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Post by quadsquadmama on Feb 24, 2020 14:31:52 GMT -6
The formal email announcement was sent at noon today to all band families. It was?!? I didn’t get one 😭 Here's an excerpt from the email: "In an effort to keep everyone up to date on what is happening with our program, I would like to formally introduce our new Associate Director of Bands, Mr. Jason Witzigreuter. Mr. Witzigreuter comes to us with a great deal of experience as a music educator and administrator. Mr. Witzigreuter currently serves as the Director of Bands at East Noble High School. He has also served in the same role at Northrop High School for several years. As an administrator, Mr. Witzigreuter has spent time at Adams Central and Northrop High School."
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Post by Marching Observer on Feb 24, 2020 14:39:30 GMT -6
I actually really like this hire. He's a pretty good get imo in regards to Indiana talent. Experience and has put out some quality products with what he's been given before. *Let's out breath he didn't know he was holding*
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 24, 2020 15:06:59 GMT -6
I actually really like this hire. He's a pretty good get imo in regards to Indiana talent. Experience and has put out some quality products with what he's been given before. *Let's out breath he didn't know he was holding* Wait, it's NOT Seth? I can't say I'm enthusiastic about this hire. I don't know Jason, but the resume leaves me flat. He wasn't even involved in music for a few years as principal of Adams Central and Northrop. He's only been back as East Noble director for one season. I'm a little befuddled. The former Northrop director (sorry Northrop fans) hardly feels like a bold first step into a new future. I hear a lot of talk from people who seem quite enthusiastic about the great potential waiting to be unlocked at Homestead. I've yet to see anything to give me such hope.
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Post by angelee on Feb 24, 2020 16:02:24 GMT -6
It was?!? I didn’t get one 😭 Here's an excerpt from the email: "In an effort to keep everyone up to date on what is happening with our program, I would like to formally introduce our new Associate Director of Bands, Mr. Jason Witzigreuter. Mr. Witzigreuter comes to us with a great deal of experience as a music educator and administrator. Mr. Witzigreuter currently serves as the Director of Bands at East Noble High School. He has also served in the same role at Northrop High School for several years. As an administrator, Mr. Witzigreuter has spent time at Adams Central and Northrop High School."Thank you! I actually emailed and I’m back on the list. She had removed all of the seniors from the email list which makes sense! However I have an incoming freshman, so she put me back on :-)
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Post by bandio on Feb 25, 2020 9:10:11 GMT -6
Monday’s off for the kids is great! Ask most directors, Mondays are a waste after a long weekend of competition. I love this hire. He loves music and the marching arts. A lot of experience.
And, if you are posting volunteer names, please stop.
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Post by bandio on Feb 25, 2020 9:23:08 GMT -6
I actually really like this hire. He's a pretty good get imo in regards to Indiana talent. Experience and has put out some quality products with what he's been given before. *Let's out breath he didn't know he was holding* Wait, it's NOT Seth? I can't say I'm enthusiastic about this hire. I don't know Jason, but the resume leaves me flat. He wasn't even involved in music for a few years as principal of Adams Central and Northrop. He's only been back as East Noble director for one season. I'm a little befuddled. The former Northrop director (sorry Northrop fans) hardly feels like a bold first step into a new future. I hear a lot of talk from people who seem quite enthusiastic about the great potential waiting to be unlocked at Homestead. I've yet to see anything to give me such hope. Warfield does not like to lose.... trust me😁
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 25, 2020 9:50:31 GMT -6
Wait, it's NOT Seth? I can't say I'm enthusiastic about this hire. I don't know Jason, but the resume leaves me flat. He wasn't even involved in music for a few years as principal of Adams Central and Northrop. He's only been back as East Noble director for one season. I'm a little befuddled. The former Northrop director (sorry Northrop fans) hardly feels like a bold first step into a new future. I hear a lot of talk from people who seem quite enthusiastic about the great potential waiting to be unlocked at Homestead. I've yet to see anything to give me such hope. Warfield does not like to lose.... trust me😁 Nobody likes to lose. There's no distinction in that.
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Post by bandio on Feb 25, 2020 11:16:51 GMT -6
Warfield does not like to lose.... trust me😁 Nobody likes to lose. There's no distinction in that. Next time I’m in the fort, we need to get a beer😁
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 25, 2020 11:30:43 GMT -6
Nobody likes to lose. There's no distinction in that. Next time I’m in the fort, we need to get a beer😁 I'll probably be at the Black Dog Pub. Brad Wadkins used to be there a lot too but I haven't seen him there in some time. I even saw Steve Barber there once with some of the staff, though he seemed vaguely uncomfortable.
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Post by Marching Observer on Feb 25, 2020 11:55:36 GMT -6
To OldSchool, I understand your skepticism and do believe you're justified (for once lol) but I still think this is a good hire. One, he already has experience. Two, he clearly has a passion for the activity if he moved from band, to admin, and then back to band. A move I don't think I've ever seen before. Third, he did well with the resources given to him at the other schools in a game that increasingly attacks the deck against schools with lack of funding it support. With Homestead's resources, I believe he can really start to bump ahead. Finally, I'd (personally) rather take a known quantity than a gamble on someone new. If anyone thought they were going to get some slam dunk hire from Texas or something, that would just be a pipedream. Texas takes talent from Indiana, not the other way around lol. Do I think it will be a glitch free transition. Absolutely not. There's almost always a hiccup. And with these two directors, there is almost certainly going to be a new style/look/feel to Homestead's shows we aren't used to. It'll be a journey, that's for sure.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 25, 2020 13:59:47 GMT -6
To OldSchool, I understand your skepticism and do believe you're justified (for once lol) but I still think this is a good hire. One, he already has experience. Two, he clearly has a passion for the activity if he moved from band, to admin, and then back to band. A move I don't think I've ever seen before. Third, he did well with the resources given to him at the other schools in a game that increasingly attacks the deck against schools with lack of funding it support. With Homestead's resources, I believe he can really start to bump ahead. Finally, I'd (personally) rather take a known quantity than a gamble on someone new. If anyone thought they were going to get some slam dunk hire from Texas or something, that would just be a pipedream. Texas takes talent from Indiana, not the other way around lol. Do I think it will be a glitch free transition. Absolutely not. There's almost always a hiccup. And with these two directors, there is almost certainly going to be a new style/look/feel to Homestead's shows we aren't used to. It'll be a journey, that's for sure. Fair enough. But if you tell me he was at Northrop in 2011 the year they did that creepy dark tower show I think I'm going to drown myself in the toilet down the hall on my way out the door.
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Post by LeanderMomma on Feb 25, 2020 15:56:58 GMT -6
If anyone thought they were going to get some slam dunk hire from Texas or something, that would just be a pipedream. Texas takes talent from Indiana, not the other way around lol. Ouch.
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Post by TXHillCountryBands on Feb 25, 2020 16:23:29 GMT -6
If anyone thought they were going to get some slam dunk hire from Texas or something, that would just be a pipedream. Texas takes talent from Indiana, not the other way around lol. Ouch. This seemingly condescending comment has a ring of truth to it. Texas programs are growing and sprouting new competitors almost yearly so directorship talents will inevitably be imported from Oklahoma, Florida, California and of course the fantastic pools from Indiana. Although, Indiana leads in visual and guard production the Musicianship skill gap is ever widening year over year. Indian bands sound almost intermediate compared to Texas Elites. My guess is the directorship and specialist doors would and should start swinging both ways in order to stay competitive.
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Post by thewho on Feb 25, 2020 17:30:58 GMT -6
To OldSchool, I understand your skepticism and do believe you're justified (for once lol) but I still think this is a good hire. One, he already has experience. Two, he clearly has a passion for the activity if he moved from band, to admin, and then back to band. A move I don't think I've ever seen before. Third, he did well with the resources given to him at the other schools in a game that increasingly attacks the deck against schools with lack of funding it support. With Homestead's resources, I believe he can really start to bump ahead. Finally, I'd (personally) rather take a known quantity than a gamble on someone new. If anyone thought they were going to get some slam dunk hire from Texas or something, that would just be a pipedream. Texas takes talent from Indiana, not the other way around lol. Do I think it will be a glitch free transition. Absolutely not. There's almost always a hiccup. And with these two directors, there is almost certainly going to be a new style/look/feel to Homestead's shows we aren't used to. It'll be a journey, that's for sure. Fair enough. But if you tell me he was at Northrop in 2011 the year they did that creepy dark tower show I think I'm going to drown myself in the toilet down the hall on my way out the door. That was Chris Kaflick.... who's at Brownsburg now. Northrop was on an upward trajectory with Witz before he left for the administrative position at Adams Central. Let's be honest..... Would one actually stay for a drastically underpaid position, while another with good (and I mean good) pay waiting? There's your answer to why Northrop never managed to get off the ground with him. It's completely fine if you don't like the move, but at some point people will start to tune out continuous pessimism. I will say, along with many others, that Witz is a good hire in the long-term.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 25, 2020 17:35:04 GMT -6
Fair enough. But if you tell me he was at Northrop in 2011 the year they did that creepy dark tower show I think I'm going to drown myself in the toilet down the hall on my way out the door. That was Chris Kaflick.... who's at Brownsburg now. Northrop was on an upward trajectory with Witz before he left for the administrative position at Adams Central. Let's be honest..... Would one actually stay for a drastically underpaid position, while another with good (and I mean good) pay waiting? There's your answer to why Northrop never managed to get off the ground with him. It's completely fine if you don't like the move, but at some point people will start to tune out continuous pessimism. I will say, along with many others, that Witz is a good hire in the long-term. Thank you. I appreciate your efforts to calm me. I'm still at work so I could possibly yet drown myself in a urinal before departing but thanks to all of your soothing words I'm mellowing out. Besides, I'm sure the stock market rebounded after yesterdays downturn, right? Let me check real quick on my way out of the office....
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Post by Marching Observer on Feb 25, 2020 17:54:51 GMT -6
This seemingly condescending comment has a ring of truth to it. Texas programs are growing and sprouting new competitors almost yearly so directorship talents will inevitably be imported from Oklahoma, Florida, California and of course the fantastic pools from Indiana. Although, Indiana leads in visual and guard production the Musicianship skill gap is ever widening year over year. Indian bands sound almost intermediate compared to Texas Elites. My guess is the directorship and specialist doors would and should start swinging both ways in order to stay competitive. I meant no condescension in my comment. A lot of great educators have come from Indiana and moved to Texas and I can't blame them at all. A lot more school systems in Texas support their arts programs and I'm almost 100% positive that the pay is substantially better too. You're not wrong either in saying that the musical talent gap is widening each year as well. For Indiana you have Avon and Carmel at the top and then a gap with like Homestead, Castle, Lawrence township, and Fishers followed by another gap. Groups like Homestead and Castle would be lucky to break top 12 in music at the San Antonio super regional. That's not a knock on those programs but it's to show just how great the music programs are and the high ability of Texas groups when given the proper resources at a younger age. I'm a realist when it comes to these talent gaps and absolutely respect why educators would choose to move to a Texas program from Indiana. Just want to reiterate it's not a slight at all.
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Post by Marching Observer on Feb 25, 2020 17:56:50 GMT -6
That was Chris Kaflick.... who's at Brownsburg now. Northrop was on an upward trajectory with Witz before he left for the administrative position at Adams Central. Let's be honest..... Would one actually stay for a drastically underpaid position, while another with good (and I mean good) pay waiting? There's your answer to why Northrop never managed to get off the ground with him. It's completely fine if you don't like the move, but at some point people will start to tune out continuous pessimism. I will say, along with many others, that Witz is a good hire in the long-term. Thank you. I appreciate your efforts to calm me. I'm still at work so I could possibly yet drown myself in a urinal before departing but thanks to all of your soothing words I'm mellowing out. Besides, I'm sure the stock market rebounded after yesterdays downturn, right? Let me check real quick on my way out of the office.... Please do not drown yourself in a urinal! I don't nearly have the same pessimistic power you have to push Homestead higher than they should be at times lmao! We need you to help balance everything out.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Feb 26, 2020 10:23:21 GMT -6
Just received word that Homestead has officially made a decision on their director opening. Those familiar with Fort Wayne marching will probably recognize his name (idk if that is good or bad). If you were hoping for an out of state or Indy candidate, you are out of luck. Once an official announcement is made by the program, I will pass along the info. ( OldSchoolTrumpet DM me ) Yes, as most have now learned, Jason Witzigreuter has been named the new Associate Director at Homestead. I do not know him personally so it will be interesting to see what he can contribute to the “new” Spartan Alliance Marching Band. Am I nervous? YES. This program has never seen so much change BUT I’m also excited about the potential and future that is to come. As long as the students, parents, alumni and community support the program, it will remain successful.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 26, 2020 11:06:37 GMT -6
Just curious, is there any specific distinction to be made between "Assistant Director" and "Associate Director?" You see the latter term being used more often these days with lots of programs.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Mar 27, 2020 21:03:26 GMT -6
Well I guess some good news to pass along during this time of uncertainty. Homestead is moving forward with their 2020 show design and they have already had several meetings. Also some exciting news (at least in my opinion) Jonathan Meander is back this season. He will be added in addition to the current team and is not replacing anyone. I always viewed Jonathan as a great asset to HHS before he left a few seasons ago, so I’m glad he’s back! Some other big news is that longtime music arranger, Kent Klee, is out and has been replaced by Alex Yoder. Homestead has always had a different sound compared to other national finalists, so it will be interesting to see how they sound this upcoming season. The last (and largest) addition to the team is Jonathan Vanderkolff. For those that don’t know him, Jonathan is the current Artistic Director / Visual Designer for the Blue Coats. This will be a HUGE addition to the HHS team.
I’m trying to remain hopeful that the 2020 season can be as “normal” and successful as possible. (Though I’m skeptical currently due to the events that are unfolding within our country and world)
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Post by thewho on Mar 27, 2020 23:21:37 GMT -6
Meader! Was missing his work with Homestead sorely the last few years. Him + Vanderkloff will be a killer combo. Yoder's work with Carroll have been some of their best shows- Cathedrals (2014), Alchemy (2015), Nocturnal (2016) and Shine (2019). (One is not quite like the others, but he did work that year with them regardless).
I'm super, super, super excited to see what will come out of Homestead with this team.
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Mar 28, 2020 5:50:15 GMT -6
Well I guess some good news to pass along during this time of uncertainty. Homestead is moving forward with their 2020 show design and they have already had several meetings. Also some exciting news (at least in my opinion) Jonathan Meander is back this season. He will be added in addition to the current team and is not replacing anyone. I always viewed Jonathan as a great asset to HHS before he left a few seasons ago, so I’m glad he’s back! Some other big news is that longtime music arranger, Kent Klee, is out and has been replaced by Alex Yoder. Homestead has always had a different sound compared to other national finalists, so it will be interesting to see how they sound this upcoming season. The last (and largest) addition to the team is Jonathan Vanderkolff. For those that don’t know him, Jonathan is the current Artistic Director / Visual Designer for the Blue Coats. This will be a HUGE addition to the HHS team. I’m trying to remain hopeful that the 2020 season can be as “normal” and successful as possible. (Though I’m skeptical currently due to the events that are unfolding within our country and world) Comments. First. Let's get Jonathan's names right. It's Meader, not Meander. He was the guard caption head previously, and of course part of the design team. (He was a marching member of Blue Devils...early 2000's?) As far as Klee being out, I'd be interested to know if that was was Klee's decision, or Homestead's. I have mixed feelings. On one had it's tough to see that relationship go as he's been there for so long. On the other hand, the music book has always seemed a bit lacking compared to other groups so a change might be what is needed. Who else has Yoder worked with besides Carroll? As far as Vanderkolff? That can only be a good thing. Not that I'm a huge fan of the direction of some of what the Bluecoats do, but anything to drag Homestead into the 2020's would be a huge plus. I'll take this package right now.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Mar 29, 2020 13:00:08 GMT -6
Well I guess some good news to pass along during this time of uncertainty. Homestead is moving forward with their 2020 show design and they have already had several meetings. Also some exciting news (at least in my opinion) Jonathan Meander is back this season. He will be added in addition to the current team and is not replacing anyone. I always viewed Jonathan as a great asset to HHS before he left a few seasons ago, so I’m glad he’s back! Some other big news is that longtime music arranger, Kent Klee, is out and has been replaced by Alex Yoder. Homestead has always had a different sound compared to other national finalists, so it will be interesting to see how they sound this upcoming season. The last (and largest) addition to the team is Jonathan Vanderkolff. For those that don’t know him, Jonathan is the current Artistic Director / Visual Designer for the Blue Coats. This will be a HUGE addition to the HHS team. I’m trying to remain hopeful that the 2020 season can be as “normal” and successful as possible. (Though I’m skeptical currently due to the events that are unfolding within our country and world) Comments. First. Let's get Jonathan's names right. It's Meader, not Meander. He was the guard caption head previously, and of course part of the design team. (He was a marching member of Blue Devils...early 2000's?) As far as Klee being out, I'd be interested to know if that was was Klee's decision, or Homestead's. I have mixed feelings. On one had it's tough to see that relationship go as he's been there for so long. On the other hand, the music book has always seemed a bit lacking compared to other groups so a change might be what is needed. Who else has Yoder worked with besides Carroll? As far as Vanderkolff? That can only be a good thing. Not that I'm a huge fan of the direction of some of what the Bluecoats do, but anything to drag Homestead into the 2020's would be a huge plus. I'll take this package right now. MEADER! I knew that but my phone autocorrected and I didn’t proof read! I’m not sure if it was a mutual decision or not with Klee but my assumption is that he decided to leave himself. All his longtime buddies were gone and I think he knew it was time too. With the addition of Vanderkolff I firmly stand behind my previous prediction that we will see Homestead in DCI style uniforms this season. The Homestead we have become accustomed to is gone. There’s no doubt about it. The caronavirus still has me nervous about the season in general but the additions to the team have me excited for the “new” HHS.
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Post by Marching Observer on Apr 22, 2020 18:55:21 GMT -6
Something I just thought of the other day, with essentially a new staff now, we all expect big changes for Homestead. Does this also mean that we will see the end of Homestead using alternates now? Will they march (or place in the pit) everyone? It's easy to forget the small details like that that could possibly change as well.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Apr 25, 2020 13:16:09 GMT -6
Something I just thought of the other day, with essentially a new staff now, we all expect big changes for Homestead. Does this also mean that we will see the end of Homestead using alternates now? Will they march (or place in the pit) everyone? It's easy to forget the small details like that that could possibly change as well. While I have no information on any official changes as of now, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see that part of the program end. While not all students may be marching, I think we will see them utilized in other ways. As mentioned before, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some type of new uniforms either. With all the changes it is a no-brainer. The question is: will they be themed uniforms like Avon or uniforms more in line with William Mason? I also would not be surprised if we see some type of orchestra involvement. Bryen has a passion for orchestra and I could see some type of crossover happening. Moving on to construction... Homestead released renderings of the “new” school yesterday. Looks amazing! You can find them at the link below: homestead.sacs.k12.in.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_76223/File/Construction/Exterior%20Introduction.pdf
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Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Apr 25, 2020 13:51:42 GMT -6
Something I just thought of the other day, with essentially a new staff now, we all expect big changes for Homestead. Does this also mean that we will see the end of Homestead using alternates now? Will they march (or place in the pit) everyone? It's easy to forget the small details like that that could possibly change as well. An aside, I had noticed, particularly last season, the number of alternates decreasing anyway. Homestead's number have been down the last couple of seasons which may account for that. But last season there seemed to be very few alternates on the sidelines compared to previous years. I could definitely see that program going away, particularly if their numbers continue to struggle.
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Post by TeamIndiana on Apr 25, 2020 14:44:59 GMT -6
Something I just thought of the other day, with essentially a new staff now, we all expect big changes for Homestead. Does this also mean that we will see the end of Homestead using alternates now? Will they march (or place in the pit) everyone? It's easy to forget the small details like that that could possibly change as well. An aside, I had noticed, particularly last season, the number of alternates decreasing anyway. Homestead's number have been down the last couple of seasons which may account for that. But last season there seemed to be very few alternates on the sidelines compared to previous years. I could definitely see that program going away, particularly if their numbers continue to struggle. While the band has decreased in size the last few seasons, I don’t view it as a numbers struggle but more of a numbers normalization. They had a few seasons of growth and came back to BOA with the largest band in their history (thanks to a few uncharacteristically large Freshman classes). Now numbers have decreased back to their historically normal levels.
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Post by Marching Observer on Apr 26, 2020 17:05:52 GMT -6
Historically speaking as well, the band will ebb and flow with trip years too. I'm not too concerned about the numbers. And I'd love to see the alternates utilized in other ways and something I'd like to have seen happen in other years. Even if it were something small like they did my junior year (03). At state, they had all of them use (and jump off) the prop at the end of show which was great. Small things like that can add a lot to the shows imo.
As for the photo's, those renderings do look amazing. They are changing the school a lot more than I thought they were going to as well. It really is as if they are building an entirely new school.
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Post by TeamIndiana on May 5, 2020 14:03:46 GMT -6
Homestead had their 2020 kickoff (virtual) meeting last Thursday. They are moving forward with the season, with obvious changes to the summer schedule due to the K-12 shutdown that is currently taking placed. They are looking to hold precision/guard auditions the first week everything opens up. Once that date is announced, a revised summer schedule will be released. They also touched on the new Community Night that is being introduced this year (Saturday, September 19th). Think Avon or Carmel community band night.... it will include food, fun and Marching Band.
They have also released their September schedule, and it has me excited! You can view their full 2020 season schedule below (as it stands now).
- September 12th – Lawrence Central Invitational, Indianapolis, IN - September 19th – Rehearsal/Johnny Appleseed Festival & Community Night, HHS - September 26th – Fishers Invitational, Fishers, IN - October 3rd – Fall Festival of Bands, HHS - October 10th – ISSMA Scholastic Prelims/Open Class Invitational - October 17th – ISSMA Open Class A Regionals, Lafayette, IN - October 26th – BOA Indianapolis Super Regional, Indianapolis, IN - October 31st – ISSMA Open Class A Semi State, Indianapolis, IN - November 7th – ISSMA Open Class A State Finals, Indianapolis, IN - November 12-14th – Bands of America Grand National Championships, Indianapolis, IN
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Post by thewho on May 5, 2020 14:13:44 GMT -6
No early Fort Wayne invitational? That's a pretty big departure from tradition alone.
They'll benefit massively having the early season invitationals. Early feedback in developing shows with consistently trusted panels is big for bands.
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