Performing in front of large crowds could be terrifying.

But such is not the case for the Greenfield-Central High School marching band, who will be performing Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Indiana State School Music Association’s State Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Cougar Pride will perform at 11:45 a.m. and will the eighth band out of 10 to hit the turf.

A year ago, the band placed second in Class B and advancing to state is becoming old hat, as this is the third time in four years band director Chris Wing’s unit has advanced.

For Wing, advancing to the state finals is something special, not only for him but for the program.
“Going to state finals is a huge accomplishment and honor for our kids and program. We never want to take for granted how significant it is,” Wing told Giant FM.

This year’s show is entitled “The Music of the Night,” and is written to depict the sounds and actions of a night in the forest, according to Wing.

“We start with the animals waking up and end with playing “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. It has been such an enjoyable project to work on this season,” Wing said.

In hopes of doing well on the big stage, the band has been working hard, Wing said.

“The 160 kids we have in our program this year have been phenomenal. They have put in over 400 hours of work in preparation. There aren’t many times you can drive by the school and not see them out working,” Wing told Giant FM.

And, Wing said it is hard work to be in the band and prepare for the state finals.

“What we do is equal parts artistic and athletic. It’s hard enough to do what we do, but to do it while carrying a 20-pound tuba or a 30-pound drum makes it even more challenging. They love what they do, and never shy away from wanting to work harder,” Wright said.

For those wishing to attend, gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Class B will begin at 10 a.m. and awards will be done by 1:15.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for students and will be available at the Lucas Oil Stadium box office.