Marching Giants Start Their Way to State

168 Bands consisting of 16,000 students from across Indiana participated in ISSMA District on Saturday, October 1. District is the first competition for all bands trying to make it to Lucas Oil Stadium on October 29, for State competition. Among the 168 bands was the Ben Davis Marching Giants.

The members started their day at 8:00 am for morning practice. They worked on final preparation before finishing up their morning around 11:15 am. After loading equipment, they were treated to pizza provided by the band and served up by Band Boosters. The members are grateful for the support they receive. The day would find the Marching Giants traveling only a short distance to Plainfield HS. Arriving at the competition site does not mean the members march right onto the field and perform. All competitions require the bands to go through physical and music warm-ups. Physical warm-up allows the members to work on body movement only. No music is played or the band will receive a penalty. Once physical warm-up is complete the band moves onto Music warm-up. This allows the band to practice all or parts of their music before competition. At 3:59 pm, the Marching Giants move into the end zone to prepare for the start of their show. As the Band takes position, the crowd starts spelling out “BEN DAVIS” followed by screams and cheers. The Marching Giants performed their show “The Tables Have Turned”. This week’s performance find the color guard added more flags and band members added additional movement extending the show from last week. Awards at District are different from school competitions; bands must receive a Gold rating to move on to Regional competition. The Marching Giants accomplished what they set out to do. They received a Gold rating for their performance and will compete in Regional competition at Center Grove HS on October 15. Congratulations Marching Giants!

Before Regional competition, the Marching Giants will be present for half-time during the Lawrence North vs Ben Davis football game; and they will host their own competition the “Preview of Champions” on Saturday, October 8. Nineteen bands from around the state will converge on the Ben Davis campus to compete for 1st place in their class. The Marching Giants will present their show in exhibition to all present. Come support your Marching Giants as they show the community that “The Tables Have Turned”.

Upcoming events:
Practice:
  October 5, Brass & Woodwinds, 3:30 to 6 pm
  October 6, Full Band, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
  October 10, Percussion & Color Guard, 6 to 9 pm
  October11, Full Band, 3:30 to 6 pm
  October 12, Brass & Woodwinds, 3:30 to 6 pm

Performance:
October 7, Lawrence North vs Ben Davis, call time 5 pm
October 8, Exhibition at the Preview of Champions Invitational