October 15, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - The Tarpon Springs Outdoor Performance Ensemble continued the tradition on Saturday, October 14, 2006 by earning the Grand Champion award at the Bands of America (BOA) Regional Competition at Tropicana Field, in St. Petersburg, Florida peforming their 2006 show, "Every Passion Has Its Destiny".

Students, instructors and chaparones arrived at Tropicana Field by 1:30 p.m. Props were quickly unloaded and assembled for the 3:45 p.m. preliminary performance. Students warmed up at assigned locations in the parking lot prior to enterring the stadium.

With 23 bands participating from the Southeastern United States, the Tarpon Springs ensemble swept the Class AA preliminary competition on Saturday afternoon receiving top honors for Outstanding Musical Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, and Outstanding General Effect. Class AAA Bands Seminole High School (FL), Cary High School (NC), and Timber Creek High School (Orlando, FL) also finished strong in their division promising a tough battle for the finals. Father Ryan High School (Nashville, TN) and Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, TN) earned second and third place respectively in the Class AA prelims. Competition "classes" are based on the total number of full time eligible students in grades 10-12 enrolled in the entire school. The BOA time limit for each show is 11minutes, with 4 minutes for setup on the field, and 2 minutes to get all members, props and equipment off the field.

In Finals competition, the Ensemble randomly drew the last performance time slot. The approximately 160 students, instructors, chaparones, prop crew and parents spent Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of Tropicana Field. Sandwiches were served at 5:30 p.m. but 2 hours later Band Boosters were dispatched to acquire evening snacks and energy drinks prior to the finals performance. Band, percussion, and guard members again warmed up in prescribed areas before taking the field at 10:00 p.m.

The Finals awards presentation began at 10:30 p.m. and the Tarpon Springs Outdoor Performance Ensemble was named overall Grand Champion of the Regional competition with a score of 87.05, besting all other competing bands, including the larger AAA Class bands. Seminole High School placed second (83.35), followed by Timber Creek High School (79.95). After the awards ceremony, the ensemble was invited back for an encore performance. Following the encore, the band turned to the large section of parents and supporters seated in the stadium and shouted "Thank You!" in unison.

"Every Passion Has Its Destiny" will next be performed in exhibition on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at Tarpon Springs High School at the annual Tarpon Springs Outdoor Music Festival. The ensemble will perform in Atlanta, Georgia for the BOA Super Regional Competition on October 28, and at the BOA National Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 11.