Patriots take third

Members of the Jay County band heard the dreaded words they have heard so many times before.

“... And third place goes to the Marching Patriots.”

Just a few minutes before, the band finished its evening performance, and the Patriots ran cheering, hugging and crying from the Indiana State Fair track in sheer joy. Almost everyone seemed confident that the state title had been won. They had played their hearts out.

Once the announcement was made at about 11:20 p.m., however, the happy tears turned sad. Some students were comforting fellow band members, others were expressing their disappointment through angry words.

Even the staffers were sure the Patriots had earned the state title.

“You could not have asked for anything better than this,” said junior staffer Brittany Marshall after the band performed its evening show.

“(The show) was incredible,” said assistant director Pete Vogler. “By far this is the best show (they played) this year, maybe since we won the state title.”

“I think we’re going to beat (Muncie Southside),” junior clarinet player Joel Bower said. “Everything went right, and it was awesome.”

Marshall said she was sure the night performance would be better than the morning.

“It was a good experience for the freshmen so they can fix their mistakes for tonight,” said Marshall, on the way back to the buses. “They’re focused now and know what it will be like tonight. I think they can do it.”

The Patriots’ performance was preceded by several themed performances. Richmond High School, which marched 10th in the evening show, had a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme, which included a Johnny Depp look-alike, pirates and several “wenches” with bloody swords. Anderson Highland High School band members wore kilts, played bagpipes and Celtic music.

The Patriots went into the evening show placed third, band director Dave Humbert said. Muncie Southside was in first, and Highland High School of Anderson was second. The bands which made the “Sweet 16” besides Jay County were the following in alphabetical order: Anderson, Centerville, Concord, Cowan, Hagerstown, Highland, Martinsville, Monroe Central, Muncie Southside, Noblesville, Northeastern, Richmond, Sheridan, Southmont and Wabash. Lapel and Perry Meridian played in the 8 p.m. competition for exhibition only.

Jay County played 15th in the night show line-up, just after Highland High School.

Besides placing third, the Patriots also failed to take home any of the caption awards.

Long-time rival Muncie Southside, walked away with all of the caption awards for large bands. Centerville High School received the small band music, visual and general effect awards. Monroe Central took the small band percussion distinction, and Southmont was given the small band color guard honor.

After the morning awards and the “Sweet 16” were announced, Humbert, who was directing the band for the last time at the state fair, reflected on his years with Jay County.

“It’s an emotional time (for me) because I won’t be doing this anymore,” Humbert said. “I’m really proud of all of the kids over the years.”

He said he would like the band to win first place this year, which has only been accomplished twice in the last 20 years, and he hates to lose.

“We can get as good as we can get,” said Humbert.

The Patriots were scheduled to perform at 10:24 p.m. Wednesday. The theme for the program was “The American Experience.” The five minute, 41 second performance included “America the Beautiful,” “American Salute,” and “Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Some of the songs had speaking parts by the band.

Before the Marching Patriots marched to the track, Humbert offered some advice. “Don’t be a superman and try to save the whole (performance) yourself. They expect great things out of us. It’s all in here,” Humbert said, pointing to his head.

Here’s how the top 16 placed:

1. Muncie Southside, 93.25 points; 2. Highland, 85; 3. Jay County, 82.3; 4. Centerville, 81.35; 5. Richmond, 79.6; 6. Monroe Central; 7. Wabash; 8. Southmont; 9. Martinsville; 10. Sheridan; 11. Cowan; 12. Northeastern; 13. Concord; 14. Noblesville; 15. Anderson; 16. Hagerstown.[[In-content Ad]]