We are getting near the end of competition season and several bands that I wrote for went today. First from Arizona:
Morenci HS (AZ) – 8th in Class, University of Arizona Band Day
At the Area Round in Texas for 3A, four groups performed and their results:
Boling HS – 27th Place, UIL Area D
Luling HS – 14th Place, UIL Area E
Orangefield HS – 10th Place (Finalist), UIL Area C
Hitchcock HS – 7th Place (Finalist, Alternate to State), UIL Area D
Of note was Boling who went to their first area contest in their history and received their 1st superior rating since 2003.
And then, one more…
Around the middle of July, I received a website message for writing drill but I didn’t get any information about the band or the school, just the director who left me their email. I responded back and then didn’t hear anything back from them and I pretty much dismissed it. A week later, I got another email from them saying that they let go of their drill writer and to see if I was interested in taking over the last two movements. I said sure, what did I have to lose. Getting a little more information on the school, I found that it was from Frederick, Maryland. I know nothing about bands from Maryland but doing some more research, I found out that Tuscarora High School was the defending state open class champions. Good lord, pressure just went up.
I took over starting from the end of the opener with no Pyware file, so I basically freehanded the first set. And the drill had some very interesting prop placements which made it interesting. But, I was told go for it. So, I did. And…
Tuscarora High School, Frederick, MD
1st Place, State Open Class, Maryland Marching Band Association
Director – Amanda Eddleman
Show – Icarus by Jeff Chambers
I am claiming at least a 2/3 state championship drill!
I will be heading to San Antonio on Tuesday for the 2A Texas State Championships where Brackett High School gets to go first, and then drive to Austin to see the kid. The week after, I will go to the 1A Texas State Championships where Runge High School makes their 3rd straight appearance.