Greenwood marching band second in state

Wearing black costumes with yellow accents surrounded by a yellow and green earth-like tarp, the Marching Woodmen played a variety of world-themed music, and brought home second place at the state marching band competition.

The Marching Woodmen were one of 42 bands to compete in Saturday’s 45th annual Indiana State School Music Association’s marching band finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. It was the band’s 13th state finals appearance since 2004.

“I’m really proud of the kids because this show was a lot — nine minutes,” Greenwood’s band director John Morse said.

“There are a lot of emotional and physical parts to the show, but they did great.”

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The “When Worlds Collide” show started with light chimes and colorful flags waving among, but minutes later the band created a round earth-like formation to give the feel of dark storm coming in, performing songs including “It’s the End of the World.”

Trumpet player Makayla Megnin, 14, performed in her first marching band state finals competition and said she was thankful for the opportunity to perform with the band in such a big arena.

“I really love the whole part of being in the marching band,” Makayla said. “We worked really hard to get here with a lot of practice and determination, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next years in the band.”

Greenwood’s marching band placed second in Class B. Plainfield High School placed first.

Center Grove placed third in Class A at Saturday’s competition. Last year Center Grove placed fifth. Greenwood and Center Grove were the only two local bands that competed at the state finals this year.

Cage-like structures lined the field covered with a black tarp featuring colorful circles as Center Grove’s marching band played its show, “Light Motif.”

A variety of sounds made up the band’s show, from a French Horn solo to chimes, and was all performed with high energy.

Aiden Welch, 14, plays the vibraphone for the band, and said he was pleased with his performance and the opportunity to show off the band’s talent at such a prestigious competition.

“We’ve sometimes practiced eight hours a day for this, so for us to be able to perform in front of all these people, it’s really exciting,” Welch said. “In band, it may not seem like it, but we all have to work as a team, and I think it’s exciting how well we really do all work as a team.”