Texafan

Well, most Indiana bands look toward state finals as the "high point" of their season which, in Indiana, generally is one of the last couple of weeks during October. In Indiana, just qualifying for the state finals in "Class A" (the equivalent of 5A in Texas) is getting to be pretty darn tough. Last year, for example, perennial BOA Nationals finalist Center Grove had a slightly "off" season and they got completely left out in the cold at the Indiana regionals and didn't make the cut for the "Class A" championships at the dome. Therefore, a lot of bands - especially in "Class A" - have to pace their program so that they can turn in their best program of the season at REGIONALS just to make sure that they advance to state. After those two competitions, bands often take a break and kinda "relax" rather than continue to "build" all the way up to Nationals. It's a challenge to keep "the energy" going for nearly another month after your "peak." Ya know...??? So, with Lawrence Central and Carmel sitting out of Indiana state finals this year, they're both probably going to keep puttin' the pressure on right up until 8 p.m. on the night of BOA Finals.

Here's a juicey piece of information for your BOA forum: Not sure if word has yet made it to the Lone Star State, but TWO of Indiana's powerhouse bands - Lawrence Central and Carmel - will NOT be participating in their own state finals competition this year. Instead, they're BOTH setting their sites on BOA Nationals. Aside from an invitational or two in Indiana, they both have an entirely BOA schedule. In fact, they'll both be competing at the St. Louis Super Regional during the weekend of Indiana State Finals. Generally, the Indiana bands show up at Nationals after having competed about three to four weeks earlier at state finals, so they've kinda already "peaked" by the time they get to the last BOA Regional and Grand Nationals. Should be pretty interesting to see what these two amazing bands put on the field in November knowing that they're BOTH pacing themselves to "peak" during Nationals. And Nationals is REALLY going to be a battle this year with LD Bell, Ron Reagan, Carmel, LC, Centerville and Avon - not to mention a couple other terrific bands - ALL capable of finishing in the top two or three spots. Good luck to everyone - from every state - who's competing in BOA this year...!!!