Review: Bands of America Grand National Championships (Part 2 of 2)

The Woodlands High School, Texas – “Amen”
7th Place – 92.50

I have to applaud The Woodlands up front for their fearless integration of vocals, electronics and world percussion. I’ve always found their shows to be entertaining and somewhat over the top without being forcefully over the top. This year’s show featured various round tarps set up in a hexagon pattern and a colorful music program including music from Jonathan Elias’ Prayer Cycle – a personal favorite of mine. For the most part the music performance was controlled, only letting out a few blatty moments here and there. The smiles on the performers faces were infectious, particularly in the percussion and vocal features. I was initially disappointed with what appeared to be a formulaic park-and-bark ending until the real ending materialized. The band members, looking almost vulnerable without their hats, formed a block, joined hands, kneeled and then bowed their heads – just the kind of warm gesture the tone of the show called for.

The Woodlands High School, Texas

Lawrence Central High School, Indiana – “Begin Again”
8th Place – 92.15

This was, without a doubt, the most conceptual show of the night, offering a depth of theming not present in many of the other performances. It was hard to take in with only one viewing, but following the bands journey from dark to light was quite enjoyable. Lawrence commanded their usual symphonic sound that makes me forget I’m watching a marching band. Watching them go back-to-back with Marcus was an aural delight. I also have to give the guard credit for some excellent weapons work, particularly with rifles. While many in the audience may have had trouble following the journey from “fear, greed and oppresion” to “renewal” (as spelled on the backfield props) there was an audible “aww” at the end of the show as the central figure of the show hugged a guard member. This type of connection with an audience is priceless and in this case is a tribute to Lawrence Central for bringing a tough concept to the field with meaningful poise.

Lawrence Central High School, Indiana

Marcus High School, Texas – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
4th Place - 94.50
Outstanding Music

Watching Marcus perform was like eating a chocolate bar washed down with a can of soda. The performance was so saccharine sweet that it was almost too much. Fortunately, even when I was rolling my eyes, my ears were treated to a symphonic sound more than worthy of the night’s Outstanding Music caption. It’s been said, and rightly so, that if Marcus’ visual program were cranked up a notch that they would be legitimate contenders for a championship. After this show I couldn’t agree more. Butterflies and serif text do not a champion make. But that music? Awesome. I can think of numerous works that I’d love to see this group put on the field. Congratulations are in order for making such an impact in their first visit to Grand Nationals. I look forward to seeing this group again, hopefully with their visual program turned up a few clicks.

Marcus High School, Texas

Wando High School, South Carolina – “Beyond”
11th Place – 89.15

Wando brought to life the paintings of Spanish artist Joan Miro. While this was their first appearance in finals, it may not be their last. The band brought a strong music program and executed well. I wanted some more dynamics in certain portions and the visual program was sloppy in places, but a little more cleaning could have elevated the show even higher in placement. It was great to hear the thunderous support of Wando parents and fans cheering on their band for a very respectable introduction to the Grand National Finals stage.

Wando High School, South Carolina

Avon High School, Indiana – “Communiformity”
1st Place – 96.60
Outstanding Visual (tied with Marian Catholic)
Outstanding General Effect (tied with Avon)

If LD Bell was all about grace then Avon was all about precision. Spread across the field in a large triangle, the band commanded the full attention of the audience for the entire length of their exhausting performance. I say exhausting because all of the motion was wearing me out and all I had to do was sit and watch. Avon has brought a consistently strong, clean visual program to Grand Nationals over the past few years but this year’s effort was almost unreal. The clever use of facemasks to imply uniformity coupled with the initial integration of the guard into the band is proof that the most subtle of gestures can be among the most effective. I also enjoyed the double-drillform effect achieved by using hats as one form and bodies as the other – just beautiful. As the band converges on the guard at the show’s finale I found myself on my feet before the last flag hit the field after being ejected from the center of the form. Congratulations to Avon for a well-deserved repeat championship. I’m already looking forward to their efforts at a “three-peat”.

Avon High School, Indiana

Centerville High School, Ohio – “Icon: The Art of Elvis”
12th Place – 88.80

It could be my eyes deceiving me but I feel like Centerville has a very distinct geometry to their shows. I almost always like their visual program and it always feels very, well, Centerville. I really enjoyed their take on ‘the King’ and this show was a great way to close the evening. From a bluesy ballad to nice work from the front ensemble to a completely acceptable park-and-blow segment the audience was hooked into their interpretation of all things Elvis. The segment from “Hound Dog” was particularly spot-on. There were some visual gaffes, sure, and not every musical moment was a great one, but overall Centerville packed a lot of punch, and more importantly, fun, into their time on the field. I hope these kids had as much fun performing this show as I did watching.

Centerville High School, Ohio

Below is Avon's encore performance after winning their second Grand Nationals Championship in a row. Aside from the great music, the drum major is outstanding!