The Yellow Board

Why top half bottom half

Posted by State finals on 11/1/2022, 1:03 pm

What is the reasoning for having the bottom half play first at finals? And the top half play last?
Seems to make it harder for 6-10 or 8-14 move up into the top half. Or maybe that is what they want?

Re: Why top half bottom half

Posted by horn playa on 11/2/2022, 8:30 am, in reply to "Why top half bottom half"

It's not by placement. It's by draw order. The bands who are drawn to perform in the first half of prelims will be drawn to perform in the second half of finals. and the other way round with second half performing in the first half.

Re: Why top half bottom half

Posted by no on 11/2/2022, 12:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Why top half bottom half"

That's not what Dr. Kent said on Sunday. The bands that finish prelims in the last half of those advancing to finals will play first. Those that finish in the top half of those advancing to finals will play last. Both in a random draw that was done on Sunday via zoom.

Re: Why top half bottom half

Posted by Hornet Brian on 11/1/2022, 2:45 pm, in reply to "Why top half bottom half"

So, last year at the SMBC (1A) I drew 1st for Prelims, then 1st again for Finals (I don't mean it fell that way, I mean I drew a #1 both times). We were in 1st after prelims, but fell to 3rd overall in the finals. The first place band had an incredible, near flawless performance and rightfully won. BUT...we all know that being that first band to perform doesn't do you any favors, and looking at the judges' final rankings one had us a quite a bit out of the "range" - I can't help but think performing 3rd or 4th or later in Finals may have bumped us up a spot...maybe not.
I know we weren't the reason for the new rule - I'm sure it has happened before - but I know there was some discussion about how to make the "draw" a little more equitable, and I'm curious to see how this pans out.

Re: Why top half bottom half

Posted by Luck of the Draw on 11/2/2022, 9:40 am, in reply to "Re: Why top half bottom half"

The last two times at SMC my band performed right behind the perennial state champ in prelims and/or finals. You may call it the "luck of the draw" but what are the odds? No doubt being first "out of the shoot" is not an ideal position in any competition either.
At State Honor Band competition my best bands did not win, but did finish top three every time. The bands that were winners ALWAYS had good placement in "the draw" near the end! In Honor Band State finals I think having TWO rounds would be more fair especially when there is a large number of entries. It works well with SMC.
There has to be a more equitable way to judge these competitions!

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