The Carmel High School Marching Band placed second in the Finals portion of the Bands of America Super Regional Marching Band competition this past weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The Marching Greyhounds earned first place in the preliminary competition between 65 bands by earning high honors in three caption areas of Best Visual Performance, Best Music Performance and Best General Effect. The two-day event drew bands from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas with 15 bands earning a spot to compete in the finals competition. In finals performance, Carmel earned second place and Best Visual performance. Avon High School in Avon, Indiana won the competition by earning Best Music Performance and Best General Effect.
Director Chris Kreke said, “It’s always a fantastic experience performing at a Bands Of America Super Regional. We are truly lucky to have this regional and the national championships right here at Lucas Oil Stadium and we are always thrilled to compete with the very best groups in the country including many fine groups right here in central Indiana. I’d encourage everyone to attend the Grand National Championships in a few weeks and support the Marching Greyhounds!”
The band’s 2014 competition show, “In the Cards,”” is a musical and visual journey through the gypsy culture and the “fortune tellers” that are often associated with elements of that culture. Musical material in the show is drawn from several common styles, rhythmic material, instrumentation, and themes associated with gypsy caravans and culture. Common visual elements associated with fortune tellers such as crystal balls, tarot cards, and even a “Magic 8 Ball” toy are used throughout the show as we shuffle the deck and find out our musical and visual futures! Richard Saucedo, Michael McIntosh and Jeff Queen composed the original music for this show.
Directed by Christopher Kreke and led by Drum Majors Jack Denger, Kelli Dawson, Abby Zetzl, Mitchell Zimmer, the Marching Band is comprised of 237 students, including winds, percussion and color guard members. In addition to Kreke, Michael Pote, Andrew Cook and Kyle Young direct the band with assistance from Rosie Queen and Jeff Queen.
In past years, Carmel has won numerous Regional competitions in Louisville, Kettering, Indianapolis, San Antonio, and Atlanta to name a few. The ensemble won the BOA National Championship two times, in 2005 and 2012. In addition, the Marching Greyhounds have won the Indiana State School Music Association’s (ISSMA) state championship in 1990, 2001, 2002 and 2012.
The Carmel High School Bands program includes the Marching Band and Color Guard, Jazz Bands, Concert Bands, chamber ensembles, Winter Percussion, and Winter Guard. 450 students participate in these ensembles at Carmel High School.
