Marching Giants Finish 2nd in Their 2nd Competition

The Marching Giants, once again, had a busy weekend. It started with being the Band of the week for WTHR, channel 13, on Friday, September 23. Sports announcer, Dave Calabro, Ben Davis graduate, was present to see the Band practice before their homecoming game and pass out Operation Football shirts. Later that evening, the Marching Giants were present for the football game between Terre Haute South and Ben Davis. The members presented their competition show, “The Tables Have Turned” during half-time. The fans in the stands found the Band had added additional charts to their show causing the fans to start cheering before the show was completed. To the fans surprise, the Band had added an additional 1:09 minutes to their show from two weeks ago when they had seen them last. Additional body work, flags, and music were added to the performance making for an exciting presentation to the fans. The Marching Giants were released after half-time do get some rest before their busy Saturday.

Saturday, September 24, would bring the members back to the HS for practice before competing in the Meijer Greenwood Band Invitational at Greenwood HS. The members worked more on the additional time they had added to their show and felt good about their efforts. Before leaving for Greenwood, the members were treated to a Subway® dinner served up by Band Boosters. Thanks to all that helped. Once dinner was finished, the members dressed in uniform and loaded the buses; but not before a pep talk from John Papandria, director of bands. Eight buses, packed full of Marching Giants, head south to Greenwood; but, before they arrive, the rain moved in. The Marching Giants are held on the buses to keep their instruments and uniforms dry. The organizers of the event, decided to move Class A bands to a standstill performance. This means the Band would not march or perform in the stadium; but in the gymnasium. By being in the gym, the members would not march; they would play their music and “march” in place. The guard would be able to spin their flags and rifles but not move around. Since a standstill performance had not been done by Ben Davis in over 10 years, most in the audience had not experienced this type of competition. Many in the stands commented that the performance was very exciting to see. The Band was still able to bring effects to their show. When awards were presented, The Marching Giants were awarded caption awards for best Auxiliary and General Effect. Placing awards were presented next and Ben Davis received a 2nd place finish for their standstill performance. Congratulations to the Marching Giants!

Saturday, October 1, will find the Marching Giants beginning their start to State. They will compete in ISSMA District competition at Plainfield HS. Make sure you are in the stands when the Marching Giants take the field at 3:59 pm. The tables will be turning once again; will you be there to cheer them on?

Upcoming events:
  Practice:
  September 28, Brass & Woodwinds, 3:30 to 6 pm
  September 29, Full Band, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
  October 3, Percussion & Color Guard, 6 to 9 pm
  October 4, Full Band, 3:30 to 6 pm
  October 5, Brass & Woodwinds, 3:30 to 6 pm

Performance:
  October 1, ISSMA District Contest, 3:59 pm

Meeting:
  October 4, Band Booster Meeting, 7:00 pm