Superior Performances

So, I was spurred to do some kind of "musical awakening" post every week, but I didn't know what to do, then I thought of Superior Performances. Basically, it's something that I thought was just great. Following is the very first superior performance.

This is Spring High School's 1993 BOA Finals performance. At the time, they set the scoring record, were revolutionary, and were the first band from Texas to win a championship(to date, only 3 bands from Texas in 30 years have won, hmm, are we trying to say something here?)
They played the Hindemith "Symphony in Bb" and close with the "March from the Symphonic Metamorphosis" (which is in my top 10 all-time favorite musical works), also Hindemith. People don't do stuff like this anymore, mostly because playing difficult music isn't in vogue(which is code for "actual teaching isn't in vogue, but trying to win is.") I've played these pieces multiple times sitting down. Now imagine them...playing it backwards in high heels in 7th position.....or that's how it must've felt.

This is the first show I ever saw another band do and I went "Dang, they're good." Back then props were considered kitschy garbage that was a complete freaking waste of resources, hence there aren't any of note here. Nowadays this show would make Finals only because the playing is so incredible. Otherwise, they'd be blown away by some band that's playing music this group could have learned in a day and who has some stupid green balls rolling around the field or some crap like that.......because apparently props=general effect. Can you tell I have issues? {Note to non-bandlike people: I only rant because I hate when people underserve their students and get rewarded for it.) The demand that this show places on the performer would not be appreciated today by alot of people who are into band. That's an absolute shame and it shows how little some people understand the term "Marching BAND". You know...band...playing...but moving too. Yeah, playing.

This show is hard, you can tell, and if you ever meet someone who was in this group you need to shake their hand and give them a "Well done, Bravo!" They deserve it.

Spring H.S. Band, you may take the field in Grand National Finals Competition! (Thanks Chuck)