The Indianapolis Super Regional was the first Super Regional of the 2018 season and it absolutely blew the doors off Lucas Oil Stadium the last two days. Over 70 bands took to the field in performance in hopes of getting a second crack at performing during finals. In the end, Carmel was able to not only advance to finals, but they also won the night with another stellar performance. 

1. Carmel - 91.000

There is no mistaking when the two-time defending Grand National champions take the field. Carmel walks on to the field knowing they will perform well every time and every time they deliver. The show begins with an opening sustain from the mellophones on top of their Viking ship prop with an opening fanfare by the rest of the brass. The woodwinds get to show off their musical abilities as the second movement gets started. Then, the mellophones again get featured by having these two pods of players doing a call and answer. One of the pods is facing backfield to add to the difficulty of ensemble timing of course. As the Flight of the Valkry reaches is pinnacle drill something to behold. As the band transitions to a trombone soloist on the front left sideline, the world-class guard’s ability to highlight timing with well-placed sabre tosses is unreal. Then as the ballad reaches a climax, the guard covers the field in these massive sail-like flags. The low brass’ ability to line up the timing of their opening volley during the closer is next level good. They are spread from 10 to 10, and hitting up-beat pickups like its nothing. Carmel’s musical ability to utilize space is also quite beautiful.

2. Avon - 90.150

Another band that needs no introduction, Avon has a brand new look to them this season. The show takes place entirely in an aquarium. The band has brightly colored orange tops with scales printed on them. While the guard is dressed in equally bright uniforms that look like fighting fish. However, in an interesting turn, the show opens with a familiar tune from Romeo and Juliet. The opening trade-off section is beautifully done not only by the musical talents but the drill and guard work as well. As the trumpets come across the middle of the field, their articulation skills are on full display. As the ballad movement opens, a muted trumpet soloist sets the tone on the left side 25-yard line. Then a saxophone player answers the on side 2 20-yard line. The integration of the guard here is beautiful during the ballad impact. Next comes the world-class drumline as the classic tale of Romeo fighting for his love continues to play out. The drill during this furious climax is quite unbelievable. As the show comes to an end, you might notice Romeo and Juliet running off the back side of the field. Does Avon’s take on the classic tale have a twist for a happy ending? We shall see at Grand Nationals.

3. Blue Springs - 87.750

Blue Springs takes the field laying out massive pink tarps in diagonals across the entire field. You might notice the stair-case props from Blue Devils’ 2017 show. As the flutes get things started, the brass form in the middle of the field for a massive opening impact that gets the opening movement going. Take note of what the brass is asked to do musically during this opening piece. It is not easy. Then the baritones get a feature between the 40-50 yard lines. The side-to-side timing the band has is quite remarkable when they are spread from the 20 to the goal line. Then a soprano saxophone soloist climbs on top of the stairs behind the pit and blows the roof off the building. As the furious opening movement comes to a close, a male singer is introduced who’s voice is out of this world. The ballad reaches a musical climax supported by a massive guard using these beautiful large swing flags. After displaying his vocal talents, the singer now switches over to playing the violin to get the next movement going. The closing wave block movements in the drill are challenging to say the least.

4. Homestead - 85.800

Homestead (IN) takes the field using 11 life-size artist mannequins and a set that represents an artist’s studio. After a quick opening impact, Homestead turns to their woodwinds to showcase their technique along the front portion of the field. After the trumpets have a feature surrounding a prop on side 2 35-yard line, a small woodwind ensemble takes the lead again around another prop on side 1 25-yard line. Then comes a drum feature that gets a little dark while the artist character is tearing apart canvas material. The amount of visual variety happening throughout this show is a lot to take in. The ballad has a beautiful moment for the guard layering in flag work with sabres. To get the closing number started, the flutes take the lead on side 2 35-yard line. The guard members then begin to introduce new brighter colors signifying that the artist character is having an inspirational moment. While the guard has now fully filled out into a massive block of flags, they drill does some amazing pass throughs while the show builds to an ending. This ending reveals what is in the artist’s mind by quickly raising a printed backdrop full of color and the mannequins mentioned earlier.

5. Union - 85.350

Union (OK) is another ensemble who’s opening set will not be mistaken. The opening build is so beautiful into the opening hit. The drill is gorgeous. The guard flag hits are equally beautiful. It’s just an amazing moment. The small woodwind ensemble following the opening hit is not something you’ll want to miss while coming down from the clouds. The integration of the show concept into the props, mood swings, and colors is really well done. The large arrow prop rotates throughout the show signifying a new destination for the program. As the closing movement gets going the contrasting sounds coming from the woodwinds, playing technical passages, from the brass, playing dark overtones, is really beautiful to listen too. Again, the drill supporting the arrow theme leads into a closing statement where the band creates a U-like shape in reference to their name. The show itself is quite the journey of musical variety and moods. It’s all tied together via the direction of the arrow prop in the middle of the field and where it’s pointed. 

Union at the 2018 BOA Indianapolis Super Regional

6. Lawrence Township - 84.300

Lawrence Township (IN) takes the field with a large circular platform with a crown printed on it. The contrasting styles of music versus dance representation to open the show is dramatic, to say the least. After an opening fanfare by the brass, the tempos get cranking. As the ballad gets started, a saxophone quartet climbs onto the stage for a wonderful feature. This leads to a classic little jam session. You might notice the drill reflects the image printed onto of the stage. The band’s ability to perform this style of playful jazz is really entertaining to watch. Then, comes one of the most crowd-pleasing moments where a performer raps the entire beginning of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This leads to a thunderous drum feature. This show is certain to get you tapping your foot and standing in the end.

7. Fishers - 83.750

Fishers (IN) takes the field featuring 20 large cage props and host of tigers, aka guard, to go inside said cages. The show opens with a bass clarinet and tuba feature on the left front sideline with a drummer in the back middle cage adding timing. Then a baritone soloist on the 35-yard line side 2 adds to a call-and-answer effect. The low-brass is definitely getting their time at the front of this show as the baritones are featured throughout. As the show progresses into the ballad, a quartet of trumpet players on side 1 lead us into the next portion of the show. Then you will notice a guard member has now changed uniforms into a white tiger at the 30-yard line side 2. As the closer gets started the cage props have now caged in the brass between the hashes while the woodwinds are showing off their technical skills along the front sideline. As the show gains momentum, the drill both within the brass and the woodwinds picks up speed as they try to break free.

8. Castle - 83.200

Castle (IN) show begins with an opening from the pit and low brass that is quite beautiful. Then a trumpet soloist on the back left prop leads into the opening hit. The integration of the guard is very well done both within the band and vertically onto of the props. As the next movement gets the tempos cranked up, the band uses some very intricate drill featuring small lines of 4, follow the leader, and box rotations. This builds to larger more robust block moves as the movements climb to a powerful ending. As the mellophones take the melody for the beginning of the ballad, the guard introduces an elastic white stripe material. After the ballad closes, a flute soloist opens the next movement while on top of a prop at the 40-yard line side 2. Next, the same flute soloist uses her singing skills in conjunction with the battery surrounding her and the rifles spinning along the front sideline. As the props get pushed together in the middle of the field, the guard takes center stage by spinning on top of and around the prop platform. The closer continues to build towards the end with the band surrounding their lead singer for a powerful ending. 

9. Rosemount - 82.950

Rosemount (MN) made the long journey from Minnesota and they did not disappoint. Performing their show entitled, Loved and Lost, Rosemount’s set up is not one that will be forgotten.  A massive boat garnished by skulls sits next to a gate in the back left side of the field. During the pre-show, the main character is introduced followed by a shockingly dark voice-over saying “Only the dead shall pass”. The show is based around the mythological river called Styx. The is the river that separates the world of the living from the world of the dead in Greek mythology. Charon is the figure who ferries newly deceased souls across the river between worlds. During the opening movement band’s technical skill is put on full display by the woodwinds and brass both. The color guard takes center stage as the rifles and sabres both have key tosses at the front of the field. As the movement comes to a close, the band uses its size to showcase these large block rotations. During the ballad, a new character is introduced from the back left side of the field. He is transported across the field using the boat prop mentioned earlier. He arrives at a platform on the front ride side just as the band turns front field for the ballad impact moment. A moment supported by massive double swing flags in the guard. The massive drumline then gets things moving again with an “in your face” drum feature at the front sideline. As the closer gets going the guard is featured again by having the rifles front and center. The band’s technical ability is very strong throughout the entire production. As the show reaches its peak, the female character and hero try to escape hell but are separated at the gate. She tries climbing over the fence only to do a trust fall back into hell signifying that she is indeed trapped forever. 

10. Center Grove - 82.550

Center Grove’s approach to marching band design is one of the most unique in the country. Being a smaller program, they make very strategic use of a large tarp and backdrop set up that creates a stage for their show. It’s like looking at a theater show on the marching field. The difference, however, Center Grove’s stage is 80 yards wide and arcs from the front sideline to the back hash. The show gets started with a techno voice-over hinting at the four directions North, South, East, and West. As the winds make their way from behind the backdrops, it leads to an opening impact where the guard is featured in the middle of the field with some flag work. Next comes a technical passage by the woodwinds followed by a mellophone feature that is unreal. You might notice how the band members continuously make use of small handheld props. Then comes one of the most brilliantly arranged flute solos that are sure to get everyone on their feet. As the opening number comes to a close, the front ensemble gets a moment to show off their musical chops. This leads into a wonderful French Horn solo of Over The Rainbow. As the ballad reaches its climax, the brass has gone behind the curtains to pull out these ladders which the members climb on top of for the ballad hit. Next comes a furious movement that cranks the tempos to the max. Next has to be one of the coolest moments in all of BOA. A flute soloist is featured that is not only playing but beatboxing at the same time over-top of a snare feature. Unbelievable talent. This entire production is really something new for the marching arts. The variety throughout the show never stops nor does the use of dimensional space.

Center Grove at the 2018 BOA Indianapolis Super Regional

11. Brownsburg - 81.100

Brownsburg is another show you will not be mistake when taking the field. The field is covered in gun-metal colored directional props and 6 large red-circles. As the show begins, take note of the woodwind ensemble on the front right sideline, turn your focus to the guard in the middle of the field. The opening diamond drill and guard staging has a Santa Clara 2017 closer type impact. As the next movement begins, a beautiful soprano sax takes the center stage on the 50-yard line for an unbelievable moment of musical prowess. Then the drumline gets into the mix with a drum feature to kick off the next section of the show. The woodwinds pick-up the technical playing handing it off to the trumpets on the right side of the field at the 20’s. This show is chalk full of “get up and cheer” moments. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser. For the second ballad, the guard covers the field in a sea of red with large swing flags in conjunction with their skirts. Watch for some really beautiful drill in the woodwinds during the final movement. On the front left side, the woodwinds go through a series of “folding lines” that is quite fun to watch then they have a final rotating circle drill on the 50-yard before the ending hit.

Brownsburg at the 2018 BOA Indianapolis Super Regional

12. Centerville - 81.100

Centerville enters the field with a unique set of cylinder props. The grooves in the props a deep enough that when turned at certain angles to the audience they reveal colors painted in the valley of the grooves. It’s very similar to how those 3-D cups work. The front ensemble is staged along the back hash between the 40’s backing up a center stage with 4 mic’s set for soloists. As the opening jazz number gets going a trombone ensemble pops up from behind front drops and gets things moving. A tasty sax ensemble gets behind the mic’s mentioned earlier leading into a wonderful set of block drill maneuvers. This leads into an SCV-like moment where a guard member is backflipping through the band as the opening tune comes to an end. The front ensemble continuously sets the jazz mood throughout with a tasteful jazz touch. As the ballad reaches its climax, the guard makes wonderful use of large swing flags that bright green. The next movement continues to showcase this band’s ability to play some incredible jazz. During the closing number, the guard takes center stage with a flag feature before the band charges to the ending pushing towards the front sideline. This band is known for its jazz capabilities and they do not disappoint. 

13. Lakota East - 80.150

Lakota East made history last year by making the Indianapolis Super Regional finals for the first time in program history. Well folks, they are back and they are hungry for more. As they take the field, they are accompanied by 25 props that are completely white. As the pre-show begins, the begin to have chunks of them stripped away revealing a solid black line across the entire field. The music reflects that using Orawa’s familiar single melodic line for an opener. As the opener reaches is climatic ending the props again go through another change as a series of vertical lines is added. What follows is a beautiful clarinet soloist on the 50-yard line. The guard makes simple use of these block props that are two-sided black and white. Then from within those props the guard pulls out a hidden swing flag. Next, a saxophone ensemble on the front sideline adds a unique new color too the musical palette. Then the props add into this same colorful burst by filling in sections of color representing the De Stijl art movement. As the closer picks up steam, listen for a wonderful pit run just prior to a drum feature. The last few moments of drill reflect the style of art the show is based upon by creating different moments of box rotations and finally condensing down into a solid block form. 

14. Plainfield - 79.950

As Plainfield (IN) takes the field, they carry with them 26 larges platform props painted black with silver words on them. The words are broken and scattered across the props themselves. The front ensemble gets things started with some beautiful marimba playing leading into a powerful opening fanfare by the brass in the center of the field. The clarinets then take the lead showcasing their technique followed closely by the trumpets and mellophones. This opening movement is a beautifully entertaining arrangement of a classic piece. It’s fast, loud and definitely gets the heart racing. As the second movement begins a saxophone soloist lights up the field at the 50-yard line. The band retreats into the props while revealing a purple fabric that softens the mood. The color guard makes use of a mostly white double swing flag to feature the soloist in a beautiful movement. This Plainfield front ensemble is so musical throughout the ballad. After a quick drum feature, the props have closed the field down leading into an impact moment to get the closer started. The last 30 seconds worth of drill leading to their last impact is wonderful to watch develop. As the front ensemble finishes the music with another beautifully written window, the props are turned around and put together revealing the saying: No ending, only a new beginning.