EYE ON THE PRIZE
Curtis during the final run of the show on Saturday.

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Photos: Small Town Photographs
Video: Springs Valley at Paoli Invitational

Contest Results
Indiana Marching.com
Simply Instrumental.com

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

Blackhawk Brigade tops at Paoli Invitational

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

PAOLI, Ind. – Last Saturday, the Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade took over Class 3A at the 27th annual Pride of Paoli Invitational. The Brigade also won awards for best music, visual, general effect, percussion, and auxiliary.

Looking deeper into the score sheet, the Blackhawk Brigade placed second overall at the contest, just behind the Jasper Marching Wildcats.  Springs Valley was the top band in the music, general effect, percussion, and auxiliary categories.

"The students were very consistent and professional Saturday night,” mentioned Director of Bands Luke Aylsworth on Sunday.  “They are taking the field with focused aggression. I am very proud of how they handle themselves and how they represent our school and community."

Class 3A was loaded with great competition including defending Class “D” state champion, Forest Park. "All seven of the bands in class AAA have been an ISSMA State Finalists,” added Aylsworth. “Four of those bands have won state championships in their respective classes. It was an honor to perform with such great programs."

In any activity, a big following always helps groups.  Whether it be in performing arts or sports, the crowds make a big impact. “The parents, fans, and supporters deserve a lot of credit. They came out in force and it really motivated the students. It is so awesome to hear a good home crowd at the Paoli Invitational," concluded Aylsworth.

In addition, the Paoli Invitational has been somewhat of a “home-field advantage” for the Brigade.  The crowd has helped the Brigade to four consecutive first place finishes and 15 caption awards, winning music each year.

The Brigade will now turn their attention to District preparation as they head north to Indianapolis to compete in the Avon and Greenwood shows, sponsored by Meijer.  Springs Valley begins at Avon where they take the field at 10:43 am.  The, they head to the east side of town to perform at 4:39 pm at Greenwood.

If you cannot attend the contest, Indiana Marching.com plans to show the events live via the internet.  Visit BlackhawkBrigade.com for more details on viewing the contest.

In the week two Writer’s Poll, the Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade took sole possession of first place.  Forest Park, who was tied with Springs Valley last week, dropped to third.  Both Paoli and Orleans join Springs Valley in the top ten with Paoli remaining sixth and Orleans in eighth.