Published: November 04, 2009 04:19 pm      

Avon marching band wins again

INDIANAPOLIS — The Avon Marching Black and Gold once again took first-place honors in its class Saturday at the Indiana State School Music Association State Marching Band Finals.

The band took the top spot in Class A, the largest class, with a show titled “Comm-UNIFORM-ity.” Avon Band Director Jay Webb said it “basically has the elements of community, uniformity, uniform, and conformity all banded together.”

“The competition was the highest quality, and our performance was the best of the year,” Webb said of the ISSMA finals.

Avon beat out schools such as Lawrence Central in Indianapolis and Center Grove in Greenwood. Ben Davis, which also competes in Class A, placed fifth.

The Orioles won a state championship seven consecutive years from 2001-07. The first two came in Class B and the last five in Class A. They’re back on top after finishing second to Lawrence Central last year.

“We have varying levels of talent that come in,” Webb said of the program he leads. “We’ve been really good for the last eight years.”

Their season isn’t over yet. Next comes the Bands of America Grand National Championships Nov. 11-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The event features 90 marching bands from across the country, as well as exhibition performances by college bands. Up to 36 schools will advance to the semi-finals, with 12 bands competing for the top spot that Saturday evening. Ben Davis and Monrovia are also participating.

Last year Avon placed first in Bands of America’s Class AAA for visual and general effect. They tied with Lawrence Central in the finals for best visual.

“We’re in the process of trying to peak,” Webb said of this marching season.

Plainfield also competed at this year’s ISSMA State Marching Band Finals, finishing sixth in Class B with a show theme titled “Hunting Wabbits.” Calls to PHS Band Director Bradley Roberts were not returned.



wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com