Just wondering if anyone noticed our little after performance activity on the north side of the track.  We invited Richmond, Winchester and Jay County to all come together to drum.  We ended up with 11 snares, 5 tenors, 9 bass drums and 4 cymbals!  We just played a simple eights exercise and a basic ones and ones roll exercise! We ended with a long 16th note roll (that was actually kinda clean)...alot of friendly hand shakes, good laughs, and pats on the back.  Their is no tension or even awkwardness just several groups coming together for a common interest.  If their were more groups near by that was able to join in on short notice they were more than welcome.  Someone said (amongst the massive crowd)  to one of the directors..."why are they doing this? Arn't they supposed to be rivals" I believe the response was "its not about winning...its about the experience, hard work and great support for each other"  So to all you that is obsessed with scoring and "beating" each other, your missing out on the big picture! EVERYONE works hard, gives up countless hours of personal time inside and out side of practice and just wants to be the best they can! After this mega drumline split...all i heard from my group (Jay County) as well as the others, was how cool everyone is with each other and they wanted to do it again at the night show... Maybe next year

THIS, my friends, is what this activity is about.  I hope someone got pics or video of this event.  BRAVO to the person or persons who put this together!

70.9 - Winchester
69.8 - Muncie Southside
65.7 - Jay County
65.3 - Richmond
61.4 - Centerville
60.0 - Anderson
59.0 - Northeastern
56.9 - Kokomo
54.2 - Hagerstown
53.0 - Muncie Central
52.7 - Yorktown
51.2 - Frankton
49.7 - Union County
45.5 - Sheridan
41.0 - Cloverdale
40.4 - Monroe Central
36.6 - Cardinal Ritter
34.3 - Shortridge Magnet
31.9 - North Decatur
29.0 - Western Boone

365 days until 2011 State Fair Band Day.  Let the countdown begin!

Scores from the Centerville show:

60.9 - Muncie Southside (Visual)
60.2 - Northeastern (Visual Effect & Music Effect)
59.3 - Richmond (Music)
58.9 - Winchester
57.9 - Jay County
55.3 - Hagerstown
51.7 - Centerville
47.3 - Yorktown
46.8 - Muncie Central
46.6 - Cambridge City Lincoln
33.1 - Cloverdale

The first 8 bands appeared in finals and then the contest was called due to lightning.  New Albany and Southwestern were the only bands from Indiana to make finals.

There were not many bands registered for this event and the sponsor chose to cancel it.

Ultimately, it's a resource issue.  Some bands have members that are also involved in fall sports (as some have already pointed out on here) and allowing those members to "do their thing" in the fall (while still maintaining membership in band) is a good thing IMO.  There are also staff people who are involved with their own university ensembles during the fall and may have limited time to come out and work with their groups.  And quite frankly, some groups just don't have the financial resources to compete during the fall.  Someone had quoted me some numbers recently for groups that would compete 4-5 weekends as well as all the ISSMA Marching Events.  The entry fees alone (not even considering staff/design costs, transportation, etc.) were staggering.  I would imagine some of the smaller schools just don't have the funds available (especially in today's economy).  

The summer season is shorter, cheaper, and still gives the members the experience of performing and competing.  I've also heard that some bands actually "make money" during the summer due to the cash prizes that are awarded at many of the shows.  And have you seen the size of the crowds that regularly show up at track shows?   I doubt you'll find that amount of people at your typical Saturday invitational.

Both seasons are great and groups that compete during either should be applauded for their efforts!  

My favorite part of Band Day is always the anticipation that Kim Wilhoit will spontaneously break out in a fire baton routine during finals awards.