By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
The Dragon Marching Band once again showed they are one of the best teams in the state by finishing fourth in the State Finals on Saturday, less than a half point out of second place.
Band Director Michael Steele said he was pleased with the band’s performance.
‘I think they did a fantastic job,? he said.
Lake Orion’s Marching Dragon band has been in the top five in the state every year since 2006 and the last two years finished second.
Plymouth Canton won the competition to continue a 30-year tradition of being one of the best teams in the state and the nation.
Lake Orion has beaten them in other competitions but couldn’t top them in the state finals.
Next week, Lake Orion will travel to Indianapolis to compete in the Bands of America competition held at Lucas Oil Stadium. High school teams from all over the United States participate and compete in the event.
In that competition, there are 90 bands. Half compete on Thursday and the Dragons will compete on Friday.
‘If we’re lucky, we might make the semifinals and maybe even get into the finals on Saturday,? Steele said. ‘We are trying to be viewed at being in the top echelon of teams.?
Judging in band competition is somewhat subjective, Steele said.
Bands are judged in three areas. The first is how they march with good, consistent technique. The second is how well the music is played. The third element is the general effect of the music and performance.