2019 BOA Grand National Championships

[4913123]

Looks like Dan has a new channel up, named Dan the band man rises. He’s on it today.

[An Inspirational Pinecone]

Congrats to Vandegrift on their first place finish! Was hoping we'd see all three captions go to Texas, but Avon's visual is amazing. Hebron's third place finish was nice to see. Let's see how many grand nats they can medal in. Congrats to Leander and CTJ finishing out the top 6.

 

Okay, now with all that out of the way.. I don't want to be *that* guy, in fact I absolutely hate to be that guy, but I can't help but feel like TW was robbed. Not necessarily of a placement but definitely of score and I fully blame the Hebron rule for that. I'm fine with William Mason placing above us. We performed side by side and the judges had perfect reference of one another. But if that is truly the case then they should have gotten a 93.5 or something of the sort. I know why they scored low and why we scored low as consequence (well, low compared to semis, prelims, and SA), I just wish there was a better system in place and that judges could judge consistently even if the band performing is the first band to perform. I know it's an impossible dream but when you not only drop 1.3 points after 2 weeks of nothing but cleaning, on top of dropping two points between semifinals and finals, I feel like something oughta be done.

[An Inspirational Pinecone]

Oh, and congrats to RR on not only getting finals, rounding out the Texas 6, but placing 8th in prelims which is no small feat

[11BandMan11]

TEAM! TEXAS! 

[jarrettlipman]

Just a note to say thank you for the incredible support on the forums this past weekend. The bloggers for TXbands were so uplifting and complimentary, and all of our kids and parents appreciate that love. It is hard not to experience wonder and awe when you consider how blessed we are as a state to have so many incredible programs. To have something like TXbands alongside of that is equally special.

 

The criticism, banter, discussion, and engagement on these forums is always interesting to read through the year and speaking personally, has impacted many design discussions and sparked conversations with our staff on what we can do better.

 

Thanks again for the love through the nationals process. It really added a lot for our community.

[Guest]

Isnt Round Rock the first national finalist to make finals after missing finals at an early season regional? If so, awesome!

[SpartanBandAlum]

  On 11/17/2019 at 3:50 PM, Cityscapes said:

Isnt Round Rock the first national finalist to make finals after missing finals at an early season regional? If so, awesome!

I think either Prospect or Northrop might have done it back in the 80s/early 90s, but I can’t remember

[LHSax]

  On 11/17/2019 at 1:09 PM, An Inspirational Pinecone said:

Congrats to Vandegrift on their first place finish! Was hoping we'd see all three captions go to Texas, but Avon's visual is amazing. Hebron's third place finish was nice to see. Let's see how many grand nats they can medal in. Congrats to Leander and CTJ finishing out the top 6.

 

Okay, now with all that out of the way.. I don't want to be *that* guy, in fact I absolutely hate to be that guy, but I can't help but feel like TW was robbed. Not necessarily of a placement but definitely of score and I fully blame the Hebron rule for that. I'm fine with William Mason placing above us. We performed side by side and the judges had perfect reference of one another. But if that is truly the case then they should have gotten a 93.5 or something of the sort. I know why they scored low and why we scored low as consequence (well, low compared to semis, prelims, and SA), I just wish there was a better system in place and that judges could judge consistently even if the band performing is the first band to perform. I know it's an impossible dream but when you not only drop 1.3 points after 2 weeks of nothing but cleaning, on top of dropping two points between semifinals and finals, I feel like something oughta be done.

 

Scores are just numbers used to relatively compare each group, the actual number itself is meaningless, only the relative value to the groups around the score matters.We hear the phrase "you can't compare scores across competitions" all the time, and there's good reason for that. It's not the number that matters, it's how it relates to the other bands at THAT competition that matters, and determines the final rank. There is nothing to be feel bad about for the point drop in 2 weeks because these are 2 completely separate competitions with completely different variables. Your band has a lot to be proud of, and while the final score may not literally reflect an "improvement," The Woodlands and all of Team Texas improved like crazy from San Antonio 2 weeks ago, and it was amazing to see. If the Woodlands marched the same show they did 2 weeks ago, who knows, maybe they would've been 10th or 11th, so trust me, the 2 weeks of hard work were well worth it, regardless of an arbitrary number. Loved the Woodlands this year, can't wait to see how they push the envelope next year.

[SATXBandDad]

I know it feels like your favorite team just lost the Super Bowl but remember these are just high school kids. Kids that still do kid things like play video games or say inappropriate things at inappropriate times (haha). I’m an awe at the maturity and talent these kids display. I’m so proud to call myself a band parent. Band has truly been a blessing and I’m grateful to be part of such a fantastic community. Congrats to Vandegrift and the rest of Team Texas!! We brought it last night and made a lasting impression! See y’all next year!!! Oh, and last night proves....band is just better in Texas!!!

[SpartanBandAlum]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate Leander running through Hebron to get to Vandy after they broke ranks? I loved that

[Danpod]

I NEVER assume people listen to this thing, but the latest episode of The Danpodcast is up!

 

Oh, and it's on Apple Podcasts by searching The Danpodcast
 

[An Inspirational Pinecone]

  On 11/17/2019 at 4:06 PM, LHSax said:

 

Scores are just numbers used to relatively compare each group, the actual number itself is meaningless, only the relative value to the groups around the score matters.We hear the phrase "you can't compare scores across competitions" all the time, and there's good reason for that. It's not the number that matters, it's how it relates to the other bands at THAT competition that matters, and determines the final rank. There is nothing to be feel bad about for the point drop in 2 weeks because these are 2 completely separate competitions with completely different variables. Your band has a lot to be proud of, and while the final score may not literally reflect an "improvement," The Woodlands and all of Team Texas improved like crazy from San Antonio 2 weeks ago, and it was amazing to see. If the Woodlands marched the same show they did 2 weeks ago, who knows, maybe they would've been 10th or 11th, so trust me, the 2 weeks of hard work were well worth it, regardless of an arbitrary number. Loved the Woodlands this year, can't wait to see how they push the envelope next year.

I understand all of that fully, it's just that it feels disheartening and discouraging when you hear that you score lower after two weeks when just about every other band improved. And of course like you said the scores don't really reflect across competitions but we did significantly better in prelims and semis, both above what we scored in SA. So when they turn that around and tell us "91.2" it instantly makes us, or at least me feel like they're discrediting what we've gone through and accomplished in the past two weeks.

[DeepEllum]

  On 11/17/2019 at 4:34 PM, SpartanMarcher said:

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate Leander running through Hebron to get to Vandy after they broke ranks? I loved that

And some CTJ kids too! Heck half of Hebron was engulfed in Vandegrift by that point. So cool to see the Texas comradery

[Hard Core Band Fan]

Also congratulations to The Woodlands for their 10th Grand National Finals appearance! This breaks their tie with LD Bell with 9. An incredible feat for both of these bands.

 

10  89.20  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2013
3    96.05  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2010
2    95.25  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2009
2    96.50  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2008
1    96.10  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2007
2    96.35  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2006
3    95.60  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2005
5    93.00  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2003
4    95.85  L.D. Bell H.S., TX  2001

 

8   91.20  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2019
7   91.83  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2017
6   93.70  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2015
1   96.80  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2013
4   93.25  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2011
7   92.50  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2009
4   92.10  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2007
4   94.15  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2006
7   92.20  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2004
8   87.35  The Woodlands H.S., TX  2002

[lost]

It just hit me. I knew they where Grand National champions before, but just now it hit me. The realization and the weight that title meant.

[Mash]

  On 11/17/2019 at 5:39 AM, vincentlee1220 said:

When was the last time a school district in Texas held both top class state titles and the Eagle all at the same time? (I'm guessing never). Leander ISD really is the place to be for marching band right now, wow. Congrats Vandegrift and go LISD band!

LISD currently holds the championship for BOA, 6A, and 5A.   I wonder if they can keep the ball rolling.  Could Vista pull the double of 6A and BOA next year?  Who knows.

[Guest]

Would really love to see a band win BOASA, 6A state, and nationals all in one year

[natertater21000]

  On 11/17/2019 at 9:27 PM, Cityscapes said:

Would really love to see a band win BOASA, 6A state, and nationals all in one year

I think Marcus could have done it in 2012. If only, if only.

[An Inspirational Pinecone]

  On 11/17/2019 at 9:27 PM, Cityscapes said:

 

Would really love to see a band win BOASA, 6A state, and nationals all in one year

Well if Reagan's going to Nats next year it could happen

[thewho]

What an incredible event all around. Congratulations to all 6 bands.

 

For those who had attended, I hope many of you were able to see why Carmel was held in such high regard for the past few years. The effect Carmel has in their shows is something to be experienced live. I regret that 2019 was the version Texas had to see in comparison to 2016-2018, but honestly, if you at least understand why Carmel does so well from this show alone, you'd understand how great those other shows were. Of course, Avon is Texas's adopted child, so I know many were excited to see them in action.

 

Congratulations to all 6 Texas bands for making finals! That's a record number of bands from one state.

 

I saw so many of the familiar CTJ parents from San Antonio that volunteered! It was wonderful just randomly bumping into some of you! Also, thank you @banddad84 for putting the gathering together on Friday- me having to skip out on the preliminaries was a bummer, so the gathering absolutely made up for it with being able to meet familiar faces and new.

 

 

Finally, a hearty congratulations to Vandegrift for winning GN on their first trip. There's some actual first-timers in BOA history (Live Oak in '76, Murray '77, and Sylva-Webster '79), but all are so early in the formative years of BOA that the chances of the first-timer winning was likely going to happen several times. This is the first time since then- 40 years after the fact. Vandegrift is standing with some of the storied legacies in BOA history with this win. Time will see whether Vandegrift will pass them, but this historic moment can't be understated any further. In my eyes, this is the first time a band has truly won in their first trip.

 

There's going to be an inevitable debate about whether Ronald Reagan would've won GN if they had gone this year. Well... with this performance, it's just split down the middle. Ronald Reagan may had the best show overall this year, but Vandegrift had the best performance this year. SA RR = GN Vandy and GN Vandy = SA RR. Don't construe this as me saying one is the other- they're equal.

[Crown2018]

  On 11/17/2019 at 9:27 PM, Cityscapes said:

 

Would really love to see a band win BOASA, 6A state, and nationals all in one year

FloMo would’ve in 2016

[northtexasbandfan]

I don't know if this stat will speak to how good and dominant Marcus was in 2012, but these are the margins of victory at BOA San Antonio over the last decade, from largest to least (I know this is a Grand Nats thread):


1  2.85  2012 Marcus

2  2.05  2016 Flower Mound

T4 1.20  2014 Claudia Taylor Johnson

T4 1.20  2010 Marcus

5  1.025 2017 Claudia Taylor Johnson

6  0.90  2019 Ronald Reagan

7  0.40  2015 Flower Mound

8  0.30  2011 L.D. Bell

9  0.20  2018 Flower Mound

10 0.05  2013 The Woodlands


My son's freshman year at Flower Mound was 2012 and the presence the Marcus Band had that year was almost ... intimidating when they took the field to perform. "Gilded Melodies" was a masterpiece. 

[lost]

I know we all like to believe flomo would’ve absolutely won Grand Nationals in 2016, but I can’t help but think Carmel and Avon would’ve put up a of a fight even with Flomos show. That’s not to say they couldn’t have won.

[Nny14]

  On 11/18/2019 at 12:23 AM, lost said:

I know we all like to believe flomo would’ve absolutely won Grand Nationals in 2016, but I can’t help but think Carmel and Avon would’ve put up a of a fight even with Flomos show. That’s not to say they couldn’t have won.

No they really wouldn't have.

[LeanderMomma]

  On 11/17/2019 at 9:56 PM, An Inspirational Pinecone said:

Well if Reagan's going to Nats next year it could happen

Next year is a whole new ballgame. If we have learned anything in Texas these past few years, it’s not to assume that a band will repeat the exact same success they had the year before. There are TONS of examples of that so let’s not go crowning Reagan the GN, BOA SA and UIL 2020 Champions just yet. They’re completely amazing and all, but next year is a whole new season of incredible bands and THIS IS TEXAS! ❤️