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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Oct 30, 2021 12:00:26 GMT -6
Here are my current brass rankings that no one asked for: 1) Hebron 2) Flower Mound 3) Broken Arrow 5) CTJ 6) Vista Ridge 7) Vandegrift 8) The Woodlands 9) Carmel 10) Ronald Reagan 11) Avon These are based only on marching band performances this season. Honestly CTJ and Reagan could be anywhere on here because I haven't seen a performance from either in a while. Good list. For me, it would be 1. Hebron 2. Vandy 3. FloMo 4. Broken Arrow 5. Avon 6. Tarpon Springs 7. CTJ 8. Woodlands 9. Carmel 10. Marcus I think I’m a little easier on the indiana groups than a lot of non-indiana residents simply because I’m so often blown away by the simultaneous responsibilities. Avon’s 2013 opener comes to mind, no Texas group has come close to achieving something like that while on the move IMO I loved Avon 2013 but 2010 Avon was deeper in terms of Brass depth imo. I thought we were talking about this seasons ranking? If all time Brass then Lassiter 2002 is the GOAT. Let us consider section totality. Low brass and mid depth. High brass prowess. Brass book difficult. Richness and intonation. NO way Indiana should be on this list. I see Carmel in Top 20. William Mason I have Around 17. |
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Post by Allohak on Oct 30, 2021 12:07:50 GMT -6
I thought we were talking about this seasons ranking? If all time Brass then Lassiter 2002 is the GOAT I submit Pomona 1996 for this title |
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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Oct 30, 2021 12:18:48 GMT -6
I thought we were talking about this seasons ranking? If all time Brass then Lassiter 2002 is the GOAT I submit Pomona 1996 for this title Touche |
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Post by ilikeguard on Oct 30, 2021 14:04:32 GMT -6
Top woodwind programs by state: Oklahoma: Broken Arrow (also a case for Union imo) Texas: Hebron Ohio: Mason Indiana: Carmel (not close at all) Missouri: Grain Valley? Maybe Blue Springs but music isn’t BS’ strong suit California: Ayala Florida: Tarpon Tennessee: DB (def a case for Franklin here) Kentucky: North Hardin (not really close at all) Carolinas: Wando Bando Pennsylvania: Kiski or Norwin depending on the year Some of these are closer than others, which is why I elaborated on a few. A lot of these programs listed above have a solid case for top 50 WW programs in the country, which is impressive considering a few of them are AA. I love to see our small bands shine! Some other amazing woodwind programs: Westlake, FloMo, CTJ, TWHS, Leander (!!!), Cy-Fair, Byrnes I also must note that I considered marching AND concert achievements into this: a lot of bands listed above have top tier woodwind programs in general as opposed to just in marching band. 100% agree with Missouri |
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Post by trombonium on Oct 30, 2021 15:26:00 GMT -6
I might be in the small minority on this but in my opinion Avon's brass was noticeably better ~7 years ago, both in terms of overall performance and difficulty (especially the simultaneous demand). Certainly back then Avon was consistently in the top 4. 2016 is the turning point in my perception of their brass.
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Post by ilikeguard on Oct 30, 2021 18:54:41 GMT -6
Top Wes programs, anyone? I know of a few but not enough to make a solid ranking.
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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Oct 31, 2021 8:33:44 GMT -6
My current Brass Rankings:
1) Hebron
2) Broken Arrow
3) Vista Ridge
4) Coppell
5) Marcus
6) CTJ
7) Vandy
8) Tarpon
9) Cedar Park
10)Cedar Ridge
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Post by boilers1 on Oct 31, 2021 12:59:09 GMT -6
Brownsburg has the best Directors.
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Post by Allohak on Oct 31, 2021 13:04:17 GMT -6
Brownsburg has the best Directors. Found the Brownsburg student! 😅 I will say all the Brownsburg students, staff, and parents I interacted with throughout the day at Toledo were very pleasant |
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Post by trombonium on Oct 31, 2021 14:13:33 GMT -6
After seeing a new Vista Ridge performance I would agree with Vista Ridge in 3rd for brass at the moment.
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Post by supersound on Oct 31, 2021 14:52:45 GMT -6
What about best front ensemble?
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Post by marchingmaniac on Oct 31, 2021 15:04:21 GMT -6
Vandegrift and Cedar Park both have very strong percussion programs, so I expect they're up there. Marcus and Coppell as well.
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Post by bandmom17 on Oct 31, 2021 22:06:50 GMT -6
Vandegrift and Cedar Park both have very strong percussion programs, so I expect they're up there. Marcus and Coppell as well. Brownsburg percussion really got my attention this year. Saw them at Indy and their writing is phenomenal. |
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Post by cp823 on Oct 31, 2021 22:52:13 GMT -6
Drumline talk? I’m in
Top Texas Lines
1. Vista Ridge
2. Coppell
3. Vandegrift
4. Cedar Park
5. Hebron
6. Cedar Ridge
7. Flower Mound
8. Marcus
9. Highland Park
10. Claudia Taylor Johnson
I don’t know too much about the lines in other states, but obviously Ayala is a huge name. They’re a top two high school line in the country, and they aren’t number two! Chino Hills is up there as well. Tarpon Springs has seen a meteoric rise for their percussion section (still crazy that they were so successful without one). William Mason also seems really good.
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Post by principalagent on Nov 1, 2021 11:17:15 GMT -6
There was a year that Vista Marietta came out To Grand Nats, and I don’t think I’ve seen cleaner drill at BOA than I did from them that day. I want to say it was 2016 or 2017. it was 2016. I was there with Leander and I was really blown away by VMHS as well. It still hurts my feelings five years later that this show did not make finals. Even with a tie to get 13 in!!! |
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Post by Kale on Nov 1, 2021 11:18:02 GMT -6
Drumline talk? I’m in Top Texas Lines 1. Vista Ridge 2. Coppell 3. Vandegrift 4. Cedar Park 5. Hebron 6. Cedar Ridge 7. Flower Mound 8. Marcus 9. Highland Park 10. Claudia Taylor Johnson I don’t know too much about the lines in other states, but obviously Ayala is a huge name. They’re a top two high school line in the country, and they aren’t number two! Chino Hills is up there as well. Tarpon Springs has seen a meteoric rise for their percussion section (still crazy that they were so successful without one). William Mason also seems really good. I've been following drumlines all year. There's a 3 way tie for first. 1. Vandy, Cedar Ridge, Cedar Park 2. Vista Ridge 3. Forney 4. Hebron 5. Marcus Vandegrift has best snares because they are the cleanest and most consistent. Cedar Ridge has the best quads because they are consistently good and have some really hard music that they can play really well. Forney has best basses because their music is very difficult and they play it really well. Forney is very slept on because they don't place that high. I saw them live at BOA DFW and their drumline blew me away with their ability to perform such hard stuff and perform it clean. Cedar Park also has the most together look and sound. They look and sound like they have been playing together for years. |
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Post by srv1084 on Nov 1, 2021 15:17:06 GMT -6
Sorry to be blunt, but I don't think Vista Ridge's drumline is at the top of the list as some folks have been suggesting. They're a great line that I've witnessed improving quite a bit since I first saw them in 2018 San Antonio finals, but not quite there yet. If folks want to include them at the top of a list for winds, I'm game for that, but just don't agree with drumline/percussion.
Coppell not being near the top of some lists, at least right alongside Vandy and Cedar Park, is a bit crazy to me. They have some of the most musical and challenging writing I've seen at the high school level in quite a while, and they have been consistently there for years. Coppell is very solidly in my top three nationally. Clear Brook and North Shore also have great lines if we're talking just Texas. Stephen F. Austin was historically strong, but admittedly haven't followed them in a few years. Same for Centennial - haven't been following them outdoors, but they're incredible as a winter program. (Side note: how do we always end up focusing just on Texas?).
If we're talking nationally, Chino Hills not being at the very top of any drumline list is also kind of wild, and we might as well include Dartmouth and Arcadia as well (cue the "but they don't compete in BOA"). Ayala belongs up there but I don't think they're quite at the top of the list anymore. They're strong, for sure, but not quite at their ~2010-2017 glory years (they'll surely rebound in a couple years).
Avon also has an incredibly strong drumline, but is often overlooked given how generally strong they are across the board. Their track record during the winter season is pretty undeniable.
Franklin Central is pretty incredible and one of the most storied percussion programs out there. I'm guessing most people aren't aware as they have historically been just shy of advancing to most finals events as a full band program. Fishers also has a tremendous percussion program, but I suppose it's not as noticeable as they seem to have a very strong focus on full ensemble in the outdoor setting (very few features/opportunities to stand out compared to others).
Broken Arrow, usually overshadowed by their winds and very effective guard, have had an up and coming drumline for years now and are really crushing it this year. They'll do some damage come winter season this year.
Brownsburg, while maybe not quite at the top, has some beautiful writing this year, especially front ensemble. Excited to see where they can take things.
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Post by marchingmaniac on Nov 1, 2021 16:05:13 GMT -6
Absolutely agree with Chino Hills being at the top of these drumline lists. I've seen their videos on YouTube, they're absurdly talented. If you have a couple minutes go check them out, it's very entertaining to watch them.
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Post by srv1084 on Nov 1, 2021 16:42:36 GMT -6
Absolutely agree with Chino Hills being at the top of these drumline lists. I've seen their videos on YouTube, they're absurdly talented. If you have a couple minutes go check them out, it's very entertaining to watch them. The beauty of an incredible feeder program! CH's direct feeder middle school (Dorothy McElhinney) is very impressive, and could even compete well against many high schools. Ayala's feeder program (Canyon Hills) even made WGI finals in PSA one year. No wonder both schools have historically been at the top. In case anyone is curious, here is their feeder Middle School: |
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Post by mk72 on Nov 1, 2021 17:49:02 GMT -6
Ok this is gonna be weird, but best individually locked in performing programs/shows? That sounded confusing so let me clarify lmfao. Pretty much, what do you think are the bands whose students are like completely invested in the show performance and get into character really well? Blue Springs immediately comes to mind as well as FloMo. O'Fallon kids are also always super in character when they perform (esp. 2018!!).
Also, idk if anyone has seen the drumline video of Mason's 2016 show, but the little isolated visual moments from the hornline members in the beginning was AMAZING! They really sold that show and the vibe well, no wonder they won visual in semis that year!!!
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Post by Allohak on Nov 1, 2021 18:06:18 GMT -6
Ok this is gonna be weird, but best individually locked in performing programs/shows? That sounded confusing so let me clarify lmfao. Pretty much, what do you think are the bands whose students are like completely invested in the show performance and get into character really well? Blue Springs immediately comes to mind as well as FloMo. O'Fallon kids are also always super in character when they perform (esp. 2018!!). Also, idk if anyone has seen the drumline video of Mason's 2016 show, but the little isolated visual moments from the hornline members in the beginning was AMAZING! They really sold that show and the vibe well, no wonder they won visual in semis that year!!! Broken Arrow, far and away #1 in this regard. |
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Post by ilikeguard on Nov 1, 2021 18:58:29 GMT -6
Ok this is gonna be weird, but best individually locked in performing programs/shows? That sounded confusing so let me clarify lmfao. Pretty much, what do you think are the bands whose students are like completely invested in the show performance and get into character really well? Blue Springs immediately comes to mind as well as FloMo. O'Fallon kids are also always super in character when they perform (esp. 2018!!). Also, idk if anyone has seen the drumline video of Mason's 2016 show, but the little isolated visual moments from the hornline members in the beginning was AMAZING! They really sold that show and the vibe well, no wonder they won visual in semis that year!!! Oh my gosh, completely agree with this! Blue Springs’ hornline is hard to distinguish from the color guard sometimes purely because of how well they move. They’re so entertaining to watch, especially from the field. Flower Mound and O’Fallon are also excellent picks for this. I agree with the comment above me about Broken Arrow as well. Mustang and Avon also stick out to me (but that’s probably because I tend to watch the guards more!) It’s so hard to rank based on this, but you could definitely pick a handful and champion it. |
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Post by vidal28rdg on Nov 1, 2021 19:39:34 GMT -6
Great great playing for them in young person’s guide, it was awesome to listen to, but yes yes, some Texas woodwind sections in the top bands there can achieve just as well in the woodwind department, absolutely. Hebron and Flower Mound quickly come too mind. Edit: Continuing to the discussion of best “insert music section here” how about best ensemble sound? Going back to Hebron’s woodwinds for a second, something that I feel is overlooked in their program this year besides saying the obvious of them being technically superb and all, their ballad this year really showcases their musicality as well, having the sax ensemble in front blend in so seamlessly to the brass and woodwind colors produced behind them, the sepárate brass and woodwind pods making it almost seem like no group is dominating over the other, it’s so well done, and I think those attending SA this week are in for a treat if they haven’t seen their show in person. Bands that continually have an excellent ensemble sound without fail would be both Broken Arrow and Marcus as well. Marcus always hits the sweet spot of tonality and blend in their sound it’s just automatic for them, and BA, well so many people say that their show needs to not only be seen but heard as any recordings don’t do it justice says a lot as to how they are able to give an audience that warmth of sound that can’t be caught on video most of the time. Avon and Carmel at their best musically can also be thrown in as well! |
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breg
Full Member
Posts: 32
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Post by breg on Nov 1, 2021 19:57:10 GMT -6
I agree, there are very few programs that come close to Coppell in the entire nation. The musicality, dynamic range, and performance quality is unmatched and their arrangers are some of the best I've witnessed at a high school level. Not many people know about the success of their percussion program but let me tell you they are a force to be reckoned with. Their drumline only exhibition at BOA Dallas blew my mind and gave me an entirely new outlook on marching percussion. Those are some of the most talented kids I've had the pleasure of seeing this season. |
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Post by mk72 on Nov 1, 2021 20:20:37 GMT -6
Ok this is gonna be weird, but best individually locked in performing programs/shows? That sounded confusing so let me clarify lmfao. Pretty much, what do you think are the bands whose students are like completely invested in the show performance and get into character really well? Blue Springs immediately comes to mind as well as FloMo. O'Fallon kids are also always super in character when they perform (esp. 2018!!). Also, idk if anyone has seen the drumline video of Mason's 2016 show, but the little isolated visual moments from the hornline members in the beginning was AMAZING! They really sold that show and the vibe well, no wonder they won visual in semis that year!!! Oh my gosh, completely agree with this! Blue Springs’ hornline is hard to distinguish from the color guard sometimes purely because of how well they move. They’re so entertaining to watch, especially from the field. Flower Mound and O’Fallon are also excellent picks for this. I agree with the comment above me about Broken Arrow as well. Mustang and Avon also stick out to me (but that’s probably because I tend to watch the guards more!) It’s so hard to rank based on this, but you could definitely pick a handful and champion it. Have you seen that one action pic of Blue Springs from 2019? There's a clarinetist (I think) who is like doing some sort of visual move and has a beaming smile, and it's always what I think of when I picture someone from Blue Springs performing! It's always a treat to see them live, and I can't wait to see them again next week! |
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Post by ilikeguard on Nov 1, 2021 20:41:11 GMT -6
Oh my gosh, completely agree with this! Blue Springs’ hornline is hard to distinguish from the color guard sometimes purely because of how well they move. They’re so entertaining to watch, especially from the field. Flower Mound and O’Fallon are also excellent picks for this. I agree with the comment above me about Broken Arrow as well. Mustang and Avon also stick out to me (but that’s probably because I tend to watch the guards more!) It’s so hard to rank based on this, but you could definitely pick a handful and champion it. Have you seen that one action pic of Blue Springs from 2019? There's a clarinetist (I think) who is like doing some sort of visual move and has a beaming smile, and it's always what I think of when I picture someone from Blue Springs performing! It's always a treat to see them live, and I can't wait to see them again next week! I think I know what you’re talking about! This season I’ve been really drawn to the performers on the prop that sits around the side 2 35 yardline. There’s something about that group at the very beginning that pulled me in live. I wish I could just sit and watch instead of taking pictures because there’s so much going on that you miss staring through a lens. |
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Post by QuadSquad03 on Nov 1, 2021 20:42:40 GMT -6
Ok this is gonna be weird, but best individually locked in performing programs/shows? That sounded confusing so let me clarify lmfao. Pretty much, what do you think are the bands whose students are like completely invested in the show performance and get into character really well? Blue Springs immediately comes to mind as well as FloMo. O'Fallon kids are also always super in character when they perform (esp. 2018!!). Also, idk if anyone has seen the drumline video of Mason's 2016 show, but the little isolated visual moments from the hornline members in the beginning was AMAZING! They really sold that show and the vibe well, no wonder they won visual in semis that year!!! Jenks really stands out to me in this regard. Their no-headgear look really helps the audience connect, and it seems like their members are always in character. |
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Post by ilikeguard on Nov 1, 2021 20:44:23 GMT -6
YES Jenks I knew I was forgetting someone!! Absolutely!!
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Post by marchingmahem on Nov 3, 2021 9:34:21 GMT -6
The Woodlands have hands down the best guard program in the state of Texas. Flower Mound comfortably sits in 2nd. The rifle work this year for Woodlands is just insane. I remember someone on this site saying their guard work reminds them of Avon and Carmel and I completely agree. When I first watched their show I was just speechless
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Post by salvation on Nov 4, 2021 14:31:19 GMT -6
Best Flag: SFA 2007
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