Ben Davis Continues to March toward Their Goal

ISSMA Regional competition was held on Saturday, October 15, in four locations around the state. The Marching Giants traveled to Center Grove HS in Greenwood. Competition consisted of 16 Class A schools from around the state at Center Grove. The bands compete for a Gold rating and also working to score in the top 10 schools to move on to Semi-State. The Marching Giants started their day with section breakfast followed by a morning practice at Ben Davis. Once all the equipment was loaded, lunch finished, and all members dressed in uniform, John Papandria, director of bands, speaks to the members before loading eight buses to head south to Center Grove HS. Ben Davis was the sixth school to compete Saturday evening. It was a very windy day, but the wind could not stop the Marching Giants from giving the audience a great performance. Cheers and a standing ovation were given to the Marching Giants when they finished their show.

Since 10 other bands still had to perform before awards were given out, the Marching Giants to a trip to the Greenwood Mall for dinner and a little down time. After dinner, the members return to Center Grove for awards. All 16 bands can earn a Gold rating; but the top 10 scores move on to Semi-State. Ratings and announcement of the Semi-State finalist are announced in performance order. The bands scores or placing are not announced during ISSMA competition. The directors of the schools are given this information to be used for educational purposes only. Only during State competition are the scores and places announced. The announcer lets the crowd know Ben Davis has receives a Gold rating; the presenter hands Gigi Caballos, head drum major, a trophy for this rating. Once all bands find out their rating, the top 10 bands are announced. In performance order, the following bands found they would be attending Semi-State next weekend at Ben Davis HS. Congratulations to Avon, Center Grove, Carmel, Ben Davis, Warren Central, Franklin Central, Columbus North, Castle, Brownsburg, and Lawrence Central. 10 schools from the Chesterton competition site will be at Ben Davis as well. Those 10 schools, in performance order, are Penn, Homestead, Snider, LaPorte, Northrop, Pike, Lake Central, Chesteron, Carroll, and Lafayette Jefferson.

At Semi-State 10 of the 20 bands listed above will move on to State competition held at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, October 29. Since the competition is at “Our House” Saturday, come support your Marching Giants as they continue their quest to State. Ben Davis performs at 1:52 pm.

Upcoming events:
  Practice:
    October 19, Full Band, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
    October 20, No Rehearsal – Enjoy Fall Break
    October 21, Full Band, 8:00 to 11:00 am, 1:00 to 4:30 pm
    October 22, Full Band, All Day
    October25, Full Band, 3:30 to 6 pm

  Performance:
    October 22, ISSMA Semi-State Competition at Ben Davis HS, 1:52 pm