As we approach the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Marching Band Finals coming up this weekend, let’s take a few moments to look back on the history of the event, and how some of the bands competing have made names for themselves on the field and the legacies they leave behind. In addition to some fan favorites that have appeared at a multitude of ISSMA State Finals, the 2011 marching season also brings three newcomers to the ISSMA State Finals competition – Franklin Central H.S., Munster H.S., and Leo H.S.

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Class A State Finalists

Avon – The Avon Marching Black and Gold has competed in the ISSMA State Finals seventeen times, spanning Classes A, B, and C. After coming in third in 1981 (Class C), and ninth and tenth in 1984 and 1985 respectively (Class A), Avon High School did not appear in the ISSMA State Finals again until 1997. Ever since that year, for the past fourteen consecutive seasons, Avon has been a part of the ISSMA State Finals each year, participating in Class B from 1997-2002, and jumping into Class A in 2003. In addition, Avon has won a state title nine times, including twice in Class B (‘01 and ’02), and seven times in Class A (’03, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’09, and ’10). Their 2011 program is entitled “Oddities” and features symphonies from Beethoven, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Mahler, and Brahms.

Ben Davis – The Ben Davis Marching Giants have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-nine times and the ISMA State Finals six times, appearing in Class A competition every time. Ben Davis has appeared at every ISSMA State Finals competition since 1981, with the exception of the 1999 marching season. Prior to 1981, they competed at the ISMA State Finals competition from 1975-1980. Ben Davis won the ISMA State Finals twice in ’76 and ’77, and the ISSMA State Finals seven times (’82, ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87, ’88, and ’93). Ben Davis High School has placed in the top five of the ISSMA Class A State Finals twenty-two times within the past three decades. In 2010, Ben Davis placed eighth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “The Tables Have Turned” and features original music by Don Barrett.

Carmel – The Carmel Marching Greyhounds have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-two times since 1985, appearing in Class A competition every time. Carmel has appeared at every ISSMA State Finals competition since 1985, with the exception of the 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2010 marching seasons. Of their twenty-two ISSMA State Finals appearances, Carmel High School won the title three times (’90, ’01, and ’02), and has placed in the top five eighteen times. Their 2011 program is entitled “Going Viral” and features original music by Richard Saucedo and Michael McIntosh.

Castle – The Castle Marching Knights have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-one times since in 1983, appearing in Class A competition every time. Their highest placement ever was in 2005 when they tied Homestead for second place. Castle High School has placed in the top five at the ISSMA State Finals seven times. In 2010, Castle placed tenth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Clowncerto” and features “Carnival of the Animals” (Camille Saint-Seans), “Send in the Clowns” (Stephen Sondheim), “Pagliacci” (Ruggero Leoncavallo), and “Barber of Seville” (Gioachino Rossini).

Center Grove – The Center Grove Marching Trojans have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-nine times and the ISMA State Finals once, in 1974, where they placed third. They have appeared at every state finals competition since 1981, with the exception of 2004. Center Grove competed in Class B in ’81, ’82, and ’84, achieving third place each year. The rest of their time has been spent competing in ISSMA Class A, winning the competition in ’89, ’91, and ’99. Center Grove High School has placed in the top five at the ISSMA State Finals twenty-four times. In 2010, Center Grove placed fourth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Tug of War” and features “Amazing Grace” (John Newton), “Alexander Nevsky” (Sergei Prokofiev), “Elegy for Dunkirk” (Dario Marianelli), and “Requiem for a Dream” (Clint Mansell).

Franklin Central – This is the first year that the Franklin Central Marching Flashes have made it to the ISSMA State Finals. They have, however, won the Indiana State Fair Band Day competition six times (’93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’98, and ’99). Their 2011 program is entitled “Transformation” and features “Scythian Suite” (Sergei Prokofiev) and “Clair de Lune” (Claude Debussy).

Homestead – The Homestead Spartan Alliance Band has competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-four times and the ISMA State Finals three times. They appeared at the ISMA Class B State Finals in ’73, ’79, and ’80, and the ISSMA Class B State Finals from 1987-1991. In 1992, Homestead High School jumped into Class A where they received their first state title. They have appeared at every ISSMA Class A State Finals competition since 1992 winning four titles (’92, ’94, ’95, and ’96) and ranking in the top five for the past twenty-two seasons. In 2010, Homestead placed third at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Children of the Sun” and features “Sunrise” (Kent Klee), “Children of the Sun” (Kent Klee), “Eclipse” (Roger Waters), and “Finale” (Kent Klee).

Lake Central – The Lake Central Tribe of Pride has competed in the ISSMA State Finals twelve times, dating back to 1983, and the ISMA State Finals four times, appearing in Class A competition the entire time. They have not yet won a state title. Their highest placement was second, which occurred in the ISMA Class A competition in both ‘73 and ’76. Lake Central High School achieved their highest ranking in ISSMA Class A competition in 2008 and 2010 when they ranked fifth. Their 2011 program is entitled “Somewhere in Time” and features “Somewhere in Time” (John Barry) and original music by Richard Saucedo.

Lawrence Central – The Spirit of Central from Lawrence Central High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty times, appearing in Class B competition from 1984-1986, and Class A competition after that. Lawrence Central has appeared in every ISSMA Class A competition since 1994, with the exception of 2005. Lawrence Central won their first state title in 1997, and won again in ’98, ’00, and ’08. Throughout their seventeen ISSMA Class A State Finals appearances, Lawrence Central has ranked in the top five fifteen times, and been either first or second thirteen times. In 2010, Lawrence Central placed second at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Drumatic” and features “Concerto Fantasy” (Philip Glass) and “Raise the Roof” (Michael Daugherty).

Penn – The Penn Marching Kingsmen have competed in the ISSMA State Finals thirteen times since 1994 and the ISMA State Finals twice in ’73 and ’74, appearing in Class A competition every time. Their highest placement thus far has been fifth place, which they achieved once in ’73 at the ISMA Class A State Finals, as well as in ’06 and ’07 at the ISSMA Class A State Finals. Penn High School has consistently appeared at the ISSMA State Finals every year since 1997, with the exception of the 2000 and 2002 marching seasons. In 2010, Penn placed ninth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Open Your Eyes” and features “Sleep” (Eric Whitacre) and “Symphonies of Gaia” (Jayce John Ogren).

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Class B State Finalists

Concord – The Concord Marching Minutemen have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-seven times since 1983, appearing in Class B every time. Concord won their first state title in 1992, followed by wins in 2003 and 2005. Out of their twenty-seven state finals appearances, Concord has placed in the top five twenty-one times. In fact, ever since 1983, Concord High School has been at the ISSMA State Finals every year except in 2000. In 2010, Concord placed third at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Rach, Paper, Scissors.”

DeKalb – The Baron Brigade from DeKalb High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals eighteen times since 1985, appearing in Class B every time. Their highest placing thus far has been fifth, which they achieved in 1992. Since 2000, DeKalb has made an appearance at the ISSMA State Finals eight times. In 2010, DeKalb placed eighth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Catch Me…” and features original music by Frank Sullivan.

Floyd Central – The Floyd Central Highlander Band has competed in the ISSMA State Finals nine times since 1987, appearing in Class B every time. Their highest placing thus far has been sixth, which they achieved in 1993, as well as in 2010. Since 2000, Floyd Central High School has made an appearance at the ISSMA State Finals four times. Their 2011 program is entitled “THEOREM: The Laws of Motion” and features a piece of the same name by John Meehan.

Goshen – The Crimson Marching Band from Goshen High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals seventeen times since 1987, appearing in Class B sixteen times and Class A once in 2009. Goshen was a consistent ISSMA State Finalist from 1987-2000, ranking in the top five nine times throughout those fourteen years. Goshen has not yet won a state title, but came in second in 1987, as well as in 2010. Their 2011 program is entitled “The Red Line” and features “Conga Line in Hell” (Miguel del Aguila) and “Conga del Fuego Nuevo” (Arturo Marquez).

Greenwood – The Greenwood Marching Woodmen have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-nine times, once in Class A in 1981 and in Class B since 1983. They also competed in the ISMA State Finals four times from 1974-1979, once in Class B and three times in Class A. The Marching Woodmen have an outstanding record, as they have appeared in every single ISSMA State Finals competition since 1983 – twenty-eight consecutive years. Within that time frame, Greenwood has won a state title eleven times (’86, ’87, ’89, ’90, ’95, ’96, ’97, ’00, ’06, ’07, and ’10), and have ranked in the top five twenty-seven of those twenty-eight years. Their 2011 program is entitled “Living in the Moment.”

Jasper – The Jasper Marching Wildcats have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-four times since 1981, appearing in Class B every time. They also competed in the ISMA State Finals four times from 1973-1977, appearing in Class A. Jasper has been a consistent finalist since 1990. Although they have not won a title since their first appearance at the ISMA State Finals in 1973, Jasper High School has placed in the top five twenty times throughout their twenty-eight total state finals appearances. In 2010, Jasper placed fourth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Of Spring and Solstice” and features “The Rite of Spring” (Igor Stravinsky), “Vide Cor Meum” (Patrick Cassidy), and “Appalachian Morning” (Paul Halley).

Munster – This is the first year that the Mustang Marching Band from Munster High School has made it to the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Bounce” and features “Harvest: Trombone Concerto” (John Mackey).

North Side – The North Side Marching Redskins have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-three times – fifteen times in Class A (spanning 1982-1996) and eight times in Class B (spanning 1999-2010). North Side has not yet won a state title, but they have ranked in the top five seven times, the most recent of which was fourth place in 2008. In 2010, North Side placed ninth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Detroit Swing City” and features “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Home,” and “Detroit Rock City.”

Northview – The Northview Marching Knights have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-six times since 1984, appearing in Class B every time. In fact, since 1984, Northview has appeared at every ISSMA State Finals except the 1986 marching season. Northview High School also holds an impressive record of ranking in the top five for twenty-five out of their twenty-six appearances. The Marching Knights won their first state title in 1991, and have won seven additional titles since then (’93, ’94, ’98, ’99, ’04, ’08, and ’09). In 2010, Northview placed fifth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “The Flite of Spring” and features Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.”

Plainfield – The Red Pride Band from Plainfield High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals twelve times since 1982, appearing in Class B every time. Plainfield has not yet won a state title, but has ranked fifth (their highest placing ever) five times (’82, ’83, ’88, ’07, and ’08). Plainfield did not appear at the 2010 ISSMA State Finals, but did rank sixth in 2009. Their 2011 program is entitled “TWO-gether” and features original music based on Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet.

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Class C State Finalists

Beech Grove – The Beech Grove Marching Hornets have competed in the ISSMA State Finals six times since 1985, appearing in Class C every time. After appearing rather consistently from 1985-1990, Beech Grove has once again retained a finalist spot the past two years. The Marching Hornets have not yet won a state title, but has ranked fifth (their highest placing thus far) twice – in 1986 and 2009. In 2010, Beech Grove placed seventh at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “The Missing Piece” and features original music by Craig Fitzpatrick, as well as “Hide and Seek” (Imogen Heap).

Concordia Lutheran – The Concordia Lutheran Marching Cadets have competed in the ISSMA State Finals seven times since 2001, appearing in Class C every time. Their highest placing thus far has been sixth place in 2008. The Marching Cadets have appeared at the ISSMA State Finals for the past four years and in 2010, they placed eighth. Their 2011 program is entitled “Three in One” and features “Gloria” and “Requiem: Lux Aeterna” (John Rutter), as well as “Ballet Exaltare” (David Holsinger).

Edgewood – The Edgewood Marching Mustangs have competed in the ISSMA State Finals six times since 2000, appearing in Class C every time. Of these six appearance, Edgewood has ranked in the top five four times, though they have never won. The Marching Mustangs placed second at the ISSMA State Finals in both 2009 and 2010. Their 2011 program is entitled “Dystopia.”

Fairfield – The Fairfield Falcon Pride has competed in the ISSMA State Finals fifteen times – thirteen times in Class D from 1990-2006 and more recently in Class C in 2009 and 2010. Fairfield has not yet won a state title, but they have ranked in the top five seven times since 1990. Their 2011 program is entitled “The Tie That Binds.”

Gibson Southern – The Gibson Southern Marching Titans have competed in the ISSMA State Finals sixteen times since 1994 – once in Class D (’94) and fifteen times in Class C (since ’95). In fact, since 1994, Gibson Southern has appeared at every ISSMA State Finals with the exception of the 1997 marching season. The Marching Titans won their first state title in 2001, and have won two additional titles since then (’04 and ’07). Gibson Southern has ranked in the top five at state eleven times, most recently in 2008 when they placed fourth. In 2010, Gibson Southern placed sixth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Helios” and features “Kingfishers Catch Fire” (John Mackey).

Heritage Hills – The Heritage Hills Marching Patriots have competed in the ISSMA State Finals eight times since 1984 (four times since 2002), appearing in Class C every time. Heritage Hills’ highest ranking was seventh in 1984, and most recently ninth place in 2007. Their 2011 program is entitled “Grey Spaces” and features “Bound” (John Mopes & Ian Grom).

Leo – This is the first year that the Leo High School Roar of the Lions has made it to the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “It’s All Jazz to Me.”

North Harrison – The North Harrison Marching Cougars have competed in the ISSMA State Finals eleven times since 1992, appearing in Class C every time. In fact from 1997-2006, North Harrison had a streak of ten consecutive ISSMA State Finals appearances. The Marching Cougars won their first state title in 1999 and followed that up with a second win in 2000. Out of their eleven ISSMA State Finals appearances, North Harrison High School has ranked in the top five six times. North Harrison’s last state finals appearance was in 2006 when they placed fifth. Their 2011 program is entitled “When You Tell Their Story” and features “Revenge of the Darkseekers” (Stephen Melillo), “Salvation is Created” (Pavel Tchesnokov), and “Casus Belli” (Andrew Boysen).

Norwell – The Norwell Marching Knights have competed in the ISSMA State Finals fifteen times since 1983, appearing in Class C every time. They also competed in the ISMA State Finals in Class B in 1979 and 1980. Norwell won their first ISSMA State Finals title in 2002, and then again in 2005 and 2006. In fact, out of their seventeen ISSMA and ISMA State Finals appearances, the Marching Knights have placed in the top five fourteen times and have appeared in the past twelve consecutive ISSMA State Finals competitions. In 2010, Norwell placed third at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “How Music Moves Us” and features “August’s Rhapsody” (Mark Mancina), “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Var. 18” (Sergei Rachmaninoff), and “Test Drive” (John Powell).

Western – The Western Marching Panthers have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-five times – three times in Class B (1986-1988), and twenty-two times in Class C. Western won their first state title in 1982, competing in Class C, then again in 1988 in Class B. The Marching Panthers have won the ISSMA Class C state title a total of ten times (’82, ’83, ’84, ’85, ’90, ’91, ’96, ’08, ’09, and ’10). They currently have a three year winning streak. Out of their twenty-five ISSMA State Finals appearances, Western has placed in the top five nineteen times. Their 2011 program is entitled “Requiem.”

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Class D State Finalists

Bluffton – The Bengal Brigade from Bluffton High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals seven times in Class D, and the ISMA State Finals twice in Class C (’79 and ’80). Bluffton had fairly consistent appearances at both the ISMA and ISSMA State Finals, competing six times from 1979-1986. Recently, they have appeared again in the ISSMA State Finals in ’04, ’06, and ’08. The Bengal Brigade won the ISMA Class C state title in 1979 and 1980 but has not won since. Bluffton’s most recent appearance at the ISSMA State Finals was in 2008 where they placed seventh. Their 2011 program is entitled “Green” and features “Greenman” (XTC), “Tara’s Theme” (Max Steiner), and “East of the Sun” (John Prescott).

Eastern (Greentown) – The Comet Command of Eastern High School from Greentown has competed in the ISSMA State Finals fourteen times since 1985, appearing in Class D every time. Eastern’s highest ranking was fifth, which they achieved in 1989. The Comet Command has appeared at the ISSMA State Finals five times since 2003 and in 2010 they placed seventh. Their 2011 program is entitled “Falling” and features “The Falling Rain” (James Swearingen), “Thunderscape” (Erik Morales), “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Jay Dawson), “Falling Rocks” (Max Johnson), and “Impact” (Sean O’Loughlin).

Forest Park – The Forest Park Marching Rangers  have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-five times since 1981, appearing in Class D every time. They also competed in the ISMA State Finals six times from 1973-1980, once in Class B and five times in Class C. Forest Park won their first state title in 1981, and proceeded to win five additional times (’82, ’85, ’86, ’01, and ’08). Since 1981, the Marching Rangers have only missed out on the ISSMA State Finals competition five times. Of their thirty-one total ISSMA and ISMA State Finals appearances, Forest Park has placed in the top five twenty-four times. In 2010, Forest Park placed second at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Chill” and features original music by Chad Gayso and Keith Farny.

Lewis Cass – The Lewis Cass Marching Kings have competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-nine times, seven times in Class D and twenty-two times in Class C. They also competed in one ISMA State Finals in 1974, appearing in Class B competition. Lewis Cass appeared at every Class C ISSMA State Finals from 1984-2005, and competed in Class D the two years prior to that, as well as the five years after that. In fact, the Marching Kings have appeared at the past twenty-nine consecutive ISSMA State Finals competitions. Lewis Cass High School won their first state title in 1988, and proceeded to win an additional five titles (’95, ’03, ’06, ’07, and ’09). Out of their twenty-nine ISSMA State Finals appearances, Lewis Cass has placed in the top five twenty-eight times, and has actually placed in the top three twenty-three times. In 2010, Lewis Cass placed third at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” and features “Each Time You Tell Their Story” and “Perthshire Majesty” (Samuel Hazo), as well as “Raging Machines” (Brian Balmages).

Mater Dei – The Mater Dei Marching Wildcats have competed in the ISSMA State Finals three times since 2006, appearing in Class D each time. Mater Dei’s highest ranking was in 2010 when they placed fourth. Their 2011 program is entitled “El Toro” and features “Spain,” “Blue Rondo a la Turk” (Dave Brubeck), and “A Mis Abuelos” (Arturo Sandoval).

Monrovia – The Bulldog Brigade from Monrovia High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals seven times since 1991, appearing in Class D each time. Monrovia appeared at every ISSMA State Final competition from 1991-1996; however, their highest ranking came during their appearance at the 2009 ISSMA State Finals competition when they placed fourth. That has been Monrovia’s only ISSMA State Finals appearance since 1996. Their 2011 program is entitled “Tribute” and features “Bonaparte” (Otto Schwartz) and “My Immortal” (Evanescence).

North Posey – The Marching Viking Band from North Posey High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals ten times since 1998, appearing in Class C once (’01) and Class D nine times. North Posey’s highest ranking so far was in 2004 when they placed third; they have attended every ISSMA State Finals competition since 2003. In 2010, North Posey placed eighth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “To the Left” and features “Left” (Eric Taylor).

Paoli – The Pride of Paoli from Paoli High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals twenty-seven times since 1982, appearing in Class C five times and Class D twenty-two times. Paoli won their first state title in 1983, and have since won fourteen additional state titles (’84, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98, ’99, ’00, ’02, ’03, and ’05). In fact, out of their twenty-seven ISSMA State Finals appearances, Paoli has placed in the top five twenty-four times and placed in the top three twenty-one times. In 2010, Paoli placed fifth at the ISSMA State Finals. Their 2011 program is entitled “Requiem for a Dream” and features “Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1” (Gustav Mahler), “Requiem Mass, Dies Irae” (Giuseppe Verdi), “Requiem Mass, Dies Irae” (Mozart), and “Ave Maria” (Franz Biebl).

Springs Valley – The Blackhawk Brigade from Springs Valley High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals sixteen times since 1981, appearing in Class D every time. They have also competed in the ISMA State Finals three times from 1977-1979, appearing in Class C. Springs Valley won their first state title in 1977 and won their second title in 2010. The Blackhawk Brigade has placed in the top five at the ISSMA State Finals seventeen times. Their 2011 program is entitled “Illusory” and features “Illusions” (Stan Phillips and Luke Aylsworth).

Woodlan – The Spirit of Woodlan from Woodlan High School has competed in the ISSMA State Finals thirteen times since 1994, appearing in Class D every time. Woodlan won their only state title in 2004, but has placed in the top five a total of seven times. The Spirit of Woodlan did not compete in the 2010 ISSMA State Finals, but did place seventh in 2009. Their 2011 program is entitled “Night Moves” and features “Corner Pocket” (Frank Sullivan).

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We would like to wish all of these outstanding bands continued success at the 2011 ISSMA State Finals! Every one of these legacies you see above will be continued this weekend.

Congratulations to every single one of you!