ISF Band Day

MCU heading to state fair

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The Montgomery County United Band & Guard is preparing for its fourth trip to Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday.

Previously, the band finished in the “Sweet 16” all three times, finishing 14th in 2017, 15th in 2018 and 16th in 2019, respectively. The 36-member group consists of students from all three county schools and is celebrating its fifth year of existence.

MCU is directed by Andy Simpkins (North Montgomery High School), Elizabeth Newnum (Southmont High School) and new Crawfordsville High School director Jon Tebbe. The program this year is titled “Dia de los Muertos” and is a musical celebration of the Latin culture.

The season started in spring with rehearsals once a week, then in early June the band held a camp where members learned most of the drill and put it together with the music. Regular rehearsals continued three nights a week at Hoover Elementary throughout the summer.

On July 7, the band had an opportunity to rehearse at Hull Field, home of the Purdue All-American Marching Band. Assistant professor of music Jon Sweet was on hand to serve as the guest clinician for the rehearsal.

This season, the band finished 11th at the Centerville Archway Classic, eighth at the Jay County Lions Contest and seventh at the Tartan Tournament of Bands at Anderson.

“The students have continued to work hard, improving every week. Their positive attitudes, amazing work-ethic, and focus throughout the season has been outstanding,” Simpkins said.

“We couldn’t do any of this without the continued support of our staff, sponsors, donors and boosters. Thank you all,” Newnum added.

MCU’s state fair performance is slated for 11:30 a.m. at the grandstand.


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