobody would ever need to even touch it.  

 

I am highly attuned to hearing compression and limiting having run large recording studios for years and participating in multiple compressor showdowns. I can identify compressors and get REALLY close to the settings that are used just by hearing it. I think that it needs to come to an end before every band sounds like an FM radio broadcast, lots of noise, no range. 

 

I understand why they do it, but I do not believe that it has a place on the field that is any good for the contest. If I were a director and had someone running tech for a band right now I would go HEAVY into mic'ing as all of the boards that bands are using are more than capable of dramatically affecting the outcome. I even saw a few bands with techs running the boards and faders live. This should have been a student, not a staff member at least. Boards should be zeroed out before they arrive on field (but with a computer you can quickly reset them). 

 

[takigan]

Edit: forgot I was in the SA thread and not State.

[Mmalpica9]

Great run for Vista Ridge... 4th. place in BOA and 6A State Champions! is incredible what this program has accomplished in just one year and they have set the bar high for next year. I'm betting they'll have a good go for BOA again

[Rudedog34]

I have issues with the mic'ing at this year's event. Several top bands who mic'd their soloists were using very heavy compression on the mics (limiting dynamic range, increasing perceived loudness which has been proven to equate to more enjoyment by the listener).

 

What's to stop a band from running multiple ORTF stereo set ups in front of the band and broadcasting that through the PA's used for soloists under extremely heavy compression? Nothing. This would increase perceived volume and dramatically affect the emotional response of a crowd and judges. The ability to add depth to the sound of a band with almost imperceptible delays and reverbs would be gigantic. And it can all be set up in a fire and forget mode so that nobody would ever need to even touch it.

 

I am highly attuned to hearing compression and limiting having run large recording studios for years and participating in multiple compressor showdowns. I can identify compressors and get REALLY close to the settings that are used just by hearing it. I think that it needs to come to an end before every band sounds like an FM radio broadcast, lots of noise, no range.

 

I understand why they do it, but I do not believe that it has a place on the field that is any good for the contest. If I were a director and had someone running tech for a band right now I would go HEAVY into mic'ing as all of the boards that bands are using are more than capable of dramatically affecting the outcome. I even saw a few bands with techs running the boards and faders live. This should have been a student, not a staff member at least. Boards should be zeroed out before they arrive on field (but with a computer you can quickly reset them).

 

Agree 100%.

[bingogooberman]

Idk if this has been mentioned, and can't really confirm it, but I would be shocked if Hebron's 19.60 in music wasn't the highest regional music score ever recorded

[principalagent]

Marcus for a 19.7 in ensemble music in 2012 prelims, but for overall it seems their 19.45 in 2007 finals was as good as it gets.