Marching Giants Perform During Half Time

Ben Davis hosted Cathedral HS on Friday, August 17, for the season opener football game; and where there is football; there is also the Marching Giants. With mild temperatures for August, the stands were packed with fans from both schools. While the members of the band prepared the field for the show, fans in the stands gave shout outs to the band as the anticipation built for the show to be begin. For this presentation, the band had some technical difficulties when the flute solo could not be heard. Within seconds, the issue was resolved and members did not miss a beat of the show. As the members of the band start their show with just the beat of the front ensemble, the flute is heard and the crowd goes wild. Members perform their body movement as the flute solo concludes and the members’ pick-up their instruments and begin playing the first movement entitled “Reaching Out”. While the band members play and move across the field, the color guard creates visual effect as they swing flags and rifles throughout the band.

For the second movement of the show, the members play “Rejection”. Again this year, the show’s music is original music by Don Barrett, composer. The members have only learned the first two movements of the show; but, when the show is finished will have learned the remaining two movements entitled “Acceptance” for the third movement; while the fourth movement has not been given to the students yet. Everyone waits in excitement for the final two moments to be put on the field. The members continue to practice, add, and prefect their show.

Your next chance to see what they have added is Friday, August 31, when Ben Davis will host North Central for Friday night football. See you in the stands!

Practice:
  August 22, Full Band, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
  August 23, Full Band, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
  August 25, Full Band, 8 am to 4:30 pm
  August 27, Color Guard, 6 pm to 9 pm
  August 28, Brass / Woodwinds, 3:30 to 6 pm
  August 28, Percussion, 6 pm to 9 pm
  August 29, Brass / Woodwinds, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
  August 31, Friday Night Football, Call Time, 5 pm
Performance:
  August 31, Ben Davis host North Central, 7 pm, Giants Stadium

Ice Cream Social a “Giant” Success

Despite forecasted rain, the Marching Giants took the field at Giants Stadium for their annual Ice Cream Social on Thursday, August 9. Many fans filled the stands for this annual event. Distinguished guest included Dr. Jeff Butts, superintendent, David Marcotte, chief personnel officer, and John Taylor, director of secondary education, from the Wayne Township Administrative Team. The evening started out the brass and woodwind members in 17 lines of 9 – 10 students presenting to the crowd their body warm-up. Members have learned ballet movements, such as, Degagé, meaning foot slightly leaves the field, Tendu, the working leg is extended to the front, side or back, gradually along the field until only the tip of the toe remains touching the field. The show “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” requires the members to march, roll, and dance as they move from position to position all while playing their instruments. The body warm-up allows the kids to stretch and loosen their muscles to prepare their bodies while learning movements to use in their performance. After the brass and woodwind finished, the color guard members presented their body warm-up; showing the crowd much grace and pose. Due to the incoming weather, the directors thought it best to cut some corners and move straight to presenting the show.

The show starts with most members placing their instruments on the field or sideline. Only senior, Kelsey Mendenhall, playing her flute and the members of the pit begin playing. Kelsey is carried on a platform by the drum line across the field as she continues play. As the flute solo plays, the rest of the members are divided by “a thin line”; with the brass on one side of the field and the woodwinds on the other. Members dance with one another before picking up their instruments; and are then joined by the color guard as they begin spinning flags and rifles. The excitement builds in the stands as the crowd is impressed with the beginning of the 2012 marching season.

Want to see more of the Marching Giants; they will be back at Giants Stadium on Friday, August 17, for the season opener football game; when the Giants host Cathedral. Game time is 7 pm; with the Marching Giants as the half-time entertainment. See you in the stands!

Practice:
  August 15, Full Band, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
  August 16, Full Band, 5:30 to 7:00 pm
  August 20, Color Guard, 6 pm to 9 pm
  August 21, Brass / Woodwinds, 3:30 to 6 pm
  August 21, Percussion, 6 pm to 9 pm
  August 22, Full Band, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
Performance:
  August 17, Ben Davis host Cathedral, 7 pm, Giants Stadium

See photos here:  http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4827814020/a=1447614020_1447614020/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Marching Giants Plan for First Performance at Annual Ice Cream Social

The Marching Giants will take the field at their annual Ice Cream Social on Thursday. Dave Cole, band director, states, “A Thin Line Between Love & Hate includes original music by composer Don Barrett and visual design by Greg Hagen and Jack Pursifull; color guard choreography by Brayton Mendenhall and Nate Erwin. The 2012 Marching Giants program explores a multitude of opportunities both musically and visually. Contrasting musical styles and a sophisticated visual design highlight the differences and similarities within these two passions. The music for our show is original and has never been performed before. Bringing new music to the marching field further strengthens the Marching Giants reputation as an innovator. This year’s production promises moments of absolute beauty and segments of fire and excitement!”

The 2012 Ice Cream Social will be held Thursday, August 9, at 7:30 pm, in Giant Stadium. Come see the debut of the 2012 production of “A Thin Line Between Love & Hate!” The kids have put in many hours of practice over the summer. “You will see the kid’s hard work on the show has put the Marching Giants in a positive position”, states Cole.

Before the Ice Cream Social, you can be part of the Marching Giants “tailgate party” from 5 pm to 7 pm. The Band Boosters will be holding the party in Giants Stadium under the home seats. Nelson’s BBQ will be with us again providing their awesome chicken. Tickets are $10.00 presale; $12.00 day of the Ice Cream Social. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting the band office at 317.988.7211. The dinner will include, port-a-pit chicken, Rotini pasta salad, pit-tatoes, Texas style baked beans, rolls and butter, iced tea and lemonade. This is a convenient way for your family to have dinner and make the performance on time.

Please join us; we are counting on a large crowd for the kids to perform for; and you won’t be disappointed. See you in the stands!