Bluffton and Norwell Qualify For ISSMA Regionals

Saturday’s cold weather didn’t stop Wells County’s marching bands from turning it on at the ISSMA District Championships at Homestead. 

 

At the ISSMA events, bands don’t receive a “placing” as they do at invitational competitions. Instead, they receive a gold, silver or  bronze rating, with a gold required to progress to the next level of competition. 

 

Both Bluffton (in Class D) and Norwell (Class C) managed to secure the gold rating they needed to move on to the Regional Championships in two weeks time. Norwell also took caption awards for “Best Music,” “Best General Effects” and “Best Visual.”

 

In Class D, Woodlan won the caption awards for “Best Music” and “Best Visual,” while Adams Central won “Best General Effects.” 

 

Qualifying alongside Bluffton in Class D were Adams Central, Winchester and Woodlan. Eastside and Manchester could only secure silver ratings, and are unable to proceed. 

 

Along with Norwell in Class C, Angola, Bishop Dwenger, Concordia Lutheran, Garrett, Heritage, Leo and New Haven move on to the regionals. Belmont (silver) and Wayne (Bronze) saw their season end. 

 

Norwell travel to Center Grove Saturday before contesting the Class C ISSMA Regional Championships at Lafayette Jefferson on Oct. 16.

 

Bluffton faces a double-header of competition Saturday, returning to Homestead for a morning performance, and then competing at Wayne High School in the evening. The Bengal Brigade’s Class D ISSMA Regional Championships will be at Chesterton on Oct. 16.  

 

Many thanks once again to Tomi Harrison for the photo.