BOA Grand Nationals feature: Finalist - Marcus HS Marching Band performing "Charmed"

Bands of America Grand Nationals Championship

We arrived in Indianapolis late Thursday afternoon just in time to make it over to the Lucas Oil Stadium (where the Indianapolis Colts play) to see the Marcus Marching Band perform in the preliminaries. Their performance was good enough to take them into the Semi Finals which began as the sun was rising Saturday morning. Uncle Dave and Aunt Keiko showed up Saturday just as the band was taking the field, and they managed to find some good seats just before the show began.

After all the bands had finished performing, they lined up all the drum majors to announce the 12 bands that would be moving on to the Finals to be held that evening. There was some mighty stiff competition from the 92 bands competing, so we weren't sure if they were going to move on. The judges had no doubts, and announced Marcus as one of the bands that would appear in finals.

So we headed out for some dinner, and then made our way back to the stadium for finals. All the bands were on the top of their game, and it was going to be a nail biter, that much we knew.

Marcus' performance in the Finals was, by far, their finest performance all year! They were the second to last to perform, and after the last band left the field, the judges totaled up all their scores, then brought all the bands, color guards and drum majors back onto the field to announce winners. This is always a spectacular sight, with all the bands attired in their various colored show uniforms, lined up across the field.

The Marcus Band did superbly! They took 5th place out of the 500 bands that competed this year. But the real highlight of the evening for the band, was being awarded the Al Castronovo Esprit de Corps Award. Here's the description from the BOA Adjudication Handbook describing the award:

"This is a special award and is not based on any scores from the competition. It is open to all bands in the competition. The Bands of America staff will evaluate groups throughout the complete event to select the one group most exhibiting pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of purpose for the activity of marching bands in this country."

The Esprit de Corps Award was first awarded in 1978. Since then, one band has received the award at each year's Grand National Championship. The BOA staff, Grand National event staff and volunteers are asked to nominate a band to receive the award. Then, the BOA executive staff reviews nominees and makes final selection."

The announcement of the award brought our band director to tears (of joy). Over the past 4 years, she has always been insistent that how you carry yourself both on and off the field is of the utmost importance. As fans, we are even instructed that we should honor all bands that perform. That is why at every performance, every band, no matter how good or bad the performance was, receives a standing ovation from the Marcus Band Parents. Every time. We even do that for Plano West, who has consistently disrespected the band and the Marcus fans, even going so far as to turn and perform with their backs to us when on our home field. That speaks to the quality, or lack thereof, of both the band directors, their school and the kids themselves. But they still got a standing ovation from the Marcus Band Parents, despite all that.

I think Ms. Drinkwater's insistence on decorum has made a lasting impression on all the Marcus kids. And, it will serve them well throughout the rest of their lives. I have no doubt. 

Here are the Marcus Drum Majors front and center with their Color Guard and Band backing them up.

The bands have a set amount of time to take the field and set-up. If they take too long, points are deducted. This is one well oiled machine. They don't miss a beat.

Taylor is on the ladder in the upper left, ready to kick off the show. Her usual conducting platform broke during the last football halftime performance, so the ladder worked in a pinch.

After she starts the show, Taylor moves to her second perch. She is like the utility drum major, and moves to various spots throughout the show so that the kids can see her as they wind through their various formations. Otherwise, they could get off tempo.

Taylor on her second perch.

View of the field during the performance.

And here's her third perch.

Between shows, the Purdue University Marching Band came out and did a demonstration. 

Quite impressive. Quite loud. But this is what you'd expect from a college marching band.

After the semi-finals, all the Drum Majors line up across the field for the announcement of the 12 bands that move on to finals competition.

Here the Marcus Drum Majors are being announced and receiving their semi-finals award. As each band is called, the drum majors step out, do their own individual synchronized salute to the crowd, then receive their trophy. Taylor is just to the left of the girl dressed in all green. Taylor is in dark grey with the grey shako hat and grey plume.

After the awards are announced, the drum majors leave the field to prepare for finals. Here Taylor is leading her fellow drum majors and color guard off the field. You'll notice that they are not dancing around, gloating or doing group hugs and celebrating. These kids are all business. And that is part of the reason they were awarded the Esprit de Corps Award. This is how professionals do it. Notice the other kids. They look like they just found a $20 bill laying on the sidewalk or something.

And here she is keeping them in step, leading them back to the band who are waiting in the wings, where there will, no doubt, be a few shouts of joy as they celebrate their placement in the Finals.

After semi-finals we headed out for some quick dinner. Col. Bob likes Subway, even though he's not smiling. He's probably planning and scheming about how he's going to win his next pole vaulting medal.

Apparently, Jennifer likes her Subway, too. She is very excited.

The band waiting for the cue to take the field for their Finals performance.

Quick set-up.

Taylor back on the ladder in the corner getting ready to start the show.

And they start!

Color Guard was spectacular this year. They really added a lot to the show.

Color Guard in the front, band in the back.

After the performance ends, they just have a few minutes to clear the field. Here they are whisking their field props and instruments into the tunnel.

And then it's time for the awards. As I mentioned, this is absolutely spectacular to watch, 

as several thousand kids file onto the field in perfect order.

Here's the Marcus Band lined up. Taylor is the drum major on the left, in front of the green color guard.

Now the drama begins and the BOA judges and officials hand out the awards. 

Taylor is the Drum Major in the very center of the picture.

Here she is receiving the medal for the Esprit de Corps Award. This is a pic of her on the Jumbotron screen in the stadium. This was also broadcast live on the internet all across the US. She was really happy, and we were very, very proud of her. What a way to end the season! What a way to end 4 years of high school marching band, and thousands upon thousands of hours of practice. 

They start each season practicing 12 hours a day in 100+F temps on a blacktop parking lot. Throughout the season they endure a lot, from incredible heat in the beginning of the season, to sitting in the stands, soaked to the bone by rain, in freezing cold temperatures, waiting for their chance to take the field and perform. They don't complain about that. The Marcus Band motto is "Whatever It Takes." And they do, without complaint, whatever it takes. Just incredible kids.

Jumbotron pics of the Marcus Band Drum Majors with their medals.

Then at the very end, they announce the scores. Here the Marcus Drum Majors are stepping up to receive the 5th place award.

Cameras are rolling as the head BOA official congratulates them individually.

Taylor is standing next to the official. Another shot from the Jumbotron.

Getting ready to do their salute as they are called forward for their award.

And there you have it. It was a great time in Indianapolis, and we were very happy that family were able to attend. There's really no way to describe the whole affair – you really have to be there to see just how incredible this is. We couldn't be more proud of Taylor, and the whole Marcus Band. Well done!

And so it ends...

Last night was the final regular season game for the Marcus Marauders. It was also Senior Night, where the seniors and their parents stood before the crowd as the announcer broadcast where they planned to attend college and what field of study they would pursue.

She started out as the quiet freshman clarinet player who's talent and drive landed her in the first chair of the wind symphony, and here she is four years later — a Drum Major, leading 350 other kids across the field.

It was a bittersweet moment for us. We are proud of Taylor and all the incredible things she has accomplished, but this was her final time marching across the home field, which was a little difficult for us. As a freshman it was hard for her to imagine this moment. As a parent of a freshman, you just don't let your mind wander to this moment as you see the other seniors performing in their final show.

And so it ends here. 

Parents and students lining up to be recognized in front of the home town crowd.

Scott, Taylor and Mrs. Horn.

Taylor and Ms. Drinkwater, the Band Director, who greeted each student and their family
after they were recognized. She had some very kind words to share with us, and will miss having Taylor's good humor, musical skills, leadership and professionalism out on the field.

Taylor and one of her many fiends doing a little mugging for the camera.

Taylor has the ability to bring people together. Her Grandma Joan noticed that trait when Taylor was around 3-years-old. She remarked that when there was a dispute, Taylor unselfishly would diffuse a situation before it escalated. Her ebullient personality coupled with her social skills are a combination you don't find in many kids. This will serve her well. Most adults could learn a tremendous amount from her.

The final Drum Major salute to the crowd.

And the show begins...