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September 29, 2007
Ballard Bruin Invitational

Ballard Band Students, Parents, Alumni, Staff & Volunteers celebrate a sensational 2007 Ballard Bruin Invational Marching Band Contest on Saturday, September 29th. With unparalleled professionalism and remarkable volunteer spirit, Ballard's Marching Band hosted 19 bands in competition.

Including the performance by our very own Ballard High School "Bruin" Marching Band, the 2007 Bruin Invitational featured a total of 30 performances by many of the "premier" marching bands throughout the states of Kentucky & Indiana. In addition to this, the University of Louisville "Cardinal" Marching Band honored us all with an exhilarating exhibition performance that literally rocked the stadium and brought the fans to their feet. (Yes, even some of the Wildcat fans stood too!)

With the incredible work of our Ballard Band students, parents, alumni, staff, and volunteers, the Ballard Bruin Invitational has once again, established itself as one of the largest and most successful band contests in the state of Kentucky.

Special commendations go out to our booster parents Susan Dunn and Linda Hill, and all of our committee chairs and friends of the Ballard Band Becky Medley, Cathy Malone, Sean Malone, Jim Weixler, Denise Schindler, Therese Mathews, Sarah Fravert, Gary Fravert, Jay Matheney, Ann Nicholson, Angie Cunningham, Karen Fantini, Hal Fantini, Amy Aubrey, Bob Rada, Brenda Doll and Lindy Ruark. We also thank Tom and Daretha Hornback, Dolly Rada, Steve Kornblum, Sally North and countless others. Kudos and thanks to all!

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September 19, 2007
Eastern High School Eagle Classic

Congratulations to the members of the Ballard High School Marching Band for an outstanding performance at the Eastern High School Eagle Classic Marching Band Competition on Saturday.

This competition was the first one for the band this year and marked the beginning of a great season. The two performances in prelims and finals were a big hit with the judges AND the fans.

Special thanks goes to all of the senior band members, drum major, Alissa Doll, and all of the supporters that came out to see the show. GO, BRUIN BAND!

- Mr. Charles Stewart, Band Director

Photos from September 19th - Eastern High School Eagle Classic

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August 24, 2007
Mega Car Wash

The Mega Car Wash, held August 24, 2007 was a Mega-Success. We earned a record-setting $620. Thanks to all the hard work by all of those who attended and a special thanks to Jeff Moore.

The pledge money you collect goes directly into your Ballard Band Student Account.

Yea! Ballard Band Team. Way to go!!!

Members of the Ballard High School Marching Band traveled to Hawaii on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, for an awe-inspiring visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the U.S.S. Missouri Battleship at Pearl Harbor.

Ballard High School Principal, Dr. Jim Jury, & Ballard Band Director, Mr. Charles Stewart, presented a commemorative wreath for the fallen as students stood in silence, honoring the 1,177 U.S. servicemen that lost their lives on December 7, 1941.

Student leaders, Brian Heitz & Sarah Lemmon, had the honor of raising an American flag (used in the recent 65th anniversary ceremonies) high above the 184-foot concrete structure that spans over the width of the sunken U.S.S. Arizona battleship. The students raised that same flag on the towering mast of the venerable U.S.S. Missouri “Mighty Mo” Battleship along with two of our chaperons, former Army Specialist Tamara Bryant and former Naval Officer Dale Bartels.

This educational trip was an incredible opportunity for the students to connect with the past and witness an important part of our nation's history. In addition to this, the “Pennies for Pearl Harbor” Memorial Fund will enable them to take an active role and involve the community in the preservation of this historic monument for future generations.

Ballard Pep Band CHEERS on our Bruins at the 2007 Boy's Sweet Sixteen tournament games. Spirited cheers, fine playing, professional behavior, creative face paint, and fantastic dance moves (Keith) did not go unnoticed by those that saw and heard you at the games. Mr. Stewart, Ballard Band Director, is among the first of many congratulate the Pep Band on a job well done. AWESOME PERFORMANCE!!! Ballard Band members represent the best that Ballard has to offer. Mr. Stewart extends his appreciation and thanks to Mr. Matheney and Mr. Yankowy for their incredible contributions to our program. A special thanks also to Susan Boyer, Dale Bartels, and Steve Kornblum for traveling with the band as chaperons. Their extra time and dedication to the program is valued and greatly appreciated. GO BRUINS!!!

Ballard High School Marching Band demonstrated their honed skills at the 2006 KMEA District 12 Concert Band Festival. Our two performing groups, the Wind Ensemble & the Symphonic Band, both received straight Distinguished Ratings from each of the four judges and earned an overall rating of Distinguished. Both groups have now earned the honor & privilege of performing at the State Concert Band Festival in May.

Congratulations to the members and staff of the Ballard High School / Kammerer Middle School Winter Guard for another fabulous performance at John Hardin High School on Saturday, March 24, 2007. The guard put on another great performance and truly finished the season with a bang. Thanks to the many great supporters that helped on that day and throughout the year to make the season a huge success. Way to go, Winter Guard!

Congratulations to the members of the Ballard High School / Kammerer Middle School Winter Guard for a fabulous performance at Butler Traditional High School on Saturday. The guard put on quite a show in exhibition at the contest and stood out as a crowd favorite that day. Way to go, Winter Guard!

A special congratulations goes out to the Ballard High School Band students for their acceptance in the 49th Annual Morehead State University Concert Band Clinic. The prestigious MSU Concert Band Clinic was held February 15 - 18, 2007. The Band Clinic features five honor bands (one top high school band and four equal high school bands) made up of students in grades 9 - 12 from the central and eastern United States. The Clinic was a truly rewarding experience for everyone (even with a snowly forecast).

Congratulations to the members of the Ballard High School Marching Band for an outstanding performance at the MSBA Band Contest held at Colerain High School in Cincinatti, Ohio. Their performance earned them Best Drum Major, Best Overall Percussion, Best Overall Music, Best Overall Visual, & Best Overall Effect. In addition to this, the band finished 1st in Class AA, earned yet another distinguished rating for the season, and took home the prestigious OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION award. BALLARD BAND--YOU WERE AWESOME! WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION!

Congratulations to the members of the Ballard High School Marching Band for two outstanding performances at the Boone County “Rebel Classic” Band Contest in Florence, Kentucky on Saturday. Their prelims performance earned them a 3rd place finish in class 5A, a distinguished rating, and top honors for Best Color Guard in the show. In open class finals competition, amidst very tough competition, the Ballard Band placed 5th overall, earned yet another distinguished rating, and placed 2nd overall in the category for Best Percussion. For a complete contest recap, log on to http://marching.kyband.com/scores/2006/2006booneco.html

Congratulations goes out to the members of the Ballard High School Marching Bandfor their fine performance at the LaRue Count Marching Band Contest in Hodgenville, Kentucky on Saturday, October 14, 2006. this performance earned the band a First Place Finish in Class 5A-1, Awards for Best Percussion and Color Guard in Class 5A-2. In addition to this, the band received RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION and DISTINGUISHED Rating. We are so proud of you!

Ballard Marching Band