2011 Marching Band Season post--already....

[golfgal]

We won again, 6 straight state titles .

We are still trying to figure out the scoring from last night though. One of the bands in a lower class won their class, by 4 points, but didn't take a single caption award . The band in that class that took 2 captions got 3rd . We think that the caption awards went not to the bands that score the highest but the ones the judges liked the most. Who knows?? I doubt they will have a score breakdown but it would be interesting to see.

 

[mickeymo]

Yes, very tough! And the 2 bands that are going to state are very much a BOA style and most of the other bands were not.
Wes told me last night they are going to put together a Halloween show!!


Congrats to your son!
The kids LOVED the Halloween show! They really loved the crowds reaction! Their band director got tons of e-mails and calls from around the area about that show!
Wes took a college day to Lamar last month and sat in and played with the jazz band,met directors and loved it. As of now that is his choice.(It's only an hour or so from here,good for Mom) He is making the decision in the next couple of days about auditioning for the Crossmen!



Mickeymo and Gina, enjoy the rest of your season!!

I've seen both their shows, plus the #3 band.. The top two bands play incredibly hard music & insane drill, & they are two bands who can put together shows that are successful at both BOA and UIL contests. It didn't hurt that Dawson's guard adds a strong visual - they have the costumes that light up, right?

The #3 band is our district's newest high school, next year they will have all 4 grades and should move to 5A. I really like their band director and he is growing a great program & will be a tough 5A/BOA contender in the next few years. I really enjoyed 5A area competition last year; we got to see so many different styles. I especially enjoyed the military style bands - there are so few bands left who march that style, it's nice to see & support the ones who do.

Our band director was part of the brass staff with The Crossman this year. One of our graduates marched with Canton & had a tremendous experience. Good Luck to your son!

 

[GoofyTroopOf6]

New to this thread here and to the site, really.

Just wanted to post some bragging news from a 2nd year band mama:

We are a state finalist and march next weekend at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN (where the colts play). Woohoo! Soooo excited. This is our 27th year in state finals with (I forget) many state championship titles. I'm on pins and needles and all kinds of anxious and will be until it's all over. This is the worst part for me, personally, only because of anxiety.

 

[Gina]

New to this thread here and to the site, really.

Just wanted to post some bragging news from a 2nd year band mama:

We are a state finalist and march next weekend at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN (where the colts play). Woohoo! Soooo excited. This is our 27th year in state finals with (I forget) many state championship titles. I'm on pins and needles and all kinds of anxious and will be until it's all over. This is the worst part for me, personally, only because of anxiety.

That's awesome!! And welcome to our little family!

 

[jen0610]

New to this thread here and to the site, really.

Just wanted to post some bragging news from a 2nd year band mama:

We are a state finalist and march next weekend at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN (where the colts play). Woohoo! Soooo excited. This is our 27th year in state finals with (I forget) many state championship titles. I'm on pins and needles and all kinds of anxious and will be until it's all over. This is the worst part for me, personally, only because of anxiety.

Hi to another ISSMA mom!!! What class are you guys in? We're a Class A band.

Well, unlike GoofyTroop, our season is done. We did not make it to state. The kids were bummed, but there is next year to look forward to. Plus pep band and jazz band is just around the corner.

I will have to say, we had a bit of controversay at our site for the Class A semi-state. When they announced those bands that had made state, they announce, them in performancer order, not by scores. They don't even announce the scores, "it's all a top secret" (a huge joke in the marching community here). When announcing the winners, they called off the wrong school. They quickly figured out what happened, asked the fans to stay a moment - we figured they would correct their error, but they didn't. They just came back and thanked the people for their attendance and asked for all the directors to come to the track. They normally tell just the directors of the bands moving on to come to the track and pick up their information. It was announced to the directors that there was an error and that this band actually made it and this one didn't.

Instead of announcing it themselves, the directors of ISSMA, made the directors go back and tell the one set of kids, by the way you did make it to state and you did not get your acknowledgement and the other director to go break it to his kids that, sorry we really didn't make it. No one from ISSMA went along to explain what, caused the error. This is not sitting well with fans of marching band - across the board.

For those that follow BOA - Grand Champions. Avon did NOT place first at Semi-State!! This has not happened in a long time. They were beat by 2 schools. Should be interesting to see how their run for a 4th straight BOA title plays out.

 

[GoofyTroopOf6]

Hi to another ISSMA mom!!! What class are you guys in? We're a Class A band.

Well, unlike GoofyTroop, our season is done. We did not make it to state. The kids were bummed, but there is next year to look forward to. Plus pep band and jazz band is just around the corner.

I will have to say, we had a bit of controversay at our site for the Class A semi-state. When they announced those bands that had made state, they announce, them in performancer order, not by scores. They don't even announce the scores, "it's all a top secret" (a huge joke in the marching community here). When announcing the winners, they called off the wrong school. They quickly figured out what happened, asked the fans to stay a moment - we figured they would correct their error, but they didn't. They just came back and thanked the people for their attendance and asked for all the directors to come to the track. They normally tell just the directors of the bands moving on to come to the track and pick up their information. It was announced to the directors that there was an error and that this band actually made it and this one didn't.

Instead of announcing it themselves, the directors of ISSMA, made the directors go back and tell the one set of kids, by the way you did make it to state and you did not get your acknowledgement and the other director to go break it to his kids that, sorry we really didn't make it. No one from ISSMA went along to explain what, caused the error. This is not sitting well with fans of marching band - across the board.

For those that follow BOA - Grand Champions. Avon did NOT place first at Semi-State!! This has not happened in a long time. They were beat by 2 schools. Should be interesting to see how their run for a 4th straight BOA title plays out.

Ahhhh yes. It's all over indianamarching.org. How awful and unprofessional of ISSMA. The poor director....what a crappy thing to do to make him tell his band that ISSMA effed up.

We are in class B.

So Avon wasn't top at semi, huh? That shows how unreliable indianamarching.com is and how many horror stories I've heard of the site are true, if what you say is legit. Hmmmmm...... that actually makes me feel better. We watched them for our first time at Center Grove. Their band is HUGE and covers the whole field. I think this plays part in why they get good scoring a lot. It's harder to catch little mistakes with that big of a band. But that is my opinion. Were they good....yes. Did they totally blow me away like I had expected? No. I liked Center Grove's performance better. It was very interesting. I know it's all about the marching, but I love the visual effects. I actually was worried they were a class B band when we went for competition there. This is only our second year, so I wasn't sure.

Is finals week stressful for anyone else other than me? I find I get soooo anxious and I hate it.

 

[golfgal]

Hi to another ISSMA mom!!! What class are you guys in? We're a Class A band.

Well, unlike GoofyTroop, our season is done. We did not make it to state. The kids were bummed, but there is next year to look forward to. Plus pep band and jazz band is just around the corner.

I will have to say, we had a bit of controversay at our site for the Class A semi-state. When they announced those bands that had made state, they announce, them in performancer order, not by scores. They don't even announce the scores, "it's all a top secret" (a huge joke in the marching community here). When announcing the winners, they called off the wrong school. They quickly figured out what happened, asked the fans to stay a moment - we figured they would correct their error, but they didn't. They just came back and thanked the people for their attendance and asked for all the directors to come to the track. They normally tell just the directors of the bands moving on to come to the track and pick up their information. It was announced to the directors that there was an error and that this band actually made it and this one didn't.

Instead of announcing it themselves, the directors of ISSMA, made the directors go back and tell the one set of kids, by the way you did make it to state and you did not get your acknowledgement and the other director to go break it to his kids that, sorry we really didn't make it. No one from ISSMA went along to explain what, caused the error. This is not sitting well with fans of marching band - across the board.

For those that follow BOA - Grand Champions. Avon did NOT place first at Semi-State!! This has not happened in a long time. They were beat by 2 schools. Should be interesting to see how their run for a 4th straight BOA title plays out.

WOW!!! My vote is for Union for a Nationals win this year...

 

[Katy Belle]

Ugh. I'm mad Thought maybe if I came here and wrote it out I could get over it.
I had to take the car for an oil change today, so I could drive to the Marching Contest tomorrow, and I had a feeling I should go watch the end of the Marching Practice. Its close to my house and on the way. Thought maybe I'd take some pictures of the kids.

I got there and stopped the car, rolled down my windows, and hear the Director SCREAMING... at MY child. SCREAMING his name and SCREAMING that he's on the wrong spot. It was about 3 sentences. He was out.of.control. I remained calm and stayed in my car. I sent a text to DS Tuba Dude that said Wow :-( I was WAY tempted to send a text to the Director saying, "I hope you never have to hear you daughter screamed at by a teacher, in front of 135 of her classmates." I DID NOT send that, it was just in my head, still is I guess

DS Tuba Dude was unprepared, did not have his Set Book. This is common in Tuba land, but HE usually has his and the others usually share his. Out of the 10 tubas, I think 3 had theirs today. They are (finally) blocking the ending and DS was in the wrong spot.
The real issue is ... Mr. Director gets stressed, stressed, stressed around these contests. Many kids were unprepared and he took it out on one kid, happened to be mine, and I happened to be there. He kinda sorta tried to apologize to the whole group, but didn't ever get there. One of those, "I told myself I wasn't going to get frustrated today but you guys....." not an apology.

Tuba Dude is fine, he wants me out of it. I will stay out of it. But I'm still mad His best friend, Drum Major Girly, was mad too.

DS Tuba Dude has a close relationship with Mr. Director. He teaches him private lessons every week, leads the tuba sectional, etc. He has more time with Tuba Dude than most of the other kids. I think it was kind of like a parent yelling at a child, it happens. But I'm still mad

Ok. I do fell a bit better getting it out. Deep breathes until marching season is over... Saturday night.

 

[jen0610]

Ugh. I'm mad Thought maybe if I came here and wrote it out I could get over it.
I had to take the car for an oil change today, so I could drive to the Marching Contest tomorrow, and I had a feeling I should go watch the end of the Marching Practice. Its close to my house and on the way. Thought maybe I'd take some pictures of the kids.

I got there and stopped the car, rolled down my windows, and hear the Director SCREAMING... at MY child. SCREAMING his name and SCREAMING that he's on the wrong spot. It was about 3 sentences. He was out.of.control. I remained calm and stayed in my car. I sent a text to DS Tuba Dude that said Wow :-( I was WAY tempted to send a text to the Director saying, "I hope you never have to hear you daughter screamed at by a teacher, in front of 135 of her classmates." I DID NOT send that, it was just in my head, still is I guess

DS Tuba Dude was unprepared, did not have his Set Book. This is common in Tuba land, but HE usually has his and the others usually share his. Out of the 10 tubas, I think 3 had theirs today. They are (finally) blocking the ending and DS was in the wrong spot.
The real issue is ... Mr. Director gets stressed, stressed, stressed around these contests. Many kids were unprepared and he took it out on one kid, happened to be mine, and I happened to be there. He kinda sorta tried to apologize to the whole group, but didn't ever get there. One of those, "I told myself I wasn't going to get frustrated today but you guys....." not an apology.

Tuba Dude is fine, he wants me out of it. I will stay out of it. But I'm still mad His best friend, Drum Major Girly, was mad too.

DS Tuba Dude has a close relationship with Mr. Director. He teaches him private lessons every week, leads the tuba sectional, etc. He has more time with Tuba Dude than most of the other kids. I think it was kind of like a parent yelling at a child, it happens. But I'm still mad

Ok. I do fell a bit better getting it out. Deep breathes until marching season is over... Saturday night.

Hugs from our lil' band family!!

I know it's hard to hear our kids getting yelled at.

But I do have a questions, are there any repercussions for the kids not bringing their drill books to practice? For our kids, the first time they forget, the section leader reminds them - if it their 1st year marching - that the drill book is as important if not more important than the instrument. If your in your 2+ year of marching, 1st time you forget, you do 2 laps around the practice field. Any time after that, the laps go up by 2 each time you forget. And there is no sharing. Every person has drill marked for where they are to be at. When the driector tells you to look at, you had better be able to pull it around to the front and follow along on your sheets what he is talking about.

I don't remember the kids ever forgetting their drill book more than once or twice after their warning. Running the football field twice sucks, they sure don't want to do it 4, 6 or 8 times. And when you run, your section stays out at the field, ribbing you as you run. And god forbid, if a guard girl should get laps and she does them faster that a guy does. One of DS section guys got passed by 2 guard girls, just about 10 feet before he would have finished, he let up on his running and they shot passed him. That was back the end of Aug and he's still hearing about it.

 

[golfgal]

Hugs from our lil' band family!!

I know it's hard to hear our kids getting yelled at.

But I do have a questions, are there any repercussions for the kids not bringing their drill books to practice? For our kids, the first time they forget, the section leader reminds them - if it their 1st year marching - that the drill book is as important if not more important than the instrument. If your in your 2+ year of marching, 1st time you forget, you do 2 laps around the practice field. Any time after that, the laps go up by 2 each time you forget. And there is no sharing. Every person has drill marked for where they are to be at. When the driector tells you to look at, you had better be able to pull it around to the front and follow along on your sheets what he is talking about.

I don't remember the kids ever forgetting their drill book more than once or twice after their warning. Running the football field twice sucks, they sure don't want to do it 4, 6 or 8 times. And when you run, your section stays out at the field, ribbing you as you run. And god forbid, if a guard girl should get laps and she does them faster that a guy does. One of DS section guys got passed by 2 guard girls, just about 10 feet before he would have finished, he let up on his running and they shot passed him. That was back the end of Aug and he's still hearing about it.

Peer pressure works well in our band. You just don't forget your dot book, ever. The kids will get on your case if you do. The directors don't have to say anything because the kids take care of it. Now, mess up at the end of October right before BOA and the band directors get a little testy .

Katy--it's VERY hard to hear someone else yell at your kids. My guess is that Mr. Band Director knows your son can take it and maybe he will say something in his next lesson about needing to set an example and knowing your son is a strong kid....I hope anyway.

Just found out our band is considering Nationals for next year . They are polling the kids and taking into consideration what they want to do. I think it would be GREAT to go. Most of the kids are concerned about missing 3 consecutive days of school though (which is a good thing) but in the long run the experience will be worth it.

 

[Katy Belle]

Im back. Had to get uniforms from the cleaners, stuff them back into the garment bags, etc. Whew. Will be glad when the season is over... kind of anyway

Last year they ran laps ... this year, not so much. One Tuba player lost his book weeks ago, and was told to get another one, never did. I'm sure they would have them if it was enforced. I'm a big believer in consequences. This is the second time time DS Tuba Dude didn't have his, yesterday was the first. Actually he didn't have it because he left it in the car and when I cleaned out my car I hauled it in. I told him it was in the house, but he kept forgetting. I have no problem with him serving consequences... but that is not what happened. He put it in the car after school today, ready for tomorrow.

When he was screaming at him he did say that he was frustrated because he knows DS Tuba Dude is smart and should be prepared. DS thought that was pretty funny, like if he was a poor student he would have been allowed to be off his mark He also said that after practice Mr. Director told him, "You know I'm not mad at you, right? I was just frustrated." That must be his apology.

Oh, I guess the real problem was that the particular part of the practice field they were on has a strange covering and the chalk doesn't show up very well. So he just couldn't see his chalk marks, he had already marked it, using someone else;s set book.

DS is fine, and I'm cooled off. I will go to the contest tomorrow and help with the uniforms as my usualy cheery self, like I always do. Praying for no rain and a successful show!

Thanks for your hugs and words of encouragement!!!

 

[Pembo]

Katy Belle - If I hadn't looked at your state I'd have thought you were talking about our director! Especially the part where he sort of apologized! It sounds like the stress is getting to them all! We go to state on Saturday and they had outdoor practice yesterday. Today it's supposed to rain and maybe tomorrow. So that means they will go to state with only 1 outdoor practice under their belts. Our band has missed 50% of all outdoor rehearsals in October due to rain.

Here's to only a few more days of stress for the kids and the directors (and us) .

 

[Katy Belle]

I know the stress is just getting to him. A funny... Tuba Dude is 6'4, Mr. Director is 5'2, maybe. Tuba Dude says, "He had a midget rage." LOL

Oh my, off to OSSAA competition, whatever that means! Not raining at the moment, so hopefully they will get a rehearsal in, on the Football field this morning!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Pembo]

I know the stress is just getting to him. A funny... Tuba Dude is 6'4, Mr. Director is 5'2, maybe. Tuba Dude says, "He had a midget rage." LOL

Oh my, off to OSSAA competition, whatever that means! Not raining at the moment, so hopefully they will get a rehearsal in, on the Football field this morning!

Have a great day everyone!

Alright maybe there is a clone of our director in OK! Our director is all of about 5'2 as well. Dh & I call him Lord Farquardt (think Shrek) because he is always up on the tall podium (compensating). LOL!!! My hair dresser called him the "angry little peanut".

 

[Katy Belle]

Alright maybe there is a clone of our director in OK! Our director is all of about 5'2 as well. Dh & I call him Lord Farquardt (think Shrek) because he is always up on the tall podium (compensating). LOL!!! My hair dresser called him the "angry little peanut".

Now that's funny!

We got all 1s, Superiors! Yay! And today Tuba Dude's best friend, Drum Major Girly was in tears! There is just too much stress. She screwed up something she was conducting... but it didn't screw anything up, we got a perfect score... but it COULD have. Ms Assistant Director was really ugly to Drum Major Girlie and told her she could have made their scores go from 1s, to 5s, and some other ugliness. Ms Assistant Director is single, has no kids, has not so good kid skills. Ugh. Then Mr. Director talked to Drum Major Girly's mom and told her they didn't want Mom to tell anyone what Ms. Assistant Director said.... She was telling us, the uniform crew, because she too, was in tears! Ugh!! We all just need to have a rest.

Friday night is an away game, 2 hours away, they will arrive home at 1a.m. and have to be at the Field Saturday morning at 7:45 a.m. Saturday morning for our State Contest. That is our 6th and Final contest of the year, thank goodness.

Tuba Dude is at the school, having a 45 min private lesson with Mr. Director, to prepare for Districts..which is in 10 days.

 

[Pembo]

Whoa Katy - that is a lot of drama and a busy schedule.

Tonight was senior night and the last game of the season. We left after half time and the score was 0-30! The band however was AWESOME. They danced ALOT. It was great and the seniors were having a blast.

DS trombone guy has to be at school at 8 am for a 2.5 hour bus ride to State. We perform at 2:30. We've got our fingers crossed for Superior ratings! I can't believe it's almost over....

 

[GoofyTroopOf6]

Whoa Katy - that is a lot of drama and a busy schedule.

Tonight was senior night and the last game of the season. We left after half time and the score was 0-30! The band however was AWESOME. They danced ALOT. It was great and the seniors were having a blast.

DS trombone guy has to be at school at 8 am for a 2.5 hour bus ride to State. We perform at 2:30. We've got our fingers crossed for Superior ratings! I can't believe it's almost over....

Good luck tomorrow!!!!

We go on at 2:46pm to compete for Indiana's Class B State Title. Please keep us in your thoughts and send good vibes.

It was so sad to hear my 3 year old in the back seat tonight when we went to pick ds up at school. Tonight they had their "final meal" followed by trunk or treat. Last night we watched the run through for the last time before State Finals. My youngest kept saying, "DJ pway twumpet, DJ mawch and pway twumpet" over and over. It dawned on me that last night was his last time to see his big bubby perform for the season.

SO sad. :mope:

 

[momof1princess]

MY BABY WAS ON TV TODAY!!! a TV station about 60 miles southwest of our town came to broadcast our pep rally live this morning, and DD14, along with the rest of the marching band, were on TV!! she's the brunette clarinet player right behind the colorguard, in the black band shirt and ponytail! (hokes bluff pep rally part 3 and 4)

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/15898133/good-day-alabama-for-october-28-2011

 

[Katy Belle]

Whoa Katy - that is a lot of drama and a busy schedule.

Tonight was senior night and the last game of the season. We left after half time and the score was 0-30! The band however was AWESOME. They danced ALOT. It was great and the seniors were having a blast.

DS trombone guy has to be at school at 8 am for a 2.5 hour bus ride to State. We perform at 2:30. We've got our fingers crossed for Superior ratings! I can't believe it's almost over....

I hope they got Superiors! Let us know!

Good luck tomorrow!!!!

We go on at 2:46pm to compete for Indiana's Class B State Title. Please keep us in your thoughts and send good vibes.

It was so sad to hear my 3 year old in the back seat tonight when we went to pick ds up at school. Tonight they had their "final meal" followed by trunk or treat. Last night we watched the run through for the last time before State Finals. My youngest kept saying, "DJ pway twumpet, DJ mawch and pway twumpet" over and over. It dawned on me that last night was his last time to see his big bubby perform for the season.

SO sad. :mope:

Looking forward to hearing how you did! So sweet, little brother! My younger ones aren't that little...but they love watching big brother in the band and can't wait to do it too!

MY BABY WAS ON TV TODAY!!! a TV station about 60 miles southwest of our town came to broadcast our pep rally live this morning, and DD14, along with the rest of the marching band, were on TV!! she's the brunette clarinet player right behind the colorguard, in the black band shirt and ponytail! (hokes bluff pep rally part 3 and 4)

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/15898133/good-day-alabama-for-october-28-2011

I watched it! Awesome! Such fun!

Well, yesterday was State for us. I don't get it... how it all works... but yesterday we were considered 6A, which is our football classification, but at the other contests we were 3A. Hopefully by the time my youngest is finished with band, in 2018, I will figure it out! Anyway... 19 teams competed, we made it to Finals, and got 12th Place. The kids were disappointed, but I'm super proud of them.

I've felt all year like the show is weak. I think they performed it the best they could. Their preliminary show was stronger than the Final performance. And... they were competing against the Big Dogs. The winner of the show was Broken Arrow, 2nd was Owasso, and 3rd was Union. Those bands do well at Regionals, and are huge compared to us, I'm proud of how we did!

I'd not seen BAs show before, and some of you commented on it after St. Louis. Wow. I really thought Union should have gotten that State Title! BAs show... DS Tuba Dude called it "Band Porn." I have to agree. Too much! Not necessary!!! Owasso has changed their show so much since I saw it, and its really awesome now. But Union!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are really just amazing to watch. I wish they would have won!

Our kids were really worn out and emotional. Hoping there is lots of sleeping today and all feel better tomorrow. Now... onto Concert Band!

 

[golfgal]

I hope they got Superiors! Let us know!



Looking forward to hearing how you did! So sweet, little brother! My younger ones aren't that little...but they love watching big brother in the band and can't wait to do it too!


I watched it! Awesome! Such fun!

Well, yesterday was State for us. I don't get it... how it all works... but yesterday we were considered 6A, which is our football classification, but at the other contests we were 3A. Hopefully by the time my youngest is finished with band, in 2018, I will figure it out! Anyway... 19 teams competed, we made it to Finals, and got 12th Place. The kids were disappointed, but I'm super proud of them.

I've felt all year like the show is weak. I think they performed it the best they could. Their preliminary show was stronger than the Final performance. And... they were competing against the Big Dogs. The winner of the show was Broken Arrow, 2nd was Owasso, and 3rd was Union. Those bands do well at Regionals, and are huge compared to us, I'm proud of how we did!

I'd not seen BAs show before, and some of you commented on it after St. Louis. Wow. I really thought Union should have gotten that State Title! BAs show... DS Tuba Dude called it "Band Porn." I have to agree. Too much! Not necessary!!! Owasso has changed their show so much since I saw it, and its really awesome now. But Union!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are really just amazing to watch. I wish they would have won!

Our kids were really worn out and emotional. Hoping there is lots of sleeping today and all feel better tomorrow. Now... onto Concert Band!

That is exactly what it is!!! A lot of people are bashing BA's show on the BOA forums but there are plenty of people that are sticking up for BA-NONE of whom have seen the show. Even the BA parents we have talked to don't like the show. Overall BA is an amazing band but holy moly, BAND PORN is right.

I LOVE Owasso's show-very cute and the scarecrows do an amazing job at being, well, scarecrows. Unions show though is amazing. I don't see BA placing higher at Nat's then Union and Owasso (not sure if Owasso is going to Nat's I guess). OK, overall, has the best state for marching bands I think. It has to be fun going to local competitions and seeing all those high quality bands all the time. It gets a little boring here which is why we love going to St. Louis so much.

Oh, and for class ratings--every single show we go to had their own way to place bands. Some do it by band size, some do it by winds/percussion, some by school size, some just by where the directors want to be placed. The placements are consistent year to year at each competition but not from competition to competition.