Blue Regiment’s win ends 2-decade wait

After organizing 20 Archway Classic marching band competitions, 2025 will stand out in Blue Regiment history.

Saturday’s event was the first time Centerville Senior High School took home the top prize in its own contest.

With a score of 55.625, Centerville’s “Jestures” show won by more than half a point over Richmond’s “Shut Up and Dance,” which earned 54.95.

Blue Regiment’s repertoire includes “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell and Emilia Jones, “Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka” by Johann Strauss II, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Scythian Suite” and Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Pas Redouble, Op. 86.”

The Red Devils are practicing “Dancing Queen,” “Invention in A Minor,” “Tiny Dancer,” “In the Mood” and “Shut Up and Dance.”

Jay County, led by former Centerville director Charles Roesch, scored 53 to finish third with its “Consumed” show utilizing an original score.

Frankfort was fourth with “Día De Los Muertos” (48.975).

Northeastern’s “Pacmania” (45.425) earned fifth. Beyond the video game song, the Knights’ 1980s repertoire includes “Maniac” from “Flashdance,” “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Scores weren’t announced for sixth-place Blackford County’s “Hercules” and seventh-place Lincoln’s “Medusa.” The Golden Eagles’ music includes “Turn to Stone” by ELO and musical selections from Maurice Jarre.

Bands are putting final touches on their shows. Archway Classic was the first of six judged competitions leading to Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday, Aug. 1.

Hagerstown didn’t appear at Archway Classic, but will compete this weekend. The Tigers’ band camp was delayed a week because its student leaders attended Bands of America Summer Camp at Ball State University.

Several high school principals attended Archway Classic to support their students.

CSHS Principal Brian Bellew celebrated their “awesome” accomplishment. He complimented summer director Emily Arndt and staff during the band’s transition between directors. Incoming director Chris Glover assisted during the event.

“Emily picked up where the past directors left off, and things are going smoothly,” Bellew said. “The tradition continues. The transition has gone way better than I could have imagined. I knew we were fine with Emily, but you can’t argue with first place.”

Arndt said directing the Blue Regiment to its first Archway Classic championship is “a huge honor,” but the hard work continues. Pride in the program propels the student-led organization.

“The kids know next week our score is zero and they need to work for every single point,” Arndt said. “We adults can’t go on the field. They do it all.”