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Post by thewho on Nov 17, 2019 20:55:06 GMT -6
While we're at it, let's address this: I would just like to remind you though that just because a band gets the Gold Medal at San Antonio one year, doesn't mean they are going to turn around and have a gold medal winning show again the next year or year after. Lets look at CTJ for example, won SA in 2014 and 2017, got 9th at GN in 2016 and 6 at GN in 2019 (this year.) Another example is Flomo win San Antonio in 2015 AND 2016 then getting 5th at Grand Nationals. Flomo winning San Antonio last year and getting 9th this year. Obviously their placements at grand nationals are nothing to look down upon, but what I am trying to bring up is that Texas band shows just aren't as consistent as someone like Avon (Got top 3 at GN for how many years now?) Just because Ronald Reagan Broke the score at SA which was previously set by CTJ (just two years ago, who got 6th at GN yesterday) doesn't mean they are going to have a show with as good design as they had this year. Vandegrift, who got 7th at San Antonio last year just won Grand Nationals, obviously their show last year was pretty good as they got a 94. Ronald Reagan got 2nd in 2018 and 1st this year. Let's see they if they can produce a 3rd masterpiece in a row. This also highlights how good Texas bands are, that just because you win one year doesn't mean you are safe the next, even with a spectacular show. The premise of your arguments is true but only partially. A great majority of Texas bands can Medal one year and be in the lower bubble the following. One oversight that you may have missed is that really only speaks to the depth of talent in Texas! See Hornrank the past few years. Number one in GN does not always equate to number one in the Country. Secondly, your Avon example hold no weight because those national presentations are only in the Midwest lest you forget 2017 when Avon was in Texas and placed 4th. We don’t know what the years bring and anyone who thinks they do is nearly speaking opinion. Impressive as it may be consistent wins regionally do not equate to what you think it does. If that were to be true then the 3 major regions in Texas can claim to that consistency as well. It’s a straw man. trumpette123 is literally saying just because Ronald Reagan had a banner year doesn't mean they'll have a banner year again in 2020 where they'll win GN Finals, and then grab BOA San Antonio, UIL, BOA Austin, BOA Houston along the way (though I wouldn't complain at all)- mostly just GN in this case. This isn't a case of comparing bands at all at the competition level like what you're doing in your post. And Avon is every bit of an example because they chose to attend GN every year, and continue to finish third. They have high expectations with their top 3 streak, and they met those expectations for 13 straight years. Carmel won 3 championships in a row and they couldn't even start a consistent top 3 streak despite a strong show that spoke to judges. But sure, let's go ahead and say those examples don't count despite GN being much more competitive than San Antonio for many years prior to the late '10s.
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Post by baribest on Nov 17, 2019 21:38:31 GMT -6
Carmel, this show has grown and grown on me every viewing this weekend and is becoming one of my fav. They absolutely nailed it tonight and are in serious contention for the music or visual captions. They are so good at maximizing every aspect of their shows. The have the best dynamic contrast on any band tonight. My one beef with Texas bands is they seem to play 3 volumes; loud, louder and loudest. They lack the amazing moments Carmel generates with their play between soft and loud. Way to end the evening Carmel! Most, if not all, of last night’s top bands mic either their best horn players or the field, or both. Carmel mics only soloists—no mic on field, no mic on any horn...that is how they are able to achieve the level of dynamic range that they do. When you hear a big, giant, rich sound come out of the horn section of Carmel, it is 100% those kids making that sound. No assistance used.
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Post by pocobill on Nov 17, 2019 22:22:24 GMT -6
I sat 100 level.row 11 midfield, and my take was the entire ensemble volume was incredible. The Texas six brought volume on fortes and balance throughout. Avon brought an entire show concept, and lost to overall ensemble strength.
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Post by lostchoirguy on Nov 18, 2019 0:11:41 GMT -6
Carmel, this show has grown and grown on me every viewing this weekend and is becoming one of my fav. They absolutely nailed it tonight and are in serious contention for the music or visual captions. They are so good at maximizing every aspect of their shows. The have the best dynamic contrast on any band tonight. My one beef with Texas bands is they seem to play 3 volumes; loud, louder and loudest. They lack the amazing moments Carmel generates with their play between soft and loud. Way to end the evening Carmel! Most, if not all, of last night’s top bands mic either their best horn players or the field, or both. Carmel mics only soloists—no mic on field, no mic on any horn...that is how they are able to achieve the level of dynamic range that they do. When you hear a big, giant, rich sound come out of the horn section of Carmel, it is 100% those kids making that sound. No assistance used. I don't think Vandy uses field mics either.
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Post by srv1084 on Nov 18, 2019 0:59:48 GMT -6
Carmel, this show has grown and grown on me every viewing this weekend and is becoming one of my fav. They absolutely nailed it tonight and are in serious contention for the music or visual captions. They are so good at maximizing every aspect of their shows. The have the best dynamic contrast on any band tonight. My one beef with Texas bands is they seem to play 3 volumes; loud, louder and loudest. They lack the amazing moments Carmel generates with their play between soft and loud. Way to end the evening Carmel! Most, if not all, of last night’s top bands mic either their best horn players or the field, or both. Carmel mics only soloists—no mic on field, no mic on any horn...that is how they are able to achieve the level of dynamic range that they do. When you hear a big, giant, rich sound come out of the horn section of Carmel, it is 100% those kids making that sound. No assistance used. With 220 winds on the field, I sure hope so!
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Post by boahistorybuff on Nov 18, 2019 6:01:08 GMT -6
In no way whatsoever do I want to interject myself in the debate. I just find it amusing that the Texas vs Midwest (i.e. Indiana) debate was raging 24 years ago when Center Grove beat Westfield for the GN title.
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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Nov 18, 2019 8:25:23 GMT -6
In no way whatsoever do I want to interject myself in the debate. I just find it amusing that the Texas vs Midwest (i.e. Indiana) debate was raging 24 years ago when Center Grove beat Westfield for the GN title. I see it more like sibling rivalry😀. My father was at the RCA Dome that day. I remember he had hoped Spring HS would make a showing. I also remember his stories about the Marching bands of America in Florida and Tennessee. What a rich history we have. I enjoy your expositions and comments. Big fan. :-)
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Nov 18, 2019 9:08:37 GMT -6
Final thoughts. Thanks to everyone here for tolerating my unfortunate coping mechanism. I know it can be annoying, and next season I swear I'll tone that down. Especially since the field looks so loaded that Homestead probably has no chance anyway. Very cool to see some of you down here, both those I've met before and those I met for the first time...especially principalagent for running down the hall with me as I raced to the bathroom trying to get back in time for CTJ. Yes, I made it. And if you're from Ayala, Leander, or Mason and you were high-fived at the Slippery Noodle by a dorky dude in an eight year old Homestead sweatshirt, then we met too. This was the best band competition I've ever attended, and I've attended a few. The top 5 could potentially have won in any other year. I had my favorites, but I'd watch any of those shows over again. In fact, were it possible to capture a flo feed, I would. But that would be wrong. Thanks for the community, Jeremiah. Band On.
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Post by thewho on Nov 18, 2019 9:18:54 GMT -6
Thanks to everyone here for tolerating my unfortunate coping mechanism. I know it can be annoying, and next season I swear I'll tone that down. Especially since the field looks so loaded that Homestead probably has no chance anyway. We'll make sure to hold you to that. You promised
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Post by gregorydf on Nov 18, 2019 12:12:28 GMT -6
While we're at it, let's address this: The premise of your arguments is true but only partially. A great majority of Texas bands can Medal one year and be in the lower bubble the following. One oversight that you may have missed is that really only speaks to the depth of talent in Texas! See Hornrank the past few years. Number one in GN does not always equate to number one in the Country. Secondly, your Avon example hold no weight because those national presentations are only in the Midwest lest you forget 2017 when Avon was in Texas and placed 4th. We don’t know what the years bring and anyone who thinks they do is nearly speaking opinion. Impressive as it may be consistent wins regionally do not equate to what you think it does. If that were to be true then the 3 major regions in Texas can claim to that consistency as well. It’s a straw man. trumpette123 is literally saying just because Ronald Reagan had a banner year doesn't mean they'll have a banner year again in 2020 where they'll win GN Finals, and then grab BOA San Antonio, UIL, BOA Austin, BOA Houston along the way (though I wouldn't complain at all)- mostly just GN in this case. This isn't a case of comparing bands at all at the competition level like what you're doing in your post. And Avon is every bit of an example because they chose to attend GN every year, and continue to finish third. They have high expectations with their top 3 streak, and they met those expectations for 13 straight years. Carmel won 3 championships in a row and they couldn't even start a consistent top 3 streak despite a strong show that spoke to judges. But sure, let's go ahead and say those examples don't count despite GN being much more competitive than San Antonio for many years prior to the late '10s. We need to be fair here on all sides when talking constancy, we can't compare bands in BOA Grand Nat's that have to spend big $'s to travel hundreds or over 1000 miles to attend with those that can easily drive less than 100 miles (or less than 35) and attend each year. Would be just as unfair for Texans to compare constancy of band's attending BOA San Antonio from outside of Texas. Also if you look at the last 10 years of BOA San Antonio you will also find a lot of consistency of the Bands in Finals year on year. In my prior thread the point I was trying to make is that competition bread's excellence and that brings change as well. I love that change & growth for High School Bands as a whole and bicker back and forth as we like on what state is better the pendulum will keep swinging as we see new innovative things and how to bring higher levels of performance to these competitions.
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Post by trumpette123 on Nov 18, 2019 13:58:57 GMT -6
While we're at it, let's address this: The premise of your arguments is true but only partially. A great majority of Texas bands can Medal one year and be in the lower bubble the following. One oversight that you may have missed is that really only speaks to the depth of talent in Texas! See Hornrank the past few years. Number one in GN does not always equate to number one in the Country. Secondly, your Avon example hold no weight because those national presentations are only in the Midwest lest you forget 2017 when Avon was in Texas and placed 4th. We don’t know what the years bring and anyone who thinks they do is nearly speaking opinion. Impressive as it may be consistent wins regionally do not equate to what you think it does. If that were to be true then the 3 major regions in Texas can claim to that consistency as well. It’s a straw man. trumpette123 is literally saying just because Ronald Reagan had a banner year doesn't mean they'll have a banner year again in 2020 where they'll win GN Finals, and then grab BOA San Antonio, UIL, BOA Austin, BOA Houston along the way (though I wouldn't complain at all)- mostly just GN in this case. This isn't a case of comparing bands at all at the competition level like what you're doing in your post. And Avon is every bit of an example because they chose to attend GN every year, and continue to finish third. They have high expectations with their top 3 streak, and they met those expectations for 13 straight years. Carmel won 3 championships in a row and they couldn't even start a consistent top 3 streak despite a strong show that spoke to judges. But sure, let's go ahead and say those examples don't count despite GN being much more competitive than San Antonio for many years prior to the late '10s. I appreciate you bringing light to what I said, honestly I gave up arguing with "Texas." I looked at the past SA and GN's from 2019-2013 (years I've been knowledgeable on band.) Hebron is the only band that has stayed in the top 6 every year between 2013-2019 at San Antonio. (They didn't win in any of those years.) Of the San Antonio Champions, only 1 of them went to Grand Nationals with that show and won (The Woodlands 2013.) It's pretty general for San Antonio finalist to perform better at Grand Nationals. (Round Rock 2013, Flower Mound 2014, Hebron 2015 (who actually won semifinals and had the worst semi/finals performance times), Cedar Park 2016, Vandegrift 2019.) - those are just a few examples. Correct though, I did not go in-depth on the complexity of the San Antonio Super Regional, it is very competitive and it MAY be hard to stay in the top 6 every year. But I believe strongly that Avon could comfortably stay in the top 6 range as Test4ment, their 4th place show you mentioned at San Antonio (in my opinion) is their weakest show in the past 7 years. I have not been at the SA Super Regional since 2013 (when I performed) unfortunately. I hope I can go back this next fall. I remember as a freshmen beating Marcus and L.D. Bell there and being upset that I got 6th (how ignorant I was.) The whole point of my first post though was to say that 1.) Texas bands are NOT consistent at creating Grand National Winning/Medaling shows. Getting top 6 at San Antonio consistently is a good sign, but for flomo for example. You can't tell me that going from 1st to 9th is consistent. (Making top 20 in SA is a feat in itself.) You could have said "Watch out of Flomo" after Winning SA in 2016 but look, in 2017 they got 5th at Grand Nationals and even got beat by Marcus who got 6th at the SA regional in 2016. 2.) I just really dislike the "we are better than everyone else" mentality. We are aware that Texas has some amazing programs and has potential for like 8 bands to medal at Grand Nationals (IF they bring the show.) But so do other bands. To poke back. Watch out for Broken Arrow, Carmel, Avon, Tarpon Springs, and Blue Springs next season. They all performed really well and unfortunately for some, we didn't get to see them in November. (Who knows, they may miss on design this next season.)
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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Nov 18, 2019 15:59:15 GMT -6
Wow. I am dumbfounded but I can’t say I’m surprised. My good friend told me to join this forum but to proceed with caution. This all started with gtegorydb expressing excitement about Vandys win and proudly announcing his kids (Vista Ridge) attending next years GN. As a parent he is proud. I stepped in because I felt it was unfair for him to be bombarded with BOA statistical theology in order to let him know that the only band that is CONSISTENT year over year is Avon. My point was not to argue that fantastic achievement but to shed light on that claim. Texas Bands do not live and die by BOA competitions alone. Using the FloMo example was unwarranted because they are always upper bubble consistent in their Region (DFW) as Avon is in their region (ISSMA, Indianapolis GN/SR). Upon doing some basic research I found TMEA Champions are almost never BOA Champs. Does that mean that one band program is better than the other because the judges sheets are different? Does that mean that the programs are inconsistent as alluded to because they Metal one year at BOA then bubble the following? My whole insertion was that Texas band programs have to be seen wholistic. The depth is unreal. Using not only BOA as a point of reference but including local and regional competitions along with UIL. Let’s not even talk about concert Season and the superiority that comes with that in Texas! I’m sorry for ranting. I am new. I am learning. I am not a BOA buff. Just a parent and a fan of the Marching Arts.
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Post by LeanderMomma on Nov 18, 2019 16:21:16 GMT -6
It’s just band, people. Amazing, crazy, brilliant, phenomenal bands, yes, but...it’s just band at the end of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I love it a crazy amount too. Maybe more than most. But we need to try and keep it real. Carry on.
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Post by barbaralhsbandmom on Nov 18, 2019 16:26:59 GMT -6
Wow. I am dumbfounded but I can’t say I’m surprised. My good friend told me to join this forum but to proceed with caution. This all started with gtegorydb just being excited about Vandys win and proudly announcing his kids (Vista Ridge) attending next years GN. He seemed excited and proud. I stepped in because I felt it was unfair to be bombarded with BOA theology in order to let him know that the only band that is CONSISTENT year over year is Avon. My point was not to argue that fantastic achievement but to shed light on that claim. Texas Bands do not live and die by BOA competitions alone. Using the FloMo example was unwarranted. My kid is new to these programs (Reagan) but just doing some research I found TMEA Champions are almost never BOA Champs. Does that mean that one band program is better than the other that marching season? Does that mean that the programs are inconsistent as alluded to because they Metal one year at BOA then bubble the following? My whole insertion was that Texas band programs have to be seen organically and wholistic. Using not only BOA as a point of reference but including local and regional competitions along with UIL. Hornrank Ratings are calculated as such. Let’s not even talk about concert Season and the superiority that comes with that in Texas! I’m sorry for ranting. I am new. I am learning. I am not a BOA buff. Just a parentI. All this being said the only point I do agree with is trying to dissect BOA Grand Nationals of the South is just absurd. Too complex. I loved Reagan's show this year! Enjoy the success your kiddo will have with that band. As a person who spends WAAAAAY too much time on the Internet; all forums have to be tread with caution. I don't think there was a personal attack on you. But when you talk about people's passion, money and children sometimes feelings get hurt. I live in Texas now but not from here. I see that Texas has pride like no other state. However, with that being said sometimes Texans have to share a little less pride at times. I am very much Team Texas. But I will say that Avon's and Carmel's shows were really good. I am sooo impressed with all the bands. I will also say Ronald Reagan Band has some intense/ passionate fans from being at a couple of the competitions they competed in. I am sure the kiddos enjoy that support from their fans!
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Post by N.E. Brigand on Nov 18, 2019 18:12:22 GMT -6
Wow. I am dumbfounded but I can’t say I’m surprised. My good friend told me to join this forum but to proceed with caution. This is one of the gentlest forums on the internet.
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Post by bdband83 on Nov 18, 2019 18:18:18 GMT -6
Here in Ohio there is a large difference in pride and poor manners
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Post by saxophoneboa on Nov 18, 2019 20:04:06 GMT -6
So I’m just now recovering from this weekend and I can’t help but say WOW I’ll share my thoughts below:
Vandegrift- It was really hard to find a mistake with this band, and they had this certain energy to them. I had a feeling they were going to win. I figured GE, maybe music but not visual. My only gripe with Vandy going into Grand Nats was the colorguard but in person it wasn’t as blaring as I thought it might be, that being said I still think they really need one and they could be winning Texas too.
Avon-I was really impressed! They may have had my favorite show, knowing the history of the Baroque era, you really understand a lot of what they’re doing and what things in the show really mean. The voiceovers were a little repetitive and should’ve stopped after the ballad but nonetheless I don’t think it took away too much from their performance. By far the best guard and undeniably the visual champion. I thought they could easily make a case to win too, but I had them 2nd.
Hebron- WOW I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like this band was putting out before. Vandy gave them a run for their money in music but they definitely deserved the music award and if in the future they can get the visual, and show design package to the same degree, no one in this country could touch them. Although the music was the best I had them in 4th.
Carmel- They really surprised me. A lot of people have been bashing Carmel this year so I didn’t know what to expect from them when they walked on to the field, but I was pleasantly surprised! Definitely my favorite music from them in a long time. I can’t stress how balanced and dark and rich their tones are it’s incredible! Also a masterclass in visual design from Michael Gaines again. I had them in 3rd because of their fantastic run and because I just thought the judges would eat it up.
Leander- I was extremely excited for this show! It had so much energy and GE but I was on the 40 right in front of one of the speakers and I don’t know if they had some serious issues but it was SO loud that I literally couldn’t stand it anymore and there were also moments in the show with complete and total silence before hits which I didn’t mind but I figured something was wrong. I’ve never been one to say said too loud either! During the Toxic drum break I had to plug my ears and everyone around me did too. That did take away from the performance for me a little bit because it was glaring how much louder their electronics were than the speakers. It was still phenomenal though and when the electronics were doing what they were supposed to it was soooo good. I had them in 6th because I just saw a lot of individual mistakes in the run.
CTJ- THEY WOKE THE STADIUM UP! Their opening hit was life changing and it was really the first band that you could tell had a shot at the championship. They were a total package and that improv section was insane. My only gripe was the pacing and occasionally it was visually dirty. They were my favorite performers of the night, and I’m so glad they brought a part of that magic to the stadium I had them in 5th.
William Mason- What a way to start off finals! They were a visual treat, any other year this show could’ve medaled. I think what held them back was GE. Also, even with Hebron and Vandy they still have some of the best freaking woodwinds. I had them in 7th.
The Woodlands- So much fun! I’ll be the first to admit that the show isn’t my cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it. A total package in terms of strengths. I had them in 8th.
Round Rock- Performance-wise Round Rick totally deserved finals! They were so clean but I think they were hitting the max that the show allowed them to score. It was just not a well designed show... the mime thing doesn’t really work. Nonetheless fantastic and I love me some Round Rock. I feel if the show design is fixed Round Rock will be a finals lock anywhere they go. I had them in 11th.
Homestead- They had such an improved show design and music performance from anything I’ve seen of them before! They had such a good finals run and they turned me into a Homestead fan! I had them in 9th. Union- What a nice show! I hadn’t really heard anything about union all year so I was going in with no knowledge of their show. They sounded great and the guard was phenomenal. I feel like they never marched though and how did they get so small compared to a couple of years ago? I had them in 12th
Ayala-When they were announced in 12th I was surprised because they were such a breath of fresh air. So different than everyone else and such a beautiful show. Their opening hit shook the stadium and that guard was AMAZING. I loved them. I had them in 10th.
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Post by ohbandmom on Nov 18, 2019 21:31:39 GMT -6
What a great finals this was. All of these bands are amazing and the kids have so much incredible talent. I have to say that I was impressed with the truly genuine sportsmanship with which these kids conduct themselves. They are so positive and encouraging with others bands even through the fierce competition. The parents (and mind you, I’m one of them) could learn a thing or two from these kids. Believe me, I was right there cheering for my band with the rest of them, but some parents took things too far. During the announcement of the finals placements, a parent who was clearly from Texas was chanting for Mason to be in 12th. This continued through 11th and 10th until Mason was called as 7th and then she to bash some more about how it wasn’t deserved. That is just uncalled for and I don’t say that just because it was my band she was bashing. It’s just rude and unprofessional. So glad we were far enough up that the kids could not hear it. To all the parents out there, keep things positive!
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Post by whosaidit on Nov 18, 2019 22:51:50 GMT -6
So I’m just now recovering from this weekend and I can’t help but say WOW I’ll share my thoughts below: Vandegrift- It was really hard to find a mistake with this band, and they had this certain energy to them. I had a feeling they were going to win. I figured GE, maybe music but not visual. My only gripe with Vandy going into Grand Nats was the colorguard but in person it wasn’t as blaring as I thought it might be, that being said I still think they really need one and they could be winning Texas too. Avon-I was really impressed! They may have had my favorite show, knowing the history of the Baroque era, you really understand a lot of what they’re doing and what things in the show really mean. The voiceovers were a little repetitive and should’ve stopped after the ballad but nonetheless I don’t think it took away too much from their performance. By far the best guard and undeniably the visual champion. I thought they could easily make a case to win too, but I had them 2nd. Hebron- WOW I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like this band was putting out before. Vandy gave them a run for their money in music but they definitely deserved the music award and if in the future they can get the visual, and show design package to the same degree, no one in this country could touch them. Although the music was the best I had them in 4th. Carmel- They really surprised me. A lot of people have been bashing Carmel this year so I didn’t know what to expect from them when they walked on to the field, but I was pleasantly surprised! Definitely my favorite music from them in a long time. I can’t stress how balanced and dark and rich their tones are it’s incredible! Also a masterclass in visual design from Michael Gaines again. I had them in 3rd because of their fantastic run and because I just thought the judges would eat it up. Leander- I was extremely excited for this show! It had so much energy and GE but I was on the 40 right in front of one of the speakers and I don’t know if they had some serious issues but it was SO loud that I literally couldn’t stand it anymore and there were also moments in the show with complete and total silence before hits which I didn’t mind but I figured something was wrong. I’ve never been one to say said too loud either! During the Toxic drum break I had to plug my ears and everyone around me did too. That did take away from the performance for me a little bit because it was glaring how much louder their electronics were than the speakers. It was still phenomenal though and when the electronics were doing what they were supposed to it was soooo good. I had them in 6th because I just saw a lot of individual mistakes in the run. CTJ- THEY WOKE THE STADIUM UP! Their opening hit was life changing and it was really the first band that you could tell had a shot at the championship. They were a total package and that improv section was insane. My only gripe was the pacing and occasionally it was visually dirty. They were my favorite performers of the night, and I’m so glad they brought a part of that magic to the stadium I had them in 5th. William Mason- What a way to start off finals! They were a visual treat, any other year this show could’ve medaled. I think what held them back was GE. Also, even with Hebron and Vandy they still have some of the best freaking woodwinds. I had them in 7th. The Woodlands- So much fun! I’ll be the first to admit that the show isn’t my cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it. A total package in terms of strengths. I had them in 8th. Round Rock- Performance-wise Round Rick totally deserved finals! They were so clean but I think they were hitting the max that the show allowed them to score. It was just not a well designed show... the mime thing doesn’t really work. Nonetheless fantastic and I love me some Round Rock. I feel if the show design is fixed Round Rock will be a finals lock anywhere they go. I had them in 11th. Homestead- They had such an improved show design and music performance from anything I’ve seen of them before! They had such a good finals run and they turned me into a Homestead fan! I had them in 9th. Union- What a nice show! I hadn’t really heard anything about union all year so I was going in with no knowledge of their show. They sounded great and the guard was phenomenal. I feel like they never marched though and how did they get so small compared to a couple of years ago? I had them in 12th Ayala-When they were announced in 12th I was surprised because they were such a breath of fresh air. So different than everyone else and such a beautiful show. Their opening hit shook the stadium and that guard was AMAZING. I loved them. I had them in 10th. I believe Union has started doing auditions for marching bands and cut down their size this year as a result
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Post by hewhowaits on Nov 19, 2019 6:28:00 GMT -6
Union- ... how did they get so small compared to a couple of years ago? They still had 220 total members on the field.
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Post by boahistorybuff on Nov 19, 2019 7:47:22 GMT -6
What a great finals this was. All of these bands are amazing and the kids have so much incredible talent. I have to say that I was impressed with the truly genuine sportsmanship with which these kids conduct themselves. They are so positive and encouraging with others bands even through the fierce competition. The parents (and mind you, I’m one of them) could learn a thing or two from these kids. Believe me, I was right there cheering for my band with the rest of them, but some parents took things too far. During the announcement of the finals placements, a parent who was clearly from Texas was chanting for Mason to be in 12th. This continued through 11th and 10th until Mason was called as 7th and then she to bash some more about how it wasn’t deserved. That is just uncalled for and I don’t say that just because it was my band she was bashing. It’s just rude and unprofessional. So glad we were far enough up that the kids could not hear it. To all the parents out there, keep things positive! Although I doubt they are, but just in case that parent is reading this, to set the record strait, Mason fully deserved 7th (I think most of us on this forum know that). They had some of the best woodwinds out of anybody and a pretty demanding and very well performed show.
Even though I watched from afar, you could tell all of the bands respected each other. That was not actually the case when I was in the activity 30 years ago. Bashing other bands was pretty common, from both parents and students. The band that was probably the most respectful back then with the best sportsmanship was Marian Catholic, ironic seeing as no other band was more successful. It is one of the many reasons why I love Marian.
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Post by natertater on Nov 19, 2019 8:09:29 GMT -6
They had the best woodwinds out of anybody and a pretty demanding and very well performed show.
*cough cough* Hebron, Vandergrift *cough cough*
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Post by Allohak on Nov 19, 2019 8:11:38 GMT -6
They had the best woodwinds out of anybody and a pretty demanding and very well performed show. *cough cough* Hebron, Vandergrift *cough cough* He didn't stutter. There is only one band who consistently gets better ensemble balance and clarity from its woodwinds, and they come to GN every other year.
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Post by natertater on Nov 19, 2019 8:30:43 GMT -6
They had the best woodwinds out of anybody and a pretty demanding and very well performed show. *cough cough* Hebron, Vandergrift *cough cough* He didn't stutter. There is only one band who consistently gets better ensemble balance and clarity from its woodwinds, and they come to GN every other year. I didn't stutter either? As a clarinetist I disagree. So did the judges. 🤷♂️
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Post by Allohak on Nov 19, 2019 8:32:12 GMT -6
He didn't stutter. There is only one band who consistently gets better ensemble balance and clarity from its woodwinds, and they come to GN every other year. I didn't stutter either? As a clarinetist I disagree. So did the judges. 🤷♂️ A lot more goes into music scores than having good woodwinds 🙄
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Post by natertater on Nov 19, 2019 8:36:45 GMT -6
I didn't stutter either? As a clarinetist I disagree. So did the judges. 🤷♂️ A lot more goes into music scores than having good woodwinds 🙄 Obviously, but unless you're about to say the brass and percussion pulled the apparently first place woodwinds down to 7th/8th in music then I again disagree.
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Post by Allohak on Nov 19, 2019 8:44:25 GMT -6
A lot more goes into music scores than having good woodwinds 🙄 Obviously, but unless you're about to say the brass and percussion pulled the apparently first place woodwinds down to 7th/8th in music then I again disagree. Should have been higher than that, but essentially, yes. Going first hurts.
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Post by natertater on Nov 19, 2019 8:50:22 GMT -6
Obviously, but unless you're about to say the brass and percussion pulled the apparently first place woodwinds down to 7th/8th in music then I again disagree. Should have been higher than that, but essentially, yes. Going first hurts. I disagree, I had them around that area in all captions throughout the weekend. It clearly didn't hurt them very much as they moved up from semis, though that can be for a lot of reasons. I thought the book was well written and very well performed. The woodwinds lacked a certain clarity that I heard from all of the top 3 though. I mean no insult, but if this to be an area for different opinions and discussion then that's mine. I think Vandergrift had the best Woodwind clarity and Hebron had the hardest book. Shout out to Avon's as well. Great characteristic tones from them, especially the solists from all three.
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Post by boahistorybuff on Nov 19, 2019 9:03:48 GMT -6
OK they had among the best woodwinds. Yes obviously Hebron, Vandegrift, Avon, Carmel woodwinds were awesome too, I just really liked Mason's woodwind features. Totally was not the point of that post.
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Post by saxophoneboa on Nov 19, 2019 10:30:11 GMT -6
They had the best woodwinds out of anybody and a pretty demanding and very well performed show. *cough cough* Hebron, Vandergrift *cough cough* Although you’re right I would have Masons woodwinds right up there with them... The sonorities and balance in all three sections was unparalleled, and although Mason didn’t place as high as Hebron and Vandegrift, however all three concert band programs are at the same level of success
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