Marching Giants Finish out Season 16th in the Nation

The Marching Giants finish out their season with several events over the past week. On Thursday, November 10th, they traveled to Lucas Oil Stadium for Music for All’s Bands of America (BOA) Grand National preliminary competition. 92-Bands from across the United States took the field over two days in hopes of making it as one of the top 33 bands to move on to semi-finals. Ben Davis took the field at 7:30 pm for preliminary competition as many fans packed the seats to support the Marching Giants. Once the performance was finished, many spectators stated this was the Marching Giants best performance of the season; they felt the Band would make it to semi-finals; but, would have to wait until Friday evening for results.

On Friday evening, the Marching Giants return to Lucas Oil Stadium to support Tom Barnett as he was presented with the 2011 Patrick John Hughes Parent / Booster Award presented by Music for All. The Marching Giants all wore t-shirts with the Band logo on the front and “Thank You Tom” on the back. Tom has been involved with the Marching Giants since 1973. He currently is the crew chief, but has held other positions over the years, including booster club president and contest host. Tom has seen the Marching Giants in some of the most prestigious parades and the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. With his years of service and dedication to the Band program, it is fitting Tom received this prestigious award. “Thank You, Tom!” for all you do for the Marching Giants. After Tom received his award, the Marching Giants found out they be one of the 33 bands that would be moving on to semi-finals competition on Saturday with a performance time of 9:45 am.

With a 9:45 am performance time, the Marching Giants returned to the HS at 5:00 am. The members practiced one final time before putting on their uniforms and loading their eight buses to return to Lucas Oil Stadium. Many fans had returned to see their Tables Have Turned show. The Marching Giants took the field to give it their all. And, that they did! The Directors, parents, booster, fans from other schools, commented on how well they had performed. But, yet again, they would have to wait until after 5:00 pm to see if their show was one of the top 12 scores allowing them to move on to finals that evening. The members returned to the HS to have some lunch and get some rest before returning to learn which 12 bands were moving forward.

The Ben Davis Marching Giants tied for 16th place in semi-finals on Saturday. The members would not be moving on to finals; but did not have a reason to be disappointed. They had accomplished much over this marching season; improving places at school competitions, ISSMA State, and BOA Super Regional and Grand Nationals. Everyone in the Community is very proud of each and every one of the members. As John Papandria, director of bands, states before every competition, “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:
Craft Fair:
November 19, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Ninth Grade Center Cafeteria

Practice:November 22, ToR Rehearsal, 3:30 to 6 pm