Film, TV theme songs come to life on field

Wayne County bands showed the progress they’re making with music made popular by “Scooby-Doo,” James Bond, “The Nutcracker,” Béla Fleck and Beethoven.

Hundreds of fans gathered under initially sprinkling skies to watch 10 high school bands compete in Centerville Senior High School’s Archway Classic on Saturday, July 18. 

It’s the first Central Indiana Track Show Association-judged contest leading to Indiana State Fair’s Aug. 7 Band Day. 

A 20-minute delay let showers pass. With weather uncertainties, Hagerstown quickly turned buses into changing rooms. The Golden Tigers joined most bands in donning T-shirts and shorts to protect expensive uniforms.

This year’s contest drew three additional schools. Wayne County schools comprised half the field, joined by Blackford County, Frankfort, Tri-West, Mooresville and Winchester.

The Force of Winchester’s “Whispers in the Pines” show won, followed by Mooresville’s “Revolution Radio.” 

Richmond, one-tenth of a point behind, earned third with “From Richmond with Love,” blending songs from the long-running James Bond spy series. Vocalist Elise Kretchman enhanced “No Time to Die” from the 2020 soundtrack by Billie Eilish.

The Marching Red Devils performed two-thirds of their show; director Dan Merkamp is hopeful it’s ready this week. 

Hagerstown finished fourth with “Bad Moon Rising: Strange Tales from the Hills,” inspired by director Kendra Sanders’ Appalachian family roots. 

It pairs folk song “Wayfaring Stranger” with the “Stranger Things” TV theme, “The Sinister Minister” by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” and “Blackheart” from a PlayStation 4 commercial.

Centerville’s “Rocky Road” show was fifth, mixing “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” soundtrack and Tchaikovsky’s “The Waltz of the Snowflakes.” Blue Regiment Director Chris Glover promised surprises with another movement yet to perform. 

Reid Knuth, in his second week leading Northeastern, noted a warm welcome. The Marching Knights, who finished sixth, were preparing “The Edge of Darkness” featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 before his arrival. 

With about 10 performers, Lincoln’s “Zoinks!” show came in ninth ahead of Blackford County. The Golden Eagles combine the “Scooby-Doo” theme with KISS’ “I Was Made for Loving You.” The rockers have collaborated with the cartoon. 

After the award presentation, students clapped for families helping with band activities despite high temperatures. 

Dozens of Centerville Music Boosters volunteers support Archway Classic. Teresa Thompson, mother to Kyleigh (clarinet) and Karoline (guard) Thompson, said they had to fire up the grill again to accommodate demand at the delayed event. She was very pleased with sales at one of their favorite events. 

Next contests

• 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, Jay County Fairgrounds: 13 bands include Winchester, Hagerstown, Centerville, Lincoln and Randolph Southern.
• 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, Muncie Central High School: 24 bands include Hagerstown, Henry County Crimson Crusaders, Northeastern, Richmond, Tri and Winchester.