[Jake Yoder]

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So im new to semi-state, being my first time and all, so how does the performance line-up get set up? Is it a draw like regionals or is it based on distance to travel?

[Luke S]

Semi-State is a random draw, but it also is determined by how far you have to travel.
So we know Ben Davis will go on in the first block of Class A, Castle will be in the last block.

[Todd Clevenger]

Well in short it is flawed but here is how they do it-First 7 spots are the closet bands to the performance site(based on an outdated websites driving time estimate) drawn in random order. The next 7 closest bands follow the same process and then the last 6. It does a GREAT job of allowing all the bands that have performed together all season to be grouped together.

[Matt Bonfield]

Well in short it is flawed but here is how they do it-First 7 spots are the closet bands to the performance site(based on an outdated websites driving time estimate) drawn in random order. The next 7 closest bands follow the same process and then the last 6. It does a GREAT job of allowing all the bands that have performed together all season to be grouped together.

I will add that although the blockings are chosen 7-7-6, the performance schedule ends up 5-5-5-5.

That REALLY makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

[Luke S]

Well in short it is flawed but here is how they do it-First 7 spots are the closet bands to the performance site(based on an outdated websites driving time estimate) drawn in random order. The next 7 closest bands follow the same process and then the last 6. It does a GREAT job of allowing all the bands that have performed together all season to be grouped together.

The other big flaw, is that some bands drive down the night before, so if a band that goes on in the last block decides to drive to X high schoo in the Indianapolis area, the night before, they will get to have a full nights rest and a full day of rehersal. How fair is that to a band who had to wake up at 5 with no rehersal before that show.

[Andrew Short]

The other big flaw, is that some bands drive down the night before, so if a band that goes on in the last block decides to drive to X high schoo in the Indianapolis area, the night before, they will get to have a full nights rest and a full day of rehersal. How fair is that to a band who had to wake up at 5 with no rehersal before that show.

Disagree. 

Yesterday, we made the trip to Evansville from Greenwood (4 hours one way) and back all in one day.  I don't think anyone saw that as a competitive disadvantage, even though a lot of the other bands had a 1-2 hour drive to our 4 hours.  New Palestine probably had a longer drive than we did, but that's it.  Please note, I am NOT complaining about the length of the trip, but it's an 18 hour day for the performers and probably 21+ hours for some of the adults. 

If you go in the night before, you are either sleeping on a gym floor or staying in a hotel close by?  If hotel, you can't prevent a band from spending themselves into that kind of advantage, but I doubt there are many in Indiana who can afford to do this. It's also a logistical nightmare. If they are sleeping on a gym floor, that, in my mind, eliminates any advantage they might have gained from their full night's sleep.

We are all exhausted today.  A hotel or gym overnight stay would have done nothing but prolonged the weekend.

[Bryan K. Sanders]

This is one where ISSMA could take a lesson from another state.  That being Kentucky.

For Regional draws, these are blind draw before the season starts. 

Oh wait, ISSMA has to decide a North / South line first. 

Any who, KMEA does a blind draw before the season starts.  It is guaranteed no band will go in the first 5 slots 2 years in a row.  There are no stipulations, no requests to go on last because of whatever...it is what it is. 

[GHSBandMom]

The other big flaw, is that some bands drive down the night before, so if a band that goes on in the last block decides to drive to X high schoo in the Indianapolis area, the night before, they will get to have a full nights rest and a full day of rehersal. How fair is that to a band who had to wake up at 5 with no rehersal before that show.

Not sure you really wanted to come off as complaining about fairness, but that's how I read it. Someone COULD complain about, oh say budgets for example, my guess is Avon who I LOVE to watch has as bigger budget than most any other band, doubt they would want to "level" that playing field, I know I wouldn't if I were them. There is no way to make things "even". You get them as level as you can, and go from there.
Please keep in mind that this post is in NO way meant to disrespect Avon in anyway, I hold them and the people I have met from there in high regard. Just used them as an example.

[Jeff B]

Not sure you really wanted to come off as complaining about fairness, but that's how I read it. Someone COULD complain about, oh say budgets for example, my guess is Avon who I LOVE to watch has as bigger budget than most any other band, doubt they would want to "level" that playing field, I know I wouldn't if I were them. There is no way to make things "even". You get them as level as you can, and go from there.
Please keep in mind that this post is in NO way meant to disrespect Avon in anyway, I hold them and the people I have met from there in high regard. Just used them as an example.

Wasn't budget the same reason Cathedral did not go to their regional?

[jameka]

What really drives me nuts is people getting on here complaining about ISSMA does it and how it isnt fair....well if you think you can do it better why dont you apply for a job at ISSMA?  Also, be glad you get the chance to go to semi state!  I personally think it is WAY too easy to move on to a semi state level.  All I hear is how the band wants to be an equal to sports, yet in sports in classes there are only 4 teams left at the semi state level and band brings in 20!!!  There are teams ranked 1 and 2 playing each other in sectionals and dont even move on to regionals in sports, yet in band ISSMA has made it so 90% of the bands move on.  Be happy that your band is able to go as far as it can and be happy that you have to travel, that means you have made it further in the year!!!   I do not like 4:00 mornings any better than anyone else, but what is the other option?  Staying home?

ISSMA CONGRATS ON THE GREATEST JOB YOU ARE ABLE TO DO WITH THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE!

[RyanAkers]

Disagree. 

Yesterday, we made the trip to Evansville from Greenwood (4 hours one way) and back all in one day.  I don't think anyone saw that as a competitive disadvantage, even though a lot of the other bands had a 1-2 hour drive to our 4 hours.  New Palestine probably had a longer drive than we did, but that's it.  Please note, I am NOT complaining about the length of the trip, but it's an 18 hour day for the performers and probably 21+ hours for some of the adults. 

The problem many are complaining of has NOTHING to do with distance- but with what time you need to be at school. We left our school at 5 am. Many of our competitors left after 8 am. That three hours DOES make a difference with teenagers.

[Ace Band Dad]

ISSMA CONGRATS ON THE GREATEST JOB YOU ARE ABLE TO DO WITH THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE!

The people at ISSMA , which includes many from the Indiana band director community, have no doubt spent countless hours discussing the pros and cons for contest logistics over the years.  A tough job with no one-size-fits-all solution that makes everyone happy.

[Mike Pavolko]

Any band that may drive down or up to Indy the night before, spend the night at a local Indy school and rehearse, gains no competitive advantage.  While they are driving the night before, there is one thing they are not doing......Rehearsing!  I would assume any other band is rehearsing the Friday evening prior.  I came up with a totally sarcastic way to solve the problem.  All bands are in the draw and can be drawn for any time slot regardless of how far they are away from the site.  However, each band will be required to take the same bus trip as the school located furthest from the site.  Example, the furthest band is 3 hours away, the next closest band is 2.5 hours away and will have to add an additional .5 hours to there bus ride.  The school nearest the site is 15 minutes away and will have to add 2 hours 45 minutes to their trip.  They could do laps around 465 or check out Brown County in the fall.  Of course we would need ISSMA time keepers to track the time, or maybe they could check the odometers before and after.  I almost forgot to mention that you have the option of taking your bus ride the day of or the night before.  Totally rediculous but it levels the field. Everyone is spending the same money from their dwindling budgets on fuel and not any of the other things thay may help their program.  I agree with the others who have stated it's as fair as it's going to get.

[Bryan K. Sanders]

Here is the problem Mike, ISSMA has blinders on.  This is always how it's been, this is how it is, and this is how it is always going to be.  PERIOD!  Just about every organization I am aware of has always listened and made improvements.  However, ISSMA or whomever the secret wizard is behind the curtain at the house is who runs the joint, refuses to listen.  "Your mind is like a parachute, it only work's when it's open!"  ISSMA is headed for a fall, and it isn't the season.  I think what people want is fairness. None of this exception bull crap to where a band says "we have 20 ppl running track and can't perform until last."  How many exceptions are going to be made? 

The most fair way is having a blind draw.  The only stipulation is no band will be in the first five performing spots two consecutive years. No exceptions, no concessions, this is how it is.

[Mike Pavolko]

Bryan, my comments were made only regarding distance traveled.  You are obviously more intimate with what goes on during the draws and this may be your life's passion.  It's my son's passion and I am only looking at it from that perspective.  I agree there should be no special consideration given to bands with students involved with other activities that create time conflicts.  Our band has a 3 hour bus ride if they make no stops.  I don't agree with you that it would be most fair for them to draw the first time slot, while the band nearest the sight draws the last in hopes that over the course of several years it will even itself out.  Some bands may not have this opportunity every year. When will their payback come?