INDIANAPOLIS — “A convincing championship.”

That’s how Brian Caldwell described the Western High School band’s second consecutive Class C level state title, which the Marching Panthers secured Saturday during the 36th annual Indiana State School Music Association state marching band finals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“The kids had a fantastic season and we’re pretty excited,” said Caldwell, the band’s director, as the band members celebrated the victory. “The band came off the field and the kids just knew they stuck it. Of course, it’s up to a panel of judges to make that decision, but they were absolutely elated when they came off the field.”

Western’s wasn’t the only Kokomo-area band to bring home a state championship Saturday as Lewis Cass won its third title in four years.

For Western, it was the second consecutive title in the band’s 10th overall trip to the state finals.

“It’s indescribable,” said Caldwell.

The 96-member band performed a show called “Name That Tune,” which was made up of 13 famous tunes.

“We had a very convincing win,” he said. “I was very pleased with the show. ... They just had the best show of the season.”

The band began practicing for competition in March. Caldwell said the show organized for the state competition was very sophisticated, but he thought his band members were up for the task.

The band proved it was up for the task Saturday and had been very focused, Caldwell said.

Caldwell appreciated all the support the community has shown the band, as well as the support from the band parents.

“We have the best band parents in the world,” he said.

Western senior and drum major, Lisa Bricker, said this year’s win was special for her.

“It was actually different than last year’s win,” she said. “It is my senior year and we worked so hard. It was a nice way to round out my last year.”

She was even a little surprised to hear the final results, since all the other bands had done so well during other competitions this year.

“Our goal was to have fun and do what we came out to do,” Bricker said.

After coming up short for last year’s state title by less than one-half point, the 102 members of the Lewis Cass Marching Kings were looking to regain the title last captured in 2007.

As the announcer named the finishing order of the top 10 bands in the state for Class D level, the Marching Kings anxiously awaited.

Nikolas Jones, a senior tuba and saxophone player and band president, stood up front holding the American flag in front of his band mates.

Before each place was announced, Jones took a deep breath and let it out.

“Let’s give a big round of applause for our 2009 state runner-ups, Forest Park,” the announcer said.

At that moment, Jones’ face lit up with a smile, while some of his band mates and members of the color guard began to cry.

“I knew we did well enough to be in the top five,” Jones admitted. “Spring Valley was close competition all year though. After they placed third, I had a feeling we may have won.”

In its 28th straight appearance, the Marching King walked away with the Class D level state title.

Director Mike Clark was pleased with his band’s performance at the stadium, especially after last week.

He said last week wasn’t a great one for the band, but the directors made a commitment to come back and have one of the best performances of the year.

“Right now, I’m so thrilled for the kids and the amount of work they put in for this,” he said.

This year’s performance was named “An Unending Legacy” and consisted of “The Second Storm” by Robert W. Smith, “Flight of the Piasa” by Robert Sheldon and “Star of Dreams” by Smith.

Clark said the theme was chosen to help teach the band members to do the right thing in life. He explained if they understand to step up in life, they can each leave an undying legacy.

According to Clark, each band member worked hard to do their best in the performance.

“This is probably one of the hardest-pushed groups I’ve had since I’ve started,” he admitted.

Clark also thanked his assistants, Don Krug and Larry Clark, who he said were two of the best music educators around.

Drum Majors Aly Barber, a junior clarinet player, and Jillian Bower, senior French horn player, were both emotional about the win.

“This means everything,” said Barber. “We put our all into it and have worked hard. I’m proud of our band.”

Bower added the win was even more meaningful, since last year the band came so close to finishing in first place.

“That made the upperclassman who experienced that push even harder,” she said.

Eastern competed against Lewis Cass in the Class D level finals, finishing in 10th place.

Despite the finish, band director Joel Matthews said his 60 band members put forth their best effort, which was what counted the most.

“I think the band was pretty excited,” he added. “They had a lot of energy going into the performance.”

The band performed “When I Grow Up,” which consisted of “Dillon’s Flight,” by Ralph Ford, “Cape Fear Chronicles” by Robert Sheldon, “Joy,” by Joseph Curiale.

He said the placing didn’t matter to him after the band completed its performance.

“It’s a good experience for a teaching and learning process,” he said. “That’s what it is all about.”

He said he wanted the students to walk away with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Senior Dylan Mullen, who plays tuba, said the competition was a memory that would stay with him.

“It was breath-taking,” he said. “When I found out we were going, I was excited. I always had a vision my senior year we would make it to state.”

Senior drum major Kayla Lamb, said the show was sentimental.

“It’s our last show,” she said. “It was awesome. We brought them as far as we could go.”