Local Bands Impress at Dubois County Marching Showcase

Opening the event, the Jasper Marching Wildcats presented their offering, “Heartistry.” Drum majors Jordan Voeger, Isabella Harmon, and Aanias Jackson led the 177-member ensemble through their increasingly intricate performance that represented the power that music has in matters of the heart. Musical selections included “My Spanish Heart” and by “Spanish Fantasy” Chick Corea, “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel, and “Shape of My Heart” by Sting. 

The Forest Park Marching Rangers took the field next with their performance, “The Throne.” Band director Jordan Witt’s vision of a medieval battle for power came to life under the watchful eye of drum majors Ella Hopf and Mackenzie Jacob. The Rangers’ brilliantly executed performance included musical selections “Toccata Andromeda” by Paul Halley, “Blood Upon the Snow” by Bear McCreary and Hozier, and “Eleanor Rigby” by the Beatles (in the style of Cody Fry). 

The Pride of Paoli closed out the afternoon with their showstopper, “Inside the Circle,” led by drum majors Vanessa Thacker and Cannon Lambdin. The 55-member strong ensemble is under the direction of Christian Karkosky. Musical selections included “First Circle” by Pat Metheny and “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell. 

All three bands are state-bound, preparing for the season’s final competition at the ISSMA State Finals this coming Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. They have all won prior state championships, and each is vying for a state title again this year. Forest Park and Paoli are both competing in Open Class D, and Jasper will appear in Open Class B. 

Their hard work this year was evident at every turn at Saturday’s Showcase. Guard flags soared through the air, instrumentalists skillfully weaving their intricate patterns as the music crescendoed. The afternoon was filled with inspiring exhibitions by bands and color guards alike, but was marked by something equally praiseworthy. In an impressive display of comradery, all three bands unreservedly supported one another with cheers, thunderous applause, and standing ovations. As they all prepare to come together on November 9, where they will present their final efforts for the season, these students have proven once again that they are extraordinary - both on and off the field.

For more information on ISSMA’s State Final Lucas Oil Stadium, visit www.issma.net. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring