3rd Annual Marching Giants Awards Banquet

The Marching Giants meet in the HS cafeteria on Monday, November 26, to celebrate the 245 students on their 2012 marching season.  The first award was presented, in the cafeteria; to the outstanding Crew Member and was awarded to Joe Stovall, II.  Joe’s hard work and dedication to the Marching Giants earned him this honor.  Dave Cole, director, released the seniors and their parents to enjoy the catered food from Jug’s Catering.  They provided their famous fried chicken and biscuits with apple butter, green beans, pasta salad, and mashed potatoes.  Then Cole released the junior, sophomores and finally the freshman to enjoy the evenings dinner.  After everyone was finished, they relocated to the auditorium for the awards presentation.

Once everyone had settled into the auditorium, the awards presentation began.  All the directors took turns announcing names of the 83 students that had accomplished perfect attendance.  This is no small feat considering practice starts in July and runs through November with football games and contest in there as well.  The “Most Improved” section was the Tuba section; followed by the “Most Outstanding Section” being awarded to the Battery (percussion).  The directors recognized the 2012 Drum Majors, Kelsey Mendenhall, senior, Michael Whiteside, senior, Beth Smalley, junior, Kevin Salinas, junior, and Grace Ishikawa, junior.  The senior drum majors were awarded plaques for their service and dedication.  Band awards were presented next, they included:
 
Outstanding 1st Year:
     Nicole Zellers and Pedro Martinez

Outstanding Freshman:
     Julianna Flick and Nicholas Fordyce

Outstanding Sophomore: 
     Katherine Holsapple, Herson Madrid, and David Carney

Outstanding Junior:  
     Jacque Jordan and Brandon Knop

Outstanding Senior:  
     Jayashree Brown-Riddles andBryce Lee

Outstanding Mental Attitude:  
     Sierra Graves and Amanda Bell

Outstanding Brass:  
     Taylor Bennett and Chad Bridgwaters

Outstanding Woodwind:  
     Eric Ehizokhale

Outstanding Battery:  
     Joe Stovall, III

Outstanding Front Ensemble:  
     Martell Person

Outstanding Rifle:  
     Drue Rodeghier

Outstanding Flag:  
     Ashley Earnest

Outstanding 1^st Year Guard:  
     Kylee Vaughn

Outstanding Color Guard:  
     Annabella Habegger

Miss Choreography:  
     Sierra Graves

Mr. Choreography:  
     Jaden Sheppard and Jack Akard

Miss Feet: 
     Paige Hutson

Mr. Feet: 
     Jevon Robinson

Miss Marching Giant:  
     Kelsey Mendenhall

Mr. Marching Giant: 
     Tyler Blythe

Once all the awards were handed out, the audience enjoyed the 2012 reflections slide show which included over 500 pictures from the past year.  Congratulations to all those achieving awards and to all that had any involvement with the awarding 2012 Marching Giants.

Now that the marching season is over, the students continue their music enrichment by participating in Jazz Band, Show Band, All-State Band, Winter Percussion, Winter Guard, ISSMA Solo, Ensemble and State qualifications, Ben Davis Symphony Orchestra and Pep Band.  Music is their Life!

Marching Giants Finish Season Ranked 16th in the Nation

 

The Bands of America Grand National Championships is recognized as the premier marching band event in the nation.  87 bands from 21 states, from around the country, made the trip to Lucas Oil Stadium between Thursday, November 8, and Friday, November 9, for Bands of America Grand Nationals, a program of Music for All, to compete in preliminary competition.   Once preliminary competition is complete, the top 34 bands will compete in semi-finals on Saturday in hopes of being one of the top 12 bands in the country. 

The Marching Giants continued practicing each day last week working to improve their show for this competition.  They competed on Thursday, November 8, in preliminary competition at 7:30 pm.  Before heading to Lucas Oil Stadium, the principal of Ben Davis HS, Sandy Squire, provided pizza to the members and wished them Good Luck on their quest.  Once they finished eating, the Marching Giants dressed in uniform and loaded the eight buses that took them to Lucas Oil Stadium where they presented their show to the audience and judges.  As always, the Marching Giants did not disappoint; their music, written by Don Barrett, tells the story of “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”.  Starting with “Reaching Out”, followed by “Rejection” and “Acceptance”, and concluding with “A Stronger Voice”.  After their performance, they loaded the eight buses and headed back to the school.  They would have to wait until 10:00 pm on Friday to find out if they would move on to semi-finals.  It was a long wait, but finally the call came to the members; they would have a report time of 5:00 am on Saturday because their performance time was 9:30 am.  The Marching Giants finished 9^th in Class AAAA and 10^th overall among the 43 bands that performed in preliminaries on Thursday.  Once the students arrived at the HS, they had a short practice before donning their uniforms one more time and heading back to Lucas Oil Stadium for their performance.  Again, they awed the audience with their use of fences as props, marching and dancing throughout the show, while the color guard spun, twirled and tossed their flags and rifles.  After they finished, they loaded the buses and head back to the school to wait yet again.  Director, Dave Cole, told the students to go home and get some sleep; but, to report back at 4:15 pm to watch the awards ceremony. 

All the members, volunteers, family, and staff crammed into the band room to watch the ceremony as it was projected on the drop-down screen.  All was quite as the top 12 bands names were announced.  The Marching Giants did not hear their name called.  Sadness hit the Marching Giants as they came to the realization that the marching season was over.   Senior members understand they had worn the uniform for the last time in competition.  Cole addressed the crowd and became teary eyed as he congratulated the Marching Giants on a season well done; and thanked the senior members.  The members and staff have accomplished much during the 2012 season marching season; from winning their Class at Bands of America in Louisville, KY back in September, to placing 7^th in the State at ISSMA competition earlier in the month, to being the 16^th ranked band in the nation at the Bands of America this past weekend. 

The Marching Giants are an amazing group of kids that hold a special place in everyone’s heart that are associated with them; from the volunteers to the staff to the fans in the stands.  Congratulations Ben Davis Marching Giants.  Thanks for representing Wayne Township for a job well done!  Before you know it, they will be back out on the practice field preparing for the 2013 season.  To all the fans out there, it won’t be long before we…See you in the Stands!  Thanks for your support!

Marching Giants, A Tradition of Excellence

Countless hours of practice, in the sun, wind, rain, and even sleet, from July to November, brought the Marching Giants to Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, November 3, for the 40^th annual ISSMA State Finals.  The competition began on September 29, with 30 bands, from around the state, competing for the top 10 spots in State competition in Class A.  The 10 bands that placed in semi-state were present Saturday vying for the ISSMA State title in High School Marching Band.

After a morning of practice, the Marching Giants meet in the dressing room for the tradition of celebrating with parents and supporters in their accomplishment of qualifying for State finals.  The members then put on their uniforms and met in the band room, for another tradition, their pep talk from band director, David Cole.  Cole explained to the kids they were part of a great legacy as the Marching Giants have been present at many other State Finals, over the last 40 years, and the 2012 members would continue on with the tradition as they competed that evening.  The members loaded their eight buses; but since this was State competition, the tradition of IMPD and IFD escorting the members to Lucas Oil Stadium continued.  For the freshman, this would be their first experience to be part of the excitement of being a Marching Giant competing in State Finals; while the seniors reflected on their last State Final competition reminiscing about past performances.  As the buses drove the route, members experienced the traditon of supporters lining the route with signs of encouragement, waving purple and white pom-poms, and horns honking, it was a great day to be a Marching Giant!

 

Upon arrival, the members disembarked their buses to participate in the tradition of section circles.  They separated into their sections of flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, low reeds, trumpets, mellos, tubas, low brass, percussion, and color guard for words of encouragement from the section leaders, drum majors, and one another.  After circles, the members entered Lucas Oil Stadium through the down ramp into the underneath of the stadium for physical and music warm-ups.  While the members prepared for their performance, parents, friends, and fans filed into the stadium and settled into section 236 in anticipation of the show.  Finally, the time had arrived for your Ben Davis Marching Giants to take the field and the tradition of the fans shouting out B-E-N D-A-V-I-S started and the crowd acknowledged the Giants presences.

 

The stadium erupts into cheers, screams and clapping as the members begin their decent down the tunnels and onto the Colts home field.  At 7:40 pm, the judge announced to the members they may take the field.  Fences, flags, rifles, instruments, and members are all positioned on the field and the 30,000+ members in the audience became quite as the announcer presents the Ben Davis Marching Giants and their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”.  The four drum majors that start the show began to count the beats and the show starts.  The Marching Giants give the audience an amazing show; so much so, they get a stand ovation during the third movement and at the end of the show.  The students played loud and marched in formation, while the color guard danced and spun flags and rifles.  The fans in the stands are impressed by this State performance.  Cole later tells the students they had their best show.  The students felt they have done well.  The American Dairy Association is a proud sponsor of ISSMA State Finals and the tradition of every member of all the bands received a pint of milk because, “Winners Drink Milk” continued because all 40 bands that performed at State Finals are winners!

Since they were the first band to perform, the Marching Giants are able to enjoy the rest of the evening having dinner provided by the Band Boosters and watching some of the bands as they performed while waiting for awards.  The tradition of full retreat would start the awards ceremony and Ben Davis Marching Giants would be the first school to be called and the members filed out onto the field.  Section 236 erupts into cheers, once again, for the members as the school name is announced.  During awards, the Marching Giants are presented with the 7^th place trophy and cheers, screams, and clapping as loud as thunder could be heard around the stadium.  The Marching Giants finished the ISSMA marching season the 7^th ranked band in the State of Indiana.  Everyone associated with the Marching Giants are proud of the members and their accomplishment.  As one of the box trucks states, “Ben Davis – A Tradition of Excellence” the evening proved this statement true.  The Marching Giants continued many, many traditions that make them “One of the Best Bands in the Land!”

 

If you missed their State performance, don’t fret, the season isn’t over yet, they have one more week of practice and their final competition in Music for All, Bands of America, Grand Nationals competition that takes place over three days at Lucas Oil Stadium.  The Marching Giants perform in preliminaries on Thursday, November 8, at 7:30 pm.  They find out Friday evening, if they move onto semi-finals that take place on Saturday with finals also on Saturday evening also at Lucas Oil Stadium.  See You in the Stands!

Marching Giants Host ISSMA Semi-State

The Marching Giants hosted ISSMA Semi-State Class A competition on Saturday, October 27. The top 20 bands from around the state of Indiana came to Ben Davis in hopes of being one of the top 10 bands in Class A. A top 10 placement guaranteed a place in ISSMA State Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, November 3.
The schedule for Semi-State allows for bands from northern and southern Indiana to compete later in the day, due to the amount of time it takes to travel; which means bands close to Ben Davis perform in the first half of the competition. This meant Ben Davis would be the fifth band to perform. Weather conditions were cold and windy; but the Marching Giants were prepared with sandbags to hold down the fences and being dressed in layers to stay warm. With so many big bands performing, the stands were packed with fans from around the state from the beginning of the competition. The Marching Giants welcomed the large numbers in the stands since this was their home stadium.

The Band took the field to prepare equipment and props, while parents, family and supporters in the stands looked on and became quite in anticipation of their performance. Some audience members would be seeing the show for the first time while family members and supporters, who had seen “The Thin Line Between Love and Hate” during practices and competitions; where still holding their breath waiting for the first note. Then the flute solo starts followed by the saxophone quartette, followed by the rest of the band. Within seconds, the crowd burst into applause. The Marching Giants once again impressed the audience; from the use of the slats on the fence as they dance and spin, to rifles and colorful flags being tossed and a waved by the color guard, to the closer that finds the band members in the seamless circle created by the guard members; proving Love will conquer Hate. The audience was on its feet presenting the Marching Giants with a standing ovation.

Once all the bands had competed, the announcer called for all senior members from all 20 bands to line-up on the back side of the stadium to march to the first side. ISSMA would honor the graduating Class of 2013 for their time and dedication to marching band. After, the drum majors would line-up, in performance order, to accept their trophy of participation in Semi-State. After each band was announced, the top 10 bands were presented with a plate to be attached to their trophy proclaiming their accomplishment of being a State Finalists. The announcement would be in performance order; which meant Ben Davis would not have to wait long to find out if they had moved on. The first three bands were named followed by Ben Davis! The Marching Giants would be part of the 40th Annual ISSMA State Finals on Saturday, November 3, at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Many thanks go to the parents, volunteers, and staff members that have helped the Marching Giants achieve great things this season; and that season isn’t over yet. The Marching Giants take the field at 7:40 pm next Saturday for State Competition. Congratulations Marching Giants!


If you want to cheer on the convey of buses with the police escort, the route this year will be South on Girls School Rd.  ( Buses leave the school at 4:55 pm on Saturday, November 3rd )


East on 10th St.
South on High School Rd.
East on Rockville Rd.
South on I465
East on I70
North on Missouri St.
East on South St.
South on Capital Ave.

See You in the Stands!

Marching Giants Compete at BOA Super Regional

While still on Fall Break, the Marching Giants continue to practice and perform. Members continued to practice last week as they prepared for Bands of America Super Regional downtown. After an all day practice on Thursday and morning practice on Friday, the Marching Giants loaded their eight buses and head down to Lucas Oil Stadium for the Bands of America Super Regional preliminary performance. This competition was a two-day scheduled event with preliminary performances from fifty-two bands from eight states. All of these bands were competing for one of fourteen spots in final performance on Saturday evening. The Marching Giants arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium while it was raining. They were unable to hold circles outside; but the rain did not stop this tradition, they form the “circle” on the buses. Section leaders were able to continue the tradition by giving words of encouragement to the members before they entered the stadium, some for the first time. After, they unloaded the buses and began the decent down the long ramp into the underbelly of the stadium. Making stops in physical and music warm-ups before taking the field.
Finally, the members were on the field and ready to show all the fans in the stands their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”. If any member was still nervous, the audience was unable to tell, as the members give it their all. During the show, the audience can be heard cheering and clapping during different places; after the flute solo, after the trumpet trio, during and after the drumline solo, after the music quiets and becomes loud again. The fans in the stands are not disappointed with this fast paced marching and awesome music from the Marching Giants. The show completes and the Marching Giants load their instruments on the equipment trucks and themselves on to their buses. Members return to the HS and head home. They would have to wait until last Saturday afternoon to find out if they would make finals.
Saturday, they return to the HS for morning and afternoon practice. Dinner was provided by the Band Boosters. After dinner, the members convened in band room to watch the preliminary awards ceremony. With fifty-two bands receiving participation awards, the anticipation built in the room. Finally, the announcer would call out, in no particular order, the top fourteen bands. These bands would perform in finals competition Saturday evening. Ben Davis was the fourth band to be called. The band room erupts in screams and cheers. However, the members, parents and staff could only celebrate for a moment, since they would be the fifth band to perform and everyone needed to load the buses and head back to Lucas Oil Stadium.

Ben Davis took the field at 8:15 pm; and with the top fourteen bands performing, the stands were packed with fans waiting to see all the top bands. The Marching Giants did not disappoint the fans. The performance was their best to date. The crowd is pleased as well. The Marching Giants received a stand ovation along with cheers and loud claps from their dedicated fans and new fans. After their performance, the members were able to relax and watch some of the other bands perform before awards. Since this was a BOA Super Regional, all the members from the fourteen bands would line the field in full retreat.
All the bands awaited the announcer to call their name for placement. The first three bands are called; members and fans did not heard Ben Davis, the next three places are called and Ben Davis is not one them; place 8th is called and then 7th, this time the announcer calls out the Ben Davis Marching Band. Ben Davis placed 7th overall for this Super Regional. The drum majors proudly receive the trophy for all the Marching Giants. Job well done!
Next week, the Marching Giants perform in ISSMA Semi-State competition. This is the next to the last stop before State competition; and will take place on their home field. Good Luck Marching Giants. For all you Fans…See You in the Stands!

Marching Giants Are One Step Closer to ISSMA State

Fall Break began for all of Wayne Township schools on Friday, October 12; but your Marching Giants return to the HS on Saturday to compete in ISSMA Regional competition. Four sites around the state would hosted this annual event. The Marching Giants would, once again, travel to Center Grove HS to compete against 15 other bands in hopes of receiving a Gold rating and placing in the top 10 scores to advance to Semi-State.

Saturday morning, the students arrived for five hours of practice to prepare for the ensuing competition. While the kids were grooming their show for the evening, approximately 10 volunteers were inside the HS preparing dinner for the unit. After practice, the members loaded the trucks and returned inside to partake in food, fellowship, and a little relaxation. When they finished eating, they went to the dressing room to put on their uniforms and return to the band room. The rain had come in while the members were eating; but when it was time to load the buses, the rain had stopped; but the wind had remained. The crew, concerned with keeping the props intact, loaded the sand bags on the truck just to be safe. With instruments, children, props, directors, and chaperones, all loaded on buses, semi and box trucks, the Marching Giants were ready to hit the road to Greenwood, IN for their next stop as they continue down the road that will take them to Lucas Oil Stadium and ISSMA State finals.

When all eight buses arrived, the members unloaded their instruments and prepared for the evening by attending “circles” for each section. The section leaders, directors, and drum majors speak to the students with words of encouragement before they took the field. Before moving through warm-ups, the directors found out there would be a 10 minute delay in the schedule due to a medical emergency that one of the other bands had experienced. Members were not aware and continued on with their normal routine of physical and music warm-ups. The time had arrived for the Marching Giants to take the field; many fans in the stands cheered and clapped. The wind was still a factor; but the props were prepared with the sandbags; the students did not have to worry about them blowing over this evening. The announcer presented the Marching Giants and their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” while the crowd continued to cheer the members. Once all the props, equipment, and students were in place, all was quite in the stands as the flute solo starts and the show was underway. Throughout the show, phrases have been added where students say, “There’s a thin line between love and hate; it’s complicated; and love and hate, love and hate” echoed. Approximately seven minutes later, the show is finished and everyone in the stands is back on their feet cheering and clapping for the members and a job well done.

Ben Davis was the next to the last band to perform so they did not have to wait long for awards. However, it felt like a life time since the ratings are presented in performance order. Fourteen bands would receive their rating before Ben Davis would be announced; finally, the time had arrived, and the Marching Giants had done it; received a Gold rating. Next, the announcement of the schools with the top ten scores; and, for the second time that evening, Ben Davis is announced. The Marching Giants will be competing in Semi-State competition in their home stadium on Saturday, October 27; performance time is 1:52 pm. The Marching Giants will host the top 20 bands, in Class A, from around the state as they continue their quest in hopes of competing in ISSMA State competition.

Next week, you can see the Marching Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium for Bands of America Super Regional. This is a two day competition where the Marching Giants will first perform Friday afternoon at 4:15 pm. They will then find out on Saturday afternoon the results of the schools moving to finals. While many students will enjoy the two week fall break, your Marching Giants will be out on the field practicing and performing for the love of their show. They hope to…See You in the Stands!

Marching Giants Ben Davis Invitational; Sponsored By Qdoba Mexican Grill

Saturday, October 6, the Marching Giants hosted their contest “Preview of Champions”. Thirteen bands from around the state traveled to Ben Davis HS to participate in the contest. The day began with Class D and C bands taking the field. Among this group was Lewis Cass Marching Kings, they competed for the first time since the passing of their band director, Mike Clark. Principal, Mark Karmel, stated in the Pharos Tribune, “He really was an awesome teacher, not only in music, but in life lessons.” Clark passed away, Sunday, September 30; after a 10-year battle with cancer. The Marching Band community keeps his family and band family in their thoughts and prayers. During the awards ceremony, the Marching Kings would place first in Class D; making their director very proud. The Marching Braves from Maconaquah HS placed first in Class C.
After a short break, Classes B and A would present their shows to the many fans in the stands. While the scores were being tallied and confirmed, your Marching Giants took the field to present their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” in exhibition to the visiting fans and their fans in the stands. Earlier in the day, they finished adding all the drill to the show; making their show complete. This would be the first time fans would see the completed show. New formations, flags and music gave fans more reasons to cheer and support their program. The final formation creates a heart on the field while the color guard hold flags of yellow silk with red and pink hearts. Once they were finished, the awards for Class B and A were handed out. The Marching Cougars from Bloomington North HS would receive first place in Class B. While Brownsburg’s Marching Bulldogs would receive first place in Class A. Congratulations to all the bands on their great performances.
This event would not be possible without the volunteers that helped with parking, hospitality, guides, director check-in, isle security, warm-up areas, and many other areas, along with all the donations and the giving of their time. The Marching Giants would also like to thank all the individuals, businesses, and groups that gave donations for trophy sponsorships and advertisements in the program. Special thanks goes to Qdoba Mexican Grill for sponsoring the event. Thank you everyone for another successful Ben Davis Invitational!
Next week, the Marching Giants travel to Center Grove HS to continue their march to State as they compete in ISSMA Regional. Performance time is 8:45 pm. See You in the Stands!