Tarpon Marching Band Returns Home, Preps for 2013 Macy's Parade

On Saturday night, the Tarpon Springs Marching Band students earned the title of National Class AA Champions at the Grand National Championship in Indianapolis. 

Although 500 bands from around the country performed in hopes of making it to the Grand National Championship, only 90 were selected.

Tarpon Springs High School's victory came after a slew of preliminary performances and a cutthroat elimination process. From 87 bands at the beginning of the competition, only 30 were chosen to go through to the semifinal round. From there, 12 made the cut into the finals. 

Out of the remaining 12 teams, Tarpon Springs placed fourth, just behind three Class AAAA schools, which made them number one in their classification.

In addition to its top placement, the marching band also received awards for Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visual and Outstanding General Effect in its class.

Marching band director Kevin Ford echoed the many wishes of support from home.

“We are so proud of our students and their families," Ford said. "Our students represented our great school, community, and state with class and great performances that were representative of their commitment to excellence."

Throughout the competition, the marching band performed in front of 35,000 people.

Next on the agenda for the Tarpon Springs Marching Band is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2013. The band is seeking help from the community to raised funds for next year's trip. The Rotary of Tarpon Springs has played a major role as a sponsor for the group. 

There are plans to continue hosting fundraisers and events to raise awareness and support for the band. (Stay tuned into Tarpon Springs Patch for updates on the band and sign up for the free newsletter to receive the top headlines everyday in your inbox.)

Want to see the band in action? Check out their award-winning performance of "Poisoned" from an Atlanta competition earlier this year. This was the same show they put on at the Grand National Championship.