Up to fourth

INDIANAPOLIS — In the opening contest at Centerville, the Red Devils marched one spot in the order ahead of the Marching Patriots.

In the results, they were in the same position.

The trend carried throughout the summer.

Until Friday night.

Jay County High School’s Marching Patriots hurdled a Richmond group that had their number throughout July to jump into fourth place in the finals of the Indiana State Fair Band Day competition.

“I could not be prouder of the kids,” said JCHS band director Chuck Roesch following Friday night’s awards. “It’s a group that just never ceases to amaze me. They’re a group that, when they’re focused and 100% engaged, they’re just amazing performers.

Gracie Rowles’ flag curves over her head near the end of Jay County’s preliminary performance early Friday afternoon. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)

 

“You want the effort of your students to be recognized and for their achievement to be rewarded, and I think we got some of that. And Dan (Merkamp) has got a great program at Richmond.

“It’s been a really great day. The kids are ecstatic.”

The Marching Patriots closed the season with 87.85 points in the evening show at the state fair, finishing 0.675 points ahead of Richmond. (The Red Devils were one spot ahead of JCHS in the standings at both the Archway Classic in Centerville and the Spirit of Sound in Muncie.) It was Jay County’s 35th top-five finish and a step up after placing fifth a year ago.

Kinley Krieg tilts back while playing her saxophone. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)

 

Kokomo took third place with 90.888, just over a full point ahead of the Marching Patriots.

It was the energy that Jay County brought in its preliminary performance Friday that gave both student leaders and the directing staff a hint it was going to be a good day.

“We felt really powerful and connected,” said drum major and mellophone player Ella Littler. “We didn’t tear. So … it just felt really strong.”

“I think we all really left it all on the field,” she added. “And that’s a good thing.”

The Jay County High School Marching Patriots continued their long streak of success at the Indiana State Fair on Friday, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the 48th time in 48 tries and placing in the top 10 for the 46th time. Pictured above, mellophone player and drum major Ella Littler performs the part of the Marching Patriots’ show — Consumed — moments after a dragon ravaged the village. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)

 

Roesch had similar thoughts following the preliminary performance.

“Pleased,” he said. “Good, strong musical performance, a lot of expression involved with it. Our kids get such a nice, big, full sound. I just love the sound that we get.

“From down there on the track and the vibe and hearing the crowd reacting and responding to the show — you know they did a good job connecting with the audience.

“And playing for each other — keeping yourself focused on what you’re supposed to do and your responsibility — then you go out there and be confident and still have fun.”

The Marching Patriots were also fourth in the preliminaries, about a half-point ahead of Richmond. They extended the margin slightly in the finals.

Muncie Central won Class AAA in the preliminary competition Friday, also taking caption awards for music and visuals, and tying with Anderson for general effect. Other caption awards in the class went to Kokomo for color guard and Richmond for percussion.

Baritone saxophone player Lukes Powers keeps his eyes on the conducting of Sam Roesch. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)

 

Centerville won Class AA, sweeping captions for music, visuals, general effect and color guard, while Hamilton Heights took percussion. Cowan-Daleville took the top spot in Class A, including captions for visuals, general effect and percussion. Other caption awards went to Tipton for music and Eastern Hancock for color guard.

For Jay County, Friday was a strong finish to a summer that saw Jay County open with a third-place finish behind Richmond and host Blue Regiment in the Archway Classic at Centerville. They then placed third again in a standstill contest at home following rainy weather earlier in the day. The band finished fifth in its only other scored competition — Muncie Central’s Spirit of Sound — as the Drums at Winchester was called off midway through because of inclement weather.

As he has throughout the season, Roesch took a moment to reflect on the growth the Marching Patriots have made.

“It’s been a season of growth,” Roesch said, noting the band includes just 12 seniors in a group of 85. “I’m real pleased with how they’ve come along.”

Members of the Jay County High School percussion section (above) react during a solemn moment of their show during Friday’s preliminaries. (TheStatehouseFile.com/Connor Burress)