Here at Lewis Cass High School, the marching band is a very big deal. Lewis Cass has competed in multiple state competitions and won many (eleven to be exact); however, there have not been many students selected for the Indiana Bandmasters Association All-Region Band. The IBA All-Region Band is a highly selective musical ensemble for talented students in junior high from around Indiana, recommended by their band directors. Lewis Cass Eighth-grade band member Preston Santiago, a tenor saxophone player, is a part of the small group of students who have been selected for the prestigious ensemble this fall.
The process to become a member of this distinguished ensemble is very long. Junior High band teacher, Mr. Humburg, helped us better understand this process. Hamburg said the first thing Preston did was fill out an online application to participate in the All-Region band, detailing his accomplishments, different levels of music he has performed, and which ensemble he currently plays in at school. After that, band teachers receive an email to fill out a form confirming the students’ accomplishments and rank varying aspects of their playing in class. Once the band director’s review is completed, a committee of current Indiana band directors reviews the application and determines which ensemble and part Santiago will play. When asked what Preston is most proud of in achieving this accomplishment, he said that getting chosen made him proudest. Mr. Humburg is also extremely proud of Preston and his great accomplishment. This year, Preston will be performing at Marion High School on November 16, at 4:00 pm, with 90 other students from various schools across Indiana. This is significant because the last time a band member from Lewis Cass had the opportunity to be in this ensemble was the fall of 2017. The Lewis Cass Band hopes to have more and more students chosen to reach this opportunity, as Preston Santiago did.
Junior High band is a great class because it prepares students for what is to come in high school. When asked what his goals are for junior high band, Mr. Humburg replied with, ¨In middle school band, I want to expose students to different types of music, various concert themes, honor ensembles outside of school, and Solo and Ensemble contests. My goals are for my students to be musically literate, hold a lifelong appreciation of music, and strive to play at the highest level they can.” Preston Santigo was asked if he plans to continue his success and participate in the band in high school at Lewis Cass. Santiago said, “Yes, and I would like to get into the All-State band.¨ It is good to know the underclassmen have a good future ahead for them in band.
One might ask, how is the high school marching band season going so far? The band performs at the football games during halftime in order to prepare for the competitions, and they practice during the school day, after school, and even on the weekends. There is much thought and hard work that goes into everything the band does, and it shows.
This year’s theme is “Think Wonder, Wonder Think.”It invites the audience to wonder how a world created by Dr. Seuss might look and sound. The marching band has competed in multiple competitions this season, including the Northwestern Invitational, Carroll Invitational, and the Noblesville Invitational. They placed second twice and first once! The Lewis Cass Marching Band has also advanced to forty-two state competitions in a row and has won eleven of them. (Yes, this is a record!) The eleven state championship years include 1988, 1995, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2024. According to the high school band director, Mr. Hinshaw, the Marching Kings will compete in regionals on October 18. If they place in the top 10, they will move on to the Semi-State on November 1. If they place in the top ten again at Semi-State, then they will compete in the State Finals on November 8. We wish the band the best of luck as they continue to be successful!
In conclusion, the band is an important piece of the Lewis Cass extracurriculars. All of the competitions that they compete in, the ensembles that they are a part of, and the amount of practice that they do really pay off. It is clear to see that the accomplishments and memories this program achieves will stick with these students for a lifetime. The future of the Lewis Cass Marching Band is looking bright!
