It was hot, humid, and chalked full of talented bands. The 2018 BOA Houston Regional lived up to the hype and a new contender for the 2018 BOA San Antonio Super Regional stepped onto the field. 

With a final score of 88.550, the Ronald Reagan HS marching band won the Houston Regional championship. The .550 difference between Reagan and Vandegrift in 2nd (88.000) was the closest finish at any BOA event this season so far. 

1. Ronald Reagan - 88.550

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. 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. 

Then the massive Reagan battery (8-4-5) comes forward for a drum break. As this movement comes to an end the entire winds form a giant infinity symbol. Flutes transition us into the next movement on the front right sideline and then a saxophone soloist takes the lead on side 1 front sideline backed by the baritones. 

For the next 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. 

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. 

2. Vandegrift - 88.000

Vandegrift continues to impress and improve. The opening thunderous battery parts with the surdo drums behind the pit accompanied by the brass is so impressive and gets the blood moving. The integration of the Vision Dance Team into the drill is very well-done throughout. 

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. 

From top to bottom, there really isn’t a weakness to what Vandegrift’s performers are doing on the field. The musicianship, marching, timing, and execution are all at a very high level. The question now, is what do they have in store for San Antonio that could push them over the top.

3. The Woodlands - 86.800

A brain synapsis is the connection points between the nerves that transmit signals within the brain and down to the rest of the body. This is what The Woodlands show concept is about and The Woodland take no time in coming out firing on all connections. 

The brass, guard, and battery percussion slap you in the face with a massive wall of sound and color. The color guard makes use of brightly colored ribbons which represent those connections in the brain. After the opening impact, the woodwinds on side 2 immediately showcase their musicianship which is a benchmark of The Woodlands. At the end of the opening movement, the band uses not only a power chord but powerful block rotations to signify the end. 

A beautiful second movement features a woodwind quintet on the center stage while sabres spin on top of these blue platforms. The ballad reaches a powerful climax as the neurons, aka guard members, cover the field with flags designed with sparks on them. 

After the ballad, a trumpet fanfare on the front sideline gets things moving again towards the power closing movement. The show concludes with just as much energy as it began. You’ll notice throughout the show long strips of material stretching across the field from prop to prop as another visual representation of the brain synapsis concept.

The Woodlands performing at 2018 BOA Houston Regional

4. James Bowie - 85.450

James Bowie takes the field yet again in finals competition and their visual variety is still fresh. The organic nature of their show is supported right off the bat with the woodwinds body movement as they begin the show on side 2. 

If you like a good mellophone riff you’ll love the opening impact Bowie puts on the field. The band creates a unique moment where the drill is squared and angular in nature while everything else going on the field is organic and non-linear. 

The speed and complexity of the flag work during the final moments of the opener showcases their WGI world-class ensemble. A beautiful arrangement between the brass duet and front ensemble leads into a ballad hit where Bowie’s inflatable props become the main focal point. 

As the show progresses, the props begin to evolve from single-cell structures into more complex and advanced “sculptures”. This show is definitely one that will please the eye and as the season continues, look for Bowie’s playing to continue to grow and evolve.

5. Cy-Fair - 83.400

Cy Fair begins the show in the back corner of the field on side 1 focused around the battery and a prop set up. The woodwinds and rifles immediately showcase some technical playing as a call an answer to the French horns on the front sideline. 

As the band breaks away from that back corner, the playing skills of the woodwinds are on full display throughout this opening movement. A small ensemble of flutes begins the second movement on the front left sideline, which leads to a beautiful double swing flag moment for the guard. 

Throughout this entire show, the original prop is gradually making its way across the field from side 1 to side 2. The next movement begins with a percussion feature. As the movement comes to a close the winds have some quick drill trading lines left and right that lead to a double stacked arc formation for a powerful ending. 

Cy-Fair performing at the 2018 BOA Houston Regional

6. Oak Ridge - 82.750

Oak Ridge’s set is…well…as the title says All Things Bright and Beautiful. The imagery in the printed design does a wonderful job of setting the scene for the show. 

Two lattice fence props are set on the front sideline to the left and right of the front ensemble which set a perfect backdrop for the opening flute duets. The band takes the field marching backfield then turns around to unleash and gorgeous opening impact accompanied by the guard. A solo dancer who is brightly colored adds just a splash of color to the field that is another wise void of color. As the opening movement comes to a close, the band has wonderful feet timing during their 4-man pod rotations. 

When ballad begins, guard members begin to make costume changes while introducing brightly colored florals flags. This is accompanied by a French horn quartet. The drumline has another window which leads into a beautiful company front moment which kicks off a race to the end. 

Then the field explodes with color. The backfield props spin around revealing flowers rich in color while the front drops have an additional layer of printed flowers dropped in front of them. Then the guard caps of the color rush with beautiful double swing flags that saturate the field. It’s truly one of the most effective GE moments of the season.

7. Seven Lakes - 81.550

Seven Lakes show centers the life of a squid-like creature played by middle-schooler Piper Click, daughter of WGI Hall of Famer Don Click. 

The opening of the show reminds you of the evil Ursula from the Little Mermaid visually but not necessarily emotionally. The color guard begins by exiting from underneath the squid's tentacles very much like a squid releasing eggs. After an opening fanfare by the brass, the woodwinds take over with some serious runs supported by a rocking front ensemble. 

With opening movement coming to a close, Piper’s dance skills are put on display while transitioning to impact moment for the brass on the left side of the field. The color guard condenses for a beautiful double flag moment surrounding Piper’s platform. 

As the tempo picks up for the next section of the show so does the drill. It’s obvious that they have more drill to install but this show will be a very fun and entertaining product by San Antonio. You’ll notice throughout the show where the drill mimics the body of squid by attached long curved line formations to a solid block form. This could be a break out year for Seven Lakes in a very tough Texas field. 

Seven Lakes performing at the 2018 BOA Houston Regional

8. Winston Churchill - 80.300

Winston Churchill was one of the bands who performed last weekend in Austin. Seeing them again, you’ll notice they have installed front drops along the front sideline with a grayscale gradient. 

Churchill may have one of the most effective yet minimalistic beginnings. It’s very pleasing to see them use the field with so much symmetry and asymmetry at the same time. 

There is a beautiful saxophone duet which is supported by a well-placed bass drum feature using puffy mallets along the back hash. The subtle rotating X’s throughout the opening movement continue to support earlier motifs of straight lines. 

As the second movement begins, the front drops begin to introduce a blue gradient. The band’s uniforms then unveil a blue hint as well. There’s a wonderful male chorus during this middle movement just behind the front ensemble. 

When this movement concludes, the straight lines have given way to more arcs and a more fluid drill design. A soprano saxophone gets the crowd on their feet as the band builds toward company front impact. As the front moves forward it is then curved which again supports the motif of redesigning and reinventing.

9. James E Taylor - 78.550

James E Taylor took the field for finals with 14 cloud props that stand about 9-10 feet tall. When the show begins, the guard members look as though they are climbing down from the clouds from ambient sounds created by the front ensemble. As the announcer finishes, the full weight of the winds unleashes a wall of sound that gets the opening movement started. 

The woodwinds have a section feature accompanied by rifle work on side 2 following the first impact. The second movement begins and you’ll notice a guard member now becomes the clarinet soloist in the middle of the field introducing the main melody for the next piece. 

As the ballad reaches its climax, the brass adds in with supporting melodic lines while the guard flashes with flag work across the middle of the field. 

The drumline takes the lead now to change the mood and get the tempos racing. This leads to a wonderful block drill pass through when the woodwinds come through the middle of the brass. As the show closes, the guard uncorks a flurry of color by using double swing flags framed by the props which have migrated to side 2. 

10. Brazoswood - 78.250

Brazoswood’s show begins with a soloist dancer supported by not one but two bassoons. More woodwinds join the bassoons on the front left side as the rest of the field reveals themselves from behind props. The opening movement definitely shows off this band’s ability as musicians. Then, a French horn takes center stage for a wonderful solo. 

After the opening movement has come to a close, a trio of trombones get the chance to show off a little. Next comes an interesting arranging choice of featuring the woodwinds while being supported by the tubas. The contrast in voices is very effective. 

As the movement builds speed the color guard explodes with purple by using double swing flags. This leads into a romantic flute soloist featuring two dancers. The percussion then takes over, which leads into the next movement where the band reveals themselves again but with a twist. 

They have removed their blue jackets to reveal a new purple top. The field is completely saturated with purple at this point. Trombones again take the lead as the closer picks up steam which builds into a fan favorite jam session sparked by a well-timed sub drop. The woodwinds use choreography reminiscent of The Cavaliers from the early 2000’s when they routinely had jam sessions on the field.

Brazoswood performs at the 2018 BOA Houston Regional