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.
