BandFan59 Posted September 18, 2022 Posted September 18, 2022 I watched the video of CTJ from last night too. I've always been a fan of their designs and this year's no different. The preshow is very unique and I thought visually they were quite good even with the complexity of their drill. I had to watch the ballad a couple times to really get my thoughts on it. The vocalists are both very talented and do a great job as the main spotlight of the ballad, but I probably would've preferred a ballad without vocals. That said I still enjoyed it and thought the big hit was excellent. Excited to see this in two weeks! Quote
LostChoirGuy Posted September 18, 2022 Posted September 18, 2022 I haven't seen CTJ so I'm not commenting on them, but in general I'm not a fan of vocalists in marching band performances. Nny14 and WoodlandsMom4ever 2 Quote
Fwguard17 Posted September 18, 2022 Posted September 18, 2022 Just watched the CTJ Video. Got to say, I’m not a fan. They play well and the drill is cleaning up but the ET bike at the beginning is weird to me. A little too on the nose and “standard HS Band” for a program like CTJ imho. I like the arrangement of the opener but the ballad isn’t for me. I’m hit or miss with vocalists, but that’s a lot. Will be interesting to see how BOA Katy play. If Reagan doesn’t clean up, I think the door could be open for Cedar Ridge or Seven Lakes or someone like that to take a run at the top spot. Quote
Popular Post jarrettlipman Posted September 19, 2022 Popular Post Posted September 19, 2022 I enjoy reading and responding occasionally -- 15 years at CTJ and the one thing I have always believed is a good thing... "Love you or hate you, if they're talking about you... you're doing your job." It's nice to see the commentary and happy that folks are seeking out our videos! CTJ is my one and only ... and I don't take for granted how lucky we are as a community to get to be a part of something as special as what we have. The show this year is an effort to get "back to basics" - there is drill (we move and play a lot) - there is a simple concept "out there," which references both "spaces," "from the outside looking in," planets, stars, ET, and of course how fortunate we are to be a part of such a wonderful world. I am not gaslighting - there's a lot wrong, but ... in a time where there is so much to be negative about, I try hard as a leader to keep our students and community focused on the positives in our world, and how they have an ability to be the change they wish so badly to see. We have never avoided doing difficult things ... so, the program is challenging, but... we have also tried to avoid "everything but the kitchen sink" - which we did very well with competitively, I might add 😇 And the show is in three movements plus a pre-show. It's a shorter show this year, and doesn't go down quite so many rabbit holes. This is a result of our own reflection ... but also things I have read on this forum, and feedback from adjudicators. We also like learning from those who are "state of the art" - Hebron, Vandy, Woodlands, Reagan, BA, Avon, Carmel, ETC - each bring something incredible to the table. And it helps shape our approach. Our ballad is inspired by 2018 Bluesprings - one of my favorite ballads as an audience member - and I remember thinking all through that "videos don't do that ballad justice" ... and I don't think the videos do ours justice either. Love singing or hate it ... it's a personal taste. I am singer - I enjoy it, and our kids do a wonderful job with it. I am always grateful each year to the bloggers and the audience members (who I also realize are some of our biggest competitors and not always happy to see us do well, but still stay positive or at least constructive) - that's a part of this game. I do always remind people that putting a show together and keeping a program like CTJ going over the long term is not easy to do (and we have now been around a LONG time, unless you're like RUBISCO ... you're a baby in my eyes)... Our team continues to entertain, push the envelope, and provide great experiences for our band members. We are inspired by the amazing programs in Texas, and continue to learn from them. Someday, those of you who write on this forum, I hope you are as fortunate as I have been to teach and be a part of the design process for a program like CTJ. It is am amazing thing to be a part of. And - you won't fully understand every decision we make, nor agree with it. And that's cool. That's the best part about art - it's subjective. We do CTJ the way we love to do it - it is a joy to teach there every day. AND, as Rubisco so eloquently put it so many years ago, we will always "go our own way." Have the best season, and look forward to sharing our show with you in KATY. Ranxh1938292, contrabassclarinet, LostChoirGuy and 16 others 19 Quote
LeanderMomma Posted September 19, 2022 Author Posted September 19, 2022 What a wonderful post by Mr. Lipman. Any band kid would be beyond blessed and privileged to be under the tutelage of @jarrettlipman and part of the incredible Claudia Taylor Johnson HS marching band! I am blessed to call many of the folks there my good friends, and they are truly some of the best people I know! The program takes a lot of grief for sure, but when you are one of the best at what you do, you expect that. I can’t wait to see this show at BOA San Antonio. I’m just super sad they won’t be in Austin this weekend. jarrettlipman 1 Quote
Popular Post packwick Posted September 19, 2022 Popular Post Posted September 19, 2022 it was a liiittle defensive, but i appreciated it. i know it probably sucks to read criticism of the CTJ program online by mostly a bunch of nobodies. i think CTJ's shows are always a good time, and sometimes puuuure, amaaazing, bliiissful magic, like in 2017. plus they actually CHALLENGE themselves, unlike, uhhh, some others... who will NOT be named... but "baby"? how dare u! hahaha. i was on the field when u were awarded that BOA scholarship in 2002. well assuming that Jarrett Lipman was u and not some other one. hahahaha. Nny14, jarrettlipman and Rubisco 3 Quote
Popular Post jarrettlipman Posted September 19, 2022 Popular Post Posted September 19, 2022 @packwick😁 Thems my kids - and my shows. You bet I am protective. That said, my skin is pretty thick. And that's awesome you were there, so maybe you AND Rubisco are the elders!! LeanderMomma, packwick, Rubisco and 1 other 4 Quote
Popular Post packwick Posted September 19, 2022 Popular Post Posted September 19, 2022 really i'm just here reliving my childhood BOA forum troll days. yeaaaah, u might remember me, mooglemaster i think it was... or maybe mog? anyway, i was awesome and totally not annoying and everyone loved me. LeanderMomma, Rubisco and jarrettlipman 3 Quote
Popular Post Rubisco Posted September 19, 2022 Popular Post Posted September 19, 2022 On 9/19/2022 at 2:53 AM, packwick said: really i'm just here reliving my childhood BOA forum troll days. yeaaaah, u might remember me, mooglemaster i think it was... or maybe mog? anyway, i was awesome and totally not annoying and everyone loved me. Expand Yes, the persona you adopt here is quite interesting, compared to elsewhere. I'll say that much! I admit, I do sort of like the attention, even if it's not all positive. Big fish, miniscule pond. Actually, more like average fish, miniscule pond. I think the CTJ program is astonishing, even if I level somewhat sharp-ish criticism against some of the design choices and clarity issues, even if I seem like I'm harping on them. You know, every observer has that thing that they're most obsessed with. You get a Richard Saucedo tape, you're going to hear a lot about tone quality. Others' pet peeve might be rhythmic accuracy. Mine is clarity. Of course, CTJ does virtually everything at the highest level, but that's also why I hold them to a higher standard in this random internet commentary than I hold other bands. I'm sure you've noticed I criticize the top groups much more than the others. It's actually because they're awesome, and they're all capable of winning a National Championship. And I am so nitpicky and so eager, because I know they're all so close to that level of competitive success, and in many ways have already achieved it. But that's all competitive stuff. Ultimately, that's not the most important aspect of band, which is about building character and making positive, life-long memories. I can tell you, as someone who was once a member of a band that won a lot, it's not the thing you'll cherish most from your time in band. Overall, I don't think anything I say should be taken too seriously, or viewed as especially malicious -- not usually anyway. Everybody has opinions on this forum, whether it's about singing or whatever. Ultimately we're not the judges, so it doesn't matter much. My own opinion, Jarrett, is that this CTJ show is near the tippy top. You and your kids are going to have another amazing, extremely successful season. And it will be well-deserved. J-Mike16, JMR2022, Nny14 and 3 others 6 Quote
packwick Posted September 19, 2022 Posted September 19, 2022 ew, this was all sickeningly sweet. i wanted to see someone get dragged by their weave kicking and screaming. but now that mr. lipman is here, might i pitch u, good sir, my amazing show idea for either CTJ or Boston Crusaders? it's an ode to movies and art so bad that they're good. i'm calling it Trollgirls 2. a portmanteau of Showgirls and Troll 2, and a sequel to a show that doesn't exist. the show will be THRILLING, ~*~sexy~*~, and kewl. and of course an incisive intellectual commentary on delusional artists and their feelings when their art is "misunderstood." it'll be great. trust. Rubisco 1 Quote
lost Posted September 19, 2022 Posted September 19, 2022 It is nice to see CTJ go “back to basics” which is what I originally thought Opposites Attract would be (and boy was I wrong). I think this is a really good show to refocus on the basics while still maintaining a lot of strong GE moments by virtue of being straightforward and clean. It’s rare we get a post from the man himself and it’s always great to see. We’ll miss them in Austin but they’re going to do great at Katy. LeanderMomma 1 Quote
Popular Post packwick Posted September 19, 2022 Popular Post Posted September 19, 2022 i want to point out that CTJ is one of exactly 2 bands i think are actually pretty consistently putting out progressive, forward-thinking shows at the high school level. that style of having a lot of music or ideas in a single movement is very distinct, very different, and it's haaard to imagine a CTJ show without it. it's that kind of fun, you never know what's next style. jarrettlipman, JMR2022, Nny14 and 1 other 4 Quote
packwick Posted September 19, 2022 Posted September 19, 2022 i thought i had found drone footage of Reagan but it was from last year. i keep fforgeting that Cedar Ridge is coming to Katy. aall these central TX bands coming to Houston to dominate. Quote
JMR2022 Posted September 20, 2022 Posted September 20, 2022 On 9/19/2022 at 4:35 AM, packwick said: ew, this was all sickeningly sweet. i wanted to see someone get dragged by their weave kicking and screaming. but now that mr. lipman is here, might i pitch u, good sir, my amazing show idea for either CTJ or Boston Crusaders? it's an ode to movies and art so bad that they're good. i'm calling it Trollgirls 2. a portmanteau of Showgirls and Troll 2, and a sequel to a show that doesn't exist. the show will be THRILLING, ~*~sexy~*~, and kewl. and of course an incisive intellectual commentary on delusional artists and their feelings when their art is "misunderstood." it'll be great. trust. Expand JL has enough ideas that are "out there" without your help Quote
packwick Posted September 20, 2022 Posted September 20, 2022 On 9/20/2022 at 9:42 AM, JMR2022 said: JL has enough ideas that are "out there" without your help Expand oh certainly. hahaha. this might be a bit of an r/woooosh. not sure. LeanderMomma 1 Quote
AWildAltoSax Posted September 26, 2022 Posted September 26, 2022 It’s time! We wait the week for this one! Quote
BandFan59 Posted September 27, 2022 Posted September 27, 2022 My final predictions for this one: 1. Claudia Taylor Johnson (GE) 2. Cedar Ridge (M) 3. Ronald Reagan (V) 4. Seven Lakes 5. Cy-Fair 6. Pearland 7. Lake Travis 8. Cypress Woods 9. Clear Brook 10. Friendswood 11. Oak Ridge 12. Stephen F. Austin Really looking forward to this one! Sandy1340 1 Quote
BandFan59 Posted September 28, 2022 Posted September 28, 2022 Northeast ISD streamed their marching festival tonight with each of the high schools performing their shows. Reagan performed what appears to be their entire show, while CTJ possibly has another movement to add (can't quite tell but the show ended somewhat awkwardly). For Reagan, the full show design is very similar to the style of the Path, Secret World, Loop, etc. Musically, the technical demand is incredibly high across all sections, from high woodwinds to low brass. It's not entirely clean right now but they're doing a good job tackling a very difficult book. Visually they're quite clean, as Reagan always is, and the ending is especially visually pleasing. For CTJ, seeing the show with all their props and uniforms is a whole different look for me. They sound fantastic as always, the low brass especially, and even with the visual demand being at CTJ's typical absurd difficulty, it's quite readable. The ballad is growing on me more and more every time I see it. Unfortunately, there was about a forty five second gap in the stream between the ballad and the next movement that makes it hard for me to comment on it, but the soloists sound excellent. Kind of a weird ending, but I'm guessing they have more to add later. peshbandkid and LeanderMomma 2 Quote
Origin Posted September 28, 2022 Posted September 28, 2022 Reagan is a lot to take in on first viewing. There’s just SO MUCH happening visually at all times that I can barely focus on what’s happening musically. The show has me really really excited though. Guard costumes are super cool too. CTJ is much more intelligible right now. The show is really coming along. I’m a big fan. LeanderMomma 1 Quote
JMR2022 Posted September 28, 2022 Posted September 28, 2022 On 9/28/2022 at 2:40 AM, BandFan59 said: Northeast ISD streamed their marching festival tonight with each of the high schools performing their shows. Reagan performed what appears to be their entire show, while CTJ possibly has another movement to add (can't quite tell but the show ended somewhat awkwardly). For Reagan, the full show design is very similar to the style of the Path, Secret World, Loop, etc. Musically, the technical demand is incredibly high across all sections, from high woodwinds to low brass. It's not entirely clean right now but they're doing a good job tackling a very difficult book. Visually they're quite clean, as Reagan always is, and the ending is especially visually pleasing. For CTJ, seeing the show with all their props and uniforms is a whole different look for me. They sound fantastic as always, the low brass especially, and even with the visual demand being at CTJ's typical absurd difficulty, it's quite readable. The ballad is growing on me more and more every time I see it. Unfortunately, there was about a forty five second gap in the stream between the ballad and the next movement that makes it hard for me to comment on it, but the soloists sound excellent. Kind of a weird ending, but I'm guessing they have more to add later. Expand yes, you are correct - there is more to come. Show is coming slower this year due to the much earlier start to their school year and the impact it had with a shorter band camp. they would normally have the full show on the field for BOA Austin. Tonight's fall fest launched the new show uniforms - similar to 2018 Sea of Love, new plumes and shirts, sleeves and neck scarfs. Guard costumes will be arriving this week in time for BOA Katy - I am looking forward to seeing CTJ, Reagan and Cedar Ridge in Katy as I this those 3 will battle for the top 3 spots. BandFan59 and LeanderMomma 2 Quote
josephbandfan Posted September 28, 2022 Posted September 28, 2022 Wow, Ronald Reagan is able to create some really cool effects with their guard. Quote
ohwell Posted September 28, 2022 Posted September 28, 2022 Reagan with a 10 minute complete show by sept 27. Very impressive Quote
vacon3` Posted September 29, 2022 Posted September 29, 2022 On 9/27/2022 at 10:02 PM, BandFan59 said: My final predictions for this one: 1. Claudia Taylor Johnson (GE) 2. Cedar Ridge (M) 3. Ronald Reagan (V) 4. Seven Lakes 5. Cy-Fair 6. Pearland 7. Lake Travis 8. Cypress Woods 9. Clear Brook 10. Friendswood 11. Oak Ridge 12. Stephen F. Austin Really looking forward to this one! Expand I think the bottom half of this list could easily be exchanged for a hand full of other groups. I’m very interested to see how things shake out. The Houston area has fewer top tier groups (Woodlands is really the only one consistently), but has so many very good programs that are in the bubble for a contest like this. Quote
thewho Posted September 30, 2022 Posted September 30, 2022 It's been a hot while since I've been in Texas. Can't wait! LeanderMomma 1 Quote
LeanderMomma Posted September 30, 2022 Author Posted September 30, 2022 On 9/30/2022 at 12:19 AM, thewho said: It's been a hot while since I've been in Texas. Can't wait! Expand I didn’t realize you were going to Katy! Very cool! thewho 1 Quote
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