Well friends, we’ve reached the end of another marching band season. This year we saw one band make a triumphant return to the top of Class A, another band continue their run of dominance over Class C, and two perennial powers reach the top of the mountain in Classes B & D. We saw three new faces make State Finals in Leo, Munster, and Franklin Central. We saw one band go from a Silver rating at Regionals to not only making State Finals, but finishing 7th in their class. Last week, we saw 8 Indiana bands make Finals at the first ever BOA Super Regional in Indianapolis, one of them returning to BOA after a very long absence.
 

     
Needless to say, our emotions have been pushed to both ends of the spectrum this year. From the tragic losses of friends and family members to the unbelievable showing of class and respect at the end of State Finals, we’ve experienced almost everything life has to offer. For most of you, the season has been over for weeks now, but for those of you still practicing for one more weekend, the IM staff wishes you all the best of luck as you go out there and show the world what Indiana Marching is all about.

I’m going to give you all a rundown of what you can expect to see this weekend, and I encourage all of you to consider attending Grand Nationals at some point in your life. From a marching arts perspective, there’s really nothing quite like it.

I’d also like to thank Dan Balash for all his help in compiling most of the information found in this article (yell at him for any errors). While I often give Dan a hard time, he’s a good friend and is always willing to help me out with anything marching band related. I’d like to point out however, that there are more bands attending Grand Nationals than hairs on Dan’s head. (Sorry Dan!)

Now that my required burn of Dan is out of the way, let’s take a look at a few interesting facts for this weekend.

• Fact #1: There are 6 Regional Champions attending Grand Nationals this year.
• Fact #2: They all perform on Friday for Prelims.
• Fact #3: I don’t have nearly enough time to compile more interesting facts.
• Fact #4: Only two bands have won 3 National Championships in a row.
• Fact #5: Marian Catholic is one of those bands, having won in ’87, ’88, and ’89.
• Fact #6: The other band is our very own Avon, who has won the last 3 years.
• Fact #7: I haven’t picked the correct Champion once since I started doing predictions in 2003.
• Fact #8: I’ve been keenly aware of this fact for the last 3 years. (You’re welcome Avon!)
• Fact #9: I’m picking Broken Arrow to win it all this year! (Go Indiana!)

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The Eagle Contenders

Avon (IN) – Class AAAA (Regional Winner #1)
“Oddities”
I may not be picking them (wink!), but they look like the favorite heading into the weekend. They’ve won 3 National Championships in a row, and were it not for that great band in Fort Wayne (who should STRONGLY consider doing BOA next year, especially when the Indy Regional falls before State Finals, so it wouldn’t extend their season, not to mention Nationals is only a week later and they’ve proven they can hang with the best of the best, and it would absolutely make my marching band dreams come true…), Avon would be undefeated for 3 years in a row. THREE YEARS! They’re coming off a dominant showing at the Indianapolis Regional this past weekend, where they swept captions and won 6 of the 7 judges. There isn’t much else that needs to be said. 3-time National Champion. 9-time Finalist. They’re the measuring stick right now.

Broken Arrow (OK) – Class AAAA (Regional Winner #2)
“…destiny leaves you no choice”
My pick for 2011 BOA Grand National Champion, Broken Arrow, has already won the BOA St. Louis Regional and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Class 6A State Championship this year. If that show title doesn’t sound ominous enough, let me remind you that they’re a former Grand National Champion (2006), where they came seemingly out of nowhere and recorded the highest GE score in history. Broken Arrow is a 9-time National Finalist out of 11 Grand Nationals appearances.

Carmel (IN) – Class AAAA
“Going Viral”
I’m sticking to my guns that this band is still capable of pulling out the victory this weekend. I’ve yet to see Carmel put it all together into one jaw-dropping show (always seems to be one section of the show that’s not quite perfect), but if that happens this weekend, you could see the Eagle moving to the north side of Indianapolis yet again. Carmel has already finished 3rd at ISSMA Class A State Finals and 2nd at the BOA Indianapolis Regional this year. They were the 2005 BOA Grand National Champion and have made finals a total of 15 times. They also won the Class AAA National Championship in 2001, before a heartbreaking .05 loss to Lawrence Central at Finals.
(Note: I apologize for any painful memories Carmel fans, but Megan is my friend and this makes her smile.)

The Woodlands (TX) – Class AAAA
“Uninvited”
The Woodlands put their name in the Eagle discussion this past weekend, after finishing 2nd at the BOA San Antonio Regional. They had previously finished 3rd at the BOA Conroe Regional this season. The Woodlands was the 2006 Class AAA National Champion, much to the surprise of many (2006 was one crazy year). They are a 5-time Grand National Finalist, last appearing in 2009. They’ve placed as high as 4th in both 2006 and 2007 in Finals. Avon and SCV fans will probably recognize parts of their show this year.

Marian Catholic (IL) – Class AA
“The Passion Tree”
Why am I including Marian Catholic in this discussion after they finished 4th at the Indianapolis Regional last week? Umm…because it’s Marian Freaking Catholic! They’re a record 7-time Grand National Champion, they’ve made Finals a record 27 times (that’s every year they’ve attended), and I’m pretty sure Greg Bimm is the greatest band director alive. Also, they’ve won 18 National Class Championships (17 in AA, 1 in AAA), and you can most assuredly put another Class AA championship on their resume for this weekend. Simply put, they have the greatest resume of any marching band, ever. Earlier this season, Marian Catholic finished 4th at the BOA St. Louis Regional, and 1st at the ISU Championships in Illinois.

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The Strong Finalist Contenders (in performance order)

Lake Central (IN) – Class AAAA
“Somewhere in Time”
Last week, Lake Central made about as big a statement as you could’ve asked for. They knocked off Marian Catholic and finished 3rd at the BOA Indianapolis Regional. This band is just itching to hear their name called as a Finalist on Saturday afternoon, and I fully expect them to be breaking ranks with the rest of the big boys on Saturday night. Lake Central has appeared at Grand Nationals 12 times, finishing as high as 13th in Semi-Finals in 2008.

Ben Davis (IN) – Class AAAA
“The Tables Have Turned”
While the score may not have truly reflected it, this band also made a statement this past weekend, as they put themselves in strong contention for a Finalist spot. I’m expecting to see at least 5 Indiana bands in Finals this year, which would be the most since 1984, when 6 Indiana bands made Finals (matching that mark is still not out of the question). Ben Davis is a 6-time National Finalist, finishing as high as 2nd in 1983. In recent history, they finished 8th in 2004 and 10th in 2008. Every 4 years may be ok for the Olympics or the World Cup, but I’m pretty sure it’s not good enough for Ben Davis.

Lawrence Central (IN) – Class AAAA
“Drum-atic”
This show finally clicked for me Saturday night at Regional Finals. Maybe it was the higher vantage point (400-level), or maybe it was just because they put out a great show, but I came away feeling very good about Lawrence Central this weekend. I’m used to seeing a new ending put in between State Finals and the Indy Regional, but we didn’t see that this weekend, so perhaps they’ve got a surprise in store for all of us yet. Whatever happens, I expect another brilliant finals performance from Lawrence Central on Saturday night.

Owasso (OK) – Class AAAA
“The Last Straw”
Owasso returns to Grand Nationals for the 5th time in their program’s history. They’re a prior Grand National Finalist, finishing 12th in 2005. They’ve been dueling with Union all season long, and expect that duel to continue until the very end. Earlier this season, they finished 3rd at the BOA St. Louis Regional (behind Broken Arrow and Union), and 2nd at the OBA Class 6A State Finals (behind Broken Arrow, but ahead of Union).

Union (OK) – Class AAAA
“Juxtaposition”
Speaking of Union, this 7-time National Finalist makes their 12th appearance at Grand Nationals this year. They finished as high as 4th in 1986, and they’re hoping to make finals in back-to-back years as they finished 11th last year. Expect a very wild show, as they’re playing music by modern composer Steve Reich, classical composers Peter Tchaikovsky and Ruggero Leoncavallo, and throwing in some Tower of Power to mix it up even more.

Claudia Taylor Johnson (TX) – Class AAAA
“Lincolnshire Posy: A Collection of Musical Wildflowers”
For those of you who don’t know, Claudia Taylor Johnson is a split-off from Ronald Reagan High School, who many of you may be familiar with. They’ve only been competing for 4 years now, but they’re primed to make Finals in their first ever appearance at Grand Nationals. Last week they finished a very impressive 5th place at the BOA San Antonio Regional, after a not quite as impressive 6th place at BOA Conroe earlier in the season. They’re peaking at just the right time.

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Fighting for the Last Spot (in performance order)

Just a heads up, it’s a pretty wide open race in my opinion…

Lincoln-Way East (IL) – Class AAA
“unRavel”
I’ve got to be honest, I don’t think this is a finalist show (based on the performances I saw last weekend), but based on the results, they have to at least be in the discussion. The visual numbers will be there, but I don’t know if the musical numbers will be enough. Still, 7th place at the Indianapolis Regional is very impressive considering who they beat, and considering they were coming off a disappointing 9th place finish at ISU. You’ll certainly want to keep an eye on this band this weekend. Earlier this year they placed 4th at the Mason Regional. This is their 3rd appearance at Grand Nationals, with a high finish of 15th in Semi-Finals last year.

Reeths-Puffer (MI) – Class AA
“Dionysus: God of the Vine”
Coming off a second place finish in the Michigan Competing Band Association Flight II State Finals, where they narrowly lost to Jenison, this former Grand National Finalist is looking to make their second appearance in Grand National Finals. This will be their 9th trip to Grand Nationals, where they finished as high as 12th in 1999. Earlier this season, Reeths-Puffer finished 3rd at the Pontiac Regional.

William Mason (OH) – Class AAAA
“A Winter’s Solstice”
William Mason has been a band on the rise for the past several years, missing Finals by just two spots last year. Is this the year they finally break through and make finals? This will be their 12th appearance at Grand Nationals, with a high finish of 14th in 2010. Earlier this season they placed 5th at the Mason Regional and 5th at the St. Louis Regional. Last week, they took home the championship at the Mid-States Band Association Open Class Championships.

Center Grove (IN) – Class AAAA
Call me a homer if you will, but I’m going to stick with my instincts and give the nod to Center Grove for that last finalist spot. I know last year they were in a questionable spot going in but they still found a way to make Finals, and I think they’ve got a stronger show this year than they did last year. Without Steve Calhoun on the panel, I think their odds are certainly better. After all, they are a 14-time Grand National Finalist, and a former Grand National Champion in 1995.

Lafayette (LA) – Class AAA
“Southern Dawn”
Making their third appearance at Grand Nationals, Lafayette is hoping to duplicate their 2008 run, when they made Finals in their first trip to Lucas Oil Stadium. They finished 12th that year, and would love to have a shot to improve on that mark. Earlier this season, they finished 7th at the BOA Conroe Regional.

Walled Lake Central (MI) – Class AAA
“Through the Masters’ Eyes”
Also making their third appearance at Grand Nationals, Walled Lake Central is hoping to continue their momentum from last week, when they took home the State Championship in MCBA Flight I (over the sorely missed Plymouth-Canton). They have a high finish of 21st in Semi-Finals, which happened last year. This is Michigan’s next powerhouse band, and a Grand National Finalist spot would be a great thing to add to their plate.

Jenison (MI) – Class AA
“Tempest’s Fury”
Jenison is a 2-time Grand National Finalist, last making the top 12 in 1994. They placed 12th in both their Finals appearances. They’re coming off a 1st place finish at the MCBA Flight II State Championships this past weekend. This will be their 20th appearance at Grand Nationals. Earlier this season they placed 4th at the Pontiac Regional.

Norwin (PA) – Class AAA (Regional Winner #3)
“Salvation: Every act of Creation is first an act of Destruction”
Making their long-awaited return to Grand Nationals, Norwin is making their 16th appearance at Grand Nationals, but their first since 1997. They’re a 9-time National Finalist and the 1982 BOA Grand National Champion. Earlier this season, they took home 1st at the North Huntingdon Regional and 4th at the Akron Regional.

Wando (SC) – Class AAAA
“Daedalus and Icarus: A Metamorphosis”
Making only their second trip to Grand Nationals, Wando is looking to make it 2 for 2, as they were able to break into Finals in their first trip in 2009, finishing in 11th. At the Atlanta Regional a couple weeks ago, Wando finished in 6th, so they’re going to have to really push it if they hope to make Finals again.

Father Ryan (TN) – Class AA (Regional Winner #4)
“Networks!”
Already having a banner year that saw them win their first ever BOA Regional in Jacksonville, AL, Father Ryan is looking to go even farther by breaking into BOA Finals in just their third ever Grand Nationals appearance. They’ll come in as a dark horse, but this band has already proven that they can shock the world. Previously, their highest Grand National finish was 31st, so I fully expect them to top that this weekend.

Spring (TX) – Class AAAA
“Metamorphosis”
Performing a show very similar musically to their 1993 Grand National Championship show, Spring returns to Grand Nationals for the first time since 2002, looking to make their third appearance in Finals. While I think they’re a long shot, you can never count out a Texas band from making Finals, especially one with the history of Spring.

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Semi-Finals Contenders by score (performing order)

Lake Orion (MI) – Class AAAA
“Femme Fatale”
This year marks the second appearance for Lake Orion. They last came in 2008 and placed 26th on their prelims day. They finished in 5th last week at the MCBA Flight I State Finals, and earlier this season they placed 6th at the Akron Regional. They may be kind of a longshot, but they’re worthy of being in the discussion.

Adair County (KY) – Class A
“Caged”
With Bourbon County and Western moving up to Class AA, Adair County has become the favorite to take home the Class A Championship this weekend, an honor they’ve had on 3 prior occasions. This year will be the 7th appearance for Adair County at Grand Nationals. They’re a former Grand National finalist in 1990 (when the top 2 per class automatically received a Finals spot). Earlier this season, Adair County finished 2nd at the Richmond regional, and two weeks ago they took home the KMEA Class AAA State Championship.

Dublin Coffman (OH) – Class AAA
“Tug-Of-War”
This will be Dublin Coffman’s first trip to Grand Nationals, and seeing as how I’m listing them as a Semi-Finals contender, you know they’re a great band. They’ve already made two regional Finals this year, finishing 5th at the Akron Regional and 6th at the Mason Regional.

Lake Park (IL) – Class AAAA
“Save the Music”
With all the history that Lake Park has, it’s a shame to see them relegated to contending just to make Semi-Finals, which will be a difficult task this year. They’re an 18-time Grand National Finalist and the 1996 Grand National Champion. They’re also the 1988 and 1989 Class AAA National Champions. They’ve had finishes of 13th at the St. Louis Regional, 14th at the Indianapolis Regional, and 5th at the ISU Championships. This year marks their 27th appearance at Grand Nationals.

West Bloomfield (MI) – Class AAA
“Here’s That Rainy Day”
This will be West Bloomfield’s fourth trip to Grand Nationals, having made Semi-Finals in their 3 prior appearances. They finished as high as 17th in 2008. Last week, West Bloomfield finished 4th in the MCBA Flight I State Championships.

Western (IN) – Class AA
“Requiem”
Making their tenth trip to Grand Nationals, your 4-time defending ISSMA Class C champions will be looking to make Semi-Finals for the second year in a row. Western had a run of seven consecutive National Finals appearances from 1984 to 1990, finishing in 5th in 1984. Last year, they were the runner-up in Class A in Semi-Finals. With a bump up to Class AA this year, Western faces a tough challenge in extending their season to Saturday.

Morton (IL) – Class AA
“Fire is Catching: The Hunger Games”
Morton has been to Grand Nationals 11 times prior to this year, but it wasn’t until last season when they finally advanced to Semi-Finals, where they finished 32nd overall, but 3rd in their class. Earlier this season, Morton won Class AA at ISU, while finishing in 12th place in Finals. Like Western, they’ll face a difficult road in making it back-to-back Semi-Finals appearances.

Eastern (KY) – Class AAA
“Rite of the Equinox”
For a band who has never finished higher than 18th on their prelims day, Eastern has upped their game this year. They made KMEA State Finals for the first time ever this year, finishing in 3rd place in Class 5A behind Dunbar and Lafayette. Expect this band to make some serious noise this weekend.  This is their sixth appearance at Grand Nationals.

Northmont (OH) – Class AA
“The Roaring 20’s”
Making their 26th appearance in Grand Nationals, Northmont is looking to make yet another Semi-Finals appearance. They’re a former Grand National Finalist, finishing in 8th place in 2000. Earlier this season, Northmont finished in 8th place at the Mason Regional, and 5th place at the Pontiac Regional.

Rockford (MI) – Class AAA
“Reactivity”
Competing for the first time ever in BOA this year, Rockford has already placed 7th at the Pontiac Regional. This past weekend, they took home 3rd place at the MCBA Flight I State Championships.

Blue Springs (MO) – Class AAAA
“Carved in Stone: The Faces Within”
Blue Springs returns to Grand Nationals for the fourth time in their history. They’ve made Semi-Finals once, where they finished 27th in 2007. Earlier this season, Blue Springs placed 7th at the St. Louis Regional.

Franklin (TN) – Class AAA
“Tango Nuevo”
This marks the first trip ever to Grand Nationals for Franklin. Some of you may remember them from the Indianapolis Regional in years past (including a very touching show paying tribute to a Franklin resident named Jimmy Gentry, a show that still sticks with me personally). Earlier this season, Franklin finished in 3rd place at the Jacksonville Regional.

North Hardin (KY) – Class AA (Regional Winner #5)
“From the Water’s Edge”
North Hardin is a 2-time National Finalist, finishing as high as 4th in 1989. This year marks their tenth trip to Grand Nationals. They started the year with a bang by winning the Richmond Regional back in September. They also finished 5th in the KMEA Class 5A State Semifinals.

Centerville (OH) – Class AAAA (Regional Winner #6)
“Killer Queen”
Making their 28th appearance at Grand Nationals, this 19 time Finalist is usually always listed among the finalist contenders, but I just can’t put them there this year. It’s an enjoyable show, but I don’t think they’ll have enough to get it done (I’ll happily be proven wrong). They’re the 1992 Grand National Champion and earlier this year they won the Mason Regional and finished 2nd at the Akron Regional. This past weekend they finished 11th at the Indianapolis Regional.

Bellbrook (OH) – Class AA
“Cornered”
Bellbrook returns to Grand Nationals for the 21st time. They’re a former Grand National Finalist in 2000, and a 7-time National Class Champion, winning Class A six times, and Class AA once in 2004. Earlier this season, Bellbrook finished 8th at the Mason Regional.

Bourbon County (KY) – Class AA
“Infinite: The Power of Rings”
They’ve been your Class A Champion for three years running, but won’t get the opportunity to defend that honor this year, as they’ve moved up to Class AA. This year marks the sixth appearance for Bourbon County at Grand Nationals, where they’ve finished as high as 24th this past year. Earlier this season, Bourbon County finished 5th at the Richmond Regional, 2nd at the Mason Regional, and 2nd in Class 3A at the KMEA State Championship.

Columbus North (IN) – Class AAA
“Toxic!”
This is Columbus North’s seventh straight appearance at Grand Nationals, where they’ve made Semi-Finals 5 times, with a high finish of 20th in 2008. This past weekend, Columbus North took home the 4A title at the MSBA Championships.

West Johnston (NC) – Class AAA
“Dateline”
West Johnston has five prior Grand National appearances, and 5 Semi-Finals berths to show for it. They have a high finish of 15th in 2007. They have not competed in a BOA event this season.

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Semi-Finalist Contenders by Class (performing order)

Thursday Class A:
 
Assuming Adair County is 1st in Class A on Thursday, I see 3 bands with a shot to be that second Class A band.

Monrovia (IN) – Class A
“Tribute”
Making their fifth consecutive appearance at Grand Nationals, this former Semi-Finalist (33rd in 2007) is looking to add to a successful season that saw them earn a 9th place finish at the ISSMA Class D State Finals and a 2nd place finish at the MSBA Class 2A Championships.

Saint James School (AL) – Class A
“A Rock Odyssey”
Returning for the second time in three years, Saint James is looking to make another Semi-Finals appearance, when they finished 34th in 2009. I’m certainly rooting for the Indiana schools, but if I had to pick another Class A band from Thursday, I’d probably lean their way.

Danville (IN) – Class A
“The Road Not Taken”
It’s no secret that their director, Adrian Hartsough, is my friend and a staff member with our website, so I think we’re all rooting for Danville to do well this weekend. It’s probably a longshot, but it isn’t out of the question to see Danville make a late run for that last spot in Class A. Good luck guys!

Friday Class A:

Beechwood (KY) – Class A
“Passage of the Warrior”
This is Beechwood’s eleventh appearance at Grand Nationals, and they’re a 2-time Semi-Finalist, finishing in 32nd in 2006 and 2008. They’re also the 2006 Class A National Champion, so if anyone is going to challenge Adair County for the Class A title, it’ll be Beechwood. Earlier this season, they finished 4th at the Richmond Regional, took home the KMEA Class A State Championship, and finished 2nd at the MSBA Class 4A Championships.

The Friday Class A spots are also pretty tricky. We know one of them will be going to Beechwood, but there’s probably 3 bands (or more) with a legit claim to that last spot.

Newaygo (MI) – Class A
“Ritual”
This will be Newaygo’s first ever BOA event, so we’re happy to see them choose Grand Nationals for their trial run. They were the MCBA Flight IV runner-up this past weekend.

Murphysboro (IL) – Class A
“Our 70’s Show”
They haven’t been to Grand Nationals since 1995, and have a high finish of 63rd in 1994, but they’re capable of making Semi-Finals this year. I know I’m interested to hear them play the Theme from Sesame Street!

LaSalle (OH) – Class A
“Escape to Insanity”
This is LaSalle’s first trip to Grand Nationals, and they could sure make it a memorable one by making Semi-Finals. Earlier this season they took home the Class A Championship at the Mason Regional, and finished in 3rd place right behind Monrovia at the MSBA Class 2A Championships.

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The Other Indiana Bands (performing order)

Shortridge Magnet (IN) – Class A
“Earthdance”
This is their second appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 41st on their day last year.

Arsenal Technical (IN) – Class AAA
“Circle of Life”
This is also their second appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 40th on their day last year.

East Central (IN) – Class AA
-Symphony No. 9 (Dvorak)
This is East Central’s first ever appearance at Grand Nationals. This past weekend they finished 10th at the MSBA Class 2A Championships.

Norwell (IN) – Class AA
“How Music Moves Us”
It kills me not to list Norwell among the Semi-Finalist contenders, but I just don’t think it’s in the cards. I’ve loved this program ever since they came out at Districts in 2002 and blew my mind. This is their twelfth appearance at Grand Nationals. They’re 2-time Class A National Champions, and had a high placing of 20th in 2004. Two weeks ago they finished 3rd at the ISSMA Class C State Finals and this past weekend they finished 21st at the Indianapolis Regional.

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The Rest of the Field (performing order)

Edgewood (OH) – Class AA
“Nightwatch”
This is their seventh appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 30th in 1986.

Corner (AL) – Class A
“Ludwig and Wolfgang”
This is their second appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 38th on their prelims day in 2009.

Daviess County (KY) – Class AA
“The Good Earth”
This is their fourth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 19th on their prelims day in 2005. They finished 10th at the KMEA Class 5A State Semifinals this year.

Firestone (OH) – Class AA
“The Fifth Element”
This is their fifth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing is 38th on their prelims day, which they’ve done 3 times. Earlier this season they finished 14th at the Akron Regional and 6th at the MSBA Class 4A Championships.

Sycamore (OH) – Class AAA
“Flight”
May I just say that they’re playing one of my favorite songs (Tonight, Tonight by the Smashing Pumpkins), so I’ll make sure I see this show. This is their seventh appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing is 25th on their prelims day in 2009. Earlier this season they finished 10th at the Mason Regional and 7th at the MSBA Open Class Championships.

Norton (OH) – Class A
“Around, Over, and Through”
This is their sixteenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 26th on their prelims day in 2007. They were the Class A Champions of the Akron Regional this year.

Western Brown (OH) – Class AA
“Bayou”
This is Western Brown’s 18th appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 33rd on their prelims day last year. They finished 13th at the MSBA Class 3A Championships this year.

Talawanda (OH) – Class AA
“The Witch and the Saint”
This is Talawanda’s third Grand Nationals appearance. Their highest placing was 36th in 2010. They finished 11th at the MSBA Class 3A Championships this year.

Indian Hill (OH) – Class A
“The Red Thread”
This is Indian Hill’s sixteenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 25th on their prelims day in 1999.

Carlisle (OH) – Class A
-Original Music by Andrew Markworth
This is Carlisle’s seventh appearance at Grand Nationals. They made Semi-Finals in 2006 where they finished 34th.

Carroll (OH) – Class A
“I Am…”
This is Carroll’s 23rd appearance at Grand Nationals. They have 2 National Finals appearances, finishing 8th in both 1982 and 1983. They finished 4th at the MSBA Class 2A Championships this year.

Central Hardin (KY) – Class AAA
“All in a Day”
This is Central Hardin’s second appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 27th on their prelims day in 2006. Earlier this season, they finished 8th at the Richmond Regional and 12th in KMEA Class 5A State Semifinals.

Warren Local (OH) – Class A
“The Music of Tower of Power”
This is Warren Local’s thirteenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 31st on their prelims day in 1997 and 2007.

Milford (OH) – Class AAA
“This is US”
This is Milford’s fifteenth Grand Nationals appearance. They’re a 4-time Semi-Finalist, with a high placing of 25th in 1999. Earlier this season they finished 9th at the Mason Regional and 8th at the Akron Regional.

Herscher (IL) – Class A
“Dreams of the Inner Child”
This is Herscher’s seventeenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 25th on their prelims day in 2003. Earlier this season they finished in 4th place in Class A at the ISU Championships.

Stebbins (OH) – Class AA
“Ascend”
This is Stebbins’ second Grand Nationals appearance. They finished 30th on their prelims day last year. Last week they finished in 8th at the MSBA Open Class Championships.

Troy Athens (MI) – Class AAA
“Spirit of Adventure: The Amelia Earhardt Story”
This is Troy Athens’ sixth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 22nd on their prelims day in 2003. Last week they finished 7th at the MCBA Flight I State Finals.

Crestwood (OH) – Class A
“Switch”
This is Crestwood’s second appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 33rd on their prelims day in 2008.

Grant (MI) – Class A
“Niagara Falls”
This is Grant’s second appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 19th on their prelims day in 2009. This past weekend they finished 3rd at the MCBA Flight IV State Finals.

Kings (OH) – Class AA
”Black and White and Read All Over”
This is Kings’ 21st appearance at Grand Nationals. They’re a 4-time Semi-Finalist with a high placing of 26th in 2007. This past weekend they took home the MSBA Class 3A Championship.

Avon (OH) – Class AA
“Unbalanced”
Ah, the other Avon. This is their 10th appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 27th on their prelims day in 2008. Earlier this season they finished 20th at the Akron Regional.

Logan Elm (OH) – Class A
”The Long Road Home: A Pearl Harbor Rememberance”
This marks their second consecutive appearance at Grand Nationals. Last year Logan Elm finished 39th on their prelims day.

Archbishop Alter (OH) – Class A
“New Orleans Sketches”
This is Archbishop Alter’s third appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was last year when they were 35th on their prelims day.

Green Hope (NC) – Class AAA
“Liszten”
They’re kind of an unknown for me, so if they happen to make Semi-Finals, I guess we’ll all be in for a surprise. This is their first BOA event since 2003 and first ever trip to Grand Nationals. They finished in 4th place at the USSBA event at Wake Forest.

North Laurel (KY) – Class AA
“Heroes Fallen, Not Forgotten”
This is North Laurel’s 8th appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 33rd on their prelims day in 1997 and 1999.

Limestone Community (IL) – Class AAA
“Legend”
This is Limestone Community’s thirteenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 19th on their prelims day in 1996. Earlier this season they were 3rd in Class 2A at the ISU Championships.

Greendale (WI) – Class AA
“SE7EN”
This is Greendale’s third Grand Nationals appearance. Their highest placing was 22nd on their prelims day in 2010.

Meade County (KY) – Class AA
“Moonlight Sonare”
This is Meade County’s fifteenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 24th on their prelims day in 1999.

Butler Traditional (KY) – Class AA
“West Side Story”
This is their first BOA event since 1998 and their first ever trip to Grand Nationals.

Miamisburg (OH) – Class AA
“End to End”
This is Miamisburg’s nineteenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 17th on their prelims day in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Earlier this season they placed 13th at the Mason Regional and last week they took home 3rd place at the MSBA Open Class Championships.

East Clinton (OH) – Class A
“Mirror Image”
This is East Clinton’s first ever appearance at Grand Nationals.

Lebanon (OH) – Class AAA
“UP: A Life’s Journey”
This is Lebanon’s ninth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 30th on their prelims day in 2005. This past weekend they finished 6th at the MSBA Class 3A Championships.

Grandville (MI) – Class AAA
“The Other Side”
This is Grandville’s sixth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 20th on their prelims day in 2009. This past weekend they finished 9th at the MCBA Flight I State Finals.

Victor J. Andrew (IL) – Class AAA
“Dawn”
This is Victor J. Andrew’s tenth appearance at Grand Nationals. Their highest placing is 18th on their prelims day in 1998 and 2010. Earlier this season they finished 8th at the Pontiac Regional and 7th at the ISU Championships.

Lakeland (MI) – Class AA
“The Fallen Leaves of Memory”
This is Lakeland’s 22nd appearance at Grand Nationals. They’re a former Semi-Finalist, finishing in 32nd in 1999. Earlier this season they finished 13th at the Pontiac Regional and just last weekend took home 8th in the MCBA Flight I State Finals.

Cary (NC) – Class AAA
“Visitation!”
This is Cary’s fifth trip to Grand Nationals. Their highest placing was 20th on their prelims day last year. They finished in 9th place at the Akron Regional earlier this season.

Pulaski County (KY) – Class AAA
“The Four Freedoms”
This is the first ever BOA event for Pulaski County.

Waukesha North (WI) – Class AAA
“Duality: Where Classic Meets Modern”
This is Waukesha North’s first ever BOA event.

O’Fallon Township (IL) – Class AAAA
“Fourward”
This is the fourth appearance at Grand Nationals for O’Fallon Township. Their highest placing was 16th on their prelims day in 2009. Earlier this season they finished 14th at the St. Louis Regional and 6th place at the ISU Championships.

Ravenwood (TN) – Class AAA
“…In Red”
This is Ravenwood’s second appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 16th on their prelims day last year.

Bishop Fenwick (OH) – Class A
“The Hungry Catepillar”
This is Bishop Fenwick’s third appearance at Grand Nationals. They finished 43rd on their prelims day last year.

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I hope you've enjoyed reading this rundown of the 2011 Bands of America Grand National Championships. Indiana will certainly be represented well as always! And on behalf of the entire IM.com Staff, I'd like to give my best wishes and congratulations to all competing bands.
  
Thanks for a great season!