‘Legacy’ shines at Archway Classic

Four of the five top performing bands at Saturday night’s Archway Classic contest came from Wayne County.  

Judges gave top marks to Richmond’s jazz-themed “The Gennett Legacy” show. The tribute to the city’s recording history earned 57.35 points. 

“It feels good, and the kids are super excited,” said Dan Merkamp, the Marching Red Devils’ director. “There’s a lot of work to do, but they know it.”  

Competition host Centerville, which spotlighted April’s “Total Eclipse” with songs such as “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” came in second with 54.85.

Director Jonathan Lucy said the Blue Regiment enjoys hosting the state’s first band competition of the season. He expressed appreciation for school and community partners who make the event possible, ranging from administrators and custodial staff to Centerville Music Boosters volunteers, police and EMS.

Jay County came in third with 53.35, followed by Northeastern, which received 52.15 for “Color Palette” featuring “Paint it Black” by The Rolling Stones and “Lacrimosa” from Mozart’s “Requiem.” Director Kimberly Markiewicz said rehearsals have been going really well for the Marching Knights, who’ve doubled in size this year. 

Hagerstown finished fifth with 47.85 with “Fountain of Life.” Director Kendra Sanders, in her second year leading the Golden Tigers, said Archway Classic was a good experience for her many new marchers as they prepare for Indiana State Fair Band Day. 

Sanders was pleased to hear Archway Classic judges say in their critique that Hagerstown is on its way back up and moving in the right direction as it rebuilds.  

Scores weren’t announced for Sheridan (sixth), Blackford County (seventh) or Lincoln (eighth).

Some of the eight bands arrived during Saturday’s intense sun and warm temperatures. Reid Health EMS assisted a dehydrated Lincoln marcher in the parking lot shortly after the group’s arrival. Directors encouraged students to continue hydrating throughout the evening.    

LHS Director Ryan Schunk said the 17-member Golden Eagles were excited to finish their first competitive performance of “Abracapocus.” They’re performing “Abracadabra” by Steve Miller Band, “Symphonie Fantastique” by Hector Berlioz and “I Put a Spell On You” by Jay Hawkins. 

Archway Classic was the second performance of the weekend for LHS and Hagerstown. Those schools joined nearby Randolph Southern, Henry County Crimson Crusaders (including Tri) and Winchester in Friday’s 12-school non-competitive clinic at Monroe Central. 

Before competing Saturday night, Schunk said the Golden Eagles received lots of great feedback at Monroe Central. Most clinic participants were fellow Class A small bands, and LHS students were inspired as they watched peer schools perform.