2021 Grand National Competing Bands
Nov 6, 2021 7:43:38 GMT -6
Marching Observer, hewhowaits, and 11 more like this
Post by boahistorybuff on Nov 6, 2021 7:43:38 GMT -6
This thread will mainly be for those new these forums and BOA in general. Below I will very briefly highlight some of the BOA accolades of several of the bands attending Grand Nationals this year. I don't have the time to research every single band in attendance. I am selecting the bands who are either in contention for Grand National Finals, for medaling in their class, and those who have been former Grand National finalists or in some cases came real close. If a miss something (or get something wrong), please feel free to add to this list. For more specifics, you can reference the BOA results section on the history thread or look at the HornRank results page which goes back to 1990.
Norton HS (Ohio) - They have been a regional finalist and regional Class A champion numerous times over the last two decades. They have also made several appearances in Grand National Semi Finals, but have yet to win the GN Class A title.
Archbishop Alter HS (Ohio) - They too have been a regional finalist and regional Class A champion numerous times, especially over the past decade. They have made several appearances in Grand National Semi Finals, but have yet to win the GN Class A title.
Miamisburg HS (Ohio) - This band has been a frequent participant in BOA events going all the way back into the mid 1980s. They have been a regional finalist several times over the decades and exceeded expectations in 2019 by finishing third in Class AA at Grand Nationals. I should also mention that Miamisburg has a long time award winning winter guard.
Homestead HS (Indiana) - Finding success at the regional level in the early 1990s, Homestead first made their debut in Grand National finals in 1994. Despite remaining one of the most successful bands in Indiana, they stopped competing in BOA for 20 years, finally returning to BOA competition and Grand National Finals in 2014. Since then they have been a finalist at multiple BOA regionals and won two regional titles. They have been a Grand National Finalist 6 times; 1994, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was 8th place in 2014 and 2018.
Dobyns-Bennett HS (Tennessee) - A competitive marching band for nearly 50 years, DB has had a gradual rise to the top echelon of BOA band programs for the last 25 years or so. They began making frequent appearances in regional finals in the 1990s. Their biggest success in BOA has come in the last decade when they won several BOA regional titles (5 total). In 2016, they became only the second band from Tennessee to make Grand National finals. They are a three time BOA Grand National finalist; 2016, 2017, 2018 and they are the 2018 BOA Grand National Class AAA Champion. Their highest finish at Nationals was 6th place in 2017.
Plymouth-Canton Education Park (Michigan) - One of BOA's most successful band programs, PCEP has been a regional finalist every year since 1989 and have won five BOA regional titles. They are a 21-time BOA Grand National finalist; 1988-2002, 2004-2008, 2012. They are also a four time Grand National Class AAA Champion (1990, 1991, 1992, 1999) and are a three time Grand National Champion (1990, 1991, 1999).
Marcus HS (Texas) - This band came on the scene in the early-mid 2000s and really left a strong impression with their win at the 2007 San Antonio Super Regional. They have made numerous appearances in BOA regional finals in Texas and have won several regional titles; including several San Antonio supper regional titles in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Marcus made their first trip to Grand Nationals in 2009 and have since remained on a 4-year rotation. They are a three-time Grand National finalist; 2009, 2013 and 2017. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was 4th place in both 2009 and 2017.
Castle HS (Indiana) - They made their first trip to Grand Nationals in 1992 (13th place) and almost made finals. After sporadic appearances they again almost made finals in 2005 (13th place). This band has since been a more frequent participant in BOA. They have made numerous appearances in BOA regional finals and have won four BOA regional titles. They are a two time Grand National finalist; 2016 and 2017, and are the 2017 GN Class AAA Champions. Their highest finish in finals was 8th place in 2017.
William Mason HS (Ohio) - Mason has participated in BOA since the mid 1980s. They really started rising through the ranks in the late 2000s/early 2010s and have since been one of BOA's most successful marching bands. In additional to being a regional finalist several times, they have six BOA regional titles under their belt. They have been a Grand National Finalist 8 times; 2011-2016, 2018, 2019. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was 3rd place in 2016.
Center Grove HS (Indiana) - Center Grove has participated in BOA regionals every year since 1990. In addition to their numerous appearances in regional finals, they won 7 regional titles. They have competed at Grand Nationals every year since 1993. Since the start of the semi finals format (1996) they have made semi finals every year except one. They are a 15 time Grand National Finalist; 1993, 1995-2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012. They are a three time Grand National Class AAA Champion (1996, 1997, 2009) and are the 1995 BOA Grand National Champions.
Lawrence Township HS (Indiana) - In 2014 two long time marching band programs (Lawrence Central and Lawrence North) merged to form the Marching Pride of Lawrence Township (MPLT). In the 1980s and 1990s, North won a regional title and made 4 appearances in Grand National Finals. In the mid 1990s through 2013, Central won 9 BOA regional titles, was a Grand National Finalist 17 times and was the 2001 and 2004 Grand National Champions. The new band (MPLT) has made semi finals every year since the merger and made Grand National Finals one time in 2014 where they finished in 12th place.
Avon HS (Indiana) - One of BOA's most successful marching band programs. They have attended Grand Nationals (and made Semi Finals) every year since 1997. In the late 1990s, Avon was a Class AA band. The school and band grew rapidly over the years and is now a large Class 4A band. Avon has won around a dozen BOA regional titles. Avon is an 18-time GN Finalist; 2001, 2003-2019. They have finished in the top three in Grand National Finals every year since 2007 (a BOA record). They won the Grand National Class AA title in 2002, the Grand National Class AAA Title in 2008 and the GN Class 4A Title in 2009, 2010 and 2016. Avon is a three time Grand National Champion; 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Carmel HS (Indiana) - Another one of BOA's most successful marching bands. Carmel won their first BOA regional title in 1998. They now have 25 BOA regional titles under their belt, the second highest number of regional titles for any band. Carmel has been a Grand National Finalist continuously since 1996, meaning they have been a Grand National Finalist 24 times, the second highest number of appearances by any band. Since 1999, Carmel has finished in the top five in Grand National Finals every year except 2006. They won the GN Class AAA Title in 2001 and they won the GN Class 4A Title in 2012, 2017 and 2018. Carmel is a 5-time Grand National Champion; 2005, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018. They have the second highest number of Grand National Titles.
Fishers HS (Indiana) - This band is still a relative BOA newcomer. I have had my eye on this band the last few years as they have been improving their performances just about each year. In addition to their regional finals appearances the last few years, in 2019 they almost made Grand National Finals (finishing in 13th place).
O'Fallon Township HS (Illinois) - This band emerged as a BOA power in the 2010s. They have made appearances in several regional finals and have won two BOA Regional Titles. They been a frequent GN Semi Finalist and made Grand National Finals once in 2018, where they finished in 12th place. They are the only band from the greater St Louis MO/IL metro region to have made Grand National Finals.
Carroll HS (Ohio) - This small school band program had some of their biggest success in the 1980s and early 1990s. This included several appearances in BOA regional finals. They also won a few regional Class A titles. Carroll is a two time Grand National Finalist; way back in 1982 and 1983. They finished in 8th place both years. Also, in 1983 they won the GN Class A Title.
Wando HS (South Carolina) - This band emerged on the scene in the late 2000s and have since become the most successful South Carolina band at Grand Nationals (and one of only two South Carolina bands to make Grand National Finals). In addition to their many appearances in regional finals, they have won 3 BOA regional titles. They are a 5-time BOA GN Finalist; 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals came in 2018 when they finished in 6th place.
Claudia Taylor Johnson HS (Texas) - This band burst onto the scene in the early 2010s. In addition to making numerous appearances in regional finals, they have won several regional titles. In 2017 they actually won three BOA regionals in the same season, including the San Antonio Super Regional. They are a three time GN Finalist, making finals each year that they attended nationals; 2011, 2016 and 2019. Their highest finish was 6th place in 2019.
Estill County HS (Kentucky) - This small school band took me by surprise in 2019. They made GN semi finals and were runner-up to Class A Title. Still a relative newcomer, I see a bright future for this small school band.
Ronald Reagan HS (Texas) - This band burst onto the scene in the early 2000s and have won around a dozen BOA regional titles, including several San Antonio super regional titles. After nearly winning the Grand National Title twice in the 2000s, this band had a slight slump before emerging stronger than every in the mid-late 2010s. Ronald Reagan is a 5-time BOA GN Finalist; 2002, 2003, 2005, 2012 and 2016. They are the 2005 GN Class AAA Champion. Their highest finish at Grand National Finals is 2nd place and it happened twice; 2003 and 2005. They are certainly one of the best bands who have yet to win the GN Title.
Blue Springs HS (Missouri) - This band had a steady improving trend in the late 2000s/early 2010s. In 2015, they made history by becoming the first (and so far only) band from Missouri to make Grand National finals. In 2019, they became the first Missouri band to win a BOA regional title. Blue Springs has made appearances at several regionals over the years and have been runner-up at the St Louis Super Regional multiple times. Blue Springs has also been a regional finalist at all the big regionals at least once; St Louis, Indy, Atlanta and San Antonio. They are a three time BOA GN Finalist; 2015, 2017 and 2018. Their highest finish in GN Finals was in 2018 when the placed 3rd. During their years in GN Finals, they competed in Class 4A. This year they are competing in 3A.
Rosemount HS (Minnesota) - While this band making finals may be a long shot, I wanted to include them because they are one of the most successful bands from Minnesota who have competed in BOA, which includes multiple appearances in regional finals. They will be a contender for a spot in Semi Finals.
Vista Ridge HS (Texas) - This band burst onto the scene in the late 2010s in a very big way. After some very successful performances in regional finals, including finishing near the top at the San Antonio Super Regional, this band won their first BOA regional title in 2019. I suspect they will win more in future years. This is the very first time that this band will be attending Grand Nationals. They are heavily favored to make finals.
Broken Arrow HS (Oklahoma) - Another BOA Giant; this band won their first BOA regional title in 1997. They are now up to 18 regional titles (I think that is right). In fact, the last 15 of those regional wins have been consecutive; a BOA record. They have essentially won every BOA regional they have competed in since 2007. At Grand Nationals, they have been a finalist 15 times; 1998-2001, 2006-2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018. Their GN Finals appearances between 2010 and 2017 were all top two finishes. They won the GN Class 4A title in 2011 and 2014. They are a three time Grand National Champion; 2006, 2011, 2015.
Flower Mound HS (Texas) - After making numerous appearances in regional finals in the 2000s and early 2010s, this band really made a big statement in their Grand National debut in 2014 when they finished 6th. Since then, they have won numerous BOA regional titles, including three San Antonio Super Regional Titles. This will be this band's third appearance at Grand Nationals. Their previous two landed them in finals; 2014 and 2017. Their highest finish to date is 5th place in 2017.
The Woodlands HS (Texas) - Since the school opened in 1996, this band has made finals at every regional they have attended, making them a regional finalist at least 45 times. As of this writing, they have won 4 BOA Regional Titles, including the 2013 San Antonio Super regional. The Woodlands is a 10 time GN Finalist; 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. This means they have the most appearances in GN Finals than any other Texas band. They are the 2006 GN Class AAA Champion and the 2013 GN Class 4A Champion and they are the 2013 overall Grand National Champion.
Rockford HS (Michigan) - Being from Michigan I felt compelled to include this band. Over the last ten years, Rockford has had a slow but steady improving trend. They have been a frequent regional and GN Semi Finalist over the last 10 years. In both 2018 and 2019, they finished in the top 20 in GN Semi Finals. They have yet to make GN Finals. They will be a strong contender to make Semi Finals this year.
Northmont HS (Ohio) - This band has been a frequent BOA participant going all they way back to the late 1980s. In addition to making appearances in several BOA regional finals, they outright won two BOA regional titles in the early 2000s. After coming close many times, this band made their first and only appearance in Grand National finals in 2000 where they finished in 8th place.
Morton HS (Illinois) - Over the past decade this band has been a regional finalist multiple times and has had a few appearances in Grand National Semi Finals. They are a contender for a top three spot among the Class AA bands.
Beechwood HS (Kentucky) - This small school has been a Class A power for nearly two decades. They have won several regional Class A titles and have made several appearances in GN Semi Finals. They won the GN Class A Title twice; 2006 and 2011.
Brownsburg HS (Indiana) - A band that I have had my eye on the last few seasons, this band has been showing steady improvement the last few years. In 2019, they finished in the top 20 in GN Semi Finals and this season they won their first BOA regional title.
Round Rock HS (Texas) - This is one of the oldest competing marching bands in Texas, with a history that goes back at least 50 years. This band made their mark in BOA starting in the 2010s. They have made appearances at several of the Texas BOA regional finals. Since their Grand National debut in 2013, this band has attended Grand Nations every other year and made GN Finals each time. So they have been a GN finalist four times. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was the year of their debut, 2013 where the finished in 4th place.
Centerville HS (Ohio) - Known as the Centerville Jazz Band for historically bringing all kinds of jazz genres to the field, they have competed at Grand Nationals every year since 1984. In the Semi Finals era, they have made GN Semi Finals every year except one. The have been a continuous regional finalist every year since the mid 1980s and have usually been a finalist at more than one regional each season. They have a total of 20 BOA regional titles under their belt. This band has been a GN Finalist 19 times; 1984, 1986-1989, 1992-2000, 2003-2005, 2008, 2009. They are also the 1992 BOA Grand National Champion.
Lake Central HS (Indiana) - Their BOA glory years spanned the mid 1990s to the mid 2010s. They have had many appearances in regional finals and won a BOA regional title in 2013. They were a frequent GN Semi Finalist from the 1996 into the mid 2010s. They almost made GN Finals in 2008 (13th place) and 2013 (14th place).
Marian Catholic HS (Illinois) - This band has had multiple regional finals appearances at BOA regionals going back to the mid 1980s and won 5 BOA Regional Titles. During the 1980s, they also won 5 consecutive Summer National Titles (this competition is no longer held). Given their history of peaking right at Grand Nationals as they are a band that has performed some of BOA's most challenging shows, Marian Catholic is the most decorated band in Grand Nationals history. They were a BOA GN Finalist for 34 consecutive years; 1984 - 2017. That gives them the most appearances in GN Finals than any other band. They won the Class AAA Title in 2000 and have won the Class AA Title 20 times (1985-1989, 1992, 1993, 1995-1998, 2007-2011, 2013, 2017, 2019). This gives them 21 BOA GN Class titles, more than any other band. Marian also holds the record for most Grand National Titles. They have seven (1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000). All this was done under the direction of Greg Bimm. From what I hear, Marian has some added challenges due to Covid this year. I still suspect they will be a tough band to beat for the GN Class AA Title.
Murray HS (Kentucky) - This band made their first trip to Grand Nationals way back in 1977, when they were actually held in the summer. That was the second Grand Nationals ever held. They won the GN Class A Title and in a huge upset, beat the Open Class Champion and defending Grand National Champion to win the 1977 Grand National Title, the first Class A band to accomplish this. They marched 200 member that year in 1977 (one third of their high school), which may make them the largest Class A band to ever compete in Grand Nationals (I am totally speculating here). While this band has made occasional appearances at BOA regionals over the last couple of decades, this year marks the first year that Murray will be attending Grand Nationals since 1977. While they no longer march 200 members, I suspect they are going to do quite well in Class A.
Jenison HS (Michigan) - They have been a regional finalist almost every year since 1992 and have won numerous regional Class AA titles. They have been a frequent GN Semi Finalist going back to the late 1990s and made Grand National Finals twice; 1992 and 1994. They finished 12th both of those years.
Bourbon County HS (Kentucky) - Aside from a few years this band was in Class AA in the early 2010s, they have been a BOA Class A power going back into the mid 2000s. They have been a regional finalist and class champion on several occasions and have been a frequent BOA Semi Finalist. They have won the Grand National Class A Title 5 times; 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018 and 2019 and will prove to be a tough band to beat in the Class A panel.
Anderson County HS (Kentucky) - A band that I am not too familiar with; they did beat Bourbon in their class at the Kentucky state championships. While Bourbon is Class A, Anderson County is Class AA. They still could make a run for the top three in Class AA.
Norwin HS (Pennsylvania) - This band has attended at least one (but usually multiple) BOA regionals every years since 1979 (possible 1978). The only year they did not partake in a BOA competition was 1992. They have likely been a BOA regional finalist more times than any other band. While their glory years spanned the late 1970s to the late 1990s, they have still picked up multiple BOA regional titles in the past decade. Norwin has a total of 29 BOA Regional Titles, more than any other band. In 1980, they became the first band to win two regional titles in the same season and in 2012 they became the first band to win three regional titles in the same season. Norwin is also a 9 time BOA Grand National Finalist (1981-1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1995), a three time BOA Open Class Champion (1981, 1982, 1984) and they are the 1982 Grand National Champion. A little smaller these days, Norwin now competes in Class AA.
Franklin HS (Tennessee) - They have had a competitive marching band for at least 50 years. Their BOA competitive years are actually relatively brief, beginning in the early 2010s. Since then they have been finalists at multiple regionals and won two BOA regional titles. The have also had several appearances in GN Semi Finals. They came very close to making GN Finals in 2015, finishing 13th place in Semi Finals.
Norton HS (Ohio) - They have been a regional finalist and regional Class A champion numerous times over the last two decades. They have also made several appearances in Grand National Semi Finals, but have yet to win the GN Class A title.
Archbishop Alter HS (Ohio) - They too have been a regional finalist and regional Class A champion numerous times, especially over the past decade. They have made several appearances in Grand National Semi Finals, but have yet to win the GN Class A title.
Miamisburg HS (Ohio) - This band has been a frequent participant in BOA events going all the way back into the mid 1980s. They have been a regional finalist several times over the decades and exceeded expectations in 2019 by finishing third in Class AA at Grand Nationals. I should also mention that Miamisburg has a long time award winning winter guard.
Homestead HS (Indiana) - Finding success at the regional level in the early 1990s, Homestead first made their debut in Grand National finals in 1994. Despite remaining one of the most successful bands in Indiana, they stopped competing in BOA for 20 years, finally returning to BOA competition and Grand National Finals in 2014. Since then they have been a finalist at multiple BOA regionals and won two regional titles. They have been a Grand National Finalist 6 times; 1994, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was 8th place in 2014 and 2018.
Dobyns-Bennett HS (Tennessee) - A competitive marching band for nearly 50 years, DB has had a gradual rise to the top echelon of BOA band programs for the last 25 years or so. They began making frequent appearances in regional finals in the 1990s. Their biggest success in BOA has come in the last decade when they won several BOA regional titles (5 total). In 2016, they became only the second band from Tennessee to make Grand National finals. They are a three time BOA Grand National finalist; 2016, 2017, 2018 and they are the 2018 BOA Grand National Class AAA Champion. Their highest finish at Nationals was 6th place in 2017.
Plymouth-Canton Education Park (Michigan) - One of BOA's most successful band programs, PCEP has been a regional finalist every year since 1989 and have won five BOA regional titles. They are a 21-time BOA Grand National finalist; 1988-2002, 2004-2008, 2012. They are also a four time Grand National Class AAA Champion (1990, 1991, 1992, 1999) and are a three time Grand National Champion (1990, 1991, 1999).
Marcus HS (Texas) - This band came on the scene in the early-mid 2000s and really left a strong impression with their win at the 2007 San Antonio Super Regional. They have made numerous appearances in BOA regional finals in Texas and have won several regional titles; including several San Antonio supper regional titles in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Marcus made their first trip to Grand Nationals in 2009 and have since remained on a 4-year rotation. They are a three-time Grand National finalist; 2009, 2013 and 2017. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was 4th place in both 2009 and 2017.
Castle HS (Indiana) - They made their first trip to Grand Nationals in 1992 (13th place) and almost made finals. After sporadic appearances they again almost made finals in 2005 (13th place). This band has since been a more frequent participant in BOA. They have made numerous appearances in BOA regional finals and have won four BOA regional titles. They are a two time Grand National finalist; 2016 and 2017, and are the 2017 GN Class AAA Champions. Their highest finish in finals was 8th place in 2017.
William Mason HS (Ohio) - Mason has participated in BOA since the mid 1980s. They really started rising through the ranks in the late 2000s/early 2010s and have since been one of BOA's most successful marching bands. In additional to being a regional finalist several times, they have six BOA regional titles under their belt. They have been a Grand National Finalist 8 times; 2011-2016, 2018, 2019. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was 3rd place in 2016.
Center Grove HS (Indiana) - Center Grove has participated in BOA regionals every year since 1990. In addition to their numerous appearances in regional finals, they won 7 regional titles. They have competed at Grand Nationals every year since 1993. Since the start of the semi finals format (1996) they have made semi finals every year except one. They are a 15 time Grand National Finalist; 1993, 1995-2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012. They are a three time Grand National Class AAA Champion (1996, 1997, 2009) and are the 1995 BOA Grand National Champions.
Lawrence Township HS (Indiana) - In 2014 two long time marching band programs (Lawrence Central and Lawrence North) merged to form the Marching Pride of Lawrence Township (MPLT). In the 1980s and 1990s, North won a regional title and made 4 appearances in Grand National Finals. In the mid 1990s through 2013, Central won 9 BOA regional titles, was a Grand National Finalist 17 times and was the 2001 and 2004 Grand National Champions. The new band (MPLT) has made semi finals every year since the merger and made Grand National Finals one time in 2014 where they finished in 12th place.
Avon HS (Indiana) - One of BOA's most successful marching band programs. They have attended Grand Nationals (and made Semi Finals) every year since 1997. In the late 1990s, Avon was a Class AA band. The school and band grew rapidly over the years and is now a large Class 4A band. Avon has won around a dozen BOA regional titles. Avon is an 18-time GN Finalist; 2001, 2003-2019. They have finished in the top three in Grand National Finals every year since 2007 (a BOA record). They won the Grand National Class AA title in 2002, the Grand National Class AAA Title in 2008 and the GN Class 4A Title in 2009, 2010 and 2016. Avon is a three time Grand National Champion; 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Carmel HS (Indiana) - Another one of BOA's most successful marching bands. Carmel won their first BOA regional title in 1998. They now have 25 BOA regional titles under their belt, the second highest number of regional titles for any band. Carmel has been a Grand National Finalist continuously since 1996, meaning they have been a Grand National Finalist 24 times, the second highest number of appearances by any band. Since 1999, Carmel has finished in the top five in Grand National Finals every year except 2006. They won the GN Class AAA Title in 2001 and they won the GN Class 4A Title in 2012, 2017 and 2018. Carmel is a 5-time Grand National Champion; 2005, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018. They have the second highest number of Grand National Titles.
Fishers HS (Indiana) - This band is still a relative BOA newcomer. I have had my eye on this band the last few years as they have been improving their performances just about each year. In addition to their regional finals appearances the last few years, in 2019 they almost made Grand National Finals (finishing in 13th place).
O'Fallon Township HS (Illinois) - This band emerged as a BOA power in the 2010s. They have made appearances in several regional finals and have won two BOA Regional Titles. They been a frequent GN Semi Finalist and made Grand National Finals once in 2018, where they finished in 12th place. They are the only band from the greater St Louis MO/IL metro region to have made Grand National Finals.
Carroll HS (Ohio) - This small school band program had some of their biggest success in the 1980s and early 1990s. This included several appearances in BOA regional finals. They also won a few regional Class A titles. Carroll is a two time Grand National Finalist; way back in 1982 and 1983. They finished in 8th place both years. Also, in 1983 they won the GN Class A Title.
Wando HS (South Carolina) - This band emerged on the scene in the late 2000s and have since become the most successful South Carolina band at Grand Nationals (and one of only two South Carolina bands to make Grand National Finals). In addition to their many appearances in regional finals, they have won 3 BOA regional titles. They are a 5-time BOA GN Finalist; 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals came in 2018 when they finished in 6th place.
Claudia Taylor Johnson HS (Texas) - This band burst onto the scene in the early 2010s. In addition to making numerous appearances in regional finals, they have won several regional titles. In 2017 they actually won three BOA regionals in the same season, including the San Antonio Super Regional. They are a three time GN Finalist, making finals each year that they attended nationals; 2011, 2016 and 2019. Their highest finish was 6th place in 2019.
Estill County HS (Kentucky) - This small school band took me by surprise in 2019. They made GN semi finals and were runner-up to Class A Title. Still a relative newcomer, I see a bright future for this small school band.
Ronald Reagan HS (Texas) - This band burst onto the scene in the early 2000s and have won around a dozen BOA regional titles, including several San Antonio super regional titles. After nearly winning the Grand National Title twice in the 2000s, this band had a slight slump before emerging stronger than every in the mid-late 2010s. Ronald Reagan is a 5-time BOA GN Finalist; 2002, 2003, 2005, 2012 and 2016. They are the 2005 GN Class AAA Champion. Their highest finish at Grand National Finals is 2nd place and it happened twice; 2003 and 2005. They are certainly one of the best bands who have yet to win the GN Title.
Blue Springs HS (Missouri) - This band had a steady improving trend in the late 2000s/early 2010s. In 2015, they made history by becoming the first (and so far only) band from Missouri to make Grand National finals. In 2019, they became the first Missouri band to win a BOA regional title. Blue Springs has made appearances at several regionals over the years and have been runner-up at the St Louis Super Regional multiple times. Blue Springs has also been a regional finalist at all the big regionals at least once; St Louis, Indy, Atlanta and San Antonio. They are a three time BOA GN Finalist; 2015, 2017 and 2018. Their highest finish in GN Finals was in 2018 when the placed 3rd. During their years in GN Finals, they competed in Class 4A. This year they are competing in 3A.
Rosemount HS (Minnesota) - While this band making finals may be a long shot, I wanted to include them because they are one of the most successful bands from Minnesota who have competed in BOA, which includes multiple appearances in regional finals. They will be a contender for a spot in Semi Finals.
Vista Ridge HS (Texas) - This band burst onto the scene in the late 2010s in a very big way. After some very successful performances in regional finals, including finishing near the top at the San Antonio Super Regional, this band won their first BOA regional title in 2019. I suspect they will win more in future years. This is the very first time that this band will be attending Grand Nationals. They are heavily favored to make finals.
Broken Arrow HS (Oklahoma) - Another BOA Giant; this band won their first BOA regional title in 1997. They are now up to 18 regional titles (I think that is right). In fact, the last 15 of those regional wins have been consecutive; a BOA record. They have essentially won every BOA regional they have competed in since 2007. At Grand Nationals, they have been a finalist 15 times; 1998-2001, 2006-2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018. Their GN Finals appearances between 2010 and 2017 were all top two finishes. They won the GN Class 4A title in 2011 and 2014. They are a three time Grand National Champion; 2006, 2011, 2015.
Flower Mound HS (Texas) - After making numerous appearances in regional finals in the 2000s and early 2010s, this band really made a big statement in their Grand National debut in 2014 when they finished 6th. Since then, they have won numerous BOA regional titles, including three San Antonio Super Regional Titles. This will be this band's third appearance at Grand Nationals. Their previous two landed them in finals; 2014 and 2017. Their highest finish to date is 5th place in 2017.
The Woodlands HS (Texas) - Since the school opened in 1996, this band has made finals at every regional they have attended, making them a regional finalist at least 45 times. As of this writing, they have won 4 BOA Regional Titles, including the 2013 San Antonio Super regional. The Woodlands is a 10 time GN Finalist; 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. This means they have the most appearances in GN Finals than any other Texas band. They are the 2006 GN Class AAA Champion and the 2013 GN Class 4A Champion and they are the 2013 overall Grand National Champion.
Rockford HS (Michigan) - Being from Michigan I felt compelled to include this band. Over the last ten years, Rockford has had a slow but steady improving trend. They have been a frequent regional and GN Semi Finalist over the last 10 years. In both 2018 and 2019, they finished in the top 20 in GN Semi Finals. They have yet to make GN Finals. They will be a strong contender to make Semi Finals this year.
Northmont HS (Ohio) - This band has been a frequent BOA participant going all they way back to the late 1980s. In addition to making appearances in several BOA regional finals, they outright won two BOA regional titles in the early 2000s. After coming close many times, this band made their first and only appearance in Grand National finals in 2000 where they finished in 8th place.
Morton HS (Illinois) - Over the past decade this band has been a regional finalist multiple times and has had a few appearances in Grand National Semi Finals. They are a contender for a top three spot among the Class AA bands.
Beechwood HS (Kentucky) - This small school has been a Class A power for nearly two decades. They have won several regional Class A titles and have made several appearances in GN Semi Finals. They won the GN Class A Title twice; 2006 and 2011.
Brownsburg HS (Indiana) - A band that I have had my eye on the last few seasons, this band has been showing steady improvement the last few years. In 2019, they finished in the top 20 in GN Semi Finals and this season they won their first BOA regional title.
Round Rock HS (Texas) - This is one of the oldest competing marching bands in Texas, with a history that goes back at least 50 years. This band made their mark in BOA starting in the 2010s. They have made appearances at several of the Texas BOA regional finals. Since their Grand National debut in 2013, this band has attended Grand Nations every other year and made GN Finals each time. So they have been a GN finalist four times. Their highest finish at Grand Nationals was the year of their debut, 2013 where the finished in 4th place.
Centerville HS (Ohio) - Known as the Centerville Jazz Band for historically bringing all kinds of jazz genres to the field, they have competed at Grand Nationals every year since 1984. In the Semi Finals era, they have made GN Semi Finals every year except one. The have been a continuous regional finalist every year since the mid 1980s and have usually been a finalist at more than one regional each season. They have a total of 20 BOA regional titles under their belt. This band has been a GN Finalist 19 times; 1984, 1986-1989, 1992-2000, 2003-2005, 2008, 2009. They are also the 1992 BOA Grand National Champion.
Lake Central HS (Indiana) - Their BOA glory years spanned the mid 1990s to the mid 2010s. They have had many appearances in regional finals and won a BOA regional title in 2013. They were a frequent GN Semi Finalist from the 1996 into the mid 2010s. They almost made GN Finals in 2008 (13th place) and 2013 (14th place).
Marian Catholic HS (Illinois) - This band has had multiple regional finals appearances at BOA regionals going back to the mid 1980s and won 5 BOA Regional Titles. During the 1980s, they also won 5 consecutive Summer National Titles (this competition is no longer held). Given their history of peaking right at Grand Nationals as they are a band that has performed some of BOA's most challenging shows, Marian Catholic is the most decorated band in Grand Nationals history. They were a BOA GN Finalist for 34 consecutive years; 1984 - 2017. That gives them the most appearances in GN Finals than any other band. They won the Class AAA Title in 2000 and have won the Class AA Title 20 times (1985-1989, 1992, 1993, 1995-1998, 2007-2011, 2013, 2017, 2019). This gives them 21 BOA GN Class titles, more than any other band. Marian also holds the record for most Grand National Titles. They have seven (1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000). All this was done under the direction of Greg Bimm. From what I hear, Marian has some added challenges due to Covid this year. I still suspect they will be a tough band to beat for the GN Class AA Title.
Murray HS (Kentucky) - This band made their first trip to Grand Nationals way back in 1977, when they were actually held in the summer. That was the second Grand Nationals ever held. They won the GN Class A Title and in a huge upset, beat the Open Class Champion and defending Grand National Champion to win the 1977 Grand National Title, the first Class A band to accomplish this. They marched 200 member that year in 1977 (one third of their high school), which may make them the largest Class A band to ever compete in Grand Nationals (I am totally speculating here). While this band has made occasional appearances at BOA regionals over the last couple of decades, this year marks the first year that Murray will be attending Grand Nationals since 1977. While they no longer march 200 members, I suspect they are going to do quite well in Class A.
Jenison HS (Michigan) - They have been a regional finalist almost every year since 1992 and have won numerous regional Class AA titles. They have been a frequent GN Semi Finalist going back to the late 1990s and made Grand National Finals twice; 1992 and 1994. They finished 12th both of those years.
Bourbon County HS (Kentucky) - Aside from a few years this band was in Class AA in the early 2010s, they have been a BOA Class A power going back into the mid 2000s. They have been a regional finalist and class champion on several occasions and have been a frequent BOA Semi Finalist. They have won the Grand National Class A Title 5 times; 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018 and 2019 and will prove to be a tough band to beat in the Class A panel.
Anderson County HS (Kentucky) - A band that I am not too familiar with; they did beat Bourbon in their class at the Kentucky state championships. While Bourbon is Class A, Anderson County is Class AA. They still could make a run for the top three in Class AA.
Norwin HS (Pennsylvania) - This band has attended at least one (but usually multiple) BOA regionals every years since 1979 (possible 1978). The only year they did not partake in a BOA competition was 1992. They have likely been a BOA regional finalist more times than any other band. While their glory years spanned the late 1970s to the late 1990s, they have still picked up multiple BOA regional titles in the past decade. Norwin has a total of 29 BOA Regional Titles, more than any other band. In 1980, they became the first band to win two regional titles in the same season and in 2012 they became the first band to win three regional titles in the same season. Norwin is also a 9 time BOA Grand National Finalist (1981-1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1995), a three time BOA Open Class Champion (1981, 1982, 1984) and they are the 1982 Grand National Champion. A little smaller these days, Norwin now competes in Class AA.
Franklin HS (Tennessee) - They have had a competitive marching band for at least 50 years. Their BOA competitive years are actually relatively brief, beginning in the early 2010s. Since then they have been finalists at multiple regionals and won two BOA regional titles. The have also had several appearances in GN Semi Finals. They came very close to making GN Finals in 2015, finishing 13th place in Semi Finals.
