First of all, congratulations to everyone on an amazing State Finals last weekend!

I honestly think this was my most enjoyable State Finals I’ve ever attended, capped off by a very emotional retreat in Class A. And while the celebration in Fort Wayne may last months, the marching band season continues on with the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional on Saturday. Yes, this year they’ve made the Indianapolis Regional a Super Regional, which means we’ll get to see 12 amazing bands in Finals this year instead of 10.
 
So sit back and enjoy as I attempt to give you a sneak peak at what you can expect if you’re attending this weekend. I am going to list these first three groups in my predicted order of finish. This is my opinion only, which I’ll be happy to be proven wrong about. I want to see nothing but amazing performances this weekend, and may the best band win.
 

 
Finals Locks

Avon
This list has to start with the 3-time defending Grand National Champion. They’re coming off a State Finals Runner-Up finish for just the second time in 11 years. The last time they lost at State Finals was 2008. They also lost the BOA Indianapolis Regional the following weekend to the band that knocked them off, Lawrence Central. It will definitely be interesting to see if history repeats itself (if only Homestead was competing…). It should be noted, however, Avon turned around and won their first Grand National Championship that same year. Avon has won the Indianapolis Regional 3 times (2006, 2009, 2010). Avon’s 2011 show is called “Oddities.”
Expected Placing Range: Top 2

Carmel
Carmel has been within striking distance of Avon all season, but has yet to knock them off. I suspect it’ll be another close race again this week, and don’t be surprised to see them finally pull out a win. They’re a former Grand National Champion (2005) who has also won the Indianapolis Regional 4 times (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007). While they’ve won several early season Regionals the past couple years, it seems like they’re due for a big win soon. Carmel’s 2011 show is called “Going Viral.”
Expected Placing Range: Top 3

Marian Catholic (IL)
This ever dangerous, 7-time Grand National Champion (1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000) is coming off yet another ISU “State” Championship (it’s an unofficial state championship). They’ve now won the ISU show 15 times, with an astonishing 32 class championships in a row (talk about dominance). They’ve won the Indianapolis Regional just one time, back in 2000, which is also the last time they took home the Eagle. They placed 4th at the St. Louis Super Regional earlier this year, behind Broken Arrow, Union, and Owasso. Marian Catholic is notorious for cleaning the heck out of their show in the last week heading into Nationals, so I’m not expecting at Regional championship this year, but it’s not a total impossibility. They’re a lock to win Class AA in Prelims this weekend. Marian Catholic’s 2011 show is called “The Passion Tree” and features Totus Tuus (Gorecki), Dance Suite (Bartok), Fire Water Paper (Goldenthal), Parce Mihi Domine (de Morales), and Salvation is Created (Tchesnokov).
Expected Placing Range: 2nd to 4th

Lake Central
Lake Central is looking to rebound from a disappointing finish at State Finals. It’s no secret now that a penalty cost Lake Central several spots last week, but with the longer performance times in BOA, any timing issues shouldn’t be a problem. This band has been on a mission all season. With their sights set on a National Finals berth, I fully expect them to come out looking to prove a point this weekend. They’ve never placed higher than 7th at the Indianapolis Regional, and you have to go all the way back to 1995 to find that. I can guarantee they’ll get at least 7th this weekend, and I’ll be quite shocked if they aren’t in the top half. 3rd place is not out of the question. Lake Central’s 2011 show is called “Somewhere in Time.”
Expected Placing Range: 3rd to 7th

Lawrence Central
Another band hoping to improve on a lower than expected State finish is Lawrence Central. Holding them back right now is their music performance, which was admittedly rough at State Finals. But anyone who’s been around knows that Lawrence Central can play with the best of them when it counts. So if their music can match their visual, they’ve got a show that can put them in the top half of Grand National Finals. They’re a 2-time Grand National Champion (2001, 2004), and a 3-time Indianapolis Regional Champion (2002, 2004, 2008). Much like Lake Central, I’m expecting them to make a statement this weekend. Lawrence Central’s 2011 show is called “Drum-atic.”
Expected Placing Range: 3rd to 7th

Ben Davis
Coming off their highest finish since 2007 at State Finals, Ben Davis is looking to continue their run at a seventh National Finals berth (it would be their third in 8 years). Ben Davis came out of the gate on fire this year, before sputtering just a bit mid-season, only to turn it on this past weekend and finish 4th. You can just tell this band is hungry to hang with the big boys, and with their show this year, the potential is there for a strong finish. I honestly believe I’ll be seeing this show 5 more times this year at Lucas Oil Stadium. Their highest placing at the Indianapolis Regional is 5th in 2004, and they could meet or even top that this week. Ben Davis’ 2011 show is called “The Tables Have Turned.”
Expected Placing Range: 4th to 8th

Center Grove
At the beginning of the year, I think a lot of people were writing Center Grove off. Their numbers were down, they were struggling a bit early on, but they’ve quietly been putting together one amazing show that keeps getting better and better each week. Now, they’re right back in the thick of things for a Grand National Finals spot. In fact, I’m going to predict SIX Indiana bands make Grand National Finals right here and now, and Center Grove will be one of them. They’re a former Grand National Champion (1995), and 3-time Indianapolis Regional Champion (1995, 1997, 1999). I’ll give them the edge to win Class AAA this weekend. Center Grove’s 2011 show is called “Tug of War.”
Expected Placing Range: 4th to 8th

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Probable Finalists

Greenwood
Welcome to BOA, Greenwood! This will be Greenwood's first BOA event since 1983 Grand Nationals. That year, they took home the now-extinct award of "Best Rifles". Greenwood is coming off a strong 2nd place finish in Class B at State Finals. I’ll be totally shocked if this band isn’t performing on Saturday night, and they have the potential to make a run at the top 5. Expect them to finish 2nd in Class AA in prelims. Greenwood’s 2011 show is called “Living in the Moment.”
Expected Placing Range: 5th to 10th

Centerville (OH)
It’s hard to think of Centerville as a non-lock for any Regional Finals, and while I feel extremely confident that they’ll be performing that night, I can’t quite put them in the lock category. Centerville is a former Grand National Champion (1992) and 3-time Indianapolis Regional Champion (1993, 1994, 1998). They’ve won 18 Regional Championships over the years, which is unofficially the second most ever. Earlier this season they finished 1st at the Mason Regional, and 2nd at the Akron Regional. Centerville’s 2011 show is called “Killer Queen” and features the Queen songs Who Wants to Live Forever, Killer Queen, I Want to Break Free, I Want It All, Another One Bites the Dust, Under Pressure, Somebody to Love, and Don’t Stop Me Now.
Expected Placing Range: 6th to 11th

Prospect (IL)
Prospect is a band with a long tradition of excellence in BOA, being a 5-time Grand National Finalist. This is their first trip to the Indianapolis Regional since 2005, and they haven’t made Finals at Indy since 2000. I’m expecting that streak to end this year. Their highest placing at the Indianapolis Regional was 3rd in 1996. Last week at ISU in Illinois, Prospect finished 2nd behind Marian Catholic, while winning Class 5A. Prospect’s 2011 show is called “Leonardo’s Dream” and includes Equus (Whitacre), Four Scottish Dances (Arnold), and Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine (Whitacre).
Expected Placing Range: 8th to 12th

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Bubble Bands

Hickory (VA)
For those of you who attended prelims at the Indianapolis Regional last year, you may remember this fine band from Virginia. While they finished 17th, they left a strong impression on many people in attendance. Well they’re back for the second year in a row, and they’re looking to break into Finals this year. They had a very strong 2nd place finish at the Towson Regional earlier this year, losing by a mere .15 to Kiski Area from Pennsylvania. I expect to see them at Finals this weekend. Hickory’s 2011 show is called “Fix You” and includes Bizarro (Daugherty), Fix You (Coldplay), and Harrison’s Dream (Graham).
Expected Placing Range: 10th to 14th

Western
For those of you only familiar with Western over the last couple years, obviously you know about their four consecutive Class C State Championships and BOA Semi-Finals spot last year. What you may not realize is that Western is a 7-time Grand National Finalist (1984 through 1990). To my knowledge, they’ve never made Indianapolis Regional Finals, but that could change this year. Western is coming off a phenomenal performance at State Finals, and is looking to continue that momentum into BOA. For those counting, I’ve got them 12th, which puts them into Finals, so we’ll see if I’m correct. I believe they’ll be AA this year, but if they’re still in A, this is your easy Class A Champion. Western’s 2011 show is called “Requiem.”
Expected Placing Range: 11th to 15th

Castle
Castle is a 2-time Indianapolis Regional Finalist, finishing as high as 5th in 2006. They’ve failed to make Finals the last 3 years, but are more than capable of getting in this year. This may be the most entertaining show you’ll see this weekend (make sure to count how many guard girls they fit into that car!) They’re coming off a 9th place finish at State Finals, and I suspect they’re hungry to build on that this weekend. Castle’s 2011 show is called “Clown ‘CERT-O!”
Expected Placing Range: 11th to 15th

Lincoln-Way East (IL)
Lincoln-Way East is coming off a year in which they peaked at just the right time with an impressive 15th place run at Grand National Semi-Finals, after missing Finals at the Indianapolis Regional the previous week. This year they’ve already finished 4th at the Mason Regional, and finished a surprisingly low 9th place at ISU this past weekend. Expect them to bounce back this week and make a run at Finals. They’re a 2-time Indianapolis Regional Finalist, with a high finish of 8th in 2007. Lincoln-Way East’s 2011 show is called “unRavel” and features Bolero by Maurice Ravel.
Expected Placing Range: 11th to 16th

Lake Park (IL)
Lake Park is a former Grand National Champion (1996), and a band with one of the richest histories in marching band history. However, they’ve been falling farther and farther from those glory days with each passing year, missing Indianapolis Regional finals last year for the second time in three years. They’re certainly capable of bouncing back and reaching Finals this year, but after what I believe is a record low finish (5th) at last week’s ISU Championships, it’s probably a reach. Earlier this season, Lake Park finished 13th at the BOA St. Louis Super Regional. They’ve previously won the Indianapolis Regional in 1996, have made Finals more than a dozen times, and have been a Grand National Finalist 18 times. Lake Park’s 2011 show is called “Save the Music” and features American Pie (McLean), The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (Britten), and Evening Prayer from Hansel & Gretel (Humperdinck).
Expected Placing Range: 12th to 17th

Brentwood (TN)
Brentwood is no stranger to Bands of America, and they’ve been coming to either the Indianapolis Regional or Grand Nationals almost every year lately. They’ve made Indianapolis Regional Finals one time (2002), and finished 12th in prelims in their last trip in 2009, so they could be a band that sneaks into Finals. Earlier this season they placed 5th at the Jacksonville Regional. Brentwood’s 2011 show is called “The Fall.”
Expected Placing Range: 12th to 17th

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Other Indiana Bands

Carroll
This will be Carroll’s second foray into BOA, after making Finals at the Pontiac Regional last year. I don’t think they’ll be able to reach Finals at Indy, but I’ll happily eat crow if they do. Either way, I hope they continue to participate in BOA events, and maybe give Grand Nationals a shot here soon. They’re a great band who’s always fun to watch. Carroll’s 2011 show is called “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.”

Norwell
I’m so happy to see Norwell back in BOA after a couple years off. They’re a former Grand National Class A Champion, and while they’ve never been able to break into Finals at the Indianapolis Regional, they’ve been close (11th in 2004). Coming off a very strong 3rd place finish at State Finals, hopefully this band can make some noise over the next two weeks. Norwell’s 2011 show is called “How Music Moves Us.”

Edgewood
Edgewood is back again for a second straight year. Last year they had a strong 18th place finish, which was good enough for 2nd place in Class AA. This year, Class AA is a little more stacked, so it’ll be hard to even place this year. Edgewood had what I believe was easily their best performance of the year last week at State Finals, so if they can top that this week, they may surprise some people. Edgewood’s 2011 show is called “Dystopia.”

Bloomington North
This is Bloomington North’s third straight trip to the Indianapolis Regional, with a high placing of 16th in 2009. The last two trips came following appearances at Class B State Finals, but this year they weren’t able to make the top 10, so I expect there’s a little more motivation this week to have a great performance. Bloomington North’s 2011 show is called “If You Can Can Can.”

Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville has been attending the Indianapolis Regional since 2005, with high finishes of 16th in 2006 and 18th in 2009.

Terre Haute South
Also making their third straight trip to the Indianapolis Regional is Terre Haute South. Their previous high placing is 22nd. Terre Haute South’s 2011 show is called “Petrushka.”

East Noble
This is East Noble’s fifth trip to the Indianapolis Regional. Their highest finish came all the way back in 1991, when the Indianapolis Regional was an early season event. They finished 13th that year. Their most recent high finish was 24th in 2009, although interestingly enough, that was their lowest score they’re received at this event. East Noble’s 2011 show is called “A Piece-Full Life.”

Madison Consolidated
This is Madison’s second ever BOA Regional. They last competed at the 2003 Louisville Regional, where they finished 23rd. Madison’s 2011 show is called “Deceived.”

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Other Bands in Attendance

Wheaton North (IL) – “Ka! Music of Cirque du Soleil”
Odessa (MO) – “The Time is Now”
Union City (TN) – “The Wait”
Plainfield North (IL) – “Invictus: The Journey Within”
Kettering Fairmont (OH) – “The Beacon”
Normal West (IL) – “MoonLIGHT”
Madison (OH) – NO SHOW INFO FOUND

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Expected Class Breakdowns

Class A 
Odessa
Union City

Class AA
Bloomington North
Brentwood
East Noble
Edgewood
Greenwood
Madison, IN
Madison, OH
Marian Catholic
Norwell
Western

Class AAA
Castle
Carroll
Center Grove
Jeffersonville
Hickory
Kettering Fairmont
Lincoln-Way East
Normal West
Plainfield North
Prospect
Terre Haute South
Wheaton North

Class AAAA
Avon
Ben Davis
Carmel
Centerville
Lake Central
Lake Park
Lawrence Central

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Best of luck to all competing bands at this weekend's BOA Indy Regional!