INDIANAPOLIS – Homestead High School took first place in the Indiana State School Music Association marching band finals Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, the first time since 1996 the band took first place in Class A competition.

The school was one of eight northeast Indiana high schools participating in the state finals this year.

Norwell High School also did well, placing third in the Class C competition.

Class A

Homestead High School played last in the Class A competition.

It came down to Homestead and Avon and when Avon was named as runner-up, the Homestead fans erupted in cheers.

The last time the school brought home a first place was the year the school's freshmen were born.

"It's been a long time coming, and this was a great day for (director) Steve Barber," said Mike Hardiek, the drill designer. "The kids put so much effort into it" and he said he was happy they reaped the reward of their efforts.

Class B

Members of the DeKalb Baron Brigade marching band played a game of "Catch Me" along with their musical numbers to capture an eighth place in Class B at Saturday's ISSMA state marching band finals. Amid explosions and sweeping flags, they created an air of intrigue and mystery while playing the music of Adam Frank Sullivan's "Under Cover."

Terry Fisher, the DeKalb director, said he felt good about the performance and said he was, "awfully proud of them."

North Side's Marching Redskins centered their performance on the theme, "Detroit Swing City."

Carrying large replicas of vinyl records and with a backdrop of jukeboxes, the Marching Redskins wowed in their sharp black, white and red uniforms, accompanied by a visually stunning flag team in pink, blue, purple and white.

Class C

Norwell performed "How Music Moves Us," lively music that was fitting given the spirited demeanor of not only the band but the fans and parents and the director, who – although it was hard to tell – was feeling under the weather.

"We'll take third," said Doug Hassell, the band's director. "It felt fantastic!"

As the band marched out of the stadium, the members broke rank and screamed and shouted in the hallways, holding the trophy high.

"We all kind of motivate each other," Hassell said, beaming, "and we always have a good time together."

One of Norwell's selections was the "18th Variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," one of Hassell's favorites and one that his wife chose when she walked down the down the wedding aisle.

Coming in fourth in Class C were Concordia Lutheran's Marching Cadets. The group performed "Three in One," a musical rendition of the religious doctrine, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Director Dianne Moellering said making it to the finals was a lot of work, but "a lot of fun, as well."

"We are just so excited to be here and perform," Moellering said.

Two of the musical selections for the affirmation of Christianity were by John Milford Rutter, a British composer well known for his religious music.

Leo High School's band, Roar of the Lions, placed 10th in Class C. It was the group's first venture into the ISSMA state marching band finals, and the members were thrilled and a little nervous.

"It was a very exciting opportunity for these kids," said Bob Myers, director.

The band performed "It's all Jazz to Me," with musical selections, "Moondance," "Cry Me a River" and "It Had Better be Tonight." A sultry trombone solo drew applause appreciation.

Class D

Woodlan placed fifth in Class D with a rousing performance and a strong drum section. Against a cityscape background and matching flags, the band created the illusion of its theme, "Night Moves" through color, cadence and music.

The 40 top bands in Indiana were judged on visual and musical effects, individual performance and ensemble visual performance. The top winner in each category received a $1,000 scholarship to be given to a band student of the director's choice.

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