Ben Davis finishes Marching Season at BOA Grand Nationals

The Marching Giants finish their marching season participating in BOA Grand Nationals. Competition began for Ben Davis on Thursday, November 11, when they competed in the preliminary round. 82 bands from 20 states were looking for a spot in the top 34 scores to move on to semi-finals on Saturday. The band would have to wait until Friday evening to find out if they advanced to semi-finals. Around 10:00 pm, on Friday, the Marching Giants learned their performance was one of the best among the 82 bands. They would be competing with the top 34 bands in the nation on Saturday.

With an early morning performance draw, the members reported to the HS at 5:00 am. Ben Davis would take the field at 8:45 am, on Saturday, for their final performance of the season. With the fans in the stands cheering on the members; they were all so proud of the Marching Giants. The Band gave an awesome performance; but unfortunately, did not make it to finals on Saturday evening. Band directors were filled with pride to be associated with this great group of kids. The band members have put in a lot of time, hard work, and dedication over the last 4 ½ months. John Papandria, band director, commented, “I wanted to say congratulations and thanks to the Ben Davis Marching Giants. You have done so many great things this year; and I could not have been more proud of you and your performance at semis. You are a great group of people that I am so lucky to get to spend time with everyday.” Everyone associated with this

a-MAZE-ing group of kids are so proud of all their accomplishments this season.

Until next season: "There have been many before us; and there will be many after us, we're here today, and that's what’s important. Because, we are…BEN DAVIS!"

Upcoming events:

Homespun Holidays Ben Davis Band Boosters Craft Show

November 20, 9 am to 3 pm, at the 9th Grade Center

Auditions:

November 22, 6 to 9 pm, Winter Guard Auditions

November 23, 6 to 9 pm, Winter Guard Auditions

Ben Davis Marches Back to Lucas Oil Stadium

Once again, the Marching Giants return to Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, November 6th to compete at Bands of America Regional’s. Lucas Oil Stadium would host 35 bands from 9 states competing in preliminary competition. Bands with the top 10 scores, regardless of class, would compete in evening finals. Wayne Downy returned from California to help the Band make final adjustments before the competition. The member’s day started with a short morning practice before loading up the trucks and buses to head downtown. Having Wayne here all week showed as The Marching Giants had a great show. Improvements could be seen from the previous week. With so many bands competing at a National level, all of them gave a great performance. During the awards ceremony, Ben Davis was not selected to move on to finals. The members were still able to hold their heads high because they knew they had performed to the best of their ability on Saturday; and that they would have another chance to perform “The Maze” one more time. Next weekend they return to Lucas Oil Stadium to compete in BOA Grand Nationals Championship. This is the final push for the Marching Giants to show the nation how they have worked so hard to make this a great season.


Don’t miss your last chance to see them perform this year. They will take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium at 7:30, Thursday, for Preliminary round; then, the Band will learn Friday evening if they move on to semi-finals on Saturday. Won’t you come support Your Marching Giants!

Upcoming events:
Practice:
November 10, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band
November 12, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band

Performance:
November 11, 7:30 pm, BOA, prelims
November 13, semi-finals, BOA Grand Nationals
November 13, finals, BOA Grand Nationals

Ben Davis Band Craft Show:
November 20, 9 to 3

Marching Giants Place 8th in the State

Ben Davis Marching Giants represented Wayne Township at the 38th Annual Indiana State School Music Association finals for Class A Marching Bands on Saturday, October 30. The evening started with a Police escort, along with the streets blocked by Wayne Township Fire Department, and members of the community shooting off fireworks and cheers for the members as they made their way to Lucas Oil Stadium. Everyone involved could feel the excitement in the air and pride in their hearts for the Marching Giants.

As the Marching Giants took the field, Ben Davis fans were packed into the stands cheering on the members. The Band had added new body movements to their show that many had not seen adding to the thrill of watching Ben Davis. The show now finishes with the members playing as they move to their knees and falling over to one side or the other; giving an a-MAZE-ing visual effect to finish the show.

During the Awards ceremony, the four drum majors accept the 8th place trophy. All the bands hard work has shown that Ben Davis Marching Giants is one of the top 10 bands in the State of Indiana; an accomplishment many bands strive for; but Ben Davis has proven time and time again. Dave Cole, assistant band director, stated, “It is great to be from Ben Davis tonight. Thanks for a great performance.” Everyone is very proud of the Marching Giants for all their accomplishments this season. However, their season isn’t over yet; the members will return to Lucas Oil Stadium this Saturday to compete in Bands of American regional competition.

Wayne Township is proud to be represented by the Ben David Marching Giants.

Upcoming events:
Practice:
November 3, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band
November 4, 5 to 9 pm, full band
November 5, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band
November 8, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band
November 9, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band
November 10, 3:30 to 6 pm, full band

Meeting:
November 4, 7 pm, box brigade

Performance:
November 6, Bands of America
November 9, 7 pm, Chapel Hill concert

The Marching Giants Head to State Competition

20 bands from across the state marched into the stadium as Ben Davis HS hosted Class A ISSMA Semi-State competition on Saturday, October 23. The stands were packed with fans from around the state to watch as each band presented their show. Your Ben Davis Marching Giants would be the third band to compete Saturday afternoon. Fans could be seen from one side of the stands to the other. As the Marching Giants took the field, the crowd was pumped up and ready for the members to perform. The band members would have to wait until the other 17 bands performed before they would find out if they were one of the top 10 bands to move on to State competition next Saturday. At the awards ceremony, each band received a participation trophy; and if the band qualified for State, they would receive a plaque to attach to the trophy which read “State Finalist”. Bands were announced in performance order if their score was in the 10 top allowing them to move on. Since Ben Davis had performed third, the band and fans would find out early if they would be making the trip to downtown Indianapolis. As the announcement came, you could hear the stands ignite with excitement that the Marching Giants had qualified to compete once again in this prestigious event.

The Marching Giants will step onto Lucas Oil Stadium field on Saturday, October 30; with a performance time of 8:58 pm. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $18.00 for students 3 -18 years of age; they are available at the Lucas Oil Ticket Office, Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Many thanks to all the Ben Davis volunteers for their help on Saturday; without you, the event could not have been a success.

See you in the stands!

Upcoming events:

Practice:
October 27 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
October 28 - 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Full Band
October 29 - 3:30 to 5:30 pm - Full Band
November 2 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
November 3 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band

Meeting:
Booster Meeting – November 2 – 7:00 pm

Performance:
October 30 - ISSMA State - 8:58 pm

Marching Giants Earn another Gold Rating

15 Bands from across the state converged at Center Grove HS on Saturday, October 16, for ISSMA Regional Competition. All bands were hoping for a Gold Rating and to finish in the top 10 based on their score for the evening. The stands were packed with fans for all the bands; but Ben Davis fans could be heard when the Marching Giants took the field. Cowbells ringing, cheers echoing, and screams of support could be heard from end to end, and across the field. The Marching Giants presented their show, “The Maze”, to the excited fans. Showing the crowd their new drills they had just learned the past week. Giving it their all, the Marching Giants earn the required Gold Rating; but did they advance to Semi-State? Yes, they did! The Bands do not know their scores, but, the top 10 Bands advance to Semi-State competition and the Marching Giants are among those Bands.

10 other bands in Class A earned the Gold rating at the Lafayette Jefferson competition, also held this past Saturday. The combination of the 10 bands from Lafayette Jefferson will be joined by the 10 bands from the Center Grove competition to make up the 20 Bands competing at Semi-State. The competition will be held at the Ben Davis Stadium; Saturday, October 23. Of these 20 bands, the top 10 bands earning a Gold rating will compete at ISSMA State competition on Saturday, October 30, at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Congratulations - Marching Giants!

Before the Band competes on Saturday, you can find them at the Sectional Football at Ben Davis Stadium. Then, you come see them at Giants Stadium on Saturday, October 23, for ISSMA Semi-State competition, at Ben Davis HS, with a perform time of 1:26 pm.

Come support YOUR Marching Giants

See you in the stands.

Upcoming events:
Practice:

October 20 - 5:00 to 8:00 pm - Full Band
October 21 - Fall Break - No Practice - Enjoy Your Day
October 22 - 8:00 to 4:30 pm - Full Band
October 26 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
October 27 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm - Full Band

Performance:
October 22 – Halftime Show at Ben Davis Stadium
October 23 - ISSMA Semi-State – 1:26 pm
October 26 – Lynhurst Concert – 7:00 pm

Three Stops in One Day

Saturday, October 9, found the Marching Giants on a mini-Band Tour. First stop, Lucas Oil Stadium to perform during the halftime show at the Ben Davis vs Lawrence North football game. This performance could have been considered dress rehearsal for the Band as they prepared for competition later in the evening. After performing, the members loaded their instruments on the equipment trucks and themselves on to the eight buses required to transport them to their next stop.

The Marching Giants would be traveling to Greenwood High School for their second stop of the day. When the Band Members arrived, they found dinner ready for them, provided by the Band Boosters. Once finished, the members would use the Marching Woodmen’s practice field to prepare for Center Grove Cavalcade of Champions competition. Wayne Downey, Music Director with Drum Corps International, was on hand to help the members perfect their show. The Band practiced for a couple of hours before loading the buses one more time.

Third stop on the Band Tour, Center Grove High School. Ben Davis would be competing against four other bands from around central Indiana. They were the third band to perform that evening. When the Band took the field at 10:09 pm, the fans were ready to cheer them on. With flags flying, rifles and sabers spinning, and music filling the air, the crowd was fully engaged in the show. After all five bands had finished, awards were presented; and the Marching Giants had won the People’s Choice Award and finished 2nd overall in the competition. Congratulations on a great performance Marching Giants!

This Saturday, the Marching Giants can be found at ISSMA Regional competition, at Center Grove HS, with a perform time of 8:19 pm.

Won’t you come support your Marching Giants?

See you in the stands.

Upcoming events:
Practice:
October 13 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
October 14 - 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Full Band
October 18 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm - Color Guard
October 19 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Brass & Woodwinds
October 19 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm - Percussion
October 20 - 5:00 to 8:00 pm - Full Band at Colts Complex

Box Brigade Meeting:
October 14 - 7:00 pm

Performance:
October 16 - ISSMA Regional - 8:19 pm

Marching Giants Make the First Stop on Their Way to State

The Marching Giants participated in District competition, the first round of ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) on Saturday, October 2. Ben Davis along with six other area bands participated in Class A at Lawrence Central HS. Bands are working toward a Gold rating; this allows the band to move to the next level – Regional Competition. The Marching Giants held practice the morning of the competition before heading to the Northeast side of Indianapolis. At performance time, the Band was ready to show the crowd their show “The Maze”. The members had added new movements; while the guard had added new flags and work to impress the crowd. As always, many Ben Davis fans were in the stands and were awed by the presentation. The Marching Giants received the needed Gold rating; and will be moving on to Regional competition on Saturday, October 16 at Center Grove HS. The band will perform at 8:19 pm.


Before the band heads to Center Grove on the 16th, they will present their show during halftime at the football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, October 9. After the game, the members will travel to Center Grove to participate in Center Grove Invitational with a performance time of 10:09 pm.

You have many opportunities to see the Marching Giants; won’t you come out and cheer them on? All the Marching Giants appreciate all their fans!

Upcoming events:
Practice:
October 6 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
October 7 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
October 8 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band
October 11 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm - Color Guard
October 12 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Brass & Woodwinds
October 12 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm - Percussion
October 13 - 3:30 to 6:00 pm - Full Band

Box Brigade Meeting:

October 7 – 7:00 pm

Performance:

October 9 – Lucas Oil Stadium – During Halftime

October 9 – Center Grove Invitational – 10:09 pm