The CHS Trojan Guard marching band traveled to the Cincinnati, Ohio area this past weekend to compete in the Mid-States Band Association Invitational held at Colerain High School. The Mid-States Band Association is a large regional circuit for competitive marching bands in the four Midwestern states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky.

This year’s invitational included a preliminary competition with 28 bands in five different classes. The top 10 highest scoring bands from that contest would then move on to the finals competition later that evening and compete head to head, regardless of class.

The Trojan Guard's preliminary performance earned them a score of 72.50, placing them safely in 8th place for the finals competition that night. The band also captured the award for Best Percussion Ensemble in the class “AAA” competition, as well as the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for the favorite show of the day.

Placing first in the preliminary competition was the Centerville Jazz from Centerville, Ohio with a score of 88.90. Second was Mason High School with a final score of 83.3. Third place honors went to Henry Clay High School from Lexington, Ky. scoring an 83.0. Fourth place went to Hamilton Southeastern High School from Fishers, Ind. 77.7. Rounding out the top five places was the band from Boone County High School of Florence, Ky. who scored 76.70. Sixth place went to the Beaver Creek band from Beaver Creek, Ohio 75.00. Placing just ahead of the Trojan Guard was the band from Ryle High School of Union, Ky. who scored a 72.70.

The Chesterton band performed its show “Classic Schizophrenia” for the very last time, in the weekend’s finals competition. The performance moved them up two spots to 6th place with the Trojan Guard percussion ensemble placing second over-all, just three-tenths of a point behind the national finalist band Centerville Jazz. The Chesterton Color Guard put in a solid performance for the group that landed them in 4th place. On Sunday, the Trojan Guard along with the band staff and many parent boosters took time to enjoy the day at King’s Island Theme park in Mason, Ohio.

This event marks the end of the Trojan Guard's 2007 competitive season.

The first of five pre-season rehearsals will begin on Feb. 7 at Chesterton High School. All CHS students, as well as current members of the CMS 8th grade class interested in becoming members of the woodwind, brass, percussion, or color guard sections of the 2008 Trojan Guard are encouraged to get involved by contacting the CHS Band Staff at 983-3730 ext. 7147.