Band Grand Nationals Competition

We just got home from Indianapolis after attending the Bands of America Grand National Competition. It was so cool to watch. There were 109 bands from across the country. Some bands came as far as Alaska to compete. This was Bentonville West Band's first time competing at Grand Nationals. We didn't expect to place, and we didn't, but it was just an awesome experience. I feel like the kids have never performed so well and it was just incredible to be there. 

Bailey and Tanner left with the band on Wednesday after school and they drove the whole way. They got in late on Wednesday night. Then on Thursday, the rest of us got up early and drove up to Indianapolis. The band was performing in the evening so we traveled all day to get there on time. 

I also made us all "Midnight Regiment Fan" shirts to wear to the competition. We got there with a little time to spare and we sat down and watched about 5 bands before our band performed. 

The band did such a great job and we were so proud of them. As soon as they finished their performance they went to take pictures. 

Then we all walked back over to their hotel so they could eat dinner. We were so excited to see the kids. We had traveled all day to get there and it was so fun to share in the excitement and enthusiasm. 

After walking back to their hotel with the band, we said our goodbyes and they left to get dinner.

 We decided to go find dinner too. We ended up at this delicious Italian place. We all loved it. 

After dinner we went to our hotel and got checked in. Friday was full of more preliminary performances for the other bands and our band went to watch. The younger kids, Chris and I decided to explore Indy. 

We found this really cool playground called the Colt Canal playspace. The boys loved it. It was a pretty awesome playground and we played for a couple of hours. 

After playing, we went to this yummy Jewish deli called "Shapiro's" and got lunch. We loved it. I had this super delicious sandwich and soup.

After lunch we went to the Children's Museum and we spent the rest of the afternoon playing there. They had some really cool exhibits and the boys loved it.

Friday evening we went back to the band's hotel and helped serve them dinner. The band boosters had Olive Garden catered for the band. We were grasping at any chance to see our band kids and so it was fun to be there to help. 

After seeing our band kids a little bit, we went to find dinner. The kids wanted to go back to "Shapiro's" and I wanted Greek food. So I got my Greek to go and the kids and Chris ate at "Shapiro's" again. Twice in the same day. 

We watched the live-stream of the awards ceremony. They announced the 32 bands that made it to finals. Sadly, we didn't make it. Bentonville High did though- so that was exciting. 

Regardless of the results, we are so proud of our band kids! They worked so hard and they did amazing.  

Saturday morning we woke up early and hit the rode to drive all the way home. It was a 9-hour drive and we had to get home in time for a ward activity that Chris was in charge of running. The band left a few hours after us and the kids got home late Saturday night. 

Who knows if Bentonville West will go to Nationals again, but it was so fun to be there this time. Now band is basically over and we get our teenagers back. We are so excited for some serious family time. Here's to an awesome band season!! Go Midnight Regiment!!