The Danpodcast

Texas officially closes schools and the UIL cancels everything Spring. Let’s explore the band events directly affected and how this will impact the Summer and Fall in the marching arts.

The Covid Pandemic is starting to take its toll on numerous summer band camps in the State of Texas. Let’s look at which ones are currently being affected, why these music camps are so important, and my experience at a few of them during my musical career.

Everybody wants to know if we are going to have a Fall 2020 Marching Season.  I think I have the answer.  And as always, it won't make much sense at first.  Let's talk about everything that needs to happen in order for the Fall 2020 Marching Season to get off the ground.

Today, an unprecedented decision was made by DCI to cancel its 2020 Summer Tour.  I'll go through the various reasons why this conclusion was made, what the future holds for the activity, and how drum corps units will be remembered for their actions during this devastating cancellation.

The Marching Arts have been impacted heavily by the coronavirus pandemic since the last time we spoke.  Plenty of events were cancelled or put on hold temporarily.  Please allow me to help you navigate through these tough times with the latest news and notes from the Marching Arts.

The Corona Virus has affected the marching arts in a very substantial way.  Let's take a look at how WGI and DCI is being affected and the tough decisions that will need to be made by organizations over the next few weeks.

You have questions?  I have answers.  Maybe.  I'm answering your questions about anything and everything marching arts related!

WGI Austin Mini Nerd-In!  Let's check out the contest format for this weekend.  12 BOA Regional Finalists???  Let's check out why this move was made and what this means for Bands Of America as the marching band business gains more players!

Back in the saddle again after a week off!  Let's go over TMEA happenings, my appearance on the Sketchbook Podcast, and all the contests going on at winter guard circuits all across the State of Texas!

More salsita recapping WGI "San Antonio", previewing WGI Dallas AND Houston, TMEA talk/teasing, and slight commentary on the BOA Application Postmark!

One person asked for it so here it is again!!  Let's go over the TCGC Westwood contest, preview the WGI "San Antonio" contest, DCI event/ticket breaking news, and highlight the Rouse Flapjack Charity Dinner going down next week!

How about some news and notes about TMEA All-State, Boston Crusaders Brass Clinic, DCI Rules Congress, and the beginning of Winterguard season???

DCI Winter Meetings are going down this weekend!  On the table are several rule proposals including one of the most controversial proposals in DCI history.  Let's go over how these proposals become rules and how french fries can help explain why instrumentation is about to expand in Drum Corps.

UIL will be introducing a State Military Marching Contest this coming Fall!  What's with this Open Class Contest??  I'll clarify what the different brands mean, who gets to go to State Military Contest, how to qualify, and what having two State Marching Band Champions will mean for both philosophies of marching band.

Happy Holidays!!  Allow me to regale with stories from infamous holiday gigs such as The Flu Performance at Pilgrim Presbyterian and music stands on the highway.  Ho.  Ho.  Ho.

The DCI Schedule has officially been released and the Texas tour looks VERY different for 2020!  Let's go over which corps are going where and why The Alamodome is not hosting the DCI San Antonio contest.

Please allow me to take a few minutes to simply say thank you to all the staff, directors, parents, and kiddos who have supported this little program!!

Yeah, I like Texas!!!  Vandegrift is bringing home a Grand National Championship!  We need to celebrate this legendary program and give thanks to all six Texas finalists at Grand Nationals!

The Grand National Championships are here and Texas is bringing six of its best to represent at Indianapolis!  Join me as we'll look at the Grand Nationals procedures, a rundown of notable programs, and we'll hype up Team Texas with some important words my Stepdad gave me a long time ago.

Another killer UIL State Contest is in the book!  Let us celebrate the champions, and we will also look at some exciting changes in State Contest judging for the UIL!

The time has come to crown a UIL 5A State Champion!!!  I'll go over the entire 5A State Prelims schedule and what it will take to crack the exclusive Top 12 State Finals Contest.

RECORD SHATTERED!!  We need to dump 97.30 cherries on Ronald Reagan for one of the best marching shows in History.  Let's celebrate their incredible accomplishment and we will take a look at why the level of depth in Texas made this weekend so difficult to evaluate.

The BOA San Antonio Super Regional is a spectacle in the marching band activity.  The depth of quality programs at this contest is unmatched.  Let's go over this crazy contest and stay tuned at the end for the only pep talk you'll need this weekend!!

Another Area Saturday, another round of outstanding performances and results!  Let's throw cherries at all of the 5A Area Contests, go over tie-breaking procedures, and which programs are experiencing a level of success never before realized in their history!

5A Area Contest is upon us!!!  Join the Nerd-In for a look at the UIL Area judging process, how we will get Area results out to the masses, a review of every Area in 5A, and an editorial at the end that you will NOT want to miss!!!