Could you explain what you mean by "where they are"? Like comparing talent/ability?

@@guardgirlreacts exactly, talent/ability. It would be nice for someone to show/identify some of the differences in performance level.

@@user-ml2re8ek7b Based on my limited time watching these top HS bands, I first want to say that I am thoroughly enjoying those performances maybe even a little more than DCI TLDR; Talent/Ability is neck and neck between Top HS and DCI groups (especially when age range is considered) Talent for talent, I can't find a difference, which I think statistically makes sense if we are comparing the top High Schools with top DCI groups. For ex: a top TX/IN/OH band is just as talented as Carolina Crown. I think both levels take hits to talent in different ways..HS can't “not accept” members that aren't meeting the mark so they don't get the luxury of cutting anyone who underperforms (I'm assuming) ON THE OTHER HAND, with DCI becoming less affordable + pandemic affecting who they were able to attain depending on where their home location was. I do not feel that the standard of DCI has been held up over the last 10 years…I don’t think I could have been a DCI guard member in 2010 but I def could now (minus the athleticism lol). What I’m trying to say here is HS bands seem to be holding up against adversity and getting better while DCI is not as shiny as it used to be (just my opinion from watching DCI since 2009) I'm also assuming that even though HS bands can’t be as strict with refusing kids, those kids are trained up under the same regimen throughout their middle/high school years. Their training gets stronger….whereas (and still assuming) DCI takes in performers with varying backgrounds and techniques that they have to get on the same page. FROM A SHOW DEVELOPMENT POV: These HS bands are coming with depth as well as clarity. The shows are well-designed, well-executed, and comprehensible. I am liking them more on average than the DCI shows from this year. (just my opinion) I hope my answer is satisfactory. Thank you for your question! EVERYONE, CHIME IN!

@@guardgirlreacts wow! Spot on 💯

Yeah, I was a bit taken aback by the "Who?" If one were to list the 50 best known pieces of classical music, Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" (probably in the orchestral arrangement by Maurice Ravel) almost certainly would be on it. It's such a war horse that two different bands performed it in Grand National Semifinals this year.

I appreciate this! We love thought-provoking conversations over here. Music, story lines, personal interpretations, etc. is how this type of art changes lives :) . Thank you for this comment