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If the record-setting heat waves and chaos of starting band camp haven’t got you sweating enough, this year’s Bands of America attendance lists dropped yesterday. For those who keep up with competitive marching band, expect an explosion of predictions and what-to-watch lists. If this season happens to be your first time attending BOA, we’ve got an article for that.
September kicks off the BOA season – we’ll be here, as always, updating you weekly with the highlights from each contest. While we’re waiting, let’s look over some of the top features of each event:
September 16
Louisville, KY - Cardinal Stadium at the University of Louisville
The band season springs into action in Kentucky with a stack of formidable groups in attendance: three of last year’s Grand National finalists will be duking it out for the top spots here, including gold medalist Carmel (IN) and silver Avon (IN). Castle (IN) should finish out the top three, followed by other prominent attendees Anderson County (KY), Center Grove (IN), Lakota East (OH) and North Hardin (KY). Expect a tight race for first and second between Avon and Carmel, with Castle and Center Grove rounding out the top four.
Whitewater, WI - Perkins Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
This opening-day regional is on the smaller side, but that doesn’t mean it’s one to skip – regular regional finalists Davenport Central (IA) and Prospect (IL) will undoubtedly bring the heat. Others to watch will be Oakville (MO) and Irondale (MN), hot off of successful seasons in 2022.
Introducing bandscores.net and the 2023 DCI Score Dashboard
As we complete the first competitive week of the 2023 DCI season, we’re excited to share that our 2023 DCI Score Dashboard is published and ready for use! And even better, it comes with a new website for marching arts enthusiasts! Bandscores.net is a new website that recently launched last month. This new passion project exists with the vision of being …
September 23
Austin, TX - Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex
DA KRAC (nickname courtesy of staff writer Aaron Blackley) once again opens up for one of the early season’s hottest regionals. With enough top-performing groups for a full Grand National finals, including recent champion Vandegrift (TX), the real point of interest at Austin will be the stories behind the shows; James Bowie (TX), Round Rock (TX) and Dripping Springs (TX) will debut the show they’re taking up to Lucas Oil this year. Dripping Springs, in particular, will make their first-ever GN appearance in November, so we’re hoping for an extra-special product designed to hold up against an entire nation. Another first will be Gatesville (TX), making their BOA debut after qualifying for UIL State in 2022. Vista Ridge (TX) and Cedar Ridge (TX) will additionally be debuting significant staff changes. If you haven’t signed up for a Box5 subscription yet this year, let BOA Austin compel you to do so. Or, better yet, show these bands your support live!
Chattanooga, TN - Finley Stadium at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The first of three Tennessee regionals will feature many of the premier groups of the Southeast, including newcomer Munford (TN), a longtime Bandmaster Championship frontrunner only just now breaking into BOA. Classics such as Franklin (TN) and Mill Creek (GA) should beef up the competition alongside Sparkman (AL) and Signal Mountain (TN).
Las Cruces, NM - Aggie Stadium at New Mexico State University
Almost equally balanced between New Mexico and Texas schools, the Las Cruces regional will bring in some strong names like regional champion Clovis (NM) and San Antonio Class A champ Pecos (TX). From all the way on the OTHER side of Texas comes Richland (TX) looking for a shot at the podium. Also in attendance will be, in the humble opinions of the GEM staff, two of the undoubtedly coolest high school names in all of BOA: Organ Mountain (NM) and Volcano Vista (NM).
Obetz, OH - Fortress Obetz
At the top of the enrollment list for Obetz sits the reigning national Class A champion Archbishop Alter (OH), followed by other tiny-but-mighty group Bourbon County (KY) and WGI mainstays Miamisburg (OH) and Bellbrook (OH). 2022 Super Regional finalists Lindbergh (MO) and Goshen (IN) round out our must-watch list.
Back of the Bus: Overdrive
Whew! It’s been a wild weekend of band, and there’s still three more shows tonight! I’ll have to catch tomorrow’s replays, as Aaron Blackley, bandScores, and myself will be recording another episode of Bring It In tonight, but this should be coming out before the first show starts.
September 30
Des Moines, IA - Waukee Northwest Athletic Complex
I’ve gone to Iowa every year it’s been a regional, and at this point, I have a moral obligation to hype it up. The field has deepened in comparison to recent years, with 2022 champion Lincoln (SD), 2021 champion Camdenton (MO) and 2019 champion Blue Springs (MO) returning to the contest after absences and former medalists Rosemount (MN) and Bellevue West (NE) returning for a shot at the podium once again. Class A will likely be the tightest class in score, with Independence (IA), MOC-Floyd Valley (IA) and Pella (IA) all having formidable track records.
McAllen, TX - Veterans Memorial Stadium
This steamy all-Texas regional will welcome back returning champion John B. Alexander (TX) and bronze medalist Roma (TX), as well as BOA newcomer Los Fresnos (TX) and recently debuted Pieper (TX). Also in attendance will be Pioneer (TX), bringing a guard hot off a successful season as WGI San Antonio finalists.
Midland, TX - Astound Broadband Stadium
Far from the first three letters of its name, this regional features a diverse lineup, including out-of-staters Mustang (OK), Clovis (NM) and Loveland (CO), each an intimidating force in their home state. Greenwood (TX) and Abilene Wylie (TX) will make their BOA debuts at this regional. 2022 GN finalist Robert E. Hendrickson (TX) will be the favorite to win, though Mustang could be a dark horse (pun intended).
Shenandoah, TX - Woodforest Bank Stadium - Conroe ISD (site tentative)
The typical mid-pack roster at BOA San Antonio gets a chance to shine at this Houston-area regional, with groups like Cy-Fair (TX), Cypress Woods (TX), Dawson (TX), Klein Oak (TX), Seven Lakes (TX), Friendswood (TX) and Wylie East (TX) likely headed for the top spots in finals. Iowa Colony (TX) will make their BOA debut here.
Fishers Marching Invitational (Affiliate Event) - Fishers, IN - Fishers H.S.
The first Affiliate Event on our calendar will mark the second matchup between Avon and Castle, with Indianapolis Super Regional prelims top-half finishers Westfield (IN), Noblesville (IN) and Hamilton Southeastern (IN) also making appearances.
Low Country Invitational (Affiliate Event) - Mt. Pleasant, SC - Wando H.S.
Wasting no time for our next Affiliate Event, we’re heading down to the Low Country Invitational. This year’s attendance list is small, though you may recognize Carolina Forest (SC) from last year’s Winston-Salem regional. Namedropping BOA may bring in some late registrations or help to beef up this regional in the future, as these Affiliate Events aim to do.
October 7
Bedford, TX - Pennington Field
Stocked full of exciting attendees, this regional draws in high-profile Dallas-area bands such as Coppell (TX), Flower Mound (TX), Hebron (TX), L.D. Bell (TX), Marcus (TX) and 2022 GN finalist Southlake Carroll (TX). We’re also looking forward to catching out-of-stater Jenks (OK) as well as Timber Creek (TX), Wakeland (TX) and Waxahachie (TX).
Flagstaff, AZ - Northern Arizona University (Walkup Skydome)
We’ll once again find Clovis at this regional, surrounded by the Southwest’s best such as American Fork (UT), Fossil Ridge (CO), Mountain Ridge (AZ) and Desert Vista (AZ). Vista Murrieta (CA), likely shooting for a podium spot, will join all the way from SoCal.
Katy, TX - Legacy Stadium - Katy ISD (site tentative)
You’ll find the other half of Texas’ top groups here in the Houston area – big names like Cedar Ridge, Claudia Taylor Johnson (TX), James Bowie (TX), Pearland (TX), Ronald Reagan (TX) and The Woodlands (TX) will seek the top spots in finals. At the same time, the Cypress bands, as well as James E. Taylor (TX), Foster (TX), and Seven Lakes will present their case for a shot in the lower 6.
Memphis, TN - Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
The new Memphis regional has filled up with a host of well-rounded bands, including Bartlett (TN), Harrison (GA), Lake Hamilton (AR) and Murray (KY). Keep an eye out for Super Regional finalist and Class AA powerhouse Hernando (MS), as well as Munford’s second BOA event of the year. This brand-new regional pulls in the best of West Tennessee, Southeast MO and Arkansas, and will likely remain attractive to other Midwest and Southeast US bands looking for a band trip with a side of sightseeing.
Toledo, OH - Glassbowl at the University of Toledo
A few of BOA’s most storied stars will dazzle at this event, including Centerville (OH), Norwin (PA) and Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (MI). Also seeking top spots will be AA beast Jenison (MI) and Rockford (MI).
Broken Arrow Marching Invitational (Affiliate Event) - Broken Arrow, OK - Broken Arrow H.S.
Okay, there’s no schedule released for BAI yet. But don’t panic! The schedule for this invitational tends to be as tight-lipped as the band itself, so we’ll likely see a few bands scheduled when the time comes. The roster should eventually include a few Tulsa area groups. Jenks is booked at Bedford, while we haven’t heard anything regarding consistent high placers like Camdenton, Kickapoo (MO), Coweta (OK) and Grain Valley (MO). Will we see any of these veterans make an appearance this year?
The Recap
GEM's Daniel Montoya Jr. discusses the Sophie's Choice which is Barbie vs. Oppenheimer, DCI Week #1, IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) being thrown at performing artists on stage, and Olivia Rodrigo's "Vampire."
October 14
Conway, SC - Brooks Stadium at Coastal Carolina University
As I’m writing this, the Conway page shows the information for Louisville, so unfortunately we do not have the list here. However, many are expecting Catawba Ridge (SC), Green Level (NC), James F. Byrnes (SC), Nation Ford (SC) and Wando (SC) to attend. Fun fact (powered by our affiliate
): this will be the first BOA show on a field that isn’t green. To quote SB Nation: “This actually isn't the most offensive artificial turf color out there. It's still offensive, though.”Prosper, TX - Prosper ISD Children's Health Stadium
We’re over halfway! Are you still with me? The Prosper regional is the second BOA event for the likes of Southlake Carroll, Grapevine, Hendrickson, Sachse, Timber Creek, L.D. Bell and Mustang, while Duncanville (TX), Fossil Ridge (TX), and the Kellers will take the field for their first of the season.
Lincoln-Way Marching Invitational (Affiliate Event) - New Lenox, IL - Lincoln-Way H.S.
Another affiliate, this invitational brings together many of IL’s top bands, from Lincoln-Way (IL) and Lockport Township (IL) to Morton (IL) and Marian Catholic (IL). Concord Community (IN) and Munster (IN) will also venture across state lines to participate.
Power Band Classic (Affiliate Event) - Pearcy, AR - Lake Hamilton H.S.
Similar to BAI, this schedule is looking rather…thin at the moment. Expect to see nearby AR participation – so far, we can confirm Cabot (AR) and Bryant (AR).
UIL RULES CHANGES (maybe): The Heavily Anticipated Sequel
Back in December, the UIL Marching Band Rules Advisory Committee met to propose rule changes that would be voted on in the Spring 2023 meeting. A few days ago, UIL held the aforementioned Spring meeting and discussed where each of the proposals would go from here, and on May 13th, UIL made the meeting notes public. These meeting documents go under the r…
October 20-21
Super Regional - Indianapolis, IN - Lucas Oil Stadium
Now we’re getting into the meaty stuff! Avon, Carmel and Castle meet again among a sea of groups like Brownsburg (IN), Fishers (IN), Edgewood (IN), Grain Valley, Lafayette (LA), Lakota West (OH), Lincoln, Lincoln-Way, O’Fallon Township (IL), and William Mason (OH). The main event here is going to be the wave of Oklahoma bands displaced from St. Louis due to a scheduling conflict with OBA; Bixby (OK), Choctaw (OK), Deer Creek (OK), Southmoore, Union (OK) and Yukon (OK) will all be in attendance.
October 21
College Park, MD - SECU Stadium at the University of Maryland
The Mid-Atlantic regional of the late-season features several East Coast powerhouses: among them Edison (NJ), Green Level, James Madison (VA), Kiski Area (PA) and Trumbull (CT).
Johnson City, TN - Ballad Health Athletic Center at East Tennessee State University
We’re back to Tennessee for a third and final time with seasoned greats like Dobyns-Bennett (TN), Franklin, Kennesaw Mountain (GA) and Lafayette (KY), as well as appearances from well-rounded finals hopefuls Elizabethton (TN), Fayetteville (AR) Lake Hamilton, Nixa (MO), Panther Creek (NC), and Ravenwood (TN).
Orlando, FL - Camping World Stadium
This regional will be the only BOA appearance for four-time Grand National champion Broken Arrow (OK), who will be locking horns with Tarpon Springs (FL) for the gold. Following behind will be Harrison, Byrnes, Owasso (OK), Park Vista (FL), Stoneman Douglas (FL) and Timber Creek (FL). We’ll also see another appearance from Archbishop Alter here.
Music for All Buford (Affiliate Event) - Buford, GA - Buford H.S.
This Affiliate will feature a showcase of the Georgia bands that aren’t at Johnson City or Orlando – swing by for bands like Alpharetta (GA), Chattahoochee (GA) and Walton (GA).
A Brief BOA Breakdown
BOA competition starts this week for just under 100 high school bands around the US. For thousands of freshman (and occasionally younger) students making their competitive debut, there are thousands of first-time band parents with tens of thousands of questions.
October 27-28
Super Regional - St. Louis, MO - The Dome at America's Center
Our second Super Regional of the year feels a bit lonely without the typical Oklahoma bands; also scheduled for this weekend is the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association 6A state contest, leaving the champion title wide open in Broken Arrow’s absence. Our top contender is Blue Springs, though it wouldn’t be out of the question for a surprise win from Bentonville (AR), Southlake Carroll, or Westwood (TX). Looking to fill in the rest of finals, we’ll see Blue Springs South (MO), Collierville (TN), Edwardsville (IL), Fort Zumwalt North (MO), Germantown (MS), Hernando, Kickapoo, Lindbergh, Morton, Nixa, Normal (IL), O’Fallon Township, Rosemount, Camdenton and Timberland (MO). The real squeeze here will be for the bottom half of finals, with the top half firmly in their place.
October 28
Piscataway, NJ - SHI Stadium at Rutgers University
All eyes will be on Dartmouth (MA), whose first-ever BOA appearance here last year also netted them their first regional win. The stakes are even higher as the WGI-standout heads to Grand Nationals in the following two weeks. Returning from their finals positions in 2022 are Downington West (PA), Downington East (PA), Elizabeth (NJ), John P. Stevens (NJ), Brick Memorial (NJ), Westfield (NJ), Wakefield (NJ) and Spring-Ford (PA).
Riverside, CA - Ramona H.S.
BOA returns to California with a respectably-sized regional, featuring mighty names like Ayala (CA), Vista Murrieta, Corona Del Sol (AZ), Covina (CA) and Desert Vista (AZ). Known for raising up championship-winning drumlines and winter guards, these California bands will seek accolades on the field in addition to what they already receive indoors for one of the last regionals of the season.
Waco, TX - Panther-Hewitt Stadium at Midway H.S.
Claudia Taylor Johnson and Moe and Gene Johnson (TX) headline this regional, with Dripping Springs, James Martin (TX), McKinney (TX), New Braunfels (TX) and Wylie (TX) following close behind.
BREAKING: UIL Legislative Session votes for Every Year State for Marching Band
The University Interscholastic League, the governing body for all things academic and athletic competition in Texas public schools, has held the UIL General Session in which they have voted for the UIL State Marching Contest to be held for every class every year. Marching band, as of now, is the only UIL event that does an alternating-year schedule for …
November 3-4
Super Regional - San Antonio, TX - Alamodome
This, regrettably, may be the weakest San Antonio in a decent chunk of time. That isn’t to say it will be weak at all – this is Texas we’re talking about – but with Every Year 6A State starting and many regular finalists off to Grand Nationals the next week, there’ll be room for a couple of less-frequent finalists to make it up into a second performance. Expect outstanding performances from Cedar Ridge, Cedar Park (TX), Claudia Taylor Johnson, Cypress Woods, James Bowie, Keller Central, L.D. Bell, Marcus, Hebron, Moe and Gene Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Round Rock (TX), Rouse (TX), The Woodlands, Vandegrift and Vista Ridge. Vying for a chance spot will be Lake Travis (TX), Leander (TX), Timber Creek, Wakeland, Weiss (TX), Westlake, Westwood and Wylie East.
November 4
St. George, UT - Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University
Expect top-notch performances from American Fork, Green Canyon (UT) and Foothills (NV), with Westlake (UT), Buchanan (CA) and Davis (UT) also in the running. Out of left field is Fort Mill (SC), who must have taken a wrong turn to end up all the way across the country!
Troy, AL - Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University
No news from Music For All today, but we’re expecting Catawba Ridge, Cypress Creek (FL), Oak Grove (AL), Sparkman and West Broward (FL) so far. Many excellent programs are rumored to be attending as well. We’ll update you on this mysterious regional once it’s released to the public…
Back of the Bus: Start Your Engines
The 2023 DCI Season has started with a bang, as we’ve finally got all of the world class show reveals out of the way, as well as the first five competitive shows of the season. It has already proven to have intrigue and shake-ups, as well as a premiere show that, by many reports, came close to flat-out cancellation.
November 9-11
Grand National Championships - Indianapolis, IN - Lucas Oil Stadium
At long last, we’ve made it to our final contest. If your eyes are hurting as much as my wrists hurt typing out this article, rest assured I’ll make this brief: we’ve already talked about most of the attendees, so I’ll just hit a few more we haven’t discussed yet as well as a quick look at who we’re expecting to find a medal here. Beechwood (KY) and Sullivan (MO) will likely be in the Class A medalist conversation alongside Archbishop Alter and Marian Catholic. Class AA is less competitive than in previous years, with Dartmouth and Morton clearly leading the pack followed by Lake Hamilton and Miamisburg. Class AAA is the smallest field, as usual, but contains heavy hitters like Homestead (IN). Arlington and Rockford shouldn’t be too far behind. AAAA is filled to the brim with GN finals contenders, but just going off of history, we expect to see Avon, Carmel, Hebron, The Woodlands, and William Mason striving for the podium. Bentonville, Brownsburg, Claudia Taylor Johnson, Fishers, Round Rock, Pearland (TX), Keller and James Bowie will be looking to fill in the remaining spots, provided they’ll somehow find a way around Blue Springs. There are a few months before we have to decide if we’re #TeamTexas or #TeamIndiana on this one.
Wrapping It Up
If you made it through this entire list without skimming or Control+F’ing your way straight to your band, you’re deserving of a medal of your own! We’ll go through each of these contests plus other locals throughout the marching band season, so if there’s one, in particular, you’re waiting for, the subscribe button is really big and right below this:
I cannot possibly have intimate knowledge of the thousands of performances happening across Bands of America each season. Still, if you’re confident I missed a group, I WANT TO KNOW. Please tell me who I left out! (Really, if I could somehow go to every single band performance in the country in a given year, I would completely do it. Anyone who knows me can vouch for this. I want to know if you think your band is good because I really like band and will probably agree with you).
Happy band-camping, my friends, and see you when the season starts!
Hattie Bartlett is an experienced marching arts content creator making her writing debut with GEM. As a former member of the color guard, she has traveled across the country covering events with WGI and Box5, as well as informally commentating via HornRank. Hattie is currently on staff at the University of Missouri as a field photographer and communications intern. She can be found on Instagram and Tiktok as @ilikeguard.