Ryan, I think you're spot-on with your feedback. Neither Lufkin nor Longview have the snap and pride they once exuded (see 1978 - 1982 UIL competitions). The Bullock and Kunkle bands set the benchmarks. Lufkin does not have the sound it once had, either. However, they're trying to get their mojo back - check out their 2014 NAMMB performance. Would like to see Nederland gain a little more snap & crackle in their marching - and they could use some more interesting drills.
Y'all should check some of our most recent drills from 2016 and 2017. Mr. Little has replaced Mr. Williams since his retirement. The sound and look has improved greatly in my opinion.
Lufkin has grown quite a bit since the 1990s/2000. I'm not sure I like the white pants... I directed at a school that had 2 sets of pants - black used mostly - white for finals to give a 'different' look. Many believe that white pants make the band look 'messy' with its maneuvers... but it could be that we are so used to black, that the white seems different. Personally, I wouldn't expose my trumpet section in that particular part of the march... it's not lyrical enough, and the over-articulation can really detract. Some nice low brass in this band!!
White pants (and shoes) are wonderful...if a band marches cleanly enough to pull them off. They visually "amplify" the wearer and their movements, but that's true for good-or ill-so while they can be your best friend if your ensemble has polished their drill to diamond sharp perfection. By the same token they are utterly unforgiving if the drill is the least bit dirty.
Doing a great job but no where near the level of Nederland High Schools Military Band. We played Trombone Section March in 2011. Ludlum has great marching but needs to focus more on playing. Overall great show.
Nederland is great and all (seriously, SUPERIOR sound), but ad far as the marching drill itself, Nederland literally does the EXACT same drill every single year. It would be great to see something different.
Ryan, I think you're spot-on with your feedback. Neither Lufkin nor Longview have the snap and pride they once exuded (see 1978 - 1982 UIL competitions). The Bullock and Kunkle bands set the benchmarks. Lufkin does not have the sound it once had, either. However, they're trying to get their mojo back - check out their 2014 NAMMB performance. Would like to see Nederland gain a little more snap & crackle in their marching - and they could use some more interesting drills.
Y'all should check some of our most recent drills from 2016 and 2017. Mr. Little has replaced Mr. Williams since his retirement. The sound and look has improved greatly in my opinion.
Longview and Lufkin have always had the same halts. Well ever since the Longview band director became the Lufkin band director.
They stole our halts! .-. Lobo forever. But I liked it a lot.
Lufkin
Lufkin has grown quite a bit since the 1990s/2000. I'm not sure I like the white pants... I directed at a school that had 2 sets of pants - black used mostly - white for finals to give a 'different' look. Many believe that white pants make the band look 'messy' with its maneuvers... but it could be that we are so used to black, that the white seems different. Personally, I wouldn't expose my trumpet section in that particular part of the march... it's not lyrical enough, and the over-articulation can really detract. Some nice low brass in this band!!
White pants (and shoes) are wonderful...if a band marches cleanly enough to pull them off. They visually "amplify" the wearer and their movements, but that's true for good-or ill-so while they can be your best friend if your ensemble has polished their drill to diamond sharp perfection. By the same token they are utterly unforgiving if the drill is the least bit dirty.
Doing a great job but no where near the level of Nederland High Schools Military Band. We played Trombone Section March in 2011. Ludlum has great marching but needs to focus more on playing. Overall great show.
Nederland is great and all (seriously, SUPERIOR sound), but ad far as the marching drill itself, Nederland literally does the EXACT same drill every single year. It would be great to see something different.