After about 12 weeks of intense practice, the band took their 2024 show,” Origins of E’Vil” to Indianapolis to perform at the Bands of America competition, placing 35 out of 88 bands, ninth in their class.
“BOA is always a fun experience,” senior trumpet player Elias Gregory said.
The competition typically takes place after marching band season is over according to Gregory.
“This makes the experience enjoyable because we are able to put on our best performance,” Gregory said.
For some, this was their first BOA experience, but others like Gregory and senior Theo Seaman, are no strangers to BOA. Gregory has competed at four BOA competitions and Seaman at three.
Typically, the band performs at the BOA competition in St. Louis in the Dome at America’s Center, but this year they travelled to the Indianapolis Colts stadium in addition.
Unlike other stadiums, the Lucas Oil is enclosed. This change in atmosphere proved challenging for the band members like senior color guard Jocelyn Williams.
“Whenever you’re on the field there’s a big echo, so that was definitely something to get past,” Williams said.
Even in drum major Savannah Jackson’s position on the field, the atmosphere felt different.
“Something about being in a massive stadium like The Dome and Lucas Oil changes the mindset of our band members,” Gregory said.
Although performing in a large stadium has challenges, most members felt that it was an enriching experience overall.
Jackson noticed new ways of conducting and keeping time that she found helpful. Avon, a band from Indiana stuck out to Jackson in particular.
“[Avon] switches who is the timekeeper for their front drum major, depending on who they are in front of,” Jackson said. She found this strategy interesting and believes the EHS band might implement something similar.
Gregory feels that BOA is a unique challenge because the band competes against high level bands from across the nation.
“I think the challenge is always accepted and appreciated by the EHS band, and we have consistently given our best effort,” Gregory said.
Their efforts paid off in competition, leaving much of the band satisfied with their performances.
Seaman was proud of the overall performance.
“I absolutely think that it was a really good run…of course there are individual flubs here and there,” Seaman said.
Gregory agrees that the performance went well, with a score of 73.9 reflecting it.
“I think our score accurately reflected what we put out there, and what we had around us in terms of other bands and their caliber,” Jackson said
Though they are proud of the score, Gregory feels that scores and winning are not the entire reason for performing.
“My priority isn’t just about getting an amazing score from the judges, but to entertain and inspire the audience,” Gregory said.
The performance experience, along with the opportunity to watch other bands perform, are both things that make BOA memorable.
“These other shows…they do something to me,” Seaman said, “There’s such a liveliness and acceptance to it. Every show was weird, and every show was different, and everyone is accepting of each other.”
“Seeing really great bands from across America is just wonderful,” Jackson said.
After the long weekend, students like Seaman and Gregory always enjoy the experience. They enjoy everything from celebrating on the bus ride back, to the post competition nap.
“Even just putting on the uniform is fun,” Gregory said.
The band will compete at BOA one more time this season on Oct. 25 in St. Louis. They hope to outdo themselves and hopefully walk away with a higher score.
“The EHS band is definitely a force to be reckoned with in competition,” Gregory said.