Following Highlander Band: Sun sets on SynchroniCITY at Bands of America Grand Nationals

Photo by Tori Ables

Story by Gracie Vanover

Last weekend was the biggest marching band competition in the nation, but the Highlander band did not shy away from chasing the gold. Bands of America [BOA] Grand Nationals hosted 91 bands this weekend before narrowing it down to 38 and then to 12. 

Overall the Highlander band placed 46 out of 91 and 5th in their class, which included bands like Columbus North High School. This was the first time in the band’s history attending BOA Grand Nationals. Knowing how well they scored, the band is hopeful for their future in Grand Nationals. 

“It was a really cool experience to be the first group to represent our band at a national level,” said sophomore trumpet player Reece Ausmus. “I’m glad we got the experience to go and hopefully over the next few years we will move up in the ranks.”

With this being the band’s last performance they felt confident in their show and abilities. 

“I felt great. I was just having fun and felt super confident,” said freshman bari sax player Kimmy Fraley. 

For the seniors this was their last run of the show, especially in a competing atmosphere.

“I really enjoyed the competition and it was fun to be able to compete on the national stage. With it being the largest competition in the nation it makes you look at competing differently, like how we’re able to say that we’re the 46th best marching band in the country is a pretty nice feeling,” said senior trumpet player Eli Moody. “It was a really fun way to end the season and I’m glad we took the opportunity to go to this competition.”

While the season may be at its end, band is only just starting. This weekend marks the start of pep band for both boys’ and girls’ basketball games. The band also has many concerts throughout the year so be sure to check their website for the dates. 

Highlander band website: www.floydcentralband.org

 

Highlanders finish season 14-40 against Bloomington South

Junior Tristan Polk throws the ball towards Senior Calvin Brown at the Bloomington South Regionals game on November 15th. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Blake Zehnder runs down the field during the play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Trace Richards throws his arms up after successfully defending a player. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Colin Cummins chases the ball to stop the offense from gaining yards. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Trace Richards grabs onto the offense to stop the ball. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Wenkers Wright dodges the player during the play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Trace Richards defends the player during the play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Colin Cummins dives towards the player to stop the ball. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Wenkers Wright runs the play to gain yards. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Trace Richards dives to stop the player from gaining yards. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Wenkers Wright dodges the player to gain more yards during the Bloomington South Regionals game. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Colin Cummins dives to stop the offense from gaining yards. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Highlanders beat Jeff 31-7 at sectionals on Nov. 8

Senior Jaiden Mingus pays respect during the beginning of the Jeffersonville Sectional Championship game. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Seniors Calvin Brown and JD McKay walk to the center of the field for the coin toss. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Seniors JD McKay and Cole Hussung give each other a high five after a successful kick. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Trace Richards pushes the offense back. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Blake Zehnder chases down the ball to stop the opposing team. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Wenkers Wright gets tackled down trying to gain yards. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Senior Calvin Brown pays attention to the players around him as the play continues. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Caleb Rodgers protects Junior Colin Cummins to try to make a touchdown. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

The Highlanders run down right before the next play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Senior Jaiden Mingus double checks he is in the correct position. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Blake Zehnder takes position just before the next play starts. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

The Highlanders hold up the winning Sectional Championship Title Trophy after winning 31-7 against Jeffersonville. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Highlanders beat Bedford 44-30

Junior Blake Zehnder takes his position before the play starts. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

The Highlanders take position to stop the opposing team from getting a touchdown. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Trace Richards pushes away his opponent to defend the ball. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Senior Jaiden Mingus makes a decision during a play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Juniors Blake Zehnder and Trace Richards give each other a high five after a successful play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Senior Sean Burks listens carefully to improve on the next play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

The Highlanders offensive line take positions to start the next play. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Wenkers Wright scores a touchdown. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Wenkers Wright scores another touchdown for the Highlanders. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Junior Spencer Didat moves forward to follow the ball. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Juniors Bryce Thevenot and Zen Michalski chest bump after a touchdown. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Senior JD McKay takes a stance before the next play was called. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

The starting line up take position before the game starts at the Bedford game on Friday. Photo by Kate Zuverink.

Oliver! photo coverage

Junior Hunter Marlow, who plays Bill Sikes, sings in FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

The cast of Oliver! watches senior Isabella Arnett sing during FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver!. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Fifth grader Zander Essex, joined by the orphan ensemble of Oliver!, dance and sing during a run of the show. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Junior Tre Gaines and fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty share a hug at the end of FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Oliver, fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty, pulls a handkerchief from junior Tre Gaines pocket during the show. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Senior Isabella Arnett sings a solo during FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Oliver, fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty stands and watches his fellow cast mates sing. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty, who plays Oliver, sits on a bench and sings during a run of the show. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Juniors Trevin Chandler and Annie Bulliet pretend to eat during a run of Oliver! at FC. Photo by Mary Ficker.

The Artful Dodger, fifth grader Zander Essex, sings his solo during a run of FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Oliver, fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty, and the Artful Dodger, fifth grader Zander Essex, mess around on stage during a run of Oliver! at FC. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Eighth grader Emma Hockensmith does a bell kick during one of the dance numbers on FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Fourth grader Brady Ross jumps over fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty during one of the dance numbers in FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Bet, junior Raven Prentiss, Nancy, senior Isabella Arnett, and Fagin, senior Jack Meriwether hold hands and sing during a dance number in Oliver! at FC. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Senior Isabella Arnett and junior Raven Prentiss sing to each other during a run of FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Mrs. Bedwin, played by senior Sydney Walters, hugs Oliver, fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty, during a run of the show. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Fagin, played by senior Jack Meriwether, stands in front of the dancing pickpockets during a run of FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Lined up, the dancing pickpockets wait for their cue to dance during a run Oliver! at FC. Photo by Mary Ficker.

Senior Taylor Lockhart stands and sings while holding fourth grader Lincoln Fogarty’s hand during a run of FC Theatre Arts production of Oliver! Photo by Mary Ficker.

Nancy, played by senior Isabella Arnett, turns and sings to the audience while dancing during a run of Oliver! at FC. Photo by Mary Ficker.