Music in motion. The fluent visual of telling a story while hearing the music, color, and choreography. Each part is played as every section shapes into character while expressing the tone in the performance in their own way. Similarly to Olympic diving, figure skating, or gymnastics, marching band is competitively judged in art form by the experts, specifically adults who watch their every move and every sound. 

This was senior Elysia Uggen’s final year of marching band. Semi-state competition had rolled around and they all started saying goodbye to all their friends knowing it was some of the people’s last year. Awards came, the Noblesville High school marching band had heard their name called and they knew right then that they had made it to the state finals. As they all said goodbye to each other from backstage to moving on to the state finals getting to see everyone again. 

“I remember finishing the show that day and feeling really happy. I was sad about things ending, but the show felt so great to perform and I was honored to have that experience with all of my friends.” Uggen said. “I think the marching band is really underappreciated. I think there’s kind of a stereotype that band kids are just weird nerds, but some of the greatest, most genuine people I’ve ever met have come from the marching band. We all work so hard and care so much about each other.” 

The group traveled to Ohio, making the BOA Central Ohio Regional Championships, second in the class but fourth overall, they took home an outstanding visual.

“This year’s entire season was very special to me because I identify so much with the theme. I believe it is an anthem for our program. I loved this year — I had an uplifting and positive message. I love seeing students grow and change as they experience the life changing power of music and it is amplified in the marching world.” Thornbury said. 

You can find the marching band performing not only at football games, but also the Black and Gold invitational, a competition held at our own Beaver Field. This is one of the many chances you can get to see NHS perform, as well as other schools.

Eric Thornbury, the head director of the marching band had been with the students this year along with another head director. 

“This is what we do — we play music.  We march, dance, spin, toss, run, and anything else that is needed to give life and motion to the music and concept we perform.  We communicate to an audience and judges through music and visual[s],” Thornbury said.