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!

Marching Giants Prepare for 1st Competition

You will have two chances to see the Marching Giants in two different performances this Saturday, September 15. The Marching Giants will be one of the participants in the Annual Old Fashion Days parade in Clermont. The parade starts at 11:00 am; and begins at the intersection of SR136 and Raceway Road and ends at the Clermont Lions Club Park, where you will find vendors booths set-up. That same day, the Marching Giants will participate in their first competition of the season at the Fishers HS Invitational, Fishers, IN. The unit is set to take the field at 7:30 pm presenting their show “The Line Between Love and Hate” to fans in the stands. Dave Cole, band director, states, “This is our first chance to make an impression that will last for the rest of the season.”


Over the past week, the students have been adding additional music and movement to the show. While the students were on the field working on tweaking the show, about 20 parents and volunteers spent their Saturday, September 8, inside the HS helping to prepare props, practiced loading the semi-truck, cutting poles and building props. Cole stated, “Without our parent support, we cannot make it. Thank SO much!”

While the competition season is just under way, the Marching Giants are looking forward to hosting their own competition, Ben Davis Invitational, on Saturday, October 6. They are selling ad space in the programs. These programs will be available for sale, the day of the competition, to thousands of spectators that come from around the State. If you have a business or personal ad you would like to appear in the program, please contact the band office at 988-7211 for more information. The band is also taking personal messages to encourage the students starting at $1.00 a line. This is a great way to show your support for your child or the whole Band. Also available is Trophy Sponsorship. It has been a long-standing tradition that the trophies are sponsored by either businesses or individuals (many times as a tribute). Trophy sponsorships range from $25 (participation and caption awards) to $100 for 1st place trophy. If you know of a business or individual that would be interested in sponsoring a trophy, please contact Dave Cole at 988-7198.

With the marching season in full swing now, there will be many opportunities to see the Marching Giants, starting this Saturday; the members hope to “See You in the Stands!”

Marching Giants Dress for Half Time Show

The second football game of the season, found the Marching Giants dressed in full uniform. With the heat of the weather of late, the members have been seen in their travel uniforms for parades, ice cream social and the first football game. This past Friday the members were excited to perform to packed stands; but, the excitement also came from the students as they performed their show “The Thin Line Between Love and Hate” in full uniform for the first time this season. With the students dressing in full uniform they were able to find out which “Box” they would be assigned to and met their Box Moms, and in some cases, their Box Dads. The Box Parents volunteer their time to help the students look their best before taking the field. Once on the field, the members take pride in being part of the Marching Giants and the uniform. From head to toe, with the shako being positioned correctly to their shoes polished to a bright shine and everything fitting just so in between.


The half time show was a success this week as the members keep adding to their show. There are now fences as props that are taken apart and used in the show. Some of the members spin and dance with the fence pieces for a new visual effect getting “oohs and aahs” from the crowd. This is the first time in several years that the Marching Giants have used props as a visual effect in their show. After the spinning is finished, the fences are put back together and moved across the field for more effect.

This coming Saturday will be their last all day practice; as the following week, they begin their competition season. Their first competition will be at Fishers HS on September 15. Hope to…See you in the stands!

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/