George Dixon

Correct. As is the Chinese data. Statistics often are "adjusted" to support a given hypothesis our desired outcome. See NOAA and global temp data.

agreed. It's so far fetched.

there's nothing wrong with that - and certainly that specialized skill has a valuable role. But Mandarin won't ever become the world's default language of money and finance unless a ton of change goes on... A ton of money flows through 2 places, London & NYC

Good. They are all learning English anyway. German is great for science (although English as also infiltrated that) and English is the language of money and finance.

To quote Mark Twain - the only people who lie more than politicians are statisticians :) Please don't be naive enough to believe the stats designed, compiled and promoted by eastern liberals. And certainly not those promoted by Teachers Unions or those with other similar political motivations such as common core or school curriculum / administrators or those with a racial/economic agenda And certainly don't be naive enough to believe statistics from China. Even financial numbers, let alone educational outcomes In fact, most of the Western Europeans who brag of "vastly superior" public education in comparison to the USA PALE in comparison to our own (questionable) statistics once you correct them for population/socioeconomic and race factors. Lift our "suburban" school data (such as it is) out of the US mix and we suddenly rank in the top 1 or top 3 in the world by subject or measure. You are seriously comparing apples to oranges in much of this data. The same hold true for OK - where I'd encourage folks to look at the facility, the faces and the fact that these kids seem to enjoy and take pride in their school, be well cared for and are learning great lessons such as work ethic and sportsmanship

Sorry - wasn't implying you didn't value their band etc... I just don't have much respect (or trust) in "academic rankings" - particularly AP statistics and standardized testing. The way the educational elite - the Dept Of Education and their associated "intellectuals" want to rack and stack priorities is mind numbing. Before we had the Dept of Ed, the CAT, the ACT, AP classes and all the rest of it - we used to have the worlds TOP educational system. Now kids can't even point out the USA on a globe. It's pathetic. I personally believe the work-ethic and team-work lessons learned in a program such as a drum corps or competitive marching band are far more valuable than all this testing and racking and stacking. We also don't know how that school population would perform if you "lifted" the band and arts programs out of the school. May be helping things more than we know!

I'm not sure of your "agenda" sometimes 1. Rural states always spend much less per capita than states with large cities - due the extremely high cost per student in the large cities In my state (MD) DC (suburbs) and Baltimore spends a ton per student. However, money spent per student is a very poor predictor of long term success. Just look at the horrible results in Baltimore, or most large cities. Our school system "ranks" among the top or top couple annually, and the local kids are, frankly, pretty poorly educated. But boy can they pile up AP credits and take those standardized exams. 2. OK is a rural, farm and industrial based state. I doubt advance placement classes and College degrees help you much on the ranch. So naturally they have more kids in general education, agriculture classes and vo-tech. And that's a good thing! Unless we don't value things like agriculture and industry anymore...

yup - sample of her high school guard https://youtu.be/HGEZbcWkXUY?t=3m48s

TEASING US!!

So you have no point. Got it.

then don't read it, pretty simple

so with hundreds (300?) of talented brass, 40 front ensemble, 150 or so battery and tons of guard I'd say we can safely predict a full and talented Cadets and C2 this coming season :) plus tryouts in Florida and Texas still pending :)

huh??

Yup - but also considering the C2 guard at finals - I'd say the newb is extremely strong. That guard was YOUNG and GREAT considering the context. Massive improvement from the prior year. So I'd say there is something behind the tone...

That's fine. The implication made here was that they weren't "up front" and were just trying to make a quick buck off kids totally not ready for the Cadets. They are VERY upfront about the realistic chances IMO

April was a newb when she got the Cadets spot in World Class.

She literally SOUNDS like April while cleaning the guard. I did a double take when she was working C2 prior to DCA

I don't like your implication in the context of THIS conversation. It is what it is. However it is also a great education value and experience for the attendees. Cadets for example are EXTREMELY upfront about the typical age, experience level of successful candidates. They've also provide another corps (C2) which is a second money-losing proposition to gain further experience.

No.

they don't have a "too young" policy - other than 14... usually 16 is quite young to make Cadets, most first year are 19 and fresh out of HS band. Many rooks are 20 or 21.. However, there have been recent exceptions as young as 15 and 16, but that's way out of the norm

I personally think the visual will be vastly improved. It's a great combination of proven techs and some new caption and design blood Applying their wonderful rehearsal technique to some "Fresh Ideas" should do the trick Movement is critical IMO. The movement and equipment work designed for C2 was vastly superior to the Cadets book in 2015 - so that bodes well.

So guys - as OP I thought I'd come back and answer my original question "Why is this HS band program better designed than half of the DCI 2015 Top 12?" Because Broken Arrow is an incredible and unique high school with world class facilities, DCI/BOA/WGI design team and instructors, indoor football field house and multiple outdoor turf practice fields, hundreds of students who play instruments (many of which have private instruction in addition to top directorship in-school), a year round practice and audition schedule to trim down the full "Broken Arrow Band" into the "Pride" competitive ensemble, and a community booster organization which raise tens of thousands (hundreds actually) of dollars annually to support the program. In short - the community SUPPORTS quality education and a first class experience for the students. They (and a handful of Texas & Indiana Bands, plus Tarpon Springs (Florida), are literally the "Blue Devils of BOA" - top instruction, deep pockets and stability - plus a constant stream of talented prospective members For those not aware of Broken Arrow HS - here's their new lip-dub (a bit off topic, but that band gets a cool aerial shot and some other short features) - which illustrates the incredible facilities and programs of BA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBofJ5uxqFU Congratulations on their 2015 BOA National Championship! Thanks to all those many DCI instructors and designers who helped play a role! Final question - how do we develop more DCI programs with this type of resources and stability?

I think it is 2. 7. 1.

congratulations - you just won "best nerd post of the year" :)

oh PUH LEEZE