November 11, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Performing its 2006 signature show, Every Passion Has Its Destiny, the Tarpon Springs High School Outdoor Performance Ensemble wrapped up the 2006 marching season by earning the national championship title in Bands of America (BOA) Division II competition in the RCA Dome on Saturday. The band went on to place 5th overall among all 92 bands from all divisions in finals competition. "To be considered one of the top 5 performances in the country...is something that all of us will be proud of for the rest of our lives," said Kevin Ford, Director of the Leadership and Music Conservatory.

Competition week began Wednesday, November 8, with a long overnight bus ride to Louisville, KY. Arrangements had been made with the University of Louisville for an all day rehearsal on Thursday, November 9, in their Cardinal Stadium - about a 2-hour drive from Indianapolis. The band arrived at the hotel in Indianapolis at 10:00 p.m.; band booster volunteers had arrived the day before to finalize all arrangements.

In a flashback to the transport tribulations of the Atlanta trip, the tractor-trailer carrying the props and percussion instruments experienced mechanical problems upon arrival in Indianapolis, leaving it disabled in a parking lot. Prop-dads and parents stayed up all night transferring the props and instruments to the staging location using the stage-trailer and a borrowed rental truck. The borrowed truck and driver were provided courtesy of the Kennesaw Mountain High School Marching Band who graciously offered their time and efforts to help the Tarpon band out of this fix. "Kennesaw saved the day for us," said Tarpon band member Amanda Williams (flute/piccolo). "I hope that one day we can return the favor, hopefully in better circumstances!"

By Friday morning all band members and props were in place and the semi was on its way for repairs. With a scheduled 10:45 a.m. performance, there was just enough time to get in a warm-up rehearsal at Ben Davis High School, just a few minutes from the RCA Dome. Ben Davis High School has been an outstanding partner with Tarpon over the years in providing their facility for Indy rehearsals. "Ben Davis is a great school with great band program and we appreciate their hospitality. I wish I had their practice field!", said Director Ford. (Ben Davis High School is one of very few schools with a permanent rehearsal field dedicated to their band program).

The preliminary performance was impressive. "You could sense them feeling more comfortable as the performance progressed and by Mile 15 they were on fire," commented Director Ford. Then it was back to Ben Davis for afternoon rehearsals. The temperature was dropping, but the enthusiasm was rising. Band members participated in an early evening leadership workshop with Dr. Tim then returned to the Dome for the announcement of the 32 semifinalist bands who would advance in the competition. Tarpon Springs passed the test and was assigned a semifinal performance time of 2:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Saturday morning it was back to Ben Davis, however temperatures in the 40's, freezing rain, and wind gusts at 35 miles an hour made it difficult for a meaningful rehearsal. The band used a hallway at the high school for stretching and warm up and eventually got 45 minutes of practice time on the field. The maroon knit hats sewn by the band Mom's were appreciated by all members.

The semifinal performance was very respectable, but "not our best", according to Director Ford. Nevertheless, Tarpon Springs High School swept top honors in General Effect, Music, and Visual in the AA division and earned the 2006 Division AA National Championship honor, progressing on to the finals competition.

The random draw for finals performance times did not carry the same good fortune that had followed Tarpon so far. Tarpon drew the 2nd performance slot at 8:15 p.m. Directors generally believe that later time draws have an inherent advantage, although earlier draws may insure a fresher, less-fatigued performance. Either way, the band's final performance of Every Passion Has its Destiny was outstanding. A standing ovation of some 40,000 spectators confirmed to all that winning is about the optimism, the effort, and never ever giving up! Tarpon Springs finished fifth in finals competition; top honors went to Broken Arrow High School, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Every Passion Has Its Destiny enjoyed a remarkable season with winning performances at BOA events in St. Petersburg, Atlanta, and Indianapolis, adding to the impressive list of achievements by the students of the Leadership and Music Conservatory.

Complete BOA competition results are available at the Bands of America website (free site registration is required).