7 bands competing in Archway Classic

Seven high schools will show off their Indiana State Fair Band Day routines this weekend in Centerville to see how their audience, judges and teachers react.

Four of the competitors at Archway Classic on Saturday, July 12, are from Wayne County.

Northeastern’s Marching Knights open the contest at 8 p.m., followed by the Richmond Red Devil Marching Band at 8:09 p.m. Jay County’s Marching Patriots take the field at 8:18 p.m. and Blackford County’s Bruin Pride will march at 8:27 p.m.

After a break, the Frankfort Hot Dog Band starts at 8:56 p.m., followed by Lincoln’s Marching Eagles at 9:05 p.m. and Centerville Blue Regiment at 9:14 p.m.

Awards will be distributed around 9:35 p.m.

The event will take place no matter the weather because other contests are planned around the state on the subsequent weekends before state fair.

If weather conditions are unfavorable, Archway Classic organizers will follow Central Indiana Track Show Association procedures to determine how the event should proceed. The contest could be moved into the gym for inclement weather, or performers could stand still outdoors if it’s determined they can’t march on the field.

Centerville Music Boosters and band staff team to organize the annual contest with support from school employees. Although CSHS band director Jonathan Lucy resigned at the end of May, several longtime Blue Regiment assistants, almost all alumni, are keeping the summer program going.

They include Director Emily Arndt, Assistant Director Tristan Migoski, color guard Director Lisa Mullen, and staff members Kurtis Stuckey, Ashtyn Miles, Lorelei Guenther and Amanda Stuckey.

Emily Jarvis, boosters president, said the “continuity and consistency for the kids has been seamless.”

Jarvis said Arndt is pleased with marchers’ hard work and progress during band camp, and they are on schedule, and possibly ahead of schedule, with their show.

“She was so encouraged by the kids and their positive attitudes despite the heat,” Jarvis said. “It’s shaping up to be a really great season.”

On June 19, Centerville’s school board approved a pending hire of Chris Glover to direct junior and senior high bands in 2025-2026. A meet-and-greet took place July 1 with Glover, who the Boosters say brings many years of marching and concert band experience.

The boosters are preparing for a leadership change as well. Jarvis’ youngest son is entering his senior year, so volunteer Melissa Childers and others are gaining experience to ensure a smooth transition.

About 50 volunteers are needed to run Archway Classic, with duties including parking, concessions and hospitality room management. Volunteers were to sign up for their roles at a Wednesday evening meeting.

More shows

• July 11: Monroe Central Clinic, 7 p.m., Monroe Central Jr.-Sr. High School, 1878 N. 100 W., Parker City. Its performers, in order, are Randolph Southern, Eastbrook (Marion), Cowan-Daleville, Henry County Crimson Crusaders, Lincoln, Frankton-Lapel, Winchester Community and Monroe Central. Each band gets 20 minutes to perform and learn.

Additional contests in future weeks:

• July 17: Montgomery County United Golden Lion Invitational (no area schools)
• July 18: Jay County Lions Band Contest, 7 p.m. at Jay County Fairgrounds. Performance order: Yorktown, Randolph Southern, Centerville, Hagerstown, Eastbrook, Blackford County, Jay County, Lincoln, Anderson, Spirit of Muncie, Winchester.
• July 19: Muncie Spirit of Sound, 6:30 p.m., Muncie Central High School. The 23-band field includes Northeastern, Richmond, Hagerstown, Henry County Crimson Crusaders and Winchester.
• July 25: Anderson Tartan Tournament of Bands, 6:30 p.m., Highland Middle School, Anderson. The 23 bands include Hagerstown, Henry County and Randolph Southern.
• July 26: Drums at Winchester, Winchester Community High School. Twenty-four schools will begin at 6:30 p.m. Performers include all five Wayne County bands plus Henry County, Randolph Southern and the host school.
• Aug. 1: Indiana State Fair, 9 a.m., Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis. Area performers include Henry County, 10:39 a.m., Northeastern, 11:06 a.m., Centerville, 11:15 a.m., Randolph Southern, 1 p.m., Winchester, 1:27 p.m., Richmond, 2:03 p.m., Lincoln, 2:30 pm.; Hagerstown, 2:48 p.m.