The San Antonio Super Regional lived up to the hype and then some. A total of 84 bands gathered to compete Friday and Saturday inside the Alamodome. And the event was nothing short of amazing. 

While Flower Mound came out on top the fact that there were 10 bands over 90 for finals and that the top 3 were all over 96 shows the depth of the field at this competition. For finals, no band won more than one caption award as Flower Mound took G.E., Reagan won Visual, and Hebron won Music. 

This finals competition was unlike any other in 2018.

1. FLOWER MOUND - 96.600

Flower Mound’s show is simply entitled Pop! and the show explores different examples of pop art throughout. The show opens with an explosion of sights and sound that immediately overwhelms the viewer. After a quick percussion window, the woodwinds showcase their finger dexterity supported by flag work. As the movement continues the winds hit a massive block turn that is unreal. 

The band’s visual package is unbelievable between the drill, prop staging/usage, and along with the color guard accents. As the ballad gets started, the woodwind quintet on the front left sideline is accompanied by members replicating sketch art by literally drawing on the props. Six members of the guard take positions on top of props dressed in head-to-toe color. 

Then the field literally explodes with fabric and color with the same drawings that were just painted on the front drops. It saturates the field in one of the most unbelievable moments of the BOA season. A soprano saxophone gets the next movement started in a trade-off feature with the rest of the woodwinds. As the mood of the changes in a playful and comical state as the band reveals a massive football helmet made of fabric. 

The field is literally a giant etch-a-sketch pad as the band radically changes what you’re looking as quickly as you realize what just happened. The closing drill is fast and furious. The sound is overwhelming. This program is one that will be remembered for a long time to come. 

2. REAGAN - 96.400

Reagan uses a beautiful piano intro to take the field while their synth planer is being wheeled onto the field. A flute soloist takes center stage as the announcement begins on the 50. The first impact is a wall of sound from the winds perfectly timed with the announcer. Backed by rotating circle drill and a massive color guard this opening will certainly get you on your feet. 

Following the demonstration of raw power, the woodwinds show off their technical skills supported by a wonderfully musical percussion section. Surrounded by a blue flag feature between the 40-50 on side 1 the low brass then get a chance to cut loose followed closely by a baritone section feature on side 2 front sideline. The soundscapes throughout this show are really beautiful at setting a mood to support what the winds are playing. Flutes transition us into the next movement on the front right sideline. 

For the next impact, the band makes great use of space and silence before delivering the massive sounds that Reagan can deliver. During this impact, the guard picks up hula hoops to add variety to their equipment. Next comes a woodwind quartet on the front left sideline followed by the brass showcasing their own technical skills. But don’t miss out on the jazz running that the woodwinds are executing on side 2 before their next feature. 

As the show comes to an end, the drill is masterfully done. The brass is marching forward in a company front while the woodwinds are looping around the company front line in a circular follow-the-leader. It’s a perfect example of drill supporting the show concept. After the final impact chord, the band proceeds to lay down creating more loops on the field. And just for a final touch, the piano player is pushed off the field again playing for ambiance. 

3. HEBRON - 96.050

Hebron is undoubtedly one of the premier programs in the country. Featuring unparalleled playing, a powerful percussion, and show design that is cutting edge, it’s no wonder when Hebron is scheduled to perform the stands are packed. The band takes the field with 32 cubes that are about 8’ tall by 5’ wide and 5’ deep. As the show begins there is a variety of soloists on top of the cubes that create a surround sound like effect as the band reveals themselves for the opening impact. The woodwind passage underneath the brass impacts during the opening volley of music is unreal. 

The drumline has a quick percussion break. Make sure you listen to the trumpets immediately following this on side 2 front hash for some more unbelievable technical skill. The last 15 seconds of the opener is some of the most exciting drill in BOA this year. And it’s supported by some of the most ambitious brass writing this year. But, the performers are executing it at incredible levels. 

Listening to this band is like being in Carnegie Hall. The resonance and purity of sound is unmatched. During the ballad impact, the guard makes gorgeous use of a black sheer material. It’s a simple effect but the contrast it creates is beautiful. The saxophone on side 2 front sideline that gets the next movement going is professional level quality. 

The closing moment of this show using Stravinsky’s Firebird features the 32 cubes turning around to reveal a wall of color along with brightly colored accented flags. Then to top it off, a French horn soloist is being raised into the air by a hydraulic lift surrounding by blue flames. 

4. VISTA RIDGE - 95.575

This was undoubtedly Vista Ridge’s best marching season they’ve ever had. The program is reaching new heights and will certainly be a program to watch out for in 2019. Vista Ridge takes the field with four large box platform props and 3 compass needles. The front ensemble gets things started with a beautiful introduction. The quartet that leads into the first hit introduces Vista Ridge’s signature. 

Vista Ridge’s technical abilities are one of the most impressive in the country.  They bring a polished concert sound to the field that few can achieve sitting still. During this opening hit the guard explodes with color using massive swing flags. Following a great percussion break, the brass and woodwinds again trade off some unbelievable technical musicality. Wonderful box drill at the end of their opening movement creates a lot of contrary motion on the field. 

Again, the front ensemble transitions us to the next movement with some beautiful 4-mallet technique. The flugelhorn and soprano sax soloists create such a beautiful moment during the ballad while spinning on top of their compass prop. This ballad will be one of the most artistically musical moments of the fall. 

During the next jazz movement, the trombone soloist takes charge with a tasty passage. The cymbals then take over the center stage by spinning and doing some crazy cool visuals as the band jams out and gets the crowd on their feet. A flute soloist leads the band into the next movement as the drill races to the end and a company front that received one of the largest ovations from the crowd. 

5. CLAUDIA TAYLOR JOHNSON - 94.725

When Claudia Taylor Johnson takes the field there is absolutely no doubting who is up next. As impressive of a set up that they have their performance is that much more impressive. The show starts off with a live reading of a poem relating Christopher Columbus’ navigation feats to Martin Luther King, Jr. Early on a voice over replays the moment that MLKJr. was assassinated on top of a soprano sax soloist. This leads into the first major impact the brass unleashes. 

The velocity and sudden direction changes in the drill rival that of drum corps. As the opening movement begins to wind down, the woodwinds transition us to a beautiful trombone ensemble on the ship props on side 1. As MLK’s I have a dream speech is being played a trumpet and soprano sax call and answer lead into the climax of the ballad. 

Across the field, the guard has introduced pearls from the clam shells. Hidden inside the pearls are the rope flags with the American flag printed on them but to look like they are underwater. The next movement brings a playful mood to the show but quickly picks up speed as the woodwinds show off some incredible playing followed by circle drill. Then the brass gets a chance to have a call-and-answer between the low-brass and high-brass. This leads into America the Beautiful power statement. It’s capped off by 3 large fabric fly-overs of red, white, and blue. 

6. LEANDER - 94.375

As Leander was taking the field, there was an immediate contrast in color presented by the massive +/- signs that oppose each other. The opening set is the classic Yin/Yang symbol. The show begins with a percussive onslaught as the band re-stages the block props. Then when the winds make their presence felt it is done with contrast circular drill. 

The clarity of the trumpets articulations is crystal clean throughout the opening statement. A saxophone soloist on side 1 literally entices the woodwinds to join him by the negative sign. What ensues is a masterful display of technical playing by the woodwinds. Nothing like hearing a world-class band program playing Metallica. The arrangement is fast, aggressive, and in your face. Metallica would be proud. 

The ballad features a beautiful call and answer between a french horn and oboe as the guard and rest of the band stage themselves for the main impact. The guard shows a variety of content by using dancers, flags, and sabers throughout this movement. 

Following a front ensemble transition accompanying an oboe soloist, the color guard takes center stage as they show off an impressive display of flag work reminiscent of their 2018 WGI Scholastic A world champion show. After a percussion break, a trombone soloist keeps the jazz energy high as the props are re-staged to make a giant + sign. The high energy of the closing statement is a fun, lively piece that leaves you wanting more. 

7. VANDEGRIFT - 94.350

Vandegrift capped off another successful season with two more powerful performances. The opening thunderous battery parts with the surdo drums behind the pit accompanied by the brass is so impressive and gets the blood moving. It isn’t just the raw power the brass plays with but the musical shaping they have that creates another level musicianship. The integration of the Vision Dance Team into the drill is very well-done throughout the opening movement.  

One of the traits of Vandegrift is an ability to control their weight while marching at slower. Each individual performer seems to be in full control at all times with what their body is doing. The entire band’s feet timing from goal to goal is rock solid as well. 

On the music front, Vandegrift's ability to unleash raw power then change gears to create an orchestral indoor sound may be the best in the country. Maybe that’s why they are both Texas marching champions and Honor Band recipients. Do not sleep on this front ensemble following the ballad hit or for the entire show for that matter. 

The dancers make good use of these handheld LED lights to represent stars in the night sky. The brass creates one incredible crescendo by playing into the corner of the field before turning to the box. As the ballad reaches its peak the Vision Dance Team covers the field in color with massive swing flags. 

After an extended 16th note passage from the front ensemble three flutes replicate the 16th notes in an impressive display of musicianship. As the show reaches its peak, an arrow flag is seemingly shot across the field as the band unleashes one final wall of sound towards the box. 

8. THE WOODLANDS - 91.850

The Woodlands show is a very intriguing visualization of the connections between the brain and the nerve endings. The opening fanfare from the brass is powerful and gets the show started with a bang. Next, the woodwinds take over showing a different level of skill. Much like the brain operating left and right hemispheres. The amount of energy the band puts forth throughout the show rattles the stadium. 

As the ballad begins, two flutes converge at the 50 for a beautiful duet. This is accompanied by 7 sabres on platforms along with dancers in support. Throughout the ballad, the drill makes use of circles connected by double lines representing the nerve endings and their connections to each other. The volume of bodywork that The Woodlands puts into their show while playing, is a signature to this ensemble. 

As the show races to the ending, the band makes a massive jazz run move to the circular tarp for its final statement. As the last note comes to a thunderous resolution streams of fabric race across the field along with handheld streamers exploding from within the band. 

9. KELLER - 91.575

Keller is quickly becoming one of the bands that you automatically pencil in as a potential finalist in San Antonio. The front drops of their 2018 program read out the quote “change is the only constant.” A saxophone soloist gets things started wrapped in between two hands from the famous drawing that has two-hands drawing each other. 

As the pre-show is being finished the band lands with an amazing opening impact. The guard saturates the field with swing flags and the band rattles the dome with sound. The driving opening movement begins with driving eighth notes from the front ensemble and brass. Next, the woodwinds get into the act by playing one incredibly difficult passage. 

After that, is one of the most innovative moments of the season. Extra members of the band use these hand-held panels to emphasize a moment where the brass is creating a wave of sound left-to-right. One might compare it to the light-saber effect the Blue Devils do so well in their brass warm-ups. 

For the next movement, the front ensemble shows some incredible 4-mallet playing underneath a trombone duet. A large metal prop has the famous artwork that shows stair-cases climbing up and down in such a way one loses their sense of direction. Then, a member of the guard is seen climbing underneath the ladders on either side literally defying gravity. 

As the next movement gets kicked off an amazing moment where the trumpets are featured with a snare soloist. Now the entire band has changed uniform tops and are now exploding with orange color all over the field. This show plays tricks on the mind as well as the eye throughout for one of the most innovative shows of the BOA season.

10. CEDAR RIDGE - 90.400

Cedar Ridge opens the show a haunting gypsy singer as the guard is transported onto the field by the props. The textures the front ensemble create with the ethnic drumming adds a beautiful atmosphere. Then, the dark and powerful low brass take control and blows the roof off the building. 

The singer and front ensemble transitions the band into the next section of the show. Then, a clarinet soloist starts a technically challenging woodwind passage accompanied by the guard. The drill integration between the guard and winds is really well designed. 

The percussion arranging between the front ensemble and battery is an excellent demonstration of using windows of space. The singer again transitions the band to the next movement which is Led Zeppelin. The brass articulations throughout are some of the cleanest of the year. 

A clarinet soloist kicks off the final movement as the band accelerates tempos. The final push encapsulates the entire program's strength. The clean feet, powerful brass, crystal-clear percussion, and a tastefully done singer all showcase what this version of Cedar Ridge is all about. 

11. MARCUS - 90.250

Marcus opens the show with a variety of woodwind soloists playing classical church music from the medieval period. As the band breaks across the field the band’s very clean feet, which is a hallmark of Marcus are immediately on display. As the opening movement comes to a close the band’s pure quality of sound is again featured by resonating the Alamodome. 

The next movement takes a percussive turn featuring the battery surrounded by 6 large traditional rope drums. During the ballad movement, the color guard saturates the field with soft but large double swing flags. The band also displays great body control at a slower tempo. 

A bassoon duet gets things moving for the next movement which leads into a trombone/trumpet section feature on side 2. The woodwinds then get a chance to show off their technical skills which lead to a company front impact. 

A baritone soloist emerges from one of the large castle-like props to introduce the next melody. As the show comes to a close the band puts forth a wonderful wall of sound and clarity that reminds you of an indoor concert hall. 

12. HENDRICKSON - 89.425

Hendrickson is known for having over the top show designs and entertaining the audience throughout. As they take the field you notice 12 large backdrops in 5 groups along with about 60 yards worth of front drops. Along the front drops the show’s title, Blueprints For Life. 

As the show begins a lone clarinet player dressed in a solid baby blue uniform dances across bringing the rest of the band onto the field. The clarinet soloist opens the show with the famous solo from Rhapsody in Blue leading into an opening impact where the band forms a DNA strand. In the middle of the opener, there’s a wonderful call and answer exchange between the brass and the clarinet soloist. His musical phrasing is unbelievable. 

A woodwind trio gets the next movement started. As the next movement reaches its peak you will notice the drill and graphics on the props showcase the golden ratio. As the ballad begins, the clarinet soloist again takes center stage. Throughout this movement, directional arrows reinforce the concept of finding your direction in life. 

Now the drumline takes over with bright blue LED lighting around the drums. George Gershwin’s jazz begins to come to life as the band reveals the backdrops have now changed into backlit thumbprints. As the final statement reaches its peak, the band forms another massive arrow pointing towards the clarinet soloist as he finishes off the show on a high note. Goosebumps are a guarantee. 

13. WESTLAKE - 89.250

Westlake takes the field in finals in what many would say as the Cinderella of the San Antonio Super Regional. The Austin based school opens the show with a woodwind trio supported by the low-brass playing Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. It gives way to thunderous percussive transition into the woodwinds showing off their wonderful playing skills. Next, the brass comes in for the first massive impact that absolutely shows they belong in finals. The trumpets have a wonderful feature that begins the push for the climax of the opening movement. The bass drums and pit create a moving transition that leads to a stunning bassoon soloist. The front ensemble has a wonderfully rich sound throughout the ballad. The guard is beautiful with the double swing flags as the movement reaches its peak. The drumline picks the tempo for the next piece which gives way to a call and answers with the brass. Stravinsky's music is being maxed out throughout this arrangement. 

14. L.D. BELL - 88.400

As L.D. Bell takes the field they use scaffolding props that stretch from goal line to goal line. It creates a 4-foot wall for the band to elevate themselves along the front sideline. 

The show begins with a Scottish bagpipe. You read that right. A bagpipe. The band opens with a soft rendition of Danny Boy while using lines of 5 to climb on top of the scaffolding for the opening impact. The guard adds to the visual palette nicely with a unison flag hit along the back-half of the field. 

The next festival portion of the show gets started with a woodwind ensemble sitting on the scaffolding at the front sideline. Next, it’s the guard’s turn to climb atop the scaffolding for a flag feature while the entire woodwinds section accompanies the melody behind them. Faint sounds of wolves howling give the audience an eerily beautiful mood change while the color guard introduces large swing flags. 

The impact that follows is some of their finest drill. The large triangular block collapses simultaneously from both goal lines creating a tight pocket of sound. The next movement picks up the tempo as the band shows off some more advanced musical demand. 

For the final impact of the show, the entire band climbs on-top of the scaffolding creating a goal to goal wall of sound supported by the massive color guard using brightly colored 6’ flags spanning the entire field.