Heartland Preview 10/8

During the fall, marching band invitationals are held across the nation. Most are run by a local high school or school district. These events are essential to these bands as fundraisers for the host and a chance for smaller schools that may not be able to participate in major events like USBands or Bands of America. General Effect Media would like to highlight these contests, which are essential to these local communities and their programs.

In Indiana this weekend, it will be entirely dominated by the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA), as they will have four contests this weekend for the Scholastic Class Preliminary/Open Class Invitational. Hosted at Homestead (IN), Jasper (IN), Chesterton (IN), and Whiteland (IN), these contests determine which bands in Scholastic Class advance to the Scholastic Finals. To determine this, each band must achieve a Gold rating to advance. Judges will also give ratings to all Open Class groups attending, though these will not affect any advancement when they attend their own ISSMA Regional contest in a couple of weeks. A majority of the competitive Indiana bands will be attending one of these events. Each event will begin at 11:00 AM in their respective time zones, and you can find the full line-ups at ISSMA.

However, there is a lone independent contest this week called the Calvacade of Champions, hosted by Center Grove (IN). This show always brings a robust set of performing groups, including a set of powerful Class C contenders for the State title in Western (IN) and NorthWood (IN). Next, Class B will have groups like Greenwood (IN) and Northview (IN). Then in Class A, you'll have three groups that have all made a Bands of America Regional Final at some point this season, including Noblesville (IN), Hamilton Southeastern (IN), and Westfield (IN). More about this show can is available on the band's website.

Down in Kentucky, another previous BOA Regional Finalist will be hosting a MidStates show at Campbell County (KY). This will be the only MidStates show this week, but it is sure to be a good one, with groups like Kings (OH), Larry A. Ryle (KY), and Milford (OH) taking the field. The show starts at 3:45 PM ET and features 17 groups. You can find the full schedule and future shows in the MidStates circuit here.

2022 Week 3 GEM Top 25 Poll

The FZN River City Showcase, hosted at Fort Zumwalt North High School, celebrates their 10th annual festival this weekend. Promoted as a prequel to BOA St. Louis, the lineup this year offers a glance at several top contenders for later in the season - past champions Timberland (MO) and Oakville (MO), as well as past champion and consistent BOA Super Regional finalist #23 O’Fallon Township (IL) will all be seeking a shot at the crown this year. Locally renown Sullivan (MO) and Lindbergh (MO) will also be in attendance, alongside all of the ensembles in the Fort Zumwalt series. 

Across the state, Lee’s Summit North (MO) will be hosting their own invitational, drawing in several Kansas City area groups, including #17 Blue Springs (MO) and all three Lee’s Summit high schools. The event boasts both an indoor contest for drumlines and guards as well as an outdoor field show, with several ensembles such as Raytown South (MO) competing in both. 

Across the border in Oklahoma is the highly anticipated Renegage Review at the Union High School Stadium, showcasing several groups who will be vying for the Oklahoma Bandmasters 6A finals later on in the season. Highly competitive ensembles such as Bentonville (AR), Bixby (OK), Owasso (OK), and Choctaw (OK) will be seeking the top placements here, as well as more northern groups such as Blue Springs South (MO), Rockwood Summit (MO), and Nixa (MO). Hot off a local competition win, Neosho (MO) aims to once again cement a spot in finals, and the hosts, the highly accredited Union (OK) will perform in exhibition after finals. 

While several 6A groups will be fighting for titles at Union, Oklahoma’s lower classes will be competing at two separate contests: 1A, 2A, and 3A will compete at Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, while 4A bands will take the field at Edmond Santa Fe High School in Edmond. Similar to BOA, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association (or OBA) classifies bands by high school enrollment rather than ensemble size, allowing groups with similar talent pools to compete against one another. Information on the above contests is located on the Midwest Marching website. 

Some truly astounding contests happening through the Heartland this week. No one should really have to travel far to attend any of these or a number of other contests occurring. Bundle up though as it looks to be a chilly weekend. However, the student performers are going to be sure to heat up the field!