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Post by hewhowaits on Aug 2, 2022 20:29:04 GMT -6
Finally had a chance to digest the attendance lists as of 7/19.
There are 607 different bands registered as of that date, meaning we're looking at a record year for participation.
Compare the number of bands with recent years: 2021 - 474 (still feeling Covid impacts) 2019 - 575 2018 - 556 2017 - 516
77 of the bands are new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985 if they're not completely new).
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Post by lostchoirguy on Aug 3, 2022 10:10:29 GMT -6
Finally had a chance to digest the attendance lists as of 7/19. There are 607 different bands registered as of that date, meaning we're looking at a record year for participation. Compare the number of bands with recent years: 2021 - 474 (still feeling Covid impacts) 2019 - 575 2018 - 556 2017 - 516 77 of the bands are new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985 if they're not completely new). That's really exciting! Of the bands I'm familiar with in Texas, there are several that I'm really excited are venturing into BOA.
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Post by hewhowaits on Aug 3, 2022 10:15:48 GMT -6
Finally had a chance to digest the attendance lists as of 7/19. There are 607 different bands registered as of that date, meaning we're looking at a record year for participation. Compare the number of bands with recent years: 2021 - 474 (still feeling Covid impacts) 2019 - 575 2018 - 556 2017 - 516 77 of the bands are new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985 if they're not completely new). That's really exciting! Of the bands I'm familiar with in Texas, there are several that I'm really excited are venturing into BOA. By my count, there are 28 new Texas groups joining us this year. Further evidence that they should explore holding even more events in Texas and nearby states.
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Post by yayband914 on Aug 3, 2022 10:37:52 GMT -6
Finally had a chance to digest the attendance lists as of 7/19. There are 607 different bands registered as of that date, meaning we're looking at a record year for participation. Compare the number of bands with recent years: 2021 - 474 (still feeling Covid impacts) 2019 - 575 2018 - 556 2017 - 516 77 of the bands are new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985 if they're not completely new). It's also really exciting that there have been more shows steadily added every year! Maybe next year we'll get above the 30 mark (we were at 28 this season before the Whitewater and SoCal shows were cancelled).
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Post by principalagent on Aug 3, 2022 10:53:04 GMT -6
That's really exciting! Of the bands I'm familiar with in Texas, there are several that I'm really excited are venturing into BOA. By my count, there are 28 new Texas groups joining us this year. Further evidence that they should explore holding even more events in Texas and nearby states. No reason not to. Texas events bring in the $$$ that helps subsidize BOA events in the winter and spring and could even help subsidize new shows to increase BOA’s footprint in other parts of the country.
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Post by saturdaynightlights on Aug 8, 2022 22:00:59 GMT -6
By my count, there are 28 new Texas groups joining us this year. Further evidence that they should explore holding even more events in Texas and nearby states. No reason not to. Texas events bring in the $$$ that helps subsidize BOA events in the winter and spring and could even help subsidize new shows to increase BOA’s footprint in other parts of the country. I know I’m not alone in wanting to see BOA put more effort into the Northeast. It's nice to see Dartmouth take the leap, but many programs up there would be nice to see taking a step into the limelight nationally, and if putting more shows in TX can subsidize that, then oh no, guess I have to watch more Texas band 😉
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Post by yayband914 on Aug 8, 2022 22:23:42 GMT -6
No reason not to. Texas events bring in the $$$ that helps subsidize BOA events in the winter and spring and could even help subsidize new shows to increase BOA’s footprint in other parts of the country. I know I’m not alone in wanting to see BOA put more effort into the Northeast. It's nice to see Dartmouth take the leap, but many programs up there would be nice to see taking a step into the limelight nationally, and if putting more shows in TX can subsidize that, then oh no, guess I have to watch more Texas band 😉 In addition to the Northeast, it’s been eight years since they’ve tried the Pacific Northwest. Would love to see BOA in those parts again.
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Post by saturdaynightlights on Aug 8, 2022 22:36:02 GMT -6
I know I’m not alone in wanting to see BOA put more effort into the Northeast. It's nice to see Dartmouth take the leap, but many programs up there would be nice to see taking a step into the limelight nationally, and if putting more shows in TX can subsidize that, then oh no, guess I have to watch more Texas band 😉 In addition to the Northeast, it’s been eight years since they’ve tried the Pacific Northwest. Would love to see BOA in those parts again. Agreed. I think that will be a little more of a long shot just because of the lack of population density, however, it’s very much a good idea.
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Post by yayband914 on Aug 8, 2022 22:54:02 GMT -6
In addition to the Northeast, it’s been eight years since they’ve tried the Pacific Northwest. Would love to see BOA in those parts again. Agreed. I think that will be a little more of a long shot just because of the lack of population density, however, it’s very much a good idea. The issue isn’t population density so much as it is they’ve had terrible luck with inclement weather as there are no great viable facilities with a roof in that region. I do know that there is interest and that phone calls are being made. I am friends with a few directors in Washington state and one of them had a call with Cam Stasa last week. Could ultimately lead to nothing, but the wheels are spinning in the right direction for now.
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Post by vidal28rdg on Aug 8, 2022 23:21:19 GMT -6
By my count, there are 28 new Texas groups joining us this year. Further evidence that they should explore holding even more events in Texas and nearby states. No reason not to. Texas events bring in the $$$ that helps subsidize BOA events in the winter and spring and could even help subsidize new shows to increase BOA’s footprint in other parts of the country. I’m planning on attending at least 2 of the usual 1 DFW regionals and maybe SA, if we have a long and plentiful lineup at even more Texas BOA events, I’ll try to get myself to more events in the future, not too mobile transportation-wise at the moment so it’s difficult for me but I can always carpool with a friend or more! Im sure the added events are already gonna do wonders with so many bands attending these new Texas shows. Hopefully like some people are saying, the wealth and opportunity gets spread around for more areas of the country as a result!
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Post by saturdaynightlights on Aug 9, 2022 8:15:10 GMT -6
Agreed. I think that will be a little more of a long shot just because of the lack of population density, however, it’s very much a good idea. The issue isn’t population density so much as it is they’ve had terrible luck with inclement weather as there are no great viable facilities with a roof in that region. I do know that there is interest and that phone calls are being made. I am friends with a few directors in Washington state and one of them had a call with Cam Stasa last week. Could ultimately lead to nothing, but the wheels are spinning in the right direction for now. I have too many friends that worked at MFA to think that something won't get in the way, but I'm still hopeful.
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Post by yayband914 on Aug 16, 2022 0:47:49 GMT -6
Regional schedules for the weekend of 09/17 should be rolling out to directors by MFA/BOA this week or next at the latest (normally is four weeks prior to each respective contest).
It’s right around the corner, y’all!!!
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Post by hewhowaits on Sept 1, 2022 9:35:58 GMT -6
With the recent updates on official MFA lists and schedules, as of 8/31 there are:
628 different bands registered 86 new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985)
37 States with at least one band registered 25 States with at least one new to BOA band registered
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Post by yayband914 on Sept 1, 2022 9:38:42 GMT -6
With the recent updates on official MFA lists and schedules, as of 8/31 there are: 628 different bands registered 86 new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985) 37 States with at least one band registered 25 States with at least one new to BOA band registered THE MARCHING ARTS ARE DYING
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Post by abtwitch on Sept 1, 2022 11:36:49 GMT -6
With the recent updates on official MFA lists and schedules, as of 8/31 there are: 628 different bands registered 86 new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985) 37 States with at least one band registered 25 States with at least one new to BOA band registered THE MARCHING ARTS ARE DYING many people are saying this
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Post by yayband914 on Sept 1, 2022 11:40:59 GMT -6
THE MARCHING ARTS ARE DYING many people are saying this And I do so facetiously!
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Post by LeanderMomma on Sept 1, 2022 20:31:09 GMT -6
THE MARCHING ARTS ARE DYING many people are saying this really?!
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Post by philodemus on Sept 2, 2022 9:05:26 GMT -6
I feel as though I've heard 'The Marching Arts are dying' in some form or other as long as I've been involved--30 years at this point--so obviously if it is true, it's a slow death. I can kind of see the argument both ways:
The argument that it is dying... mostly comes from the drum corps side. If you look at pictures from shows in the 1970s you see sold out crowds on the visitor's side of the stadium, and I very much doubt we could do that now even should we want to. Even into the 1990s there were just dozens and dozens of neighborhood drum corps all over the Midwest and East Coast, most of them not very good, but all of them getting kids involved in music and the arts in a positive way. Shows in the Midwest started June 1, unlike today when the first shows are till nearly the 4th of July. Regional circuits used to be a thing, from the dearly missed DCM to the wacky awesomeness of the Quebec circuit. Every corps had a 'cadet' corps that taught the little ones, not just Vanguard and Devils. There was an entire universe of All-Girl Corps who had their own championship!
None of that exists now, and we're slowly being whittled down to a handful of 'super corps' who are undoubtedly awesome to watch, but have to charge two arms and a a leg to march so that drum corps is out of reach for most of the kids who the small neighborhood corps used to serve.
On the band side, things don't look quite so dark, but in our neck of the woods there has been an alarming trend of bands becoming noncompetitive. I don't know how national that is, though.
The argument that is is not dying... is that it is changing. The incredible growth of WGI, both guard and percussion, kind of balances out the loss of the neighborhood drum corps. A winter guard is easily the least expensive pageantry arts organization to start, and the local circuits are still alive and kicking so that travel costs aren't as bad. The problem, obviously, is the winds, but that division does seem to be growing, albeit slowly.
The growth in BOA recently is a very promising development, but I view it with caution given that the game remains incredibly expensive to play, and the growth seems very regional, essentially confined to areas where you have well-funded suburban schools. Small rural schools like Adair or Bourbon or even Murray can only compete because they aren't that far from Indy. I have no idea how one would go about building an Adair-type program in a county of comparable wealth and population in, say, Wyoming. Those communities don't charter planes for the band, you know?
So... TLDR... cautiously optimistic with lingering doubts.
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Post by Marching Observer on Sept 2, 2022 10:13:55 GMT -6
Having a competitive scene really helps in regards to developing a band program though too. So it would be very hard to develop a sitting small program in like you said, Wyoming. Bands that do are certainly special because you have to have that director with that drive and vision, get the parents and kids to truly buy in, and of course the school board cause... Money heh. Outliers like this is include would be like American Fork, Clovis, and Mililani. I can see students for them but being outliers but I still consider them as such.
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Post by hewhowaits on Sept 8, 2022 8:43:19 GMT -6
With the recent updates on official MFA lists and schedules, as of 8/31 there are: 628 different bands registered 86 new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985) 37 States with at least one band registered 25 States with at least one new to BOA band registered THE MARCHING ARTS ARE DYING Last night was the preseason meeting for Event Staff with MFA. Jeremy Earnhart started the evening with what he termed "great news" (and I agree). Not only are there four more events in 2022 than there were in 2021, but there is a 27% increase in enrollments which includes at least 100 bands that did not participate last year. He also noted that we continue to see new-to-BOA groups sign up every year.
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Post by 70sguardchick on Sept 8, 2022 13:41:10 GMT -6
THE MARCHING ARTS ARE DYING Last night was the preseason meeting for Event Staff with MFA. Jeremy Earnhart started the evening with what he termed "great news" (and I agree). Not only are there four more events in 2022 than there were in 2021, but there is a 27% increase in enrollments which includes at least 100 bands that did not participate last year. He also noted that we continue to see new-to-BOA groups sign up every year. Was there any word on when volunteer signup for Indy Super and Grand Nats will start?
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Post by srv1084 on Sept 8, 2022 16:53:56 GMT -6
With the recent updates on official MFA lists and schedules, as of 8/31 there are: 628 different bands registered 86 new to BOA (or last competed prior to 1985) 37 States with at least one band registered 25 States with at least one new to BOA band registered For those interested, the states not represented are: Alaska Hawaii Maine New Hampshire Vermont Rhode Island Washington Oregon Idaho Wyoming Montana North Dakota Louisiana Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but the states from which we have yet to see any representation are: Maine New Hampshire Vermont Rhode Island North Dakota (though I want to say we may have seen one before?) Wyoming (if it was to ever happen, these folks would be your best bet) Montana (Bozeman is their only active competitive marching band, and they seem to compete at the Washington State University event each year) As a side note, US Bands has 34 bands from Idaho competing in fall events this year. Seems like the activity is gaining more traction out there. I know they've tried Washington/Oregon competitions a few times, but I wonder if it's worth another shot in the future, perhaps in Idaho or closer to it. Could pull from all three states, potentially.
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Post by hewhowaits on Sept 8, 2022 17:23:03 GMT -6
Last night was the preseason meeting for Event Staff with MFA. Jeremy Earnhart started the evening with what he termed "great news" (and I agree). Not only are there four more events in 2022 than there were in 2021, but there is a 27% increase in enrollments which includes at least 100 bands that did not participate last year. He also noted that we continue to see new-to-BOA groups sign up every year. Was there any word on when volunteer signup for Indy Super and Grand Nats will start? Nothing about volunteers was part of the meeting. As always, keep an eye on your email and the MFA website.
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Post by statechamp1239 on Sept 8, 2022 20:19:08 GMT -6
Maine New Hampshire Vermont Rhode Island North Dakota (though I want to say we may have seen one before?) Wyoming (if it was to ever happen, these folks would be your best bet) Montana (Bozeman is their only active competitive marching band, and they seem to compete at the Washington State University event each year) As a side note, US Bands has 34 bands from Idaho competing in fall events this year. Seems like the activity is gaining more traction out there. I know they've tried Washington/Oregon competitions a few times, but I wonder if it's worth another shot in the future, perhaps in Idaho or closer to it. Could pull from all three states, potentially. In 2021, Kelly Walsh from Wyoming went to the UMEA American Fork Contest, and Havre and Gallatin both as well Bozeman from Montana went to WSA. Westbrook (ME) does compete MEBDA and sometimes NESBA and USBands. We're seeing an push for these bands and I think we could see these bands in the future at BOA.
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Post by srv1084 on Sept 8, 2022 21:24:10 GMT -6
Maine New Hampshire Vermont Rhode Island North Dakota (though I want to say we may have seen one before?) Wyoming (if it was to ever happen, these folks would be your best bet) Montana (Bozeman is their only active competitive marching band, and they seem to compete at the Washington State University event each year) As a side note, US Bands has 34 bands from Idaho competing in fall events this year. Seems like the activity is gaining more traction out there. I know they've tried Washington/Oregon competitions a few times, but I wonder if it's worth another shot in the future, perhaps in Idaho or closer to it. Could pull from all three states, potentially. In 2021, Kelly Walsh from Wyoming went to the UMEA American Fork Contest, and Havre and Gallatin both as well Bozeman from Montana went to WSA. Westbrook (ME) does compete MEBDA and sometimes NESBA and USBands. We're seeing an push for these bands and I think we could see these bands in the future at BOA. I remember seeing Kelly Walsh at that contest, so figured them traveling that far out of state was a good sign that we'd possibly see them at a regional. Unfortunately they're still 10+ hours away from the closest regional, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Gallatin and Havre are a surprise for me. I wonder if their programs are new? There's a Youtube video on Bozeman from ~2017 claiming they were the only competitive band from Montana. Each of those two schools appears to have roughly 500 students, so I'm surprised to see them start up a program and travel that far for one show. I wish I had better news on Westbrook and their potential participation, but they seem to have withdrawn themselves even deeper into their Maine bubble. They no longer attend any US Bands events, and the only out of state contest they attend now is NESBA finals, which is on the north shore of MA and roughly 90 minutes away from them. They no longer come to any other NESBA events, and it seems they've made it pretty clear they have no intentions of traveling much for shows. Same goes for NH - only one school is making one trip out of state this year.
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Post by dbalash on Sept 12, 2022 11:12:16 GMT -6
Be aware that there is an infographic on all BOA pages now about their bag policy. Don't be caught unaware and have to return your stuff to the car.
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Post by hewhowaits on Sept 12, 2022 12:17:57 GMT -6
Last night was the preseason meeting for Event Staff with MFA. Jeremy Earnhart started the evening with what he termed "great news" (and I agree). Not only are there four more events in 2022 than there were in 2021, but there is a 27% increase in enrollments which includes at least 100 bands that did not participate last year. He also noted that we continue to see new-to-BOA groups sign up every year. Was there any word on when volunteer signup for Indy Super and Grand Nats will start? If you want to be sure to get notified, send an email to volunteer@musicforall.org
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Post by 70sguardchick on Sept 12, 2022 13:27:04 GMT -6
Was there any word on when volunteer signup for Indy Super and Grand Nats will start? If you want to be sure to get notified, send an email to volunteer@musicforall.org Thanks! Email sent, and I cc'ed Jordan at MFA. I really enjoyed working in Director Viewing last year.
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Post by hewhowaits on Sept 12, 2022 13:57:56 GMT -6
If you want to be sure to get notified, send an email to volunteer@musicforall.org Thanks! Email sent, and I cc'ed Jordan at MFA. I really enjoyed working in Director Viewing last year. GREAT spot to volunteer. Excellent spot for both music and visual when the bands are performing.
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Post by Marching Observer on Sept 15, 2022 13:33:43 GMT -6
From a few of the posts I've seen popping up today, it sounds like what Class everyone is in have come in then and updated on compsuite? At least for most of them? Or am I misreading these updates?
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