What bands out there are attending new competitions/judging "circuits" for the first time? What bands are leaving/joining new "circuits" this fall?

Just took a look at Poway's site, looks like they're doing all SCSBOA and no MBOS events this fall, and not leaving San Diego County to boot (Scripps Ranch, Poway, Mt. Carmel, Mira Mesa, and Vista).

Mt. Carmel also looks to be sticking with San Diego SCSBOA shows (+1 Independet) until Arcadia: Scripps Ranch, Rancho Bernardo (IND), Poway, Mt. Carmel, Mira Mesa, Otay Ranch parade/Vista field, Arcadia.

I bet the high cost of fuel has a lot to do with it. Many school districts here in TX are cutting down on funded travel over a certain distance. Our district prohibits any district funded travel over 200 miles one way. This applies to everyone, Band, Football, Track, Debate, etc. Only UIL sponsored events such as Area Marching Contests, Post Season Football, etc are exempt from the 200 mile limit. I bet something like that is involved in the Bands decisions to stay most of the season in San Diego county, along with the costs going up for each event. .

Yep. With Mt. Carmel, they're only chartering busses for two of their seven competitive Saturdays (Otay Ranch/Vista and Arcadia, the last two weekends on the schedule). The rest of the time they're carpooling to local events.

I've considered carpooling to events too. At my previous schools, we carpooled to guard and drumline shows. WOndering how it works with a full marching band...

Scary is how it works! We are in a similar situation. Money just does not seem to be in abundance to charter and school busses even more expensive.

I'm wondering how it works with a full marching band of almost 200 kids.

About 50 cars traveling on the highways, looking for parking and Starbucks. Thought about doing it once up North with our 250+ kids...decided against it

Logistics, insurance. Each of those cars, those drivers should have to submit the info for DMV checks (at least in my district) No under 25 years of age may drive students, students may not drive themselves. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

The Chino Valley USD allows us (marching bands) to meet at events that are hosted within the district. no buses required) We perform at Chino and Ayala marching band events with no bussing cost. Other directors choose to use buses for cross town trips - but we don't have to.

I organized a caravan of 150 middle school band kids once. The event was 10 miles away, but the charter company was going to charge us by the hour, leading to a huge bill because we would be there for 6 hours. We did have a car roll down an embankment getting on the freeway; thank goodness no one was injured, but I aged about 10 years in one night.

My school district has a waiver that must be signed by the drivers, as well as one for the students in the caravan. Make sure you check with your district office to see if something like this is required before doing any travel like this. If one isn't, I suggest you create one to cover your back. I'll send you my copy if you PM me for it.

Dublin will be focusing on going to WBA (Fresno; Dublin; San Jose (Independence High School). We will be participating in the FOOTHILL BAND REVIEW (NCBA). We are neighbors and we want to support one another.

Dublin will be focusing on going to CCGC for the WINTERPERCUSSION / WINTERGUARD. We will participate in the FOOTHILL SHOW (NCBA) for the same reason above.

After 20 or so years with NCBA, we needed to have a 'different' experience. Best wishes to all bands/guards/circuits. Grateful for the opportunity to attend competitions. THANKS TO ALL THE HOSTS.

All those shows are literally 15 minutes or less drive from Mt. Carmel. I think it makes sense, there's no money lying around anymore for the arts and this allows them to compete at a show every weekend. If one can drive to rehearsal, one would hope they could drive to these shows...

Westlake is doing the normal WBA and one local SCSBOA, plus we are giving MBOS a shot this year.