Tag: Indianapolis

Finals Night

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/2200 sec, ISO640
 “Monument Circle” Indianapolis, 2025

Tonight was Koa’s final performance of his DCI career! Before the big show, Mariko and I took one last walk around Indianapolis. I’m not sure if we’ll make it back here again, but over the past four years we’ve really grown to love this city. It’s been such a special backdrop for so many unforgettable memories.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/4400 sec, ISO640
 “Canal Walk” Indianapolis, 2025

The Blue Devils’ finals performance was absolutely incredible – their best of the season, in my opinion. I couldn’t be prouder of Koa. To think that he earned a spot with the Blue Devils his very first year, went on to experience two championship seasons, and then finished his career in the center marimba position with a leadership role – it’s just amazing. Watching him grow through these years has been such a joy.

I truly believe that joining band back in middle school was a turning point in his life. The friendships, the lessons, and the community have shaped him in such a positive way. Band kids really are something special, and I’m so grateful Koa has been part of that world.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/450 sec, ISO640
 “Last Pull” Indianapolis, 2025
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/4, 1/170 sec, ISO640
 “Blue Devils Finals” Indianapolis, 2025

Semi-Finals Night

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/550 sec, ISO640
 “Age Out Ceremony” Indianapolis, 2025

Tonight we watched Koa and the Blue Devils perform in the DCI Championship Semi-finals, and wow—their show just keeps getting better! Even though they’re too far behind the leaders to make a run for the title, I couldn’t be more impressed. To me, their performance is simply wonderful.

Afterward, there was a special ceremony honoring all the members who are aging out this year. Seeing Koa out there was such an emotional moment. He’s been with the Blue Devils for four incredible seasons, including two undefeated championship years, and the memories he’s made will last a lifetime. I’m so proud of him for everything he’s accomplished and so glad to see him truly soaking up this final year.

Day 1 in Indy

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/40 sec, ISO640
 “In the Lot” Indianapolis, 2025

We flew to Indianapolis today for the DCI Championship weekend! This is a big one—Koa is performing in his 4th finals, and it’s also his last year since he’s “aging out.” We met up with him and the Blue Devils front ensemble in the lot before their prelims performance, which was such a special moment. Wishing them the best of luck this weekend!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO64
 “Sunset” Indianapolis, 2025

Visiting Indianapolis

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/1700 sec, ISO25
 “Leaving Austin” Texas, 2022

Today we started our vacation trip to Indianapolis, Indiana. We are flying there to watch our son, Koa, compete with The Blue Devils in the DCI 2022 Championships! It’s also my first time to Indiana, so I’m extra-excited.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1050 sec, ISO32
 “Welcome to Indy” Indianapolis, 2022

We arrived at about 5 pm and headed to our hotel, then to a nearby restaurant named Nada. The food was delicious! We had ceviche, tacos, salmon, croquettes, and papas fritas. And of course, we had a few beers to wash it all down. A great first meal in Indy.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
 “Nada” Indianapolis, 2022

After dinner, we walked over to Lucas Oil Stadium where the drum corps will compete. Tonight was the prelims, and we didn’t get tickets for it (we have tickets for the semi-finals and finals later) but we wanted to go meet up with Koa during their practice in the lot. I also had to give Koa my GoPro just in case they win the championship and have a victory encore performance. Fingers crossed!

We haven’t seen Koa in a few weeks so it was nice to say hi and wish him luck in the competition. Go Blue Devils!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 26.5mm, f/3.2, 1/40 sec, ISO6400
 “Front Ensemble” Indianapolis, 2022

After saying goodbye, we went back to our hotel and watched the prelims on the laptop at our room. And good news, they won prelims, so their undefeated season continues. Let hope their run continues tomorrow at semi-finals!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18.8mm, f/2.8, 1/55 sec, ISO6400
 “Indiana Statehouse” Indianapolis, 2022