Photo of Broken Arrow (Okla.) High School Band by Ken Martinson
It was the year of the spoiler in championship events for the marching arts, as winning streaks came to an end. Halftime Magazine compiled the “Top Five Marching Moments of 2011” based on reader suggestions. Do you agree or disagree? Continue the discussion in the comments.
Marching groups paid tribute to 9/11 during this 10th anniversary year. The Madison Scouts and the Gibson County High School from Dyer, Tenn., dedicated their entire seasons. On Sept. 11, a mass band (with 21 U.S. high schools and one group from the Netherlands) convened in Times Square.
4. “band-Ing Together for Joplin”
Music communities led various efforts to aid the Joplin (Mo.) Eagle Pride Band as it recovered from a tornado in May. Tens of thousands of dollars and many product/ instrument donations helped the band get back on its feet.
3. Buccaneers Reign Gives Way to Minnesota Brass
In Drum Corps Associates (DCA) competition, the Minnesota Brass took the Open Class gold after three years in second place, ending the unprecedented six-year streak of the Reading Buccaneers.
2. Homestead and Broken Arrow End Avon Streaks
Homestead High School from Ft. Wayne, Ind., took first place at the Indiana State School Music Association’s Class A championship for the first time since 1996, preventing Avon High School from earning a three-peat. A few weeks later, Broken Arrow (Okla.) High School broke Avon’s three-year streak at Bands of America Grand Nationals.
1. The Cadets Take Down The Blue Devils
A new championship format, the testing of a new judging system and the Tour of Champions led to an exciting Drum Corps International season. In the end, The Cadets beat The Blue Devils, preventing a World Class three-peat. In Open Class, Blue Devils B did get an elusive three-peat with the Oregon Crusaders not far behind.
