The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1422416
A-6 Wednesday, October 27, 2021 The Press-Dispatch Mary chose to keep baby Jesus Thank God! His HighWay Ministry By Matthew Haycraft The Pike Central Charger Brigade competed in state fi- nals at Franklin Central on Saturday, October 23. The band placed 10th in the Scholastic State Finals out of 14 bands that participated. They were ranked 12th going into the competition, based on their scores from the pre- lims. The band improved their score by five points, which pushed them up two places. At finals, they announced the top five bands across the state. According to band di- rector Chris Ashworth, the bands who placed 5 -11 were only separated by a few points, so the competition was very competitive this year. Director Ashworth said "Our show was called 'Luck,' based on the ideas of good luck and bad luck. A fter hav- ing a year off of competitive marching band due to COVID restrictions from ISSMA (In- diana State School Music As- sociation), I wanted to select a show that had some challeng- ing elements, but not impos- sible to pull off. We had over 50 percent of the group nev- er compete before. The stu- dents really liked the show, and bought into the ideas and concepts that the staff laid out for them. We had a great group of seniors who real- ly helped along the way and pushed the younger students to achieve their potential. We lost about three weeks due to COVID protocols, but the stu- dents really pushed through. I truly believe that if we hadn't lost that time, we would have placed in the top five. It real- ly was a learning experience for all. Hopefully next year, we can come back out with an even stronger show that will get us over that hump to place in the top five." "Pike Central had our best overall run of our show. The conditions leading up to the competition were not favor- able. The temperature had dropped and we had to deal with practices that were 15 - 20 degrees below what we had been used to practicing in. The morning of the competi- tion, we had to load the equip- ment at 5:30 in the morning. The students were great! They were focused through- out. Once we got to the site, the sun came out and warmed things up a bit. We performed under sunny conditions. It was about 60 degrees when we performed, which was perfect. A fter we performed, the sun went back behind the clouds and it was noticeably colder. We couldn't have been more 'Lucky.'" Director Ashworth wrapped up the marching band season by saying, "I can't thank the band staff, parents and com- munity enough for all their ef- forts this year. We had some great people who worked with the kids throughout the quar- antines, sickness and other situations. The parents came out to make sure the kids had meals at camp and competi- tions. We had parents donate food and drinks even if they were not able to help serve. We had breakfast ready for the kids before we left for our early mornings and lunch af- ter the performances. Sev- eral businesses helped with our props, T-shirts, and oth- er aspects to help bring the whole show together. I want to thank Sisson Steel especial- ly for their efforts on the de- sign and building of the props. This was a huge undertaking and I really appreciate their efforts." Charger Brigade takes 10th at state finals Pregnant... or think you are? Call:1-877-257-1084 or Locally Call: 1-812-354-2814 • Free pregnancy testing • Free counseling and info. on pregnancy options. • Confi dential counseling for women & men who are suff ering from post-abortion syndrome. • Residential Care • Health and assistance referrals. • Training and education. • Assistance in getting baby and maternity clothes washpcc@sbcglobal.net www.washingtonpregnancycenter.com Charger Jeremy Peer, trumpet soloist, plays while standing on top of a pedestal during the Charger Bri- gade performance at state finals on Saturday, Octo- ber 23 at Franklin Central. Charger clarinet soloist Allie Harrison plays her in- strument during the Charger Brigade performance at state finals on October 23 at Franklin Central. Chargers Clay Galloway, Makynna Satterfield and Jordan Bradfield keep their fo- cus as they march and play during the Charger Brigade performance at state finals on Saturday, October 23 at Franklin Central. Chargers Levi Bailey, Michael Burkhart, Laney Nall, Connor Bolin and Patience Apollos playing in the percussion section during the Charger Brigade performance at state finals on Saturday, October 23 at Franklin Central. Chargers Lucy Yon, Sarah Fenwick, Jeremy Peer and Kylee Baker all play their instruments as they march in different directions during the Charger Bri- gade performance at state finals on Saturday, Octo- ber 23 at Franklin Central. The 2021-2022 Pike Central Charger Brigade members are, front row (l to r): Andy Crume, Jeremy Peer, Alex Edrington, Mariah Reck- er, Amellia Bailey, Sarah Fenwick, drum major Hannah Bush, Allie Harrison, Laney Nall, Abbie Harrison, Connor Bolin, Sway Pollock and Mackenzie Goslee; second row: Shelby Neese, Kylee Baker, Riley Bolin, Levi Bailey, Gracelyn Miller, Clay Galloway, Olivia Miller, Jordan Bradfield, Garry Anderson and Grace Kays; third row: Danyella Pride, Lillian Mann, Brayden Miller, Emma Farmer, Kaitlyn Clark, Makyn- na Satterfield, Patience Apollos, Lucy Yon and Danessa Pride; fourth row: Lauren Huck, Michael Burkhart, Ayden Young, Zeke Yon, Will Wright, Fenn McCrary, Nolan Bailey, Breanna Hunt and Wyatt Luff. Submitted photo