It's only Week 2 of the Bands of America 2016 season, and things are already incredibly exciting. With events in Dayton, Ohio and Clarksville, Tennessee, you would think that should be enough for this early in the season. Not even close. BOA's Austin Regional has quickly turned into one of the most fiercely competitive regionals across the country, and we are still in September! The best Texas has to offer will converge at the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex on Saturday morning and should make for a long day of amazing performances. 

The gates will open bright and early at 6:45 AM (All times CST) and the first band to wake up the neighborhood will be West High School at 7:15 AM. The first wave of bands will include eight total bands, which will be followed by a quick break at 9:15 AM. 

The next block of performances will include Bands of America powerhouses Cedar Ridge (10 AM), Cedar Park (10:30 AM), and Winston Churchill (11:15 AM). Cedar Park is coming off a brilliant 2015 season. They concluded the season with a fifth-place finish at the BOA San Antonio Super Regional and won the UIL 5A State Championship. This was Cedar Park's third state championship (2001 and 2011). 

Immediately following lunch break is Claudia Taylor Johnson (CTJ) at 12:30 PM. Claudia Taylor Johnson opened in 2008 and has immediately made a name for itself on the national BOA stage. Finishing in the top five at the San Antonio Super Regional each year since 2011, CTJ also captured the 2014 Conroe Regional, 2014 San Antonio Super Regional, and 2015 McAllen Regional. CTJ has quickly established itself as a band to watch. Keep an eye on the Hendrickson band (2 PM). This a band poised to break through very soon and capture a regional.

The last block in prelims doesn't let up. Previous state champions Vandegrift (3:15 PM) and 2015 Grand National Finalist Round Rock (3:30 PM) keep the momentum coming. Then at 4:45 PM, the defending Austin Regional champion Leander performs. Fresh off its UIL State bronze medal finish, Leander will certainly be in the mix at the end of the night. 

Preliminary class awards will be handed out and then finalists will be announced at 5:15 PM. Finals for the Austin Regional will get started at 7:15 PM with the national anthem. 

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