Generally I don’t think the bands realize that it’s the exposed intimate moments that really need attention. The fewer people playing, the more that has to really get some solid rehearsal time #nabba2022

Epainos may have been a bit much for Dublin Metro, but they gave it their all! Some real rough percussion spots, but some exciting moments for the band #nabba2022

The choice of a hymn setting and a March feels more like a concert program for Dublin Metro, but it is allowed by the rules. The March was definitely the best part of their program this afternoon #nabba2022

Nice work by the FCYBB on Epainos! Definitely the best tubas of third section today. Very exciting, and a fair bit of clarity. #nabba2022

Some great playing on the Sinfonietta from FCYBB! Very exciting. Started to sound a little tired, and lacks some sensitivity in delicate moments, but nice to listen to #nabba2022

Judging by the level of preparation between test/choice pieces, I think people forget there’s a 60/40 weighting on the scores. You need that test piece to be great to have a good shot #nabba2022

Third section for me: 1. Triangle, 2. FCYBB, 3. Jacksonville State, 4. Natural State, 5. Old Crown, 6. ECU, 7. Dublin Metro #nabba2022

And we’re back, ready for championship section own choice selections #nabba2022

JMU with Destination Moon was spectacular! Excellent range, and some really wonderful solos, specially flugelhorn, euph, and trombone. Just shows an audience never knows what do with a soft ending though. Even if the offstage cornets were sublime #nabba2022

Fraternity is such a powerful piece, and Fountain City certainly delivered on the emotion! Failed to deliver the same power as last night though, and some uncharacteristic tuning issues. #nabba2022

Much better performance on Extreme Make-over tonight from Georgia than they were last night. Still a bit scrappy and sometimes unbalanced, but enjoyable nonetheless. Just need to make sure those bottles are tuned! #nabba2022

Heroes will definitely be the most traditional style selection of the night, and that makes sense for Atlantic - that’s where they shine. Some really great playing without the flashy stuff to hide behind! #nabba2022

Chicago’s performance of Where Angels Fly was certainly dynamic and engaging! They have a lot to be proud of with that. I think it’s going to come down to clarity of score on that one. That and the 60/40 weighting may hurt them #nabba2022

Great stuff from Colorado on The Torchbearer. Genuinely the sound they should have been looking for last night too. So lovely to hear the rich tradition sound at the end there #nabba2022

Always so enjoyable to listen to own-choice night. The bands really get to put their personalities on display. #nabba2022

With the quick back-of-napkin math on the test/choice 60/40 weighting, I still don’t feel there’s much movement in the rankings. For me it’s 1. JMU, Fountain City, 3. Chicago, 4. Atlantic, 5. Colorado, 6. Georgia #nabba2022

Biggest change in my mind is Chicago closed the gap on Fountain City. I could see them swapping places #nabba2022

In youth championship section Watson did a great job with Shine as the Light. So nice to hear such mature playing from such a young group #nabba2022

The power that Watson got out of Fire in the Blood was impressive! These kids have range! #nabba2022

Home from a remarkable weekend at NABBA, and so glad to have spent time with so many great people! Also, can’t say my predictions were too shabby… not exact, but right there #nabba2022