Marching Giants Host ISSMA Semi-State

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!

Marching Giants Compete at BOA Super Regional

While still on Fall Break, the Marching Giants continue to practice and perform. Members continued to practice last week as they prepared for Bands of America Super Regional downtown. After an all day practice on Thursday and morning practice on Friday, the Marching Giants loaded their eight buses and head down to Lucas Oil Stadium for the Bands of America Super Regional preliminary performance. This competition was a two-day scheduled event with preliminary performances from fifty-two bands from eight states. All of these bands were competing for one of fourteen spots in final performance on Saturday evening. The Marching Giants arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium while it was raining. They were unable to hold circles outside; but the rain did not stop this tradition, they form the “circle” on the buses. Section leaders were able to continue the tradition by giving words of encouragement to the members before they entered the stadium, some for the first time. After, they unloaded the buses and began the decent down the long ramp into the underbelly of the stadium. Making stops in physical and music warm-ups before taking the field.
Finally, the members were on the field and ready to show all the fans in the stands their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”. If any member was still nervous, the audience was unable to tell, as the members give it their all. During the show, the audience can be heard cheering and clapping during different places; after the flute solo, after the trumpet trio, during and after the drumline solo, after the music quiets and becomes loud again. The fans in the stands are not disappointed with this fast paced marching and awesome music from the Marching Giants. The show completes and the Marching Giants load their instruments on the equipment trucks and themselves on to their buses. Members return to the HS and head home. They would have to wait until last Saturday afternoon to find out if they would make finals.
Saturday, they return to the HS for morning and afternoon practice. Dinner was provided by the Band Boosters. After dinner, the members convened in band room to watch the preliminary awards ceremony. With fifty-two bands receiving participation awards, the anticipation built in the room. Finally, the announcer would call out, in no particular order, the top fourteen bands. These bands would perform in finals competition Saturday evening. Ben Davis was the fourth band to be called. The band room erupts in screams and cheers. However, the members, parents and staff could only celebrate for a moment, since they would be the fifth band to perform and everyone needed to load the buses and head back to Lucas Oil Stadium.

Ben Davis took the field at 8:15 pm; and with the top fourteen bands performing, the stands were packed with fans waiting to see all the top bands. The Marching Giants did not disappoint the fans. The performance was their best to date. The crowd is pleased as well. The Marching Giants received a stand ovation along with cheers and loud claps from their dedicated fans and new fans. After their performance, the members were able to relax and watch some of the other bands perform before awards. Since this was a BOA Super Regional, all the members from the fourteen bands would line the field in full retreat.
All the bands awaited the announcer to call their name for placement. The first three bands are called; members and fans did not heard Ben Davis, the next three places are called and Ben Davis is not one them; place 8th is called and then 7th, this time the announcer calls out the Ben Davis Marching Band. Ben Davis placed 7th overall for this Super Regional. The drum majors proudly receive the trophy for all the Marching Giants. Job well done!
Next week, the Marching Giants perform in ISSMA Semi-State competition. This is the next to the last stop before State competition; and will take place on their home field. Good Luck Marching Giants. For all you Fans…See You in the Stands!

Marching Giants Are One Step Closer to ISSMA State

Fall Break began for all of Wayne Township schools on Friday, October 12; but your Marching Giants return to the HS on Saturday to compete in ISSMA Regional competition. Four sites around the state would hosted this annual event. The Marching Giants would, once again, travel to Center Grove HS to compete against 15 other bands in hopes of receiving a Gold rating and placing in the top 10 scores to advance to Semi-State.

Saturday morning, the students arrived for five hours of practice to prepare for the ensuing competition. While the kids were grooming their show for the evening, approximately 10 volunteers were inside the HS preparing dinner for the unit. After practice, the members loaded the trucks and returned inside to partake in food, fellowship, and a little relaxation. When they finished eating, they went to the dressing room to put on their uniforms and return to the band room. The rain had come in while the members were eating; but when it was time to load the buses, the rain had stopped; but the wind had remained. The crew, concerned with keeping the props intact, loaded the sand bags on the truck just to be safe. With instruments, children, props, directors, and chaperones, all loaded on buses, semi and box trucks, the Marching Giants were ready to hit the road to Greenwood, IN for their next stop as they continue down the road that will take them to Lucas Oil Stadium and ISSMA State finals.

When all eight buses arrived, the members unloaded their instruments and prepared for the evening by attending “circles” for each section. The section leaders, directors, and drum majors speak to the students with words of encouragement before they took the field. Before moving through warm-ups, the directors found out there would be a 10 minute delay in the schedule due to a medical emergency that one of the other bands had experienced. Members were not aware and continued on with their normal routine of physical and music warm-ups. The time had arrived for the Marching Giants to take the field; many fans in the stands cheered and clapped. The wind was still a factor; but the props were prepared with the sandbags; the students did not have to worry about them blowing over this evening. The announcer presented the Marching Giants and their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” while the crowd continued to cheer the members. Once all the props, equipment, and students were in place, all was quite in the stands as the flute solo starts and the show was underway. Throughout the show, phrases have been added where students say, “There’s a thin line between love and hate; it’s complicated; and love and hate, love and hate” echoed. Approximately seven minutes later, the show is finished and everyone in the stands is back on their feet cheering and clapping for the members and a job well done.

Ben Davis was the next to the last band to perform so they did not have to wait long for awards. However, it felt like a life time since the ratings are presented in performance order. Fourteen bands would receive their rating before Ben Davis would be announced; finally, the time had arrived, and the Marching Giants had done it; received a Gold rating. Next, the announcement of the schools with the top ten scores; and, for the second time that evening, Ben Davis is announced. The Marching Giants will be competing in Semi-State competition in their home stadium on Saturday, October 27; performance time is 1:52 pm. The Marching Giants will host the top 20 bands, in Class A, from around the state as they continue their quest in hopes of competing in ISSMA State competition.

Next week, you can see the Marching Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium for Bands of America Super Regional. This is a two day competition where the Marching Giants will first perform Friday afternoon at 4:15 pm. They will then find out on Saturday afternoon the results of the schools moving to finals. While many students will enjoy the two week fall break, your Marching Giants will be out on the field practicing and performing for the love of their show. They hope to…See You in the Stands!

Marching Giants Ben Davis Invitational; Sponsored By Qdoba Mexican Grill

Saturday, October 6, the Marching Giants hosted their contest “Preview of Champions”. Thirteen bands from around the state traveled to Ben Davis HS to participate in the contest. The day began with Class D and C bands taking the field. Among this group was Lewis Cass Marching Kings, they competed for the first time since the passing of their band director, Mike Clark. Principal, Mark Karmel, stated in the Pharos Tribune, “He really was an awesome teacher, not only in music, but in life lessons.” Clark passed away, Sunday, September 30; after a 10-year battle with cancer. The Marching Band community keeps his family and band family in their thoughts and prayers. During the awards ceremony, the Marching Kings would place first in Class D; making their director very proud. The Marching Braves from Maconaquah HS placed first in Class C.
After a short break, Classes B and A would present their shows to the many fans in the stands. While the scores were being tallied and confirmed, your Marching Giants took the field to present their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” in exhibition to the visiting fans and their fans in the stands. Earlier in the day, they finished adding all the drill to the show; making their show complete. This would be the first time fans would see the completed show. New formations, flags and music gave fans more reasons to cheer and support their program. The final formation creates a heart on the field while the color guard hold flags of yellow silk with red and pink hearts. Once they were finished, the awards for Class B and A were handed out. The Marching Cougars from Bloomington North HS would receive first place in Class B. While Brownsburg’s Marching Bulldogs would receive first place in Class A. Congratulations to all the bands on their great performances.
This event would not be possible without the volunteers that helped with parking, hospitality, guides, director check-in, isle security, warm-up areas, and many other areas, along with all the donations and the giving of their time. The Marching Giants would also like to thank all the individuals, businesses, and groups that gave donations for trophy sponsorships and advertisements in the program. Special thanks goes to Qdoba Mexican Grill for sponsoring the event. Thank you everyone for another successful Ben Davis Invitational!
Next week, the Marching Giants travel to Center Grove HS to continue their march to State as they compete in ISSMA Regional. Performance time is 8:45 pm. See You in the Stands!

Senior Members Honored; Marching Giants Participate in ISSMA District

Friday, September 28, the Marching Giants honored the largest graduating class in many years. 55 members and their parents were presented before the half-time show. The following students are part of the Class of 2013:

Eric Ehizokhale, Leland Gupton, Carson Henderson, Amber Jackson, Bryce Lee, Jacob Wistendahl, Rebecca Cable, Michael Fleming, Chad Bridgwater, Allison Downing, Leanne Howard, Tomiwa Awobayuu, Amelia Delong, Ashley Earnest, Annabella Habegger, Baily Jones, Brianna Jones, Amanda Latta, Octavia Lee, Kara McKinney, Olivia Peavler, Sara Garrett, Drue Rodeghier, Kassidy Simpson,
Megan Smith, Kokeb Gebre, Alyssa Burke, Hussien Goson, Kayla Houston, Brook Cooper, Paige Huston, Jose Sanchez, Jaden Shepperd, Gelila Teklu, Rachel White, Andria Camp, Valerie Friberg, Martell Person, Joe Stovall, Emily Wessel, Louis Wieseman, Jack Akard, Tayler Bennett, Tyler Blythe, Jevon Robinson, Michael Whiteside, Kyle Ziko, Tyler Blascow, George Cooper, Anthony Johnson, Marcus Shoemaker, Devon Stelle, Kelsey Mendenhall, Jessica Purvis, Jayashree Brown-Riddles

Thanks to all the seniors for the many memories over their three to four years as a Marching Giant!
Saturday, the Marching Giants begin the march to Lucas Oil Stadium for State Competition. The Marching Giants began Saturday, September 29, at the HS for practice before heading to Plainfield HS later in the afternoon. Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) sponsored competition that begins with District and ends with State. District is held at seven locations, with 148 bands in four different Classes from around the state. Ben Davis HS participated at the Plainfield location as one of five bands in the Class A category. These bands are looking for a Gold rating in order to move to the next level, Regionals. The Marching Giants went through warm-ups and were ready to take the field. Fans pack the stands from one end to the other. The crowd erupts in cheers as the members began to file out onto the field. As fans have seen in past weeks, the Band has added new music, drill and movement, along with new flags for the color guard to extend the show. Ben Davis performed third in the line-up of five; they gave it their all. Members left the field feeling good about their performance. Members returned their instruments to the buses and grabbed a snack provided by Boosters. The drum majors return to the stadium to participate in the awards ceremony. All five bands in Class A receive a Gold rating and will be moving on to Regional competition on Saturday, October 13, at Center Grove HS, in Greenwood.

Next week, the Marching Giants host their own competition – Preview of Champions. The Marching Giants will perform in exhibition Saturday evening. See You in the Stands!

Bands of America Regional Competition in Louisville, KY

The Marching Giants participated in Bands of America Regional Competition in Louisville, KY at the University of Louisville Papa John’s stadium. Ben Davis would be one of 17 bands from five states around the country. Arriving early at the HS, Saturday, September 22, 2012, the members grabbed their uniforms and loaded five buses and headed south. A sixth bus contacted the Marching Giants fans. Once the buses arrived at Papa John’s stadium, the Band Boosters had sack lunches waiting for the members to enjoy. The weather was warm; but a bit breezy. After lunch, the members dressed in full uniform and prepared for circles. Section leaders, drum majors and the directors spoke with the members giving them positive and supportive words of encouragement. Finally, the time had arrived for the Marching Giants to move toward the stadium. Before taking the field, the members stop at warm-up where they warm-up their bodies and instruments before their show. After, they move to the stadium and prepare themselves mentally for the show. They arrived while the previous band is finishing up their show. As the members march onto the field, fans in the stands begin to show their support by spelling out

B-E-N D-A-V-I-S!

All is quiet; the announcer presented the Marching Giants and their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” in preliminary competition. The flute and saxophone begin to play as the other members begin body movement. Members in the stands could tell the Marching Giants had an unwelcome element on the field. The wind caused their props to blow over and made it hard for the guard members to catch their equipment. Your Marching Giants pushed through their show, played their music, and continued with their body moves. Once the show was finished, the members marched proudly off the field. Awards for preliminaries would not be announced for four hours; so, the members loaded their buses and headed for Jeffersonville HS where the Band Boosters prepared dinner for the members. Before eating, the members had about an hour to rest and relax and stretch their bodies again. Keeping flexible is a requirement to prevent injuries. After relaxing, the members enjoyed their cookout; and found out they had moved on to finals by winning first in their class and had received the individual award for General Effect. The members were excited and prepared to return back to Papa John’s stadium. Once again, the members loaded their buses and headed back to the University of Louisville. Once there, they had additional down time; but made the best of it by making friends with members from others bands that had also made it into finals competition.

After making new found friendships, the members donned their uniforms and headed to warm-ups once again. 9:30 pm found the Marching Giants on the field. Fans again spelled out Ben Davis and could not wait to see their performance in finals. Thankfully the winds were calm for this performance and they presented their best show. Fans were on their feet, cheering, and waving pompons, because the final performance was the best they had seen to date. Members and fans did not have to wait long to find out results since the Marching Giants were the 8th band to perform out of 10. All band members lined up for Full Retreat. This consists of all 10 finalist bands to take their place on the field. During the awards ceremony, the Marching Giants were presented with medals for their 1st place in Class AAAA during preliminaries. Awards are presented from 10th to 1st place. Bands were being called for their awards; but Ben Davis was not among them. Finally the top three places were all that was left. The announcer called Ben Davis for 3rd place. Fans screamed and cheered for their Marching Giants and the accomplishments they had achieved during the day. Once the ceremony completed, the members broke ranks to congratulate members from any of the other nine bands on the field. After, the members loaded their buses and headed north to Indianapolis.

The day could not have happened without all the help from the volunteers including the box brigade for helping to prepare the uniforms before the members left, to the crew members that stayed at the stadium to repair props after the high winds wrecked havoc to them during preliminaries, to the Band Boosters that cooked and served dinner for everyone. Dave Cole, band director, stated, “What a great fun block we had! Thanks families.”

Next week, the Marching Giants perform during half-time at the football game on Friday, September 28, at which time the senior members will be honored; and ISSMA District competition at Plainfield HS on Saturday, September 29. See You in the Stands!

Half-Time Show, Clermont Parade, Fishers Invitational

The Marching Giants had a very busy weekend. Friday, September 14, they reported to the band room directly after school to practice before their performance at half-time. After the short practice the members grabbed a quick bite to eat and changed into their uniforms. Some jitters were present, mostly from the new members; but this is their home stadium, and it was homecoming, so they marched out proudly and presented their show to the homecoming crowd. Cheers came as the show began; but quieted down as the music begins and the members start their movement. As the show completed, the crowd is back on their feet, cheering and clapping as the members march off the field. The members are released after half-time since they have a full schedule on Saturday.

Saturday morning many members attend section breakfast in locations like Flapjacks, Burger, King, McDonalds and other location. Section breakfast allow the members to gather and discuss the show from the night before and forth coming competition later in the day. The members arrive at the HS at 8:00 am to begin practice. Before leaving for the competition, the Marching Giants are happy to represent the Wayne Township Community; they finish up their practice, and load eight buses to head to Clermont, IN to take part in Clermont Old Fashion Days. The parade steps off at 11:00 am and features, politicians, MSD of Wayne Township representative, including Dr. Jeff Butts, superintendent, and, of course, your Marching Giants. As the Marching Giants move along the parade route, the crowds move closer to the curb to observe the greats band in the township. Cheers, clapping, and screams can be heard as they play Battle Hymn of the Republic. Once the parade was finished, the members loaded their buses to head back to the HS. More practice; and then they were off to the First Annual Fishers Invitational at Fishers HS.

New members find they were nervous for their first competition; but found upper classmen around to give encouraging words and stories to help easy their worries. Once the students arrive at Fishers, HS, the Band Boosters have prepared sack lunches for the students to enjoy. The members enjoy fellowship before dressing into full uniform. Ben Davis was scheduled as the last unit to perform. By the time they stepped on the field, the stands were packed with fans from around the state. Fans in the stands begin the cheer that spells out Ben Davis to show their pride in the “purple train”; then all is quiet and the music begins. Fans find the color guard uniforms have arrived just in time for the competition. The mauve, grey, and black fabrics with silver sequins that shimmer as the guard members move and dance around. Also new are swing flags used in the final movement of their show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”. The flags flow and create ruffles in the breeze. The show finishes and the crowd is on their feet. Awards follow shortly after the Marching Giants finish. Ben Davis is award third place in their Class. The directors, parents and fans are very proud of the Marching Giants. When the buses arrive back at the HS, many of the fans are in the parking lot honking their horns and flashing their lights to show the support. Whether it’s a football game, a parade, or competition, the Wayne Township community is there to support the Marching Giants; and the students are happy to be part of this community.

Next week, the Marching Giants travel to Louisville, KY for Band of America Regional competition. See You in the Stands!