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Post by boahistorybuff on Oct 27, 2022 11:16:35 GMT -6
Williamstown has dropped. Add Bergenfield and Robbinsville as the first two bands. Schedule at top of page has been updated. OMG!!! Bergenfield. That's huge surprise. They were NJ largest band usually around 190-220 members and they're a festival band. Still compete in Festival Class in USBands and NJMBDA, but they have dropped in numbers. Robbinsville has been on the up and up since COVID and grew in number. My first year seeing them: I know they are a festival band so not really stylistically the same as the competitive corps style bands but still, this show is like a blast from the past. If it had not been for the 2016 posted on the video and the vocal narration, I would have thought this show was from the mid-late 1980s. In fact, in the 1980s, my band wore a very similar style uniform. That is also very much how many color guards looked in the mid 1980s.
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Post by N.E. Brigand on Oct 27, 2022 14:28:05 GMT -6
I know they are a festival band so not really stylistically the same as the competitive corps style bands but still, this show is like a blast from the past. If it had not been for the 2016 posted on the video and the vocal narration, I would have thought this show was from the mid-late 1980s. In fact, in the 1980s, my band wore a very similar style uniform. That is also very much how many color guards looked in the mid 1980s. A funny thing about narration is that it's actually much more common with festival bands than with competition bands -- it's just that instead of being prerecorded (usually) or spoken by a member (occasionally), it comes from an announcer in the press box.
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Post by statechamp1239 on Oct 27, 2022 15:16:43 GMT -6
OMG!!! Bergenfield. That's huge surprise. They were NJ largest band usually around 190-220 members and they're a festival band. Still compete in Festival Class in USBands and NJMBDA, but they have dropped in numbers. Robbinsville has been on the up and up since COVID and grew in number. I know they are a festival band so not really stylistically the same as the competitive corps style bands but still, this show is like a blast from the past. If it had not been for the 2016 posted on the video and the vocal narration, I would have thought this show was from the mid-late 1980s. In fact, in the 1980s, my band wore a very similar style uniform. That is also very much how many color guards looked in the mid 1980s. They always sounded great. They have always used the same uniform even still to this day, it represents the British Foot Guard Regiments, and they always play " Rule Britannia" in the beginning of every show. But I love watching their shows right after our State performance at Rutgers. I'm quite intrigued on how Bergenfield style would score in BOA. Can't wait. Adding on to their achievements: Bergenfield has marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade for up to a record-breaking 20 times going back to the 1950s, last time was 2000.
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Post by boahistorybuff on Oct 27, 2022 15:44:28 GMT -6
I know they are a festival band so not really stylistically the same as the competitive corps style bands but still, this show is like a blast from the past. If it had not been for the 2016 posted on the video and the vocal narration, I would have thought this show was from the mid-late 1980s. In fact, in the 1980s, my band wore a very similar style uniform. That is also very much how many color guards looked in the mid 1980s. They always sounded great. They have always used the same uniform even still to this day, it represents the British Foot Guard Regiments, and they always play " Rule Britannia" in the beginning of every show. But I love watching their shows right after our State performance at Rutgers. I'm quite intrigued on how Bergenfield style would score in BOA. Can't wait. Adding on to their achievements: Bergenfield has marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade for up to a record-breaking 20 times going back to the 1950s, last time was 2000. I do agree they sound great. The uniforms my band used from 1976 through my senior year of 1991 were also modeled after the British Foot Guard Regiment uniform, except ours were orange to match our school colors of black and orange and we wore shakos instead of busby hats. Another Grand National Finalist band from the 1980s that used that uniform was Lafayette Jefferson HS from Indiana. When I went to college at Central Michigan University, that was also our uniform style. So, my entire marching career was spent wearing the British Foot Guard Regiment uniform. It is a uniform style that I did not think I would see worn by a high school band in this era, certainly really cool to still it though.
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Post by hewhowaits on Oct 28, 2022 13:34:56 GMT -6
Freedom is no longer on the schedule. Middle block now starts at 12:30
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Post by statechamp1239 on Oct 29, 2022 8:11:20 GMT -6
Wow. Bergenfield is not the same band from couple year ago. Just wow! Granted they had some individual issue and bit messy visually in small parts of the show. They could be higher than I originally thought they were going to place.
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 29, 2022 11:40:45 GMT -6
I liked Wakefield. They have a small sound but it’s decent. The choir in the ballad was beautiful
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 29, 2022 11:56:42 GMT -6
Dartmouth just put on a masterclass on how to program and stage for a small band. They were amazing, and I definitely think can contend with Norwin for the visual caption
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 29, 2022 12:00:05 GMT -6
I liked Wakefield. They have a small sound but it’s decent. The choir in the ballad was beautiful I'm so glad they're making their way to BOA again and hoping they get their first finalist appearance tonight. They've tried to modernize their design a bit more over the years, which is great to see. Wakefield used to be a great sized band given their school size. They number in the 800s for total enrollment, and used to be roughly 130-140 members if I remember correctly. The effects of COVID membership decreases hit them hard, with them now fielding roughly 75 members. Like many small schools, the rebound is going to take quite a bit of time and effort. Given their school size, they aren't going to make up that 50 member decline with just one freshman class. It's going to take several years to get back to that level, but I'm hopeful they'll get there as they have some of the highest potential amongst the other bands in New England.
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 29, 2022 12:02:15 GMT -6
Dartmouth just put on a masterclass on how to program and stage for a small band. They were amazing, and I definitely think can contend with Norwin for the visual caption I'm a very proud alum right now. I didn't have any expectations prior to this show, nor do I have any now after their performance. I'm just beyond thrilled that this new leadership is testing the waters in BOA and fielding more modern shows. I've been waiting for this day for nearly 25 years.
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 29, 2022 12:54:48 GMT -6
Norwin was very, very good. They're playing with a level of clarity I haven't heard from them in quite some time. I was thinking James Madison was looking good for the title, but seeing them back to back feels like a Norwin win here. Guard was terrific as usual.
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Post by statechamp1239 on Oct 29, 2022 13:25:42 GMT -6
Old Bridge one the best percussion program in NJ. They beat everyone in 2019 NJ Regional Finals and always have a huge percussion section (25 members) even though they'rel band is less than 60 members.
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 29, 2022 13:40:34 GMT -6
Welcome back to BOA, Downingtown West! What a great surprise. They've been doing well this year, but I wasn't sure what to expect. Looks like they're putting in some effort to improve that program and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them compete more in BOA in the future. Would be great for some more PA representation at GN. Currently in my top 3 and could easily see them winning US Bands this year.
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Post by marimbalover on Oct 29, 2022 13:56:16 GMT -6
That was by far one of Norwin’s stronger runs. Super proud alum. They are definitely showing why they were named the 2021 class 2A GN champ. There was a piece missing at the end and I hope it will come back for finals. I can guarantee tonights finals run will be even better as they usually push more in finals. I cannot wait to see this James Madison v Dartmouth v Norwin showdown!
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 29, 2022 14:09:53 GMT -6
JP Stevens looks to be the biggest band at this show (I did miss Bergenfield and a couple others at the start, so I could be wrong). Some numbers for context for those not familiar with the Northeast: Approximately 170 total members, ~110-115 winds, ~30 percussion, ~30 guard. By the area's standards, they are huge. Very few bands from up this way with more members than them. Downingtown West appears to be the next biggest with roughly 150 total. I believe South Brunswick used to be the biggest in the area (and maybe Jackson Memorial), at one time numbering between 200-250, but they are now at roughly 110.
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Post by statechamp1239 on Oct 29, 2022 14:29:10 GMT -6
JP Stevens looks to be the biggest band at this show (I did miss Bergenfield and a couple others at the start, so I could be wrong). Some numbers for context for those not familiar with the Northeast: Approximately 170 total members, ~110-115 winds, ~30 percussion, ~30 guard. By the area's standards, they are huge. Very few bands from up this way with more members than them. Downingtown West appears to be the next biggest with roughly 150 total. I believe South Brunswick used to be the biggest in the area (and maybe Jackson Memorial), at one time numbering between 200-250, but they are now at roughly 110. Back in 2005 South Brunswick had around 260s members. Jackson Memorial was pretty big back then 200+ members, but they're around 80 members this year. Another band that was kinda huge was Whippany Park HS another festival band they were usually above 180 members and Randolph back then. I believe Bergenfield was somewhere below 150 members nowhere near the size of the previous years.
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Post by statechamp1239 on Oct 29, 2022 14:39:49 GMT -6
My opinion: * = It means I didn't see them or saw a small portion of their show.
Panel 1: 1. Westfield, NJ 2. Robbinsville, NJ* 3. Bergenfield, NJ 4. Randolph, NJ* 5. Bridgewater-Raritan, NJ* 6. Cherokee, NJ
Panel 2: 1. Dartmouth, MA 2. Downingtown East, PA 3. Wakefield, MA 4. Elizabeth, NJ 5. Brick Memorial, NJ* 6. Immaculata, NJ
Panel 3: 1. Norwin, PA 2. James Madison, VA 3. Downingtown West, PA 4. John P. Stevens, NJ* 5. West Orange, NJ 6. Spring-Ford Area, PA* 7. Old Bridge, NJ
My guess finalist: Brick Memorial Elizabeth Dartmouth Downingtown West Downingtown East James Madison John P. Stevens Norwin Spring-Ford Wakefield Westfield West Orange
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Post by bigtrombone on Oct 29, 2022 14:53:22 GMT -6
Prelims Results:
Class A:
1. Immaculata H.S., NJ
Outstanding Music Performance: Immaculata H.S., NJ Outstanding Visual Performance: Immaculata H.S., NJ Outstanding General Effect: Immaculata H.S., NJ
Class AA:
1. Dartmouth H.S., MA 2. Norwin H.S., PA 3. Brick Memorial H.S., NJ
Outstanding Music Performance: Norwin H.S., PA Outstanding Visual Performance: Dartmouth H.S., MA Outstanding General Effect: Dartmouth H.S., MA
Class AAA:
1. James Madison H.S., VA 2. Downingtown West H.S., PA 3. West Orange H.S., NJ
Outstanding Music Performance: James Madison H.S., VA Outstanding Visual Performance: James Madison H.S., VA Outstanding General Effect: James Madison H.S., VA
Class AAAA:
1. John P. Stevens H.S., NJ 2. Spring-Ford H.S., PA 3. Bridgewater-Raritan H.S., NJ
Outstanding Music Performance: John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Outstanding Visual Performance: John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Outstanding General Effect: John P. Stevens H.S., NJ
Finalists:
James Madison H.S., VA Spring-Ford H.S., PA Downingtown East H.S., PA Brick Memorial H.S., NJ Dowingtown West H.S., PA Norwin H.S., PA West Orange H.S., NJ Wakefield H.S., MA Dartmouth H.S., MA Westfield H.S., NJ John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Elizabeth H.S., NJ
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 29, 2022 14:53:31 GMT -6
Dartmouth!!!
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Post by srv1084 on Oct 29, 2022 14:54:50 GMT -6
I'm speechless...
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Post by es203 on Oct 29, 2022 14:58:11 GMT -6
Woah
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Post by bigtrombone on Oct 29, 2022 15:00:03 GMT -6
Finals Schedule:
7:15 PM - Immaculata H.S., NJ (Class A Exhibition) 7:30 PM - Spring-Ford H.S., PA 7:45 PM - Brick Memorial H.S., NJ 8:00 PM - Wakefield H.S., MA 8:15 PM - Downingtown East H.S., PA 8:30 PM - Elizabeth H.S., NJ 8:45 PM - Westfield H.S., NJ
9:00 PM - John P. Stevens H.S., NJ 9:15 PM - Dartmouth H.S., MA 9:30 PM - Dowingtown West H.S., PA 9:45 PM - Norwin H.S., PA 10:00 PM - James Madison H.S., VA 10:15 PM - West Orange H.S., NJ
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Post by marimbalover on Oct 29, 2022 15:06:25 GMT -6
Finals Top 4 predictions 1. Dartmouth 2. James Madison 3/4. Norwin 3/4. John P Stevens
(3 and 4 could flip)
Music: Norwin Visual and GE: Dartmouth
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Post by principalagent on Oct 29, 2022 15:15:17 GMT -6
This is what I LIVE for.
This is one of the better debuts by a BOA holdout in recent memory. If not the best, depending on how you classify Homestead’s return in 2014.
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Post by musicman12489 on Oct 29, 2022 15:17:17 GMT -6
Prelims Results:Class A:1. Immaculata H.S., NJ Outstanding Music Performance: Immaculata H.S., NJ Outstanding Visual Performance: Immaculata H.S., NJ Outstanding General Effect: Immaculata H.S., NJ Class AA:1. Dartmouth H.S., MA 2. Norwin H.S., PA 3. Brick Memorial H.S., NJ Outstanding Music Performance: Norwin H.S., PA Outstanding Visual Performance: Dartmouth H.S., MA Outstanding General Effect: Dartmouth H.S., MA Class AAA:1. James Madison H.S., VA 2. Downingtown West H.S., PA 3. West Orange H.S., NJ Outstanding Music Performance: James Madison H.S., VA Outstanding Visual Performance: James Madison H.S., VA Outstanding General Effect: James Madison H.S., VA Class AAAA:1. John P. Stevens H.S., NJ 2. Spring-Ford H.S., PA 3. Bridgewater-Raritan H.S., NJ Outstanding Music Performance: John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Outstanding Visual Performance: John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Outstanding General Effect: John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Finalists:James Madison H.S., VA Spring-Ford H.S., PA Downingtown East H.S., PA Brick Memorial H.S., NJ Dowingtown West H.S., PA Norwin H.S., PA West Orange H.S., NJ Wakefield H.S., MA Dartmouth H.S., MA Westfield H.S., NJ John P. Stevens H.S., NJ Elizabeth H.S., NJ Wow! This is a very strong year for Norwin too. I’ve never seen Dartmouth but now I’m on the edge of my seat wanting to see them!! Congrats to all of the bands! Finals should be interesting!
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Post by secret on Oct 29, 2022 15:31:12 GMT -6
I'm personally not the biggest fan of James Madison or Norwin's shows this year. I could see Dartmouth taking down this regional, but I wouldn't be surprised if captions split with music to James Madison, visual to Norwin, and GE to Dartmouth. This seems most likely to me.
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Post by musicman12489 on Oct 29, 2022 15:41:15 GMT -6
I'm personally not the biggest fan of James Madison or Norwin's shows this year. I could see Dartmouth taking down this regional, but I wouldn't be surprised if captions split with music to James Madison, visual to Norwin, and GE to Dartmouth. This seems most likely to me. I could not agree more. I saw James Madison in Delaware and this is a huge shift from their norm. I’m not a fan of the cutesy shows. As for Norwin, the design is just odd. The first movement is super slow and has little depth in my opinion. The ballad is gorgeous. The closer is lacking depth as well. I think the idea is for a slow start to build momentum to the “upward trajectory” but this show just misses the mark for me. Great group who perform well, just not a huge fan of the design/pacing. I found a video of dartmouth on YouTube. It’s hard to tell how good they are from a video but they are visually fantastic. I see Norwin keeping the music caption going into finals. I have a feeling that the top 2 or 3 bands are very close in scores so honestly the top band of the night is a toss up. Without seeing Dartmouth in person, my prediction was Norwin but as stated, now I’m intrigued. We’ve all seen how many times bands can flip flop between prelims and finals so I’m not putting my money on anyone at this point.
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Post by srupicc on Oct 29, 2022 16:24:22 GMT -6
Personally, I found Dartmouth’s one person guard show distracting. I was watching a performer attempting big tricks and it was pulling my eye and attention from anything else happening on the field. It felt disconnected from the rest of the show. I didn’t see any unison weapon tosses from the backup guard, but maybe I just missed it. Was there a band on the field? Yes, that was my level of distraction. 🤣 I’ll watch the band and the rest of the guard tonight but I do not see how the visual and GE captions went to Dartmouth on this. Grant it Norwin guard had errors across the guard in prelims. I’d like to see that cleaned up for finals.
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Post by musicman12489 on Oct 29, 2022 16:52:13 GMT -6
Personally, I found Dartmouth’s one person guard show distracting. I was watching a performer attempting big tricks and it was pulling my eye and attention from anything else happening on the field. It felt disconnected from the rest of the show. I didn’t see any unison weapon tosses from the backup guard, but maybe I just missed it. Was there a band on the field? Yes, that was my level of distraction. 🤣 I’ll watch the band and the rest of the guard tonight but I do not see how the visual and GE captions went to Dartmouth on this. Grant it Norwin guard had errors across the guard in prelims. I’d like to see that cleaned up for finals. No denying the talent of that performer!
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 29, 2022 16:53:11 GMT -6
Personally, I found Dartmouth’s one person guard show distracting. I was watching a performer attempting big tricks and it was pulling my eye and attention from anything else happening on the field. It felt disconnected from the rest of the show. I didn’t see any unison weapon tosses from the backup guard, but maybe I just missed it. Was there a band on the field? Yes, that was my level of distraction. 🤣 I’ll watch the band and the rest of the guard tonight but I do not see how the visual and GE captions went to Dartmouth on this. Grant it Norwin guard had errors across the guard in prelims. I’d like to see that cleaned up for finals. I figured after watching Dartmouth they could take visual from Norwin. Their forms were very clean
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