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Post by trombonium on Oct 24, 2021 16:40:40 GMT -6
After finally seeing a video of Castle I have to say I'm very impressed by their winds. While their music (and simultaneous demand) seems a bit less difficult than some competitors*, I'd go so far as to say their brass sounded better than anyone else I've heard at this competition. That said, I was not very impressed by Avon and Carmel's brass compared to years past (although I've only seen their prelims performances so this may be a dubious assessment).
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Post by bandaid on Oct 24, 2021 16:57:38 GMT -6
I'm currently in this mindset with Plainfield. They bring back a guard director and her husband (he writes drill) who was with the band under the previous band director. In my opinion this was a step backward for Plainfield. I'm hoping this change will only last until their son graduates as he is in the band. Plainfield has been stagnant (score wise) this season and to turn around and only get into Semi State because another band had gotten a rather large penalty. Plainfield practiced on Saturday ( which they need because they are obviously struggling) but do you think that stopped the new not so new guard director from leaving practice early to get to Whiteland's contest so she could be one of the judges? IMO this is unacceptable! From the inner rumblings at Homestead, the parents are not happy with the ongoing audio problems and lower placings over seasons past. Longevity wise it worries me that if they don’t get things figured out that they will lose that crucial community support that makes this program what it is. Not trying to be doom and gloom (I will leave that for you!) but just relaying the current situation there. Look, I've always been a pessimist, but it comes from a place a believing in Homestead but merely bracing for the worst in any particular competition. I'm the same way with sports. It's simply a defense mechanism. But I will be honest that this season has been different as I have watched the program's missteps and lack of progress. I quite frankly, don't believe right now. I know that in this regard I'm parting ways with most of the Homestead Watchers here, and I respect their opinions. (Good talking with you yesterday Seth, always nice seeing you and hearing your insights!) But those of us on this board are looking at things differently than kids and parents are. We can sit back and take a long view and preach patience. But a kid who has practiced in the heat, the cold, and the rain, and who stands on the field in Lucas Oil for the biggest competition so far and hears the show screwed up by ineptness out of their control for the 4th time, what does that say to them? Does this inspire confidence in their leadership? Does this make them want to get back to work (ahem, on Tuesday) and work even harder? I'll bet more than one kid was on that bus ride back thinking, "Screw this $#!T." I left after Avon performed, before awards. I never do that, but we wanted to get out of there. I saw a LOT of Homestead jackets heading out the door. And probably not just because some great bands performed better, but because they were pissed, as I was. If you lose those kids and the parents at Homestead, it's over. And if they don't believe in what you're selling, you'll lose them. These are no longer Barber/Wadkins parents with a long deep love for the program. They don't automatically believe. And what they're showing today does not inspire confidence. I know most here think I'm being overly dramatic, but I don't think so. It's one thing for the new regime to come in and drop a bit due to the rise of some other programs. You can't control that. But when you come in and produce the worst season in 30 years by dropping your own balls and shooting yourself in the foot over and over, well I'm not surprised that the parents are pissed. I don't know what the answer is for them. One would have to think the staff needs reviewed. But certainly there needs to be some greater attention to detail there because from the outside looking in it certainly feels like the small things are being ignored, and they've become big problems. And that's all I've got to say about that.
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Post by baritonewack on Oct 24, 2021 18:29:00 GMT -6
Thoughts about Mason? I wasn’t expecting their show to be like that, pleasantly surprised.
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Post by michael on Oct 24, 2021 18:46:39 GMT -6
I would have loved to see these performances from the stands! Thanks all for the recap, and congratulations to the kids from all bands!
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Post by N.E. Brigand on Oct 24, 2021 19:05:04 GMT -6
Step back from the ledge! I've seen what happens when parents try to butt into running a program. Trust me it'll do far more damage (see Lassiter & Gibson Southern). Let the directors and staff handle it. I'm sure they're well aware of the issues and are looking to rectify them. You know my thoughts on the current show and staff so I won't go into that. I do know that everything I've heard about the director is nothing but positive so try having a little faith. They'll learn from this year and adjust. Early in Friday Night Lights, which I thought was otherwise just a middling movie (I've heard the TV show that followed was better), there's a great scene in which the high school football coach, played by Billy Bob Thornton, listens to his small town's sports radio station as they tear him to shreds for leaving in their star player in the fourth quarter of the first game of the year, when the team was well ahead and that player wasn't needed. The player suffered a season-ending injury on the next play. What Thornton's character and the movie audience knows, but the sports radio talkers don't, is that the player he sent in to replace the star blanked out and forgot his helmet on the sidelines, so they couldn't make the switch.
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Post by es203 on Oct 24, 2021 19:11:09 GMT -6
After finally seeing a video of Castle I have to say I'm very impressed by their winds. While their music (and simultaneous demand) seems a bit less difficult than some competitors*, I'd go so far as to say their brass sounded better than anyone else I've heard at this competition. That said, I was not very impressed by Avon and Carmel's brass compared to years past (although I've only seen their prelims performances so this may be a dubious assessment). I would have to disagree with your assessment on Avon. Avon sounds much more balanced than usual to me and I certainly prefer their brass sound this year to some past years (particularly 2017 and 2019). Carmel's brass definitely has a really difficult book and of course it's not perfect just yet, but they have a massive sound, even bigger than in 2019, and certainly bigger than any year before then. Personal opinion
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Post by cinnamonpromenade on Oct 24, 2021 19:47:40 GMT -6
I'm currently in this mindset with Plainfield. They bring back a guard director and her husband (he writes drill) who was with the band under the previous band director. In my opinion this was a step backward for Plainfield. I'm hoping this change will only last until their son graduates as he is in the band. Plainfield has been stagnant (score wise) this season and to turn around and only get into Semi State because another band had gotten a rather large penalty. Plainfield practiced on Saturday ( which they need because they are obviously struggling) but do you think that stopped the new not so new guard director from leaving practice early to get to Whiteland's contest so she could be one of the judges? IMO this is unacceptable! [...] And that's all I've got to say about that. Hey if you've got some weird personal beef with Plainfield, you're SO welcome to go hash that out with their director (and not on here lol) This is your fourth time posting petty comments about their guard director. We've gotten the hint! Now, as the first person to reply to any of these posts, I'll give you a hint: You can stop now! Thank you! To any Plainfield students reading this: I wish you nothing but growth and catharsis in these final moments of your season. You made band happen in the wake of COVID-19. You deserve to feel nothing but pride and joy in what you've accomplished this year. Savor every second! P.S.: If you ACTUALLY care about helping their program, you will offer them your time and energy as a teacher. Or, if that's impossible because it turns out you actually can't teach at ALL, you will help them by not continuing to drag their name through the mud online.
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bflat
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Post by bflat on Oct 24, 2021 19:54:00 GMT -6
Look, I've always been a pessimist, but it comes from a place a believing in Homestead but merely bracing for the worst in any particular competition. I'm the same way with sports. It's simply a defense mechanism. But I will be honest that this season has been different as I have watched the program's missteps and lack of progress. I quite frankly, don't believe right now. I know that in this regard I'm parting ways with most of the Homestead Watchers here, and I respect their opinions. (Good talking with you yesterday Seth, always nice seeing you and hearing your insights!) But those of us on this board are looking at things differently than kids and parents are. We can sit back and take a long view and preach patience. But a kid who has practiced in the heat, the cold, and the rain, and who stands on the field in Lucas Oil for the biggest competition so far and hears the show screwed up by ineptness out of their control for the 4th time, what does that say to them? Does this inspire confidence in their leadership? Does this make them want to get back to work (ahem, on Tuesday) and work even harder? I'll bet more than one kid was on that bus ride back thinking, "Screw this $#!T." I left after Avon performed, before awards. I never do that, but we wanted to get out of there. I saw a LOT of Homestead jackets heading out the door. And probably not just because some great bands performed better, but because they were pissed, as I was. If you lose those kids and the parents at Homestead, it's over. And if they don't believe in what you're selling, you'll lose them. These are no longer Barber/Wadkins parents with a long deep love for the program. They don't automatically believe. And what they're showing today does not inspire confidence. I know most here think I'm being overly dramatic, but I don't think so. It's one thing for the new regime to come in and drop a bit due to the rise of some other programs. You can't control that. But when you come in and produce the worst season in 30 years by dropping your own balls and shooting yourself in the foot over and over, well I'm not surprised that the parents are pissed. I don't know what the answer is for them. One would have to think the staff needs reviewed. But certainly there needs to be some greater attention to detail there because from the outside looking in it certainly feels like the small things are being ignored, and they've become big problems. And that's all I've got to say about that. The electronics issues are definitely frustrating, and I hope they figure it out and fix it. But coming from someone who never had the experience of getting into state finals let alone BOA finals, it's always a little amusing when someone from the perpetual finalist bands wrings their hands over losing a couple places or a point one year or another. There are thousands of high school kids who would love to have the experience of making finals at all let alone make the top 10 in spite of their electronics completely failing them.
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Post by paddy on Oct 24, 2021 19:54:47 GMT -6
I'm currently in this mindset with Plainfield. They bring back a guard director and her husband (he writes drill) who was with the band under the previous band director. In my opinion this was a step backward for Plainfield. I'm hoping this change will only last until their son graduates as he is in the band. Plainfield has been stagnant (score wise) this season and to turn around and only get into Semi State because another band had gotten a rather large penalty. Plainfield practiced on Saturday ( which they need because they are obviously struggling) but do you think that stopped the new not so new guard director from leaving practice early to get to Whiteland's contest so she could be one of the judges? IMO this is unacceptable! Hey if you've got some weird personal beef with Plainfield, you're SO welcome to go hash that out with their director (and not on here lol) This is your fourth time posting petty comments about their guard director. We've gotten the hint! Now, as the first person to reply to any of these posts, I'll give you a hint: You can stop now! Thank you! To any Plainfield students reading this: I wish you nothing but growth and catharsis in these final moments of your season. You made band happen in the wake of COVID-19. You deserve to feel nothing but pride and joy in what you've accomplished this year. Savor every second! P.S.: If you ACTUALLY care about helping their program, you will offer them your time and energy as a teacher. Or, if that's impossible because it turns out you actually can't teach at ALL, you will help them by not continuing to drag their name through the mud online. Now do the guy dragging the Homestead staff.
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Post by supersound on Oct 24, 2021 20:00:01 GMT -6
I’m in the camp of designers need to stop developing shows that are so heavily reliant on technology.
You look at designs like Ronald Reagan’s, sure if their pre show doesn’t play that stinks and maybe if their soloists mics fails that’s rough but their performance level or their run will be very much minimally affected. Their props are simple enough that if something happens and maybe one or two of the boards fall they can improvise.
It’s really the same with Cedar Parks design. If their giant eye prop suddenly doesn’t do the lighting up it’s no big deal. It obviously sucks but it won’t affect the bands quality and performance.
The issue is creating such a heavy reliance on technology that when it fails the students aren’t sure what to do and the run struggles.
It’s a bit harder for smaller bands but bands on the larger side need to teach and drill into their students how to produce loud sounds that are still controlled and not just aimless blasting and don’t rely on a microphone to do the work.
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bflat
Full Member
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Post by bflat on Oct 24, 2021 20:03:15 GMT -6
I’m in the camp of designers need to stop developing shows that are so heavily reliant on technology. You look at designs like Ronald Reagan’s, sure if their pre show doesn’t play that stinks and maybe if their soloists mics fails that’s rough but their performance level or their run will be very much minimally affected. Their props are simple enough that if something happens and maybe one or two of the boards fall they can improvise. It’s really the same with Cedar Parks design. If their giant eye prop suddenly doesn’t do the lighting up it’s no big deal. It obviously sucks but it won’t affect the bands quality and performance. The issue is creating such a heavy reliance on technology that when it fails the students aren’t sure what to do and the run struggles. It’s a bit harder for smaller bands but bands on the larger side need to teach and drill into their students how to produce loud sounds that are still controlled and not just aimless blasting and don’t rely on a microphone to do the work. Agree!
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Post by es203 on Oct 24, 2021 20:29:41 GMT -6
Look, I've always been a pessimist, but it comes from a place a believing in Homestead but merely bracing for the worst in any particular competition. I'm the same way with sports. It's simply a defense mechanism. But I will be honest that this season has been different as I have watched the program's missteps and lack of progress. I quite frankly, don't believe right now. I know that in this regard I'm parting ways with most of the Homestead Watchers here, and I respect their opinions. (Good talking with you yesterday Seth, always nice seeing you and hearing your insights!) But those of us on this board are looking at things differently than kids and parents are. We can sit back and take a long view and preach patience. But a kid who has practiced in the heat, the cold, and the rain, and who stands on the field in Lucas Oil for the biggest competition so far and hears the show screwed up by ineptness out of their control for the 4th time, what does that say to them? Does this inspire confidence in their leadership? Does this make them want to get back to work (ahem, on Tuesday) and work even harder? I'll bet more than one kid was on that bus ride back thinking, "Screw this $#!T." I left after Avon performed, before awards. I never do that, but we wanted to get out of there. I saw a LOT of Homestead jackets heading out the door. And probably not just because some great bands performed better, but because they were pissed, as I was. If you lose those kids and the parents at Homestead, it's over. And if they don't believe in what you're selling, you'll lose them. These are no longer Barber/Wadkins parents with a long deep love for the program. They don't automatically believe. And what they're showing today does not inspire confidence. I know most here think I'm being overly dramatic, but I don't think so. It's one thing for the new regime to come in and drop a bit due to the rise of some other programs. You can't control that. But when you come in and produce the worst season in 30 years by dropping your own balls and shooting yourself in the foot over and over, well I'm not surprised that the parents are pissed. I don't know what the answer is for them. One would have to think the staff needs reviewed. But certainly there needs to be some greater attention to detail there because from the outside looking in it certainly feels like the small things are being ignored, and they've become big problems. And that's all I've got to say about that. The electronics issues are definitely frustrating, and I hope they figure it out and fix it. But coming from someone who never had the experience of getting into state finals let alone BOA finals, it's always a little amusing when someone from the perpetual finalist bands wrings their hands over losing a couple places or a point one year or another. There are thousands of high school kids who would love to have the experience of making finals at all let alone make the top 10 in spite of their electronics completely failing them. I see no shame in Homestead placing 7th on a "rebuilding" year at a VERY competitive super regional. There are always going to be growing pains, and their GE scores show that this show design is absolutely the right direction for them. If this is the floor for them, the ceiling is incredibly high for the coming years.
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Post by verysaxy on Oct 24, 2021 20:41:31 GMT -6
The electronics issues are definitely frustrating, and I hope they figure it out and fix it. But coming from someone who never had the experience of getting into state finals let alone BOA finals, it's always a little amusing when someone from the perpetual finalist bands wrings their hands over losing a couple places or a point one year or another. There are thousands of high school kids who would love to have the experience of making finals at all let alone make the top 10 in spite of their electronics completely failing them. I see no shame in Homestead placing 7th on a "rebuilding" year at a VERY competitive super regional. There are always going to be growing pains, and their GE scores show that this show design is absolutely the right direction for them. If this is the floor for them, the ceiling is incredibly high for the coming years. Yes!! Us (former and current) small band kids get it. When these fans are panicking because of electronic issues during a finals performance that thousands of other kids missed out on, it reeks of entitlement. Although Homestead may be going through a rough patch, if we look at the trajectory of Homestead’s scores from 2010-present, the word impressive does them an injustice. Homestead will be fine. It truly is not that deep. Not to mention Homestead’s electronic issues lasted for MAYBE 30 seconds and after that I don’t recall hearing anything else suspicious; insinuating that the electronic issues “ruined” their finals performance is a lie and as usual, I thought Homestead did an amazing job Saturday night. One last thing: in times of doubt, always appreciate that the situation isn’t worse. At least their soloist mics didn’t blow, or their props fall, or blah blah. They could’ve tore on every hit; Lucas Oil could’ve burn to the ground while Homestead was performing. Things could’ve been SO much worse than they were and I think they (they = Homestead fans) need to realize how good of a position Homestead is in and how talented those kids, directors and other staff members truly are.
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 24, 2021 20:47:50 GMT -6
I unfortunately had to miss both Super Regionals yesterday since I was traveling, but wanted to hop in here to say HECK YES, BROWNSBURG! My dark horse continues to show they can hang, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how they do down the home stretch.
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Post by supersound on Oct 24, 2021 21:08:08 GMT -6
If you want to talk about a program that had a genuine fall from grace due to severe staffing issues take a look at William Mason 2017.
Absolutely horrific situation all around and there is zero blame to be placed onto the students of that band. Those staffing issues lead to a national medalist, during one of the most competitive years to entirely miss finals the next.
The situation with Mason in 2017 was disgusting and I really do think about the students affected and hope they’re doing alright nowadays.
The point is that I genuinely do think we’re being excessively unfair to the Homestead directors, not just the Homestead directors but to be honest to most band directors out there.
The transitional period will always be difficult, it’s better to give it some time instead of wanting things to stay exactly the same. For a band experiencing a pretty drastic director change Homestead is genuinely doing pretty well.
We’ve seen what happens when parents get angry and impatient, see Lassiter. We’ve also seen what happens when even after a disappointing and gut-wrenching season the parents and students offer up patience to the leadership, see Hendrickson. We’ve got to give them a chance instead of jumping to these drastic claims.
These directors absolutely care about their bands, the students, the culture of their program and all that goes into a successful band. They absolutely do care, they’re not these awful figures they’ve been made out to be. Of course they may not be able to replicate the programs past success in their first year, and that’s ok. There is always room to rebuild and grow, again I will bring up Hendrickson.
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Post by es203 on Oct 24, 2021 22:12:57 GMT -6
If you want to talk about a program that had a genuine fall from grace due to severe staffing issues take a look at William Mason 2017. Absolutely horrific situation all around and there is zero blame to be placed onto the students of that band. Those staffing issues lead to a national medalist, during one of the most competitive years to entirely miss finals the next. The situation with Mason in 2017 was disgusting and I really do think about the students affected and hope they’re doing alright nowadays. The point is that I genuinely do think we’re being excessively unfair to the Homestead directors, not just the Homestead directors but to be honest to most band directors out there. The transitional period will always be difficult, it’s better to give it some time instead of wanting things to stay exactly the same. For a band experiencing a pretty drastic director change Homestead is genuinely doing pretty well. We’ve seen what happens when parents get angry and impatient, see Lassiter. We’ve also seen what happens when even after a disappointing and gut-wrenching season the parents and students offer up patience to the leadership, see Hendrickson. We’ve got to give them a chance instead of jumping to these drastic claims. These directors absolutely care about their bands, the students, the culture of their program and all that goes into a successful band. They absolutely do care, they’re not these awful figures they’ve been made out to be. Of course they may not be able to replicate the programs past success in their first year, and that’s ok. There is always room to rebuild and grow, again I will bring up Hendrickson. Speaking of which, what really happened to Hendrickson? They were San Antonio finalists 3 years in a row and they seem to have dropped off quite a bit.
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Post by supersound on Oct 24, 2021 22:40:31 GMT -6
Speaking of which, what really happened to Hendrickson? They were San Antonio finalists 3 years in a row and they seem to have dropped off quite a bit. They had a director change in 2018 but it didn’t really take hold until 2019. Unfortunately their 2019 show just wasn’t connecting with the judges from what I heard. Apparently they got a lot of comments about how they just did not understand it. Adding the fact that they were still settling from a sudden director change it all just culminated into lower placements. They’re coming back though, they’re definitely putting their all into improving and it’s showing. They only missed Austin finals by a little and then almost won Midland. At the TMC they placed above Weiss who they were below at Austin. I think they’re genuinely coming back slowly but surely. Regardless this isn’t the topic to discuss Hendrickson, but they are going to the Waco regional if you wanted to talk about them more there.
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Post by bandaid on Oct 25, 2021 1:12:56 GMT -6
I was responding to a post to which I was having the same issue. I will "hash this out on here" because every time I have been responding to other post. Just like you want me to not hash it out here you are free to not respond to my comments. I do believe in my comments I mention these were my opinions. What were not my opinions are verifiable facts.
I don't need any "hints" from you! If my voice is not heard here it will be heard loudly elsewhere.
I actually do care about Plainfield's program as I donate every year and I actually volunteered when they hosted their marching band invitational.
I am not dragging Plainfield as the students can only do with what they have been given. IMO it's the staff that needs to step up.
Since my posts have obviously upset you and you want to preach about "helping" then I am 100% positive you will put your money where your mouth is and donate to Plainfield's program. Here is the link to Plainfield's Band Booster paypal account.
Thank you for your donation!!
I'm currently in this mindset with Plainfield. They bring back a guard director and her husband (he writes drill) who was with the band under the previous band director. In my opinion this was a step backward for Plainfield. I'm hoping this change will only last until their son graduates as he is in the band. Plainfield has been stagnant (score wise) this season and to turn around and only get into Semi State because another band had gotten a rather large penalty. Plainfield practiced on Saturday ( which they need because they are obviously struggling) but do you think that stopped the new not so new guard director from leaving practice early to get to Whiteland's contest so she could be one of the judges? IMO this is unacceptable! Hey if you've got some weird personal beef with Plainfield, you're SO welcome to go hash that out with their director (and not on here lol) This is your fourth time posting petty comments about their guard director. We've gotten the hint! Now, as the first person to reply to any of these posts, I'll give you a hint: You can stop now! Thank you! To any Plainfield students reading this: I wish you nothing but growth and catharsis in these final moments of your season. You made band happen in the wake of COVID-19. You deserve to feel nothing but pride and joy in what you've accomplished this year. Savor every second! P.S.: If you ACTUALLY care about helping their program, you will offer them your time and energy as a teacher. Or, if that's impossible because it turns out you actually can't teach at ALL, you will help them by not continuing to drag their name through the mud online.
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Post by Marching Observer on Oct 25, 2021 8:00:47 GMT -6
I really want to thank so many of you for defending programs either going through a transition period, or having an issue with electronics, etc. I was feeling pretty dejected already when it often felt like I was alone in my defense of programs like Homestead to the point I was feeling like I shouldn't post anymore.
I love the program (obviously) as they are my Alma Mater even if I am 15+ years removed now. I'll be the first to point out flaws or issues (I mean I did have them 14th in finals after the issue) but that didn't stop me from supporting them as best I can. Heck, my college team is Ball State and I'm sure many of you know how decidedly frustrating it can be cheering on a mid-major in sports haha. I'm not a bandwagon fan (and I'm not implying other people here are). It's easy to try to place blame on x or y or z. But in the end, the kids, the staff, the parents, are all trying to do their best. We simply have different ideas of what that may be.
In the case of Homestead, they have flaws in the show yes. Just like every other band. This year it is just more apparent you the afore mentioned major transition. Plus Covid. Plus style change. Etc. But look at everything they are still achieving this year! Still top 7 at a rough super regional. And what is shocking, probably most of all too me, that even after the total electronics failure (sans solo mic), they were still able to get 6th in Music GE beating out an incredible and rising star in Brownsburg. I'm prelims, they tied for 3rd. They naturally had performance issues. Ind Music has ALWAYS been an issue for them so no surprises there. But I've said this before and will again, they have 3 weeks left in the season. That's pretty much all cleaning and making sure they have NO MORE ELECTRONICS MALFUNCTIONS. If everything had worked fine in finals, I have very little doubt that they would have been right in the middle of the 6-4 placing range which was already very tight. No I'm not saying it'll make the show perfect or enough to get in finals, but it's still enough to give an incredible, memorable, and most importantly, entertaining and fun show! When this show clicks, it is easily in my top 5 favorites on the year. They are still in a good position.
For any Homestead kids that are reading, or staff, keep your heads up. I can't even imagine how it would feel having to perform in those conditions and then getting attacked. This is easily the youngest band they've fielded. Essentially two freshman classes just as so many other groups are doing. We act like an 83.5 and an 85 in prelims is somehow a bad thing especially when considering, again, that they still have 3 weeks left. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of what they will do because Spartans never give up. There is no finish line as we say.
So thank you again to everyone that didn't make me feel alone and convincing me to come back to keep posting. Band can really get some emotions running hot. So let's remember that our words can really affect people. As a public forum, there are people that see these that don't post at all. Let's try to remain civil, be able to agree to disagree (it is still just band), and consider our words if we have critical things to say. I try to balance my critical statements with positive. Just something to consider. Sorry for going off on a bit of a ramble. Let's enjoy the rest of the season and good luck to all the bands still competing!
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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Oct 25, 2021 10:17:28 GMT -6
As a lifelong follower and lover of anything Texas, Tarpon and Broken Arrow I respect your sentiments above. I’ve certainly had my moments of emotion and comments controversy. I will however say that do I love the direction that Homestead has taken.
I am truly proud of those kids and staff for pushing themselves and executing at a very high level. Homestead and Castle alike have not only managed to keep their historical visual prowess on the field but they added a musical element that I feel we don’t see too often from Indiana as a whole.
They challenged themselves in terms of music book and as a brass player I have nothing but the utmost respect for both. Watch out Avon and Carmel.
Homesteads new direction is the future of Indiana marching arts and I will be rooting for them from the Alamo City for years to come.
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Post by ohbandie48 on Oct 25, 2021 16:10:50 GMT -6
After finally seeing a video of Castle I have to say I'm very impressed by their winds. While their music (and simultaneous demand) seems a bit less difficult than some competitors*, I'd go so far as to say their brass sounded better than anyone else I've heard at this competition. That said, I was not very impressed by Avon and Carmel's brass compared to years past (although I've only seen their prelims performances so this may be a dubious assessment). I would have to disagree with your assessment on Avon. Avon sounds much more balanced than usual to me and I certainly prefer their brass sound this year to some past years (particularly 2017 and 2019). Carmel's brass definitely has a really difficult book and of course it's not perfect just yet, but they have a massive sound, even bigger than in 2019, and certainly bigger than any year before then. Personal opinion I've been able to watch/hear Carmel and Avon live a few times, and if there's anything I'm certain of, is that they definitely do not sound the same on stream vs. in-person. I also agree Avon's brass is a bit more balanced this year, at least on stream, but not sure how it actually sounds on the field in-person
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Post by ohioguy2 on Oct 25, 2021 16:49:55 GMT -6
From the inner rumblings at Homestead, the parents are not happy with the ongoing audio problems and lower placings over seasons past. Longevity wise it worries me that if they don’t get things figured out that they will lose that crucial community support that makes this program what it is. Not trying to be doom and gloom (I will leave that for you!) but just relaying the current situation there. Look, I've always been a pessimist, but it comes from a place a believing in Homestead but merely bracing for the worst in any particular competition. I'm the same way with sports. It's simply a defense mechanism. But I will be honest that this season has been different as I have watched the program's missteps and lack of progress. I quite frankly, don't believe right now. I know that in this regard I'm parting ways with most of the Homestead Watchers here, and I respect their opinions. (Good talking with you yesterday Seth, always nice seeing you and hearing your insights!) But those of us on this board are looking at things differently than kids and parents are. We can sit back and take a long view and preach patience. But a kid who has practiced in the heat, the cold, and the rain, and who stands on the field in Lucas Oil for the biggest competition so far and hears the show screwed up by ineptness out of their control for the 4th time, what does that say to them? Does this inspire confidence in their leadership? Does this make them want to get back to work (ahem, on Tuesday) and work even harder? I'll bet more than one kid was on that bus ride back thinking, "Screw this $#!T." I left after Avon performed, before awards. I never do that, but we wanted to get out of there. I saw a LOT of Homestead jackets heading out the door. And probably not just because some great bands performed better, but because they were pissed, as I was. If you lose those kids and the parents at Homestead, it's over. And if they don't believe in what you're selling, you'll lose them. These are no longer Barber/Wadkins parents with a long deep love for the program. They don't automatically believe. And what they're showing today does not inspire confidence. I know most here think I'm being overly dramatic, but I don't think so. It's one thing for the new regime to come in and drop a bit due to the rise of some other programs. You can't control that. But when you come in and produce the worst season in 30 years by dropping your own balls and shooting yourself in the foot over and over, well I'm not surprised that the parents are pissed. I don't know what the answer is for them. One would have to think the staff needs reviewed. But certainly there needs to be some greater attention to detail there because from the outside looking in it certainly feels like the small things are being ignored, and they've become big problems. And that's all I've got to say about that. I simply cannot believe that someone would first off have this kind of opinion and second would share it the world. Are you kidding me? Is this some kind of parody that I’m just not getting. I think my reaction can be summarized in three simple words: Get over yourself. We’re talking about freaking HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND. Furthermore, we’re talking about it during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. And you’re talking about a group that just finished seventh at one of the biggest marching band shows held in this country. So we’re really going to talk about people’s livelihoods because a computer isn’t turning on? People with families to support? For crying out loud man, get a grip. And what are the students thinking on the way home? Hopefully they’re thinking about how fortunate they were to get to play in such an amazing venue twice. Hopefully they’re thinking that 57 bands would have killed to trade spots with them, and that 50 would have done ANYTHING for the chance to march through an electronics failure Saturday night. (And trust me, students from all 50 of those bands work just as hard as the kids at Homestead do). And knowing what I know of the Homestead staff (that they are fantastic, student-centered educators) then that is exactly what they were thinking.
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Post by verysaxy on Oct 25, 2021 18:12:26 GMT -6
someone should lock this thread lol @moderators
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Post by TeamIndiana on Oct 25, 2021 18:55:45 GMT -6
someone should lock this thread lol @moderators Yeah I agree…definitely time to lock this one up. Marching Observer can you take care of this?
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Post by Marching Observer on Oct 25, 2021 19:24:30 GMT -6
Yeah I agree…definitely time to lock this one up. Marching Observer can you take care of this? I am not a moderator on here. But thanks for the compliment for thinking I was lol
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