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This Article may appear in the
Springs Valley Herald and
Bedford Times-Mail

Springs Valley leaves ‘Lasting Impression’ in Evansville

By: Jermaine Williams
info@blackhawkbrigade.com
SV Brigade Media Relations

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Saturday night the Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade performed in the Evansville Central Invitational.  Due to the late performance time, the Brigade left before awards.  However, once they heard the news, they were astonished.

The Blackhawk Brigade won Class 3A competition, topping Gibson Southern (Class C State Champion in 2007) and Vincennes Lincoln.  Then, the Brigade was named Grand Champion of the Evansville Central contest, placing them ahead of Jasper, Castle, and Floyd Central.  All three of those schools have been a state finalist in their respective class in the past five seasons.

“The students performed a very professional and exciting show,” stated Director of Bands Luke Aylsworth.  “As our program matures and gains experience, students raise expectations and create new standards of excellence. It was nice to be rewarded for hard work and dedication.”

In marching band, bands do not credit themselves with a good or bad season by “wins” or “losses” at an invitational.  Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition results are usually considered the indicator of a band’s success.  Nevertheless, Springs Valley’s accomplishment this past Saturday is very rare for a small school.

In winning Grand Champion, Springs Valley was able to out perform schools more than 10 times their size.  Springs Valley’s enrollment (grades nine through twelve) is 282.  Castle has in enrollment of 1,831.  Floyd Central’s is 1,681 while Jasper’s is 1,055. “When you consider that our band is now competing with schools that have 1800+ students in grades 9-12, it really makes you respect what these kids are doing even more,” added Aylsworth.

Their success this weekend led to Springs Valley to be placed at the top of the Week 1 Indiana Marching.com Writers Poll.  The Brigade is tied for the first place spot with Forest Park (defending Class D state champion.)  Orange County represented well in the state polls as both Paoli and Orleans were ranked in the top 10 as well with Paoli sixth and Orleans eighth.

Springs Valley will not have to worry about late travels home this weekend as their schedule puts them in Paoli for the annual Pride of Paoli Invitational.  They will take the field at 8:03 pm and perform in Class 3A.  Bands in the same class include Forest Park, Orleans, Corydon Central, and Bedford North Lawrence.  In addition, a community standstill is scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 pm.  If you cannot attend the Paoli show, fans are encouraged to come out and see the band at home.