Published: October 27, 2009 10:26 pm      

Marching To State: Floyd Central band making 8th trip to finals Saturday

When Hanna Aven was a freshman, her band section leader told her about the thrill of playing in the state finals.

“He said it was great,” said Aven, a senior and one of the band’s field commanders. “Now four years later we’re going ... it’s amazing.”

Aven and her Floyd Central bandmates will compete in the Indiana State Finals Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Highlanders will be one of 10 bands competing in the Class B division.

“The kids have worked really hard. I feel good about how their hard work was recognized,” said Harold Yankey, who is in his 25th year of directing the school’s band program.

Floyd Central earned the right to play Saturday by finishing in the top 10 at last week’s semistate. The Highlanders will perform at 11:57 a.m. Saturday. Their performance — titled “What If ...?” — will last 6 minutes, 45 seconds.

This is the eighth year Floyd Central has advanced to the state finals. The last time the Highlanders qualified for state was in 2005 and their best finish has been sixth place.

“The goal is always there, to try and break the record of sixth at state,” said senior field commander Nathan Yothers. “But we don’t want to overwhelm ourselves.”

“We just want to do the best we can,” Aven said. “It’s an accomplishment to get this far.”

The band practices throughout the summer and after labor day, competes each weekend at tournaments. The program’s successful tradition also motivates each class.

“There is a sense of pride in the program,” Yankey said.

The Floyd Central band leader works at building upon that tradition, teaching beginning band at Highland Hills Middle School. He also credits Highland Hills band director Phil Thomas for the program’s success.

“I like teaching the younger kids. I see them the first day with their instrument, and I see them on the last day with their instrument,” Yankey said.

Yankey said there are several factors which will decide the winner of the state finals. He said Indiana is one of the most competitive states when it comes to high school bands. The national finals are also held at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“It could come down to personal preference,” he said. “There are so many different things going on during a performance.”

Aven said this has been a good year. She said all 130 band members are dedicated and, as a field commander, she said there have been very few problems this year.

“This year has been different then the last four years,” she said. “It’s been a great year.”

As for pressure to succeed she said it is always there.

“Pressure comes in all directions,” Aven said. “Everyone in the band puts pressure on themselves. We want to do our best.”

There will be a send-off for the band bus caravan in the grassy areas near the Republic Bank and Dairy Queen at Highlander Point Saturday. The band will leave the school at 6 a.m.

Call the school at 923-8811, ext. 3540, for ticket information or go to the band’s Web site at www. floydcentralband.org. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students ages 3-18.