In only their second appearance ever in the State Marching Band Finals at the RCA Dome, Decatur Central brought home the runner up trophy for second place. My daughter Emily was on the field, playing clarinet.
To take second, the Decatur band had to beat out 7 of the best bands in Indiana-- all of whom had to qualify through District and Regional competitions. Decatur tied with Northview High School for second place.
Only those close to marching bands, such as band parents, can understand all of the hard work and effort that goes into a marching band performance. And I'm not only proud of Emily, but every one of the band and color guard members who worked their tails off from the heat of summer, through the last practice just as the sun rose the morning of State Finals. Congratulations to all of them.
And congratulations to Greenwood High School, which won the Class B State Championship. My great-nephew played trombone while his dad, my nephew, helped with the pit crew.
It was a remarkable day that all of us who are connected with the Decatur Central Band will always remember.