This past Saturday, four of our local high school marching bands competed in the ISMAA State Marching Band Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The finals consist of 10 competing bands in each of four classes.
Goshen High School placed ninth in Class A. Concord High School placed fifth and Northridge High School eighth in Class B. Fairfield High School placed seventh in Class C. About 500 local students gave their very best as they represented themselves, their school and our community.
As we have said in this space before, there is nobody who works any harder at perfecting their extra-curricular craft than a band member. And at the state finals, perfection is demanded. Every note and every step matters. One slip can cost a band dearly.
There is no shame in any placement at the state marching band finals. To simply qualify for the finals is an incredible accomplishment. Goshen and Fairfield specifically, were competing for the first time in new classes. Two years ago Goshen moved up from Class B to Class A and Fairfield moved up from Class D to Class C. Both bands had a track record of success in their previous classes.
Goshen burst onto the Class B scene in 1987, finishing for a tie for second in its first state finals appearance. Goshen would place in the top five five straight years and nine times in 11 years. Goshen has finished third twice (1989 and 1990) and fourth six times.
Since 1990 Fairfield qualified for the Class D finals 12 times, placing as high as third in 1993. Concord has qualified for 25 of the past 26 Class B state finals, winning the title in 1992, 2003 and 2005. Northridge is establishing its tradition by qualifying for five of the past six state finals. Its highest finish was seventh in 2004.
It takes years to firmly establish a strong marching band program. Elkhart County is blessed to have so many fine band programs that consistently rank among the state’s elite. NorthWood, while it did not make in past semi-state this year, has qualified for state five times in Class C and placed third last year.
So, congratulations to all our local marching bands for yet another outstanding season. We couldn’t be more proud.
Opinion
Local bands once again make us proud
- Opinion
-
-
13 turnarounds we can admire
Before trustees of Goshen Community Schools met this past Monday night, a reception was held to honor 13 deserving students. They weren’t valedictorians or salutatorians. They weren’t class presidents or all-state student-athletes.
-
Recognition as bicycle-friendly city appreciated
Goshen is in the second year of its four-year designation by the League of American Bicyclists as a bike-friendly community. We congratulate city planners and bicycle advocates for this continuing recognition.
-
A message that all children need to hear
Gayla Konanz is giving girls the message they need to hear — fitness begins early in life and is the foundation that self-esteem and confidence are built on.
Konanz is a fitness advocate for children and works through the Girls on the Run program. The Goshen News told readers in the May 2 edition how Konanz is working with girls at Bristol Elementary School and is encouraging them to get fit and stay fit. -
We’re No. 12, and No. 1,268! Way to go GHS
This has become a popular space for singing the praises of our local school corporations in recent years. That’s because we believe in the quality work and effort our educators and students are putting forth on a daily basis in and out of the classroom.
-
Bill Bloss was a superb servant
Bill Bloss, a man who was always willing to step up and help his hometown of Goshen, died Wednesday. We know that everyone who had met Mr. Bloss and got to know him, will miss him plenty.
-
Voters and candidates deserve a 'thank you'
In light of Tuesday’s primary election, we’d like to take a moment and thank two groups of people.
-
A portrait of success this past Friday
Goshen’s First Fridays has garnered its fair share of headlines since March when the City Council began considering ordinance amendments geared toward youth attending the monthly festival.
-
Time not always on public’s side
One candidate was asked whether or not he was a socialist. Others discussed funding priorities, and even braved the tricky topic of where Goshen’s “south link road” should or shouldn’t go.
-
Good news in local education
Public schools — especially diverse urban districts — often get a bad rap by those who choose to look through the narrow telescope of standardized test scores. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Standardized tests are a wonderful tool for educators, but not the end-all, be-all of gauging achievement and effectiveness.
-
Gang 'talk' is what we need
Business owners see the evidence on their store fronts. Teachers see it sitting in their classrooms. Police officers see it in their daily reports. Graffiti. Clothing. Violence. While the term “gang” can conjure images of crusty inner-city slums, it is not a term that is lost any longer here in Elkhart County.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
13 turnarounds we can admire
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Egyptians Vote in Historic Presidential Election
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Joplin Marches to 'Remember' Tornado Victims
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
Sheriff: DNA Links Suspect to Missing CA Teen
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
