For anyone who is going to TSSEC on Monday, plan to arrive at least an extra half hour earlier than you were expecting. The change from UT to high schools in Pflugerville to a little bit of getting used to, but at Cele MS there is only one 2-lane road for your buses to enter and drop off kids and equipment. I finally got tired of waiting in line and pulled kids off the bus and walked up to the school entrance. The warm up is in the gym and you can barely hear yourself play. If you’ve hired an accompanist to play for your students at the site, be ready that there are no rooms or pianos available to at least run through the music together. I officially retired yesterday and am so glad this is my last one of these.
Re: TSSEC
Posted by Did it on 5/28/2025, 7:58 am, in reply to "TSSEC"
We had morning performances. I had no problem getting in.
On the way out, the traffic was crazy. Maybe some more separation to let the morning group out before the afternoon group arrives would have helped.
The warmup gym sucked.
Classrooms were air conditioned, but the hallways and cafeteria were saunas.
Re: TSSEC
Posted by band on 5/27/2025, 10:18 am, in reply to "TSSEC"
I can't guarantee the validity of the following statement but I heard the PfISD high schools were having HVAC systems replaed and that's why it temporarily had to be moved to a middle school this year. If that's true, the staff at the Cele contest did their absolute best to run the contest efficiently, with multiple directors in the parking lot directing traffic, etc.
That being said, definitely arrive earlier than you think you should. If you are a director, don't expect a large room or area for directors (I had to camp out in a hallway for most of yesterday). Lastly, tell your kids to keep an eye on their stands, especially if they aren't labeled. Had a few stands "walk off" yesterday...
Re: TSSEC
Posted by Agree on 6/2/2025, 2:05 pm, in reply to "Re: TSSEC"
I went on Saturday. The hallways were pretty nasty and it was a little hard to breathe by the end of the day. All of our events were in the afternoon, and we did not really have much trouble getting in or out. I wish the library would have been available for directors/medal pickup/etc. I didn't love having it at a ms. But I do think the staff that was working on Sat. did a great job all things considered.
