My annual trek to Bands of America was a fun one this year. I had 6 of my groups attend:

Bellbrook HS (OH)
Carmel HS (IN)
Cedar Ridge HS (TX)
Franklin HS (TN)
Father Ryan HS (TN)
Northmont HS (OH)

Each one was a special experience for me.

Bellbrook capped off their season with their “Put on a Happy Face” program and a Class A National championship! Congrats to them!

Carmel HS performed “Totem”, placed 2nd overall, and won Best Visual. So much talent in that program! (both performers and staff).
Cedar Ridge was special as not only did they make finals in their first visit to BOA, but the program itself is only 3 years old! Also, a special shout out to their director Mark Calima, who was in the first Westfield HS band I ever wrote for as a student, went on to be band director at Westfield, and just now took his own group to a successful appearance at nationals. Congrats!
This is my first year designing for the outstanding band from TN, Franklin HS. The commitment of these performers is something to behold. Aside from their great semi finals placement (just a few spots out of finals), they had great performances! This is a group to watch in the future, as they seem to have the momentum, the talent, and the staff to do great things!
Father Ryan is always a highlight for me. I’m not sure if it is the fact that I went to a small Catholic school, and they remind me of that, or the fact that they are like the ‘Little Engine that Could’ because they are small but mighty, or the fact that year after year, they are one of the most creative groups performing. It is an honor to be a part of that team.
Northmont was special for a couple of reasons. It was their director’s first year and he did a fine job continuing the excellent program at Northmont. The other great story from Northmont was the fact that their football team came over the Indianapolis to support the band. That is just outstanding and shows such class.

It was a great 2013 season, and I’m looking forward to 2014!