High school competitors from around the state will gather in Indianapolis this weekend to compete for the State Championship. It has taken dedication, talent, stamina, conditioning, hundreds of hours of practice, teamwork and standout individual accomplishment.
It's the Indiana High School Marching Band championships. And if you have not seen a recent high school band contest, you have no idea of what you are missing. These are not your father's band shows. No forming the outline of a flower and playing "Everything's Coming Up Roses." These bands perform in ways that are both musically and athletically challenging. They display amazing musicianship while marching -- sometimes nearly running -- in precise intricate formations and patterns.
None of this comes easy. These students have been working hard since mid-summer, in heat, and rain, and now cold. Two-weeks of band camp, then a weekly schedule four 3-hours practices and weekly competitions, all while keeping up with homework.
Now the best go to the Dome to determine a state champion in four classes -- including the Decatur Central Marching Band (and my daughter Emily playing clarinet) -- and also the Greenwood Band with my great-nephew playing trombone. So take some time and cheer them on.
GO DECATUR ! ! ! WIN STATE ! ! !
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