Can anyone tell me which groups are eligible for best band at Nationals this year, and if they award a best band overall or one for each division? It's my understanding not all schools use a student band?
Only student bands are eligible. That for sure knocks out Los Alamitos, who hires professionals, and Auburn, who uses Auburn University kids. All schools are judged, but the points for best band are not applied to the show choir placements. Can’t speak to any other group as I’m not as familiar with their programs.
Petal I think hires professionals, but I honestly don’t know. They do have a renowned band program, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was students.
That’s surprising. Carmel has the top band program in the country. Not sure how many of those kids are also in choir, WGI, or indoor percussion. Their high school band practically is a professional ensemble.
Auburn does not use any Auburn University students in the band. With the exception of the assistant choir director, it consists entirely of students. Whether the director performing disqualifies the band is unclear to me, but no university students play in the Auburn band.
That is different from my day. Having one adult does not disqualify as far as I know. I don’t remember the limit, but I know the pianist can be an adult.
Big day today! So excited to watch the marvelous performances that all of the choirs will put on! What are we feeling about the predictions for advanced treble. I’m so pumped, the groups are so good this year!!!!! Put your advance treble predictions below!
While these are my predictions for treble, anything is remotely possible. Accents have continously won either vocals or choreo all season, but have also lost to CG Debtones and Fishers Sound. Soundtrax is always a top performing treble group in the nation, but Choralaires topped them last year as well. I think I am confident in my predictions but ANYTHING can happen! Good luck everyone!
Los Alamitos Sound Trax is really bringing the heat this year!!! I’m thinking they could really slide into first place. Do we agree?! I’m SO excited to watch!
Actually, I politely disagree. It's incredibly hard to beat Indianapolis womens groups, as Soundtrax found out last year. I have Trax third, which would still be a very good result in my eyes.
I will only say this: this is the best Soundtrax has looked - and more importantly sounded - since 2022, which in my opinion was one of the greatest comp sets in history, mixed or univoice.
They haven’t been as strong vocally the last 2 years - at least not to their standards. But they look and sound terrific this year.
