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!
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