The Spirit of Woodlan performed their show, “The Witching Hour” at the ISSMA State Marching Band Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 3, 2018. Woodlan tied for 8th place in Open Class D (enrollment up to 561 students). The Spirit of Woodlan has performed at state three out of the last four years. In his twentieth year as band director at Woodlan, Robert Slattery directed this year’s show, and the principal at Woodlan is Dennis Kern, who provided invaluable support. “The Witching Hour” consisted of three musical pieces: “The Haunting,” “The Awakening” and “The Vanishing.”
The band’s 59 students (grades 7-12) started the show with the marching instrumental band members lying on the ground in front of ten tall clock towers and the ten member color guard (in woodsy green outfits with green and brown colored ribbons) awakening the band at 3 A.M. There was a tug of war between good and evil during the show until good triumphed at 4 A.M. when the color guard helped the marchers return to sleep on the ground.
The show was beautiful and striking with the white off their uniforms against the white faces of the lighted clocks which formed a semi-circle around the marching area of the band. The nine member pit was at the top of the semi-circle between the clocks at mid field. The color guard used three different designs of flags, with two having clock themes. Instead of traditional rifles, the color guard also twirled clock hands.
The Spirit of Woodlan was led by Drum Major, Luke Spangler, and soloists included Ella Palm on the flugelhorn and Carlie Gongaware on the flute. Senior band members included Dirk Herschberger, Mitch Hoot, Chris Huckeriede, Zariah Meador, Jacob “Wibby” Lonsbury, Juan Ortega and Keegan Walton.
The Spirit of Woodlan started honing their marching skills in May, had two weeks of band camp in June/July, marched in four parades and then started their regular practices in August.
Their hard work this season with seven competitions resulted in an incredible finish with their performance on the Lucas Oil field. This season could not have happened without the support of many. we appreciate local financial sponsors, the school, community, parents, family and friends.
Congratulations Spirit of Woodlan!
–Woodlan Band Boosters
