For the first time since 2004, the Wawasee High School Marching Band is advancing to the regional competition. During Saturday’s invitational at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Wawasee earned a gold rating in open class, class C.

The regional competition will be held Saturday at Chesterton High School in the northwest portion of the state. Wawasee is scheduled to perform at 2:54 p.m. (note Chesterton is on Central Time).

WHS released a statement written by Jamaica Ensz, drum major for the band, and Jasmine Ensz, former drum major and the current band director’s assistant. Ken Brower is the director.

“The Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride brought home a gold ranking from this past Saturday’s marching band competition at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne. Twenty-eight bands from around the state of Indiana came together to compete for their chance to move on to regional competition. A gold medal is needed to move on. This is the first time in nine years the Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride has received a gold medal.”

In order to qualify for the semi-state competition, Wawasee must place in the top 10 in its class.
There is a new classification structure this year for the Indiana State School Music Association marching band season. The open class is for those bands wanting to perform at the state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.