As the 2017 Bands of America season is approaching, we take a look back at the bands who made it all the way to the 2016 Grand National Finals.

The Castle High School band's journey to the Bands of America Grand National Finals in Indianapolis was punctuated by feelings of pure elation and tragic loss.

On the morning after her beautiful performance at Lucas Oil Stadium, band member Sophie Rinehart and her father and grandmother were killed in a car accident. Word spread quickly throughout the marching community and tributes of Sophie were posted across every social media platform. #WeAreCastle quickly caught on and became a rallying point for the Rinehart and Castle families. 



This year, Sophie and her Castle's bandmates reached new heights as they advanced to the Grand National Finals for the first time in school history. Heading into Indianapolis, Castle director Tom Dean made things very simple for his performers.

"When it's time to be fierce, be fierce," he said. "When it's time to connect, connect with the audience."

And connect they did. 

Castle's show was titled "A Siren in Song," and just like the mythological Siren, the Castle band lured the audience into its show and completely captivated us from start to finish. From the anger and rage of Medea to Sophie's beautiful voice, Castle gave an unforgettable performance. 

UPCOMING 2017 BOA EVENTS:
BOA Tennessee Regional
BOA Indianapolis Super Regional
BOA Grand National Championships

Bands of America's Tribute to Sophie

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